Ranch camping in Texas with wildlife watching
The largest state in the Lower 48 features no shortage of places to pitch a tent.
97% (10813 reviews)
- Texas
97% (10813 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Texas
Star Hosts in Texas
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top ranch campgrounds in Texas with wildlife watching
97%
(1698)
4R Ranch Winery Campsite
141 sites · RVs, Tents1132 acres · Muenster, TX
Where the short-grass prairie drops into the Red River Valley, the 4R Ranch—with its magnificent vistas and rocky terrain—is perfectly suited for growing grapes. Patriarch W.C. Roper encouraged his family of sixth-generation Texans to share the beauty of this extraordinary place with others; and so it was love of this man and love of the land that inspired 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery. Chinquapin oaks, white-tailed deer, the endangered black-capped vireo, and the occasional Rio Grande turkey inhabit this incredible property. Powered by sun, earth and wind, 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery calls us all to slow our pace, enjoy the view, and sip a glass of wine in the magnificent Red River Valley.
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$6.50
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99%
(256)
Twisted Oaks
31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · San Marcos, TX
. Twisted Oaks is located on 20 acres of tree lined Texas Hill Country nestled in the heart of San Marcos. I've been here over 35 years. I work on my property and from my property. My shop is away from campsites but is ON the property. If seeing a tractor while you are hiking around offends you somehow this may not be a good choice. I have taken a lot of care and pride in my work on twisted oaks.
We have 10-15 campsites all named after the colors in a rainbow. We offer rentals of kayaks, coleman camp stoves, triple burner propane very large, mr buddy propane heaters jackery 1000 watt and bluetti 600 watt solar generators or a tent if this your first time. payment for extras can be cash or Venmo. If you have any special needs please feel free to contact me. thanks and hope to see you soon. to reduce impact on our property we limit the vehicles to 1 per site any extra vehicle is $5 smalls $7 trucks. This fee is used to do mulching and road repairs to keep things smooth. If you decide to change dates there will be a $25- $50 fee based on your total booking
We sell seasoned oak and juniper hardwood. We are a small microbusiness and would really appreciate if you purchase wood here rather than at a large box store. It is your choice but just so you know you will get twice the wood for maybe half the price. We sell a large wheelbarrow load for $20 or half load for $10. Kindling is gratis.
Please check the weather forecast before booking. Texas weather can change on a dime. Also if it is raining in Austin or San Antonio it may be bone dry here. We can not be responsible for the weather or your selection of gear. I prefer winter camping with a nice fire and a cup of coffee. We have invested in clothing and gear to withstand below freezing temps.
When campers book we go through a routine to make sure all sites are ready for YOU. There are times were we have had to change or modify our plans to accommodate our "guests" . Changing dates will incur a small fee. Please be fair. Our cancellation policy is strict and it it set as such to protect campers and host alike.
We set a high standard for our camp but this is to ensure that all campers will have a great experience. Pay attention to the rules. Using common sense is what we ask. Treat our property as you would have us treat your place...it's really that simple. Hope this does not scare you away. Read the reviews and you will see the common thread is that we are nice helpful folks. See you soon!
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$12
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94%
(1284)
Lost Woods
43 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · San Antonio, TX
Welcome to our little piece of paradise! 55 acres of woods hidden near town. A network of trails criss-cross the creek and wind throughout the property
under a peaceful canopy of large beautiful trees. Don't be surprised if you run into deer, squirrels, or roadrunners! Our property is home to a wide variety of hill-country wildlife.
- Each of our campsites are private and surrounded by forest.
- Each site has a fire ring for campfires
- Our trees are our most precious natural resource and set this campground apart! Please don't do anything to harm them.
- Port-o-john is available on site.
- All of our campsites are primitive. No electric or water here.
- When you camp with us you are welcome to explore and play on the entire property! We have 55 acres of trails and woods to explore! Please bring your bikes, trail shoes, or whatever helps you have fun in the wild!
- Hammocks welcome!
We have so many trees! All of our sites are hammock-friendly.
- When you check-in, just text us, your host will help you find your campsite.
