River Yurt Village Takes Accomodations to a New Level

RiverYurtVillageTakesAccomodationstoaNewLevel

Visitors from around the world flock to Bandera for its rustic charm and wide range of stays—from cozy bed and breakfasts to scenic guest ranches—and now, as of October 2023, a unique new option awaits just outside the city limits: River Yurt Village, where guests can unwind in stylish yurts nestled along the banks of the Medina River.

Nine yurts and seventeen RV spaces comprise the facilities at River Yurt Village. While the RV spaces along the river are typical of most RV parks, the yurts are a new way of staying comfortably in Bandera County. The owners, David and Nancy Morgan Reinertsen, call it “glamping. “

The yurts are tucked back in the trees on the western side of the property. While typically most yurts are bare bones, the Reinertsen’s yurts are furnished with all the amenities a traveler could want.

Each yurt has a hot tub, a gaucho grill, as well as a fully furnished interior with flat screen TV, kitchen and bath.

Lots of native wood has been used in the creation of kitchen counters and furniture in the yurts. This wood creates a warmth that is enviable.

The decks surrounding the yurts allow visitors to sit outside under scenic palapas and have cocktails while watching deer stroll through the property.

The tweeting of the native birds offer a peaceful background. The cool breezes and scenic river provide a rustic yet soothing backdrop.

The yurts were the inspiration of Reinertsen’s partner Troy Snowden. While on a skiing holiday, Snowden saw yurts on a mountainside and was intrigued. He broached the idea to Reinertsen and a concept was born.

Reinertsen is an experienced hotelier. He has worked primarily along the Texas coast renovating and restoring bed and breakfasts as well as other RV parks.

While 80 years young, he is enthusiastic about Bandera as is his wife Nancy. Both are heavily involved in the building and development of the property.

While David builds and takes care of construction details, Nancy decorates the yurts and oversees the interiors. All the yurts are warm and inviting, with a cozy feel due to her guiding hand. David laughs when he says “she likes to decorate with the best possible furnishings.”

The yurts can accommodate two to ten visitors per stay. Some have single bedrooms and others have two bedrooms or an additional bunkroom.

The interiors of the yurts are spacious. The couple has even provided a honeymoon yurt with a clawfoot tub as a centerpiece and a king bed.

The property has a lengthy river frontage which the couple has cleared and provided access by steps to the water. The scenic surroundings of the property are one of its major attractions.

Fire pits are the next project of the couple. They have plans to create fire pits around the park so that visitors can enjoy the outdoor warmth in the cooler months.

Also around the corner is the creation of a wedding venue on the grounds. Their granddaughter is slated to wed in November and wants to use the property for her ceremony. An outdoor venue that could accommodate a crowd would be a welcome addition to Bandera.

Park hosts Lawrence and Janet Lohr are in charge of the property when the Reinertsens are not there. Their friendly demeanor and helpful skills keep the residents and visitors happy. Janet Lohr was giving a tour to a couple interested in the yurts as the Reinertsens were being interviewed.

For visitors who want a unique getaway, or locals who want to experience something different, River Yurt Village is a venue worth a try. The beautiful property and the cozy warmth of the yurts make for an experience that is second to none.

For more information on River Yurt Village, go to their website at RiverYurtVillage. com or call at 726-238-8188.