How far is Son's Rio Cibolo from Austin for a day trip?

About 1 hour south of Austin — usually 60–75 minutes from downtown depending on traffic. We're in Marion, TX, right off SH-130. Rough drive times from the Austin area: Downtown Austin ~1 hr, South Austin/Buda/Kyle ~45–55 min, Round Rock ~1 hr 15, Cedar Park ~1 hr 15–1 hr 30, San Marcos ~35 min. Easy in-and-out for a same-day trip.

What's the best route from Austin — SH-130 or I-35?

SH-130 tolls almost always. It bypasses the I-35 mess through San Marcos and New Braunfels, especially on Fridays, Sundays, and any home-game weekend. Take SH-130 south to exit 542 (Marion / FM 1104), then a few minutes east to the property. I-35 works fine on quiet weekdays, but assume 20–40 extra minutes on weekends.

Is it worth the drive from Austin just for the day?

Yes — that's exactly who we're built for. Rental hours run 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, so you get 8 full hours on private, spring-fed Cibolo Creek. Compare that to a Frio River day trip (3 hours each way, packed public parks), or fighting the 290 crawl to Hamilton Pool: our creek is a fraction of the drive with your own reserved cabana on the water.

How is this different from tubing the Guadalupe or Comal?

It's calmer, cleaner, family-only, and reservation-based — not a party river. No shuttles, no coolers of Bud Light drifting past your kids, no alcohol on kayaks. Cibolo Creek is spring-fed with gentle current, so it's safe for kids and non-swimmers, and you paddle the same 2-mile stretch as many times as you want with a walk-back reset. Austin families who used to tube the Guadalupe every summer tell us they don't go back.

What's included with a cabana day rental?

Your own palm-thatched cabana right on the creek: BBQ grill, picnic table, hammock, lounge chairs, bar-top seating, running water, electricity, fan, and lights. Base rate covers 8 guests (up to 15 total with add-ons). You also get full run of the 100-acre property — pools, hot tub, game room, volleyball, basketball, cornhole, fishing, hiking. Bring your own food, drinks, and coolers.

Can we add unlimited kayaking and paddleboarding for the day?

Yep — $19.99 per person for an all-day Ultimate Creek Fun wristband (or $99 for a 6-pack). Unlimited launches on 2 miles of spring-fed Cibolo Creek, no shuttle, no time limit. Walk back to the launch point and go again. Paddleboards and kayaks included with the wristband.

Can we extend the day into an overnight stay?

Absolutely — and Austin families do this constantly to skip the late-night drive back up SH-130. Waterfront cabins, deluxe safari cabins, glamping cabins, and bell tents all sit steps from the same creek. Wake up with coffee on the deck, do one more paddle, then head home. Overnight guests get 25% off cabanas, picnic tables, and kayaking too.

When should we book — and what about ACL, F1, or SXSW weekends?

For summer Saturdays and holiday weekends, book 2–3 weeks ahead. Austin event weekends (ACL, F1, SXSW, big UT games) are actually our sweet spot for Austinites who want to escape the traffic and noise — those weekends book earlier, so lock in as soon as you know the date. Weekday day trips almost always have same-week availability.

Family fun day rentals on spring-fed Cibolo Creek — an easy day trip from Austin down SH-130.

Day Trip From Austin — Your Own Cabana on Spring-Fed Cibolo Creek

About 1 hour south of Austin down SH-130. Reserve a creekside cabana — kayak, swim, grill out, then stay the night if you don't want to leave.

Reserve a Day Cabana

Creekside Cabanas Kayaking & Paddleboarding Stay The Night

3 Ways to Escape Austin for a Day on Cibolo Creek

Skip the 290 crawl and the Guadalupe crowds. Rent a cabana or picnic table for the day &/or add unlimited kayaking & paddleboarding.

Rent a Creekside Cabana

Up to 15 Guests · BBQ Pit · Hammock · Running Water · Fan & Lights

Your own palm-thatched paradise right on the creek. Includes picnic table, bar-top seating, lounge chairs, and everything you need for a perfect day.

