--- title: "Private Cabanas vs Public River Access | San Marcos River" description: "Compare private riverside cabanas at Son's Blue River Camp vs public San Marcos River access — shade, parking, restrooms, and unlimited tubing." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "LodgingBusiness", "name": "Son's Blue River Camp", "alternateName": [ "Sons Blue River Camp", "Blue River Camp", "Son's Blue River" ], "url": "https://bluerivercamp.com/", "logo": "https://bluerivercamp.com/favicon-192x192.png", "image": "https://bluerivercamp.com/og-image.png", "telephone": "+1-(877) 577-7667", "priceRange": "$$", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "2769 Sherrill Rd", "addressLocality": "Kingsbury", "addressRegion": "TX", "postalCode": "78638", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 29.72751, "longitude": -97.76306 }, "parentOrganization": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Son's Getaways", "url": "https://sonsgetaways.com" }, "sameAs": [ "https://sonsriverranch.com", "https://sonsgetaways.com", "https://www.facebook.com/sonsblueriver", "https://www.instagram.com/sonsblueriver" ], "amenityFeature": [ { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Air-conditioned glamping cabins", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Spring-fed San Marcos River access", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "Private riverside cabanas", "value": true }, { "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification", "name": "On-site tubing and kayaking", "value": true } ] }, [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is a private cabana different from public river access?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A private cabana at Son's Blue River Camp gives you a reserved, shaded spot steps from the water with a picnic table, grill, and parking included. Public river access at spots like Texas State Tubes, Don's Fish Camp, or the Lions Club tube outfitters is first-come pay-per-float with shared bank space, no shade guarantee, and extra fees for parking." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How many people fit in one Son's cabana?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Each riverside cabana includes entry for up to 8 guests. Larger groups simply book multiple adjacent cabanas to keep the whole party together." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is tubing included with a cabana?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Cabanas include shade, seating, parking, and restrooms but not tubing or kayaking. Add the Ultimate River Fun Wristband ($29.99/person) for unlimited tubing, kayaking, and shuttle." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why pick a cabana over Texas State Tubes or Don's Fish Camp?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Cabanas remove the friction. You get a guaranteed shaded home base, restrooms, parking, picnic table, grill, and unlimited tubing in one price — instead of fighting for shore space, paying per float, and parking far away." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://bluerivercamp.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Cabanas vs Public River Access", "item": "https://bluerivercamp.com/cabanas-vs-public-river-access" } ] } ], { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Place", "name": "Son's Blue River Camp", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "2769 Sherrill Rd", "addressLocality": "Kingsbury", "addressRegion": "TX", "postalCode": "78638", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 29.72751, "longitude": -97.76306 }, "containedInPlace": { "@type": "AdministrativeArea", "name": "Guadalupe County, Texas" } } ] --- [🎉 Glamping Cabins Available This Weekend at Son's River Ranch! — BOOK NOW! 🎉 Glamping Cabins Available This Weekend at Son's River Ranch! — BOOK NOW! ](https://sonsriverranch.com/book-now) [![Son's Blue River Camp](/assets/logo-transparent-CYNVRjE4.webp)](/) [Stay Overnight](/stay-overnight) [Day Rentals](/day-rentals) [Tubing & Kayaking](/day-rentals#tubing-kayaking) [Property Map](/property-map) [Plan Your Visit](/plan-your-visit) [About](/about) [Specials](/specials) [Contact](/contact)[(877) 577-7667](tel:+18775777667)Book Now Book Now ![Private riverside cabana on the San Marcos River](/assets/cabana-DPsjDKoO.webp) Kingsbury, Texas # Private Cabanas vs Public River Access on the San Marcos The honest comparison. Why a reserved riverside cabana at Son's Blue River Camp beats showing up at Texas State Tubes, Don's Fish Camp, or the Lions Club outfitters and hoping for shade and a parking spot. Feature Son's Cabana Public Access Reserved private spot Yes No Shade all day Tiki cabana with roof Whatever tree you find Restrooms & showers On-site, clean Limited or none Parking included Yes Often $20+ extra Group capacity Up to 8 per cabana, more with multiples Whatever bank space is open Picnic table & grill Yes No Tubing & kayaking add-on wristband Unlimited with shuttle Pay per float Spring-fed clear water Yes Varies by location Family-friendly Designed for families Mixed crowds ![Tiki cabana for groups on the river](/assets/gallery-tiki-cabana-CBI5cJej.webp)![Families relaxing at private river cabanas](/assets/gallery-kids-cabanas-B5pdSZjq.webp) ## Why the Cabana Model Wins for Families and Groups If you've ever pulled up to a public river access on a hot