River Retreat 2025: The 5th Dimension
K and L Ranch Camp
5455 River Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132, USA
Texas
29.765016
-98.15267799999998
Description
WHAT IS RIVER RETREAT:
Have you ever wanted to go back in time and relive the bygone eras of music; camp with your best friends; dress up in your best vintage & thrift store outfits; and float the Guadalupe River before everyone else in Texas? Then River Retreat is the contextualized music and camping adventure through the decades you're looking for to accomplish all these desires in one magical weekend!
River Retreat is a music & camping festival showcasing the music birthed from the 60's, 70's, 80's, AND 90's. With nightly costume pageants & contests, cleverly curated decorations, and live entertainment, River Retreat has all the nostalgia needed to enjoy the weekend camping alongside the pristine Guadalupe River. Your days will be filled with food and beverage and unforgettable moments with your friends and neighbors splashing about in the river listening to tunes from a different time. As the sun settles, we bust out the bingo, trivia, and live music and carry on into the late night hours.
Each year, we try to add some new elements to the festival and this year is no exception with a pair of gamechangers. In 2024, River Retreat saw the addition of music from the 1990's on Saturday. From Ace of Base to Jay Z, we blasted those classic jams up and down the river on Saturday. THIS YEAR, we’re adding StarSearch Karaoke.
We’re excited to announce that Saturday late afternoon will feature a new era in River Retreat… Daytime Karaoke! Sign up sheet, lyrics on the monitor, mic in your hand and the river beside you— the music kicks in, the spotlight is on you. Time to be a star. We’re doing it big too— Star Search style and hosted by "Ed" McCoin.
WHERE IS RIVER RETREAT:
Once again we are partnering with our favorite campgrounds, KL Ranch Camp On The River and Cliffside in New Braunfels, Texas. River Retreat is a great escape from city life as it stretches over 10+ acres along the entire river front property. The campsite price varies based on campsite amenities, size and location on the grounds.
KL On The River - The campsite address is: 5455 River Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132 (Check-in for On The River passes and sites are located at this address)
KL Cliffside - 5300 River Rd. New Braunfels TX 78132 (Check-in for Cliffside passes and sites are located at this address)
WHO ATTENDS RIVER RETREAT
River Retreat is a family friendly event (children 15 and under are free). If you choose to bring your child, we suggest you select a campsite in the On The River Tent Campsites or anywhere at Cliffside.
* You will be required to sign a personal responsibility waiver at check in.
WHEN IS RIVER RETREAT:
We've scheduled the Retreat on the first weekend in April (3-6) because the river’s peak season is yet to begin and there are fewer people enjoying the river; as well, the nights are cooler allowing for perfect camping conditions. River Retreat is scheduled for:
4 Days and 3 Nights -Thursday, April 3 through Sunday, April 6.
Check-in
Gates Open at 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 3 (Every Pass and Reservation is for all four days; unless you buy a Single Day Pass)
Gates Open at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 4 and Saturday April 5 (You can check in on Thursday or Friday, but its the same price)
Check-in available until 10:00pm
Attendees can stay as late as 1:00pm on Sunday, April 6th
The Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Package: $4,050 On The River (only two available) Beginning Friday, December 6th you can secure the party palace of the Guadalupe River with the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Package! The sheer magnitude of this offering makes it our most comprehensive package available for River Retreat. The Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Package is the ideal way to experience River Retreat and is perfect for all marketing activations, small business retreats, large family vacations, bachelor/bachelorette parties or as a generous client gift. With the Girls/Boys Wanna Have Fun Package you will receive:
10 x General Admission Passes
10 x River Revival 2025 T Shirts
2 x On the River Parking Passes for your site
Prime Campsite Location
A Reserved Table on the Lawn (seats 6)
Glamping Experience Upgrade with a Premium RV/Camper (sleeps 8 to 10) with a stocked fridge and mountains of swag waiting for you
Special Concert on our new Cliffside Stage and more...
The campsite will have plenty of space for some of your groups or Add-ons to tent camp as well!