- Some sites are drive-in where your vehicle can park right next to the fire. Others are walk-in and require a short hike of 100' or less from your parking space. You can indicate your preference during booking or at check-in.
If you want to drive right into your site,
Campsites 2, 3, 6, and 12 are the sites you want.
Some of our campsites are more secluded than others and offer extreme privacy in the most beautiful settings we have to offer. If you're looking for a wilder campsite surrounded by huge old trees and all the peace the woods have to offer, just request Campsites 4, 5, 7, or 8. Each of these sites requires a walk of at least 50' from your vehicle to the fire ring.
Site 13 is only for backpackers or people willing to hike about 500 yards to the campsite over rough terrain. There is no way to drive to it or even get close except on foot. But it is spectacular and beautiful!
Only three sites can accommodate a smaller trailer or camper. Site 1, Site 2, and site 6. Please notify me in your booking if you intend to bring a camper and I can accommodate you.
We practice leave-no-trace as much as possible. So please pack out anything you pack in. You are responsible for removing all trash. If any garbage is left behind in your site you will be billed for the cleanup. We have a dumpster located near the front gate. Please use it and put all your trash in there.
Heads-up! We have a small farm on the property.
Dogs are always welcome and we LOVE our furry friends! For their safety and the safety of our livestock please keep them leashed while on property.
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$50
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98%
(171)
Fishers Of Men Ranch
71 sites · RVs, Tents39 acres · Marble Falls, TX
Fishers Of Men Ranch is Perfect for Looking for a Private Place to bring yourself, family, and friends. Want to ESCAPE the HUSTLE and BUSTLE of Everyday Life! We’ve have the PERFECT Environment for Enjoying a Relaxing Stay here! We have Rustic, Rugged, Terrain to Hike, Discover, Explore, and Observe! Gorgeous 39 acres to Roam freely and find your favorite place to Get Away From It All! This is a GUEST RANCH ONLY! NO Dogs Allowed. Bill and Kaz will meet you at the Gate and Estcourt you into the Ranch and show you where to go. Need to Set up Arrival Time when giving information to Kaz for Invoice information she will ask for in a Text after you BOOK with HipCamp. You will LOVE it here at the Ranch because We are Different from other Camping places! We Strive to be Different!
The April 8, 2024, Solar Eclipse was an AMAZING Experience with OVER 200 Guests on the Ranch to View the Eclipse! Everything went Extremely WELL Without A Hitch! Thank You Dave for bringing your 4 Telescopes and Screen to View the Eclipse! Several others brought their Telescopes and Fancy Cameras! Thank all of you who shared your Telescopes!
The Ranch has OPENED UP More Camping Roads to make more room for More Tent Camping! Used allot of them during the Solar Eclipse! Bill and Kaz are already Working on improving MORE Campsites after the Eclipse! Opening these New Campsite Roads has also OPENED UP More to Explore! Kaz will be ADDING More Pictures of Latest Goings On on the Ranch!
Be sure and Checkout our Pictures of the Ranch!
Most pictures taken with Cell Phones! All Pictures of the Animals are found on the Ranch, come see the many Varieties we have here!
When you Book EXPECT a friendly Text from Kaz asking for information that she needs from you being this Ranch is Private Property.
FRONT GATE STAYS CLOSED AT ALL TIMES! To Keep All On The Ranch SAFE!
All RV and Tent Camping is a
PACK Your TRASH IN and
PACK Your TRASH OUT!
Because of the Volume of Campers coming, the Ranch can NO Longer take your Trash! Buzzard's, Raccoon's, Foxes, and Etc. will get into the Trash! Don't leave TRASH Outside!
ALL CAMPFIRES MUST BE DROWNED OUT! WATER is Provided and you are EXPECTED to DROWN OUT Your FIRES! And if Bottles Used REFILL Them!
FREE Firewood is Provided. Oak Wood for Cooking and Cedar wood for Campfire ambiance! Keep Campfires LOW! NO Bonfire!
All TENT Camping is Primitive! NO Facilities! RUSTIC!
BRING a Potty and Tent or SHOVEL and BURY it!
ALL Campsites are VERY CLEAN and Keep It Clean!