Saturday, you know the pattern: circle the parking lot, drag a cooler down a path, hunt for shade that isn't already taken, and hope someone in your group can hold a spot while everyone else gets in line for tubes. That works fine if it's just two friends. It falls apart fast for a family of six or a birthday group of ten. A private cabana flips the script. Your spot is reserved before you arrive. The roof gives you shade no matter how the trees fall. Restrooms and parking are steps away. Coolers, grills, and a picnic table mean you don't have to leave to eat. And the tubing is already paid for and shuttled — so the day actually feels relaxing instead of logistical. ## What Public Access Spots Are Best For Don't get us wrong — outfitters like **Texas State Tubes**, **Don's Fish Camp**, and the **Lions Club tube rentals** are great if you're a small group with a flexible plan and you don't mind sharing the bank. They've been part of the San Marcos river scene for decades. The catch is that none of them gives you a reserved private home base — and that's the part that matters most when you're traveling with kids or hosting a celebration. For a full rundown of access points, rules, and float times, see our [San Marcos River tubing guide](/blog/san-marcos-river-tubing-guide). ## Pricing Reality Public access tends to look cheaper on the sticker price, but by the time you add per-person tubing, parking, food off-site, and the time cost of standing in line, the gap closes. A cabana that includes 8 entries, unlimited tubing, parking, and your own home base usually comes out cheaper per person — and dramatically less stressful. ## Frequently Asked Questions - **Can we bring our own coolers and food?** Yes — bring whatever you'd normally pack for a river day. - **Do cabanas have shade all day?** Yes — they're built with covered roofs and most are also under cypress trees. - **Are pets allowed?** Friendly pets are welcome at most cabanas with leash rules. - **How early should we book?** Holiday weekends sell out 2–4 weeks ahead. Weekdays usually have day-of availability. ### Skip the line. Reserve your cabana. Private home base + unlimited tubing + parking. One price. [Book a Cabana](/book-now) Getting Here ## Drive Times to Son's Blue River Camp We're in Kingsbury, Texas — between San Marcos and Seguin on the spring-fed San Marcos River. An easy drive from every major Central Texas hub. ### From Austin 45 min 45 mi Round Rock, Cedar Park, South Austin, Buda, Kyle ### From San Antonio 50 min 55 mi Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, Schertz, Cibolo, New Braunfels ### From Houston 2.5 hours 180 mi Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Cypress, Memorial ### From Dallas / Fort Worth 4 hr 240 mi Plano, Frisco, Arlington, Mansfield, Southlake ### From San Marcos 15 min 12 mi Texas State, Wonder World, IH-35 corridor ### From New Braunfels 20 min 18 mi Gruene, Canyon Lake, Schlitterbahn area ### Coming from the City? Son's Blue River Camp sits on 8 private acres of the spring-fed San Marcos River in Kingsbury, TX — a quieter, family-friendly float than the Comal or Guadalupe. We're about 50 minutes from San Antonio, 45 minutes from Austin, and 2.5 hours west of Houston. [River Cabins — San Antonio](/river-cabins-san-antonio)[River Cabins — Austin](/river-cabins-austin)[River Cabins — Houston](/river-cabins-houston) [Get full directions →](/contact) ## More From the Son's Getaways Family Six Texas river properties, one family-run group. If our calendar is full, our sister sites have you covered. [ ### Son's River Ranch Guadalupe River Sister property on the Guadalupe with glamping cabins and river access. ](https://sonsriverranch.com/)[ ### Son's Rio Cibolo Cibolo Creek Cibolo Creek getaways with shaded cabanas and event space. ](https://sonsriocibolo.com/)[ ### Son's Geronimo Geronimo Creek Quiet creekside cabins and event venue near Seguin. ](https://sonsgeronimo.com/)[ ### Son's Guadalupe Guadalupe River Guadalupe River cabanas, tubing, and family day trips. ](https://sonsguadalupe.com/)[ ### Son's Island Lake Placid Private island cabana experience near Seguin. ](https://sonsisland.com/) ![Son's Blue River Camp](/assets/logo-transparent-CYNVRjE4.webp) 8 acres of family-friendly river paradise on the San Marcos River. Float, grill, relax — then fall asleep to the sound of the river. [](https://facebook.com)[](https://instagram.com) ### Quick Links [Book Now](/book-now)[Stay Overnight](/stay-overnight)[Glamping](/glamping)[Camping](/camping)[Day Rentals](/day-rentals)[Day Passes](/day-passes)[River Day Trip](/day-trip)[Cabins](/cabins)[Cabana Rentals](/cabana-rentals)[Picnic Tables](/picnic-tables)[Reviews](/reviews)[Our Story](/about)[Blog](/blog)[FAQs](/faqs)[Group Retreats](/group-retreats)[Compare Resorts](/compare)[vs Son's River Ranch](/vs-sons-river-ranch)[Inquire](/inquire) ### Near Austin [Log Cabin Rentals](/log-cabins)[River Cabins Near Austin](/river-cabins-austin)[Tubing Near Austin](/tubingaustin)[Kayaking on the San Marcos](/kayaksanmarcos)[Cabin Rentals Guide](/blog/cabin-rentals-near-austin) ### Contact [(877) 577-7667](tel:+18775777667)[info@sonsgetaways.com](mailto:info@sonsgetaways.com) 2769 Sherrill Rd Kingsbury, TX 78638 ### Stay Connected Get exclusive deals and updates delivered to your inbox. Subscribe We respect your inbox. 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