Splice the cost up between 10 people (hint hint)... (do the math)!!
The Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Package is the most platinum of premium packages River Retreat has ever offered, which is why there are only 2 packages available: one at On The River and one at Cliffside. We handpick these premium sites and the location for each side of the grounds where your RV/Camper (sleeps 8-10) will be waiting for your arrival and brimming with enough River Retreat swag for everyone. Not only do you get the be the envy of the campgrounds, but you'll sit front row at a private concert for your group to attend at a secret location. The Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Package comes with 10 General Admission Passes but you may add up to 8 additional people to your campsite. There will be plenty of premium camping real estate at your campsite for your entire party to camp comfortably or set up tents. Whether you're a business trying to make an impression or just a big group of friends splitting up cost of the coolest VIP experience on the Guadalupe, the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Package has everything you need to maximize your good time.
RIVER RETREAT CAMPSITE RESERVATION PRICES ARE:
General Admission Pass - Tent camping at On The River - $300 (electricity nearby and available)
General Admission Pass - Tent camping at Cliffside - $250 (primitive but some campsites have access to electricity)
Add 1 x General Admission Pass to a Group Package Cliffside/On the River - $300:
if you are purchasing a General Admission Pass to be added to a Group Package
if you have purchased a Group Package and want additional General Admission Passes for your Group Package
Shared Site Packages including 2 General Admission Passes: these packages are designed for parties of two people
Cliffside - $600 (tent camping, electricity YES, water NO)
On The River - $650 (tent camping, electricity YES, water NO but available)
Cliffside Group Packages including 4 General Admission Passes:
30 Amp Hookup NO water - $800 (smaller campers 12-16 feet max)
30 Amp Hookup with water - $900 (16-30 foot RV/Campers welcome)
50 Amp Hookup with water - $1,050 (32-40 foot RV/5THWheels/Campers are welcome)
On The River Group Packages including 4 General Admission Passes (sites 59-68) *Family Recommended Section*
Small Camper (30 Amp Hookup), electricity & water - $1,100 (smaller campers only 12-16 feet)
On The River Group Packages including 4 General Admission Passes (sites 69-101)
30 Amp Hookup, with water - $1,250 (Campsites Available withOUT water but now w/ 30 AMPs and what use to be Primitive but now has Electricity: 102-110 **Close to the waterfall, and near Zen City**)
50 Amp Hookup - $1,350
Single Day Passes Available (limited availability for each day):
Single Day - Thursday: $120 (must leave by 11:30AM on Friday)
Single Day - Friday: $120 (must leave by 11:30AM on Saturday)
Single Day - Saturday: $120 (must leave by 11:30AM on Sunday)
Also Available:
*NEW* Couple's Retreat Package: Yeah, baby! It's the "Honeymoon Suite". This package comes with 2 GA passes, a River Side bell tent set up prior to arrival (located between 88-80 at KL On The River), electricity, USB plugs, rug flooring, two chairs, and two cots. Wake up each morning to the ducks gathering around and open the door to the riverbanks. - $1,150
Single Day Passes are available for Thursday, Friday and Saturday - $120
*click HERE for geographical reference, all camping is communal unless otherwise noted*
GENERAL ADMISSION & GROUP PACKAGES INCLUDE:
FOUR DAYS + THREE NIGHTS CAMPSITE: All campsite reservations are Thursday - Sunday and you can check in on Thursday from 1:00 PM until 10:00 PM; and at 1:00 PM until 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. The event will be over around 1:00 PM Sunday. If you are bringing your own RV/Camper, please do not arrive after 5:00 PM.
SHUTTLE SERVICE: For those needing a ride to and from Cliffside, we've got you covered. With state of the art golf carts and *TWO *KL Cliffside buses, the River Revival Shuttle Service has pickup/drop off locations at On The River and Cliffside.