From$99/dayPrice includes entry for 8

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Best Value

or Covered Picnic Table

Up to 8 Guests · Covered Shade · BBQ Pit · Hammock · Wicker Chairs

Budget-friendly creekside or in-water spots with everything you need. Covered for shade with picnic seating, grill, and hammock included.

From$49/dayPrice includes entry for 6

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⭐ Stay Overnight & Get 25% Off

Scenic family fun day paddling on Cibolo Creek

Austin families kayaking on spring-fed Cibolo Creek

Kayaking and paddleboarding near Austin on Cibolo Creek

&/or Paddle Cibolo Creek

Unlimited All-Day Kayaking & Paddleboarding on 2 miles of Creek

Explore 2 miles of spring-fed creek at your own pace. Paddle through scenic oak & pecan trees — no shuttle needed, just grab and go. Add this option on to a cabana or picnic table or come out and kayak & paddleboard only.

From$19.99/day per personOr $99 for a group of 6

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Creekside Cabana Rentals — Easy Day Trip From Austin

Your Private Paradise — A shaded slice of spring-fed Cibolo Creek

Close-up cabana with hammock and creek backdrop

Family enjoying cabana with kayakers on creek

Cabana with hammock overlooking spring-fed creek

Our authentic palm-thatched cabanas sit right on the banks of Cibolo Creek. Each one is fully equipped with seating, a hammock, BBQ pit, and room for up to 15 people. Just show up, claim your spot, and let the good times roll.

Rental Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM

What's Included

Entry for up to 8 guests (add more for additional fee, max 15)

Picnic table

Hammock

Lounge chairs

BBQ pit/grill

Comfortable seating area

Bar-top table with stools

Running water & electricity

Fan & Lights

Authentic palm-leaf thatched roof for shade

Cabana Day Rentals

Starting at $99

Base rate includes 8 guests • Additional guests: $10-$25 each (max 15 total)

Split among 8 people? That's as low as $12.38 per person for a full day of fun & relaxation!

⭐ Overnight Guests get 25% OFF Cabanas, Picnic Tables & Kayaking & Paddleboarding!

Reserve Your Cabana

Kayaking & Paddleboarding Near Austin on Cibolo Creek — One Low Price, Unlimited All Day

Man kayaking past creekside cabanas on a day trip from Austin

Colorful kayaks lined up at Cibolo Creek — an easy day trip from Austin

Kayakers and paddleboarders enjoying a family fun day near Austin

Austin family relaxing at a creekside cabana with kayaks

Kayaking & Paddleboarding Near Austin on Cibolo Creek

2 miles of spring-fed creek to paddle & explore

Kayaking & Paddleboarding at Son's Rio Cibolo offers a calm, scenic way to enjoy the water at your own pace. The spring-fed Cibolo Creek is perfect for beginners, families, and anyone looking to unwind. Launch right from the property and spend your time exploring, cooling off, and taking in the Hill Country views.

2-Mile Paddle

Long enough to enjoy, short enough to repeat

No Shuttle Needed

Just grab a kayak or paddleboard, paddle and life jacket and enjoy! Repeat as many time as you like.

Family-Friendly

No rapids, little current. Safe for all ages.

Unlimited Floats

One wristband = Kayak & Paddleboard as many times as you want all day!

Pricing

⭐ Overnight Guests get 25% OFF Cabanas, Picnic Tables & Kayaking & Paddleboarding!

Ultimate Creek Fun Wristband

Unlimited kayaking & paddleboarding all day (10:30 AM – 6:30 PM)

$19.99/person

6 Pack - Ultimate Creek Fun Wristband

$99/6 pack

Parking Pass (non-guests)

Required for all vehicles

$20/vehicle

Good to Know

Wristbands not included with cabin/cabana rentals
Life jackets recommended for children & weak swimmers

Go Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Loved the Day? Stay the Night on Cibolo Creek

Turn your Austin day trip into an unforgettable overnight and skip the drive back up SH-130. Roll from your cabana straight into a waterfront cabin, deluxe safari cabin, glamping cabin, or bell tent — all about an hour south of Austin. Every overnight stay includes pools, hot tub, game room, fire pits, and full run of the 100-acre property.