FOR RVers We have ALL HOOKUPS for Water, Electrical, and Sewer! On WEST Side. EAST Side has Electrical and Water ONLY, to Use DUMP Station, Working on More Sewer Hookups in Future. Unless LARGE CROWD, Most of the Time the West Side is Available for RV Camping!
NO Throwing Rocks in Lake because hurts your feet when walking on bottom!
We are ASKING Everyone to HELP Take Rocks OUT OF LAKE! FOR SAFETY ON YOUR FEET! If Everyone Takes Out 6 Rocks No Matter the SIZE that will HELP RID of the ROCKS Out of the Lake! Of Course You Can Take More Rocks OUT! "KNOCK YOURSELF OUT" (LOL) PUT ROCKS STACKED IN A PILE ON NORTH END OF LAKE and Bill and Kaz will pickup the Pile. (Thank You in Advance!) NO MUDDING with 4X4 Vehicles because leaves BIG Ruts in the Mud and messes up the Lake Environment! Keep the Lake area beautiful!
Kaz always had a DREAM to help kids with Life Skills & Mentor in God’s Principles because she had Christian Mentors growing up! They were always there for her through her life and kept her focused down the right path and stayed out of trouble and learned a tremendous amount from them! Bill her husband supports her and they raised 7 children together and have 10 grandkids. Kaz father was Asperger's Autistic and from 5 years old started showing Kaz hands on learning skills that are still instilled in her today! She found this to be a Valuable Lesson from her Dad. These methods and skills through the years working with her own children and other children through the years with different organizations confirm to be very beneficial and encouraging for the children growing up. Bill and Kaz have shared equally through all they’re projects during they’re 40 years of marriage. They’re Jack Of All Trades, Artists, Shown in Art Shows, Remodeled Homes, Churches, Work on the Ranch Together, and Etc. They are able to teach others how to do things that can benefit kids till they graduate and have a better understanding of what they want to do in their lives as an adult and PLUS have the mentoring to guide them through life.
The Ranch has its main Mission to work with youth but is open to Renting the Ranch House that Sleeps 1 to 20 guests, and RV/5th Wheeled Campers Camp Sites and Tent Camping for them to Enjoy the Marvels that God has Created and Lot's to Experience, Explore, and Observe!
The Ranch is PERFECT for Hosting: Weddings, Special Events, Retreats, Family Reunions, Youth Activities, Church Activities, Boy/Girl Scouts, Boys/Girls Club, RV Camper Clubs, and Etc. to accommodate whatever you need for the special essentials you would like to have provided for your special event!
The Fishers of Men Ranch (Name) is Biblical and was Given to Kaz by the Lord 4 years before finding the Ranch. You see that the Lord had something Special here for Bill and Kaz to do for others Long Before they purchased the Ranch the LORD had His PLAN for Bill and Kaz. They have owned the Ranch since, July 2016.
(For Hosting a Special Event Call, Text, or Leave Voicemail
to the Ranch Directly) (Hosting
Special Events handled through Ranch)
Fishers Of Men Ranch is a Family Friendly Environment and Christian Based!
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$40
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92%
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Buck Acres near Lake Conroe, TX
20 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Montgomery, TX
The previous owner had plans to turn our property into a 42 site row by row RV Park. Once we saw the beauty of the property, we knew we had to keep it as wild and pristine as possible. On 6.5 acres the perfect number of sites was 18 keeping the large house for short-term rental (coming soon.)
Sorry, we are still under construction but excited about our progress! See a short video at https://www.buckacresrv.com
Buck Acres is technically not even an RV park, we just want to share our property with fellow travelers so we added some gravel roads. The only amenities are a Wi-Fi, 50/30/20A plug-ins, a porta-john and water.
We use HipCamp and The Dyrt for bookings or just give us a call or text at (832) 303-9940
"Close to everything, away from it all"
We're in the country but close to city amenities and beautiful Lake Conroe. It's only a few minutes from April Sound and the largest marina on Lake Conroe, 8 minutes to Wal-Mart and Kroger, yet it's peaceful and quiet on our forested property.