FOOD PROGRAM: The steady bounty of nourishment served at River Retreat is top notch and a key ingredient to our all-inclusive concept. Once again, we've partnered with Little Kitchen HTX to provide brunch, dinner, snacks and late night munchies throughout the weekend. Six meals included: Brunch (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and Dinner (Thursday, Friday, Saturday). All meals are communal. Brunch is around 10:00 AM and dinner's around 6:00 PM. Even though your ticket is All-inclusive, all campers are welcome to bring their own food, snacks, beverages and supplies.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Daytime bingo, trivia, and concerts on the Lawn at The Saint Arnold Brewing Stage and every night ends with an era based DJ providing a dance party. NO amplified music (drums and other percussion included) allowed past midnight on the grounds or at your site.
COSTUME CONTESTS & AWARDS: Every night we'll highlight some of the best dressed in the crowd. Saturday night, awards will be given out for the Best Dressed, Best Campsite, River Couple of the Weekend, and of course, the "Prom King and Queen" will be crowned on Saturday!
CUSTOM WRISTBAND: Upon arrival and check-in, each attendee will receive a custom wristband granting access to food, river, music and more.
FOR THE ACTIVE: Hiking, tubing, canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, rope swings and fishing.
GROUP PACKAGE RESERVATIONS come with an allotment of up to 4 people camping on your campsite. Beverages included.
VENDORS and THRIFT STORE: Offering a wide range of vendors, there's bound to be something that will catch your eye or to interact with such as clothing shops, thrift stores, bars and more...
ADD-ONS MENU:
Glamping Experience Upgrade: - $1,095 Rent a Camper/RV or go BIG with a Super Duper RV/Camper at $1,495 from us that will be waiting for you on your site for you at KL Ranch Camp On The River or Cliffside. All campers come with beds (bedding not included), restroom, HEATER/AC, kitchen, fridge and they will accommodate the size of your guest from 4-7 people comfortably. The campers will have very limited supplies and you will need to bring your own bedding, camping supplies, cleaning supplies etc. The RV/Campers are very limited and they sell-out quickly. For bigger Parties refer to the THE GIRLS/BOYS WANNA HAVE FUN PACKAGE.
Super Duper Glamping Experience Upgrade: - $1,495 This package is all about upgrading an upgrade. This new addition to the menu has everything included in the Glamping Experience Upgrade (beds, restroom, HEATER/AC, kitchen, fridge, etc.) PLUS a larger RV/camper that will accommodate 6-8 people comfortably, more rooms, more amenities, more supplies and more special river magic. You will NOT need to bring your own bedding, but feel free to bring your camping supplies. For even bigger Party Packages refer to the GIRLS/BOYS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN PACKAGE.
TeePee Tent Camping Experience (Tent Waiting for you): - $150 If you plan on tent camping but don't have a tent... this Add-On is for you. Upon arrival, you'll find your tent already assembled at your campsite with a giant 2-6 person waterproof Teepee tent already setup. You will need to provide your own bedding, etc. This upgrade is available for On The River or Cliffside.
Weekend Tube Rental: - $35 River Retreat is offering a tube rental service at the Merch Booth. They will be available to rent onsite, but here is your opportunity to rent one ahead of the event. A $35 deposit is taken at the Merch Booth when you come to pick up your tube. Rent yours in advance and pick it up when you arrive on the Lawn.
On The River Parking Pass - $150: To park onsite at KL On The River we require you to have an On The River Parking Pass; otherwise there is plenty of free parking directly across the street. Parking Pass NOT required for Cliffside.
VIP Seating on The Lawn with picnic table FOR YOU : - $195 Reserve the best seat in the house with this picnic table (seats 6) and umbrella upgrade. Your reservation begins each night at 5:00 PM just in time for the live music at the Saint Arnold Brewing Stage. There will be a table with your name on it.
*Cliffside Concierge Service* - $400: (For Cliffside Only) Are you one of the movers & shakers of Cliffside that can't wait for a shuttle or golf cart to pick you up because there are so many wonderful things to do at River Retreat and you don't want to miss a single moment? We feel your pain and prescribe for you the ALL NEW Cliffside Concierge Service. Hey look, we get it: there's a lot to do and you don't want to wait. Nor should you. The Cliffside Concierge Service assigns you to your own personal golf cart driver to come get you and take you to your desired destination. Scheduled pick-ups, drop offs. The service also provides supplies delivery to your campsite from the Cliffside General Store. Need Ice? Beer? Sunscreen? Snacks? Just call the Concierge of Cliffside. We also have some swag surprises and deliveries that comes with this Service. Purchasing this Add-on covers your group of four people.
THE STAGES:
Saint Arnold Brewing Company Stage on The Lawn: River Revival Radio, sponsors, vendors, food and fun and main stage live music.
The Dan Electro's Stage at Zen City: all day chill vibes, river entrance for campground floating all weekend, live music, cold beer, and the late late night parties.
*** As always we encourage you to express your awesomeness in fashion and decor ***
CAMPING INFORMATION:
*NEW RV/CAMPER RENTAL POLICY* This year we're handling all of the RV and Camper rentals and providing onsite maintenance (9am-9pm)! In the past we allowed attendees to rent RV's and campers from Third Party vendors that would deliver the RV/Camper to KL Campgrounds ahead of the attendee. For myriad reasons, this has become an untenable arrangement and this change should make the entire experience easier. If you would like to RENT an RV/Camper for the festival and have it delivered and waiting for you, You MUST NOW USE our Glamping Experience Upgrade. Please select either the Glamping Experience ADD ON or the new Super Duper Glamping Experience ADD ON.
This policy change DOES NOT affect those attendees:
who own an RV/Camper and drive it onto the campgrounds themselves,
who have rented and picked up an RV/Camper and drive it onto the campgrounds themselves.
If you are bringing your own RV/Motorhome please make sure you reserve a Group Package that has the proper 30/50 amp plugin options. Most RV sites have water but some do not and those sites are a bit smaller and cost less. All the RV sites have 30 Amp electrical plug-ins, most have water connections; 50 amp sites are also available but limited. Generators are not welcome unless given special permission. Please note that one can Reserve a 50 or 30 Amp RV site and choose not to bring or use an RV/Motorhome/Camper. You may simply pitch tents on the premium sites. Please read ALL descriptions.
You are welcome to setup as many tents as are necessary to accommodate your party. Only one RV/Camper per campsite permitted. Attendees who plan to tent camp will do so just like a regular camping weekend at KL. GA Passes on the River or Cliffside will offer communal camping on shared sites, so pack lightly as it is shared space and campsites. All sites even if specified with 30 or 50 amps can be used for tent camping as well they just cost more due to upgraded amenities. And there is plenty of tent camping that can also be done at Cliffside and the price is right over there #ALWAYS #CLIFFSIDEISCOOL
Clean and well-maintained showers are available on site, but they do require quarters for operation. We will have numerous hand washing and hand sanitizer stations spread around the campgrounds, as well as portable bathrooms.
Everyone is encouraged to bring their own camping supplies (food, equipment, coolers, face masks, and beverages). Once again, please feel free to cook on your site but remember FOOD/meals and Drinks are all-inclusive. As always the campgrounds have firewood and ice on-site for purchase. There is also a small store on both Campgrounds with various camping necessities should one forget or need something. You can even buy cold beverages at the "Cliff-side' corner store. Stay Tuned for Fire Ban information provided by Comal County. Five of the seven years the fire ban was NOT in effect. Sorry, Campground rules, not ours. Service dogs welcome, please contact us about service dogs.
LITTLE KITCHEN HTX
River Retreat not only features super talented performers on stage but also in the kitchen! Jason and Becca Kerr of Little Kitchen HTX have spearheaded our all-inclusive Food Program since 2018. As Chef Kerr describes it himself, the River Retreat Food Program is "An outdoor culinary experience dripping with nostalgia, wielded in smoke and smothered in Americana for all ages, Little Kitchen HTX takes the spirit of the Texas River and revitalizes your soul with food cooked from the Heart!" While "Chef Kerr is known for his meat-centric, lowbrow-take on American comfort food", Little Kitchen HTX provides vegetarian and vegan options for brunch and dinner each day. Check out his 2016 appearance on the "Chopped" episode titled "A Bloody Battle in the Kitchen" wherein Jason Kerr advances to the final round, available on various streaming platforms.
RIVER RETREAT FAQ's:
Q: Can I stay off site? A: Yes, you do not have to stay overnight. Your wristband allows you to leave the campgrounds and return. Please identify your wristband when you check back in at the box office.
Q: Can I bring my own beverages and food? A: Yes, feel free to bring your own beverages and food. The event is All-Inclusive, but you can bring your own supplies.
Q: Can I bring my own RV/Camper? A: Yes, you can but, you must Reserve a campsite that has the proper plug for your camper/RV. Each site has different amenities so please read the descriptions.
Q: Can I bring my RV/Camper and just run the generator? A: No, we do not allow generators on the campsite because of the noise pollution.
Q: May I sleep in my car/truck/van? A: Yes, but you must purchase an On The River SLEEPER/Parking Pass if you are planning on staying at KL On The River and sleeping in your vehicle. At Cliffside you do not have to buy a parking pass regardless of whether or not you’re sleeping in your car.
Q: If I bought a Cliffside pass do I need to check in at KL On The River? A: No, we no longer require everyone to check in at On The River. If you bought a site or a pass at Cliffside then you can check in at Cliffside. This is a new policy that will continue for the foreseeable future.
Q. Can I bring my own golf cart? A: No, but you may contact the event first and request permission; attendees who are older or have an issue walking will likely be granted permission. Please feel free to bring your bike (w/ lights) or an electric bike.
Q: Is there shuttle service at Cliffside? A: Yes, there is. We have golf carts that are designed specifically for Cliffside pick up and drop off, and the campgrounds have van/shuttle pick up and drop off as well. Pick Up and Drop Off areas are clearly marked with signage on both campgrounds. Feel free to ask Bobby or Jennifer at Cliffside for a ride or updates on the shuttle.
Q: Can we have campfires? A: Yes, if there is no fire ban. Six out of eight years there has NOT been a fire ban.
Q: Can we bring our own float? A: Yes. or you can rent one from us at the Merch booth for the entire weekend.
Q: Do you have a volunteer program? A: Yes. Click here to sign up (link will be available next week). Once approved, you will be sent a code to purchase a discounted ticket. Volunteers work 16-20 hours of light work over the weekend. Please note that if you are volunteering then we will account for your hours. If you do not fulfill your obligation, you will not be allowed to volunteer again.
Q: What is the Campsite Deed Program? A: You may have noticed that some campsites are not available for certain packages. This is because Splice Records started a Campsite Deed Program in 2021 that allows River Revival attendees (after the Revival) to reserve their campsite for the following year's events. For a small fee, you can own the "deed" to your campsite, which means the campsite is all yours for both River Retreat and River Revival the next year. So if you really enjoy where you're camping this year at the Revival only, then consider buying the "deed" to the campsite so that it is all yours in 2025.
EIGHT NEW ADDITIONS TO RIVER RETREAT:
1. Improved Shuttle Service: we’ve added golf carts and a large yellow bus designated for Cliffside use only. The golf carts will be marked Cliffside and they are for Cliffside transportation only. The big yellow bus will be running most nearly all day and night long.
2. New Parking Policy: We will have very very limited parking at On The River because we are cutting off the road access from campsite 88 to 114. This means no parking spots or car access past campsite 88. You can buy the On The River Parking Pass if you want to park at one of the designated parking spots at On The River.
3. All New THIRD STAGE at Cliffside featuring performances all weekend; along with late night shows in a cave.
4. More live Entertainment than 2024.
5. KARAOKE NIGHT on Saturday!!!
6. Don't forget about Friday's 70's Prom Night! Dress in Campground 70's Prom Night attire! That sounds easy enough, right?
7. We have Tube Rental available in the ADD ONS Menu and at Merch on The Lawn where you can rent a tube for the weekend, hassle free!
8. To help reduce our environmental impact on the campgrounds and mother nature at large, we will no longer be serving any beverages in single use cups (plastic or otherwise). Reusable souvenir cups will be available for purchase at the Merch Booth. If you have your own reusable cup or canteen, we will serve you.
Get a musical preview here!
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The River Retreat Volunteer application is available here.
The River Retreat Volunteer Program allows us to offer a discounted general admission pass to the festival in exchange for working 16 hours with festival staff. All volunteer signups must be approved. Once approved volunteers will receive a promo code allowing them to purchase their discounted general admission pass. Volunteer signup ends March 29, 2025. Anyone who does not fulfill their 16 hours will be required to pay the full ticket price or asked to leave the festival and will not be allowed to volunteer for future Splice Records events.
Volunteer Camping is at On The River this year. Upon arrival at the festival, you will receive your Karma Krew T-shirt.
Krews available to work:
Merch Booth
Karma Karts (golf carts)
Karma Guides (Parking & Gates)
Kitchen Krew
Set up & Break down
Cliffside Concierge/Hospitality
For more information email us or to sign up for the Volunteer Program click here.
*UPDATED* THE PARKING POLICY
River Revival's parking policy is designed to enhance the overall festival experience for all by opening up the campgrounds while also providing another level of safety and security. Beginning at 5pm on Thursday at On The River, the dirt road stretching from site 88 all the way to 114 and Zen City, starting at the "Turnaround" (near the Restrooms) will be closed to cars and trucks. There is no parking available at On The River unless you purchase an On The River Parking Pass. Free Parking is available across the street (River Road) at Cliffside. You may purchase your parking pass in the Add-Ons portion of Checkout.
HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS:
The health & safety of all River Revival attendees is of the highest importance to us, which is why we will be following all guidelines and regulations set by the local and state governments (State and Local).
REFUNDS:
There are NO refunds for this event; and please do not ask. As always if you purchase a ticket and cannot attend, you can transfer your reservation to a friend or family member. If we have to cancel this event for any reason, or postpone it for any reason we will offer everyone a 100% refund.
IN CONCLUSION:
We are very excited to return to the KL campgrounds; in fact, this is the third year we've done an event on this particular weekend and last year was abso-freaking-lutley amazing. We like to say the Retreat is like the Revival but "way more funner" (lol) and at the start of Spring oppose to the beginning of fall. Same vibes, same awesome people and the same smaller micro-fest design to bring out the best in people. Go to the thrift store, dive into the concept, invite your best friends to join and be ready for a unique festival experience made for people who hate going to modern festivals!
RIVER RETREAT 2025 SPONSORS
Times
Start:
2025-04-03T13:00:00-05:00
End:
2025-04-06T13:00:00-05:00
Category
Music
Tickets
ACCESS "ADD ONS" (Glamping Package, Parking Pass....)
0.0
USD
Single Day Pass Friday
120.0
USD
25
Single Day Pass Saturday
120.0
USD
25
Single Day Pass Thursday
120.0
USD
25
General Admission Pass - Cliffside
275.0
USD
50
General Admission Pass - On The River
300.0
USD
50
Add X 1 General Admission Pass to a Group Package
300.0
USD
75
Cliffside Shared Campsite: 2 GA + Electric NO water
600.0
USD
10
On The River Shared Site: 2 GA + Tent Camping + Electric
650.0
USD
10
Cliffside Group Package: 30 Amp Hookup NO water
800.0
USD
12
Cliffside Group Package: 30 Amp Hookup + Water
900.0
USD
11
Cliffside Group Package: 50 Amp Hookup + Water
1050.0
USD
6
On The River Group Package: Small Camper (30 Amp)
1.1e3
USD
3
On The River Couple's Retreat Package
1150.0
USD
2
On The River Group Package: 30 Amp Hookup
1250.0
USD
4
On The River Group Package: 50 Amp Hookup
1350.0
USD
5
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: VIP 10x GA - On The River
4050.0
USD
1