As full-time RV nomads ourselves we know RV park rates are getting crazy, Buck Acres is our attempt to help the community. We've done everything we can to keep rates down. The only amenities we offer are shade, Wi-Fi, electricity, water, and an ADA porta john that is cleaned every week.
Affordable RV parks shouldn't be sweltering parking lots where you're packed in like sardines! At Buck Acres we have 100' tall hardwoods and pines that have been trimmed up 60' for the safety of you and your rig!
Buck Acres is still under construction and it is a labor of love. All proceeds go immediately back into the park.
Bring your family, pets, and friends - tents and RVs welcome!
Please Note:
Quiet Hours are 10pm - 8am
Please keep fires within designated fire rings
Keep pets on leash - Clean up any pet waste
Do not walk through other people’s campsites. Respect the boundaries and their privacy.
Dispose of garbage in designated trash receptacles
Guests are responsible for the behavior of their children and pets
Guests are responsible for all damage or destruction of property and any injury to persons caused by the guest, or by their family, visitor(s), or pets.
Management reserves the right to refuse service or terminate stay for violations.
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$25
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99%
(257)
Secluded Guadalupe River Spot
4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Gonzales, TX
These are unique camping spots along the Guadalupe River. I didn’t exactly understand how unique until I started getting feedback from my campers.
The surrounding scenery will lower your blood pressure and do wonders to let you reconnect with nature. Sit back and close your eyes late in the evening and listen to all the wildlife talking to each other. There is faint traffic noise from 90A about a 1/3 of a mile away but it calms down after 7 or so.
Currently no amenities but I am in the plans for some portable bathrooms. Please be prepared to cover all your bathroom and cooking needs. I do have some good clean well water from a faucet on the way into the campgrounds.
Campfires are permitted.
There is a convenience store (Diamond A) with clean bathrooms and a great bbq just 5 miles to the west on 90A and a Walmart and HEB 10 miles to the east on 90A. No dogs over 20 pounds on sites 1 and 2 but sites 3 and 4 are great areas to bring your high-energy dogs. No matter the size or temperament of your pets you are always expected to have them under your control at ALL times. I have very small livestock on the area on occasion.
I am almost always on the property and try to have my phone with me while campers are on site, just let me know what you need and I will do what I can to accommodate you.
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$50
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83%
(130)
Rebecca Creek Campgrounds
34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Spring Branch, TX
Rebecca Creek Campgrounds started out as a smaller Campground and Marina back in 1963! Over the years has grown and changed hands a few times to become an RV Park, Primitive Campgrounds, Cabins, Glamping.
The newest ownership in 2021 is revamping this charming Hill Country Spot into a destination Campground for all Campers, Weekenders and RVs to enjoy for years to come!!
With this drought, our part of the River has dried up and we can just pray for the rain Gods to bring it back soon!! Till then, Camping and hanging out with family is the best with the HIll country view out here under the big Texas starry sky!!
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$15
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100%
(39)
Ranch 3232
19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Johnson City, TX
Ranch 3232 offers unique Texas Hill Country lodging with cabin rentals, air-conditioned glamping tents, RV sites, camping sites, and even a gypsy wagon—situated 1.5 miles from Pedernales Falls State Park and midway between Dripping Springs and Johnson City. We are Dog Friendly and Family Friendly with Amenities that include fire pits, a community kitchen, picnic tables, bath house, laundry facilities, and a perfect ridge for stunning sunsets. Journey down the Hill Country Wine Trail and experience the activities and attractions nearby:
Pedernales Falls State Park
Lyndon B. Johnson Nat’l Historical Park
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Blanco State Park
Exotic Resort Zoo
Texas Hill Country Olive Co.
Johnson City Science Mill
Twisted X Brewing Company
Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery
Texas Hills Vineyard
Bell Springs Winery
Treaty Oak Distilling Ranch
Texas Hill Country Olive Co.
12 Fox Brewing
Beerburg Brewing
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$35
/ night
99%
(1180)
Low Gear Farmstead
32 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Menard, TX
Get into low gear and enjoy the slow pace and peace of our little working farm on the edge of the hill country. Low Gear Farmstead's 75 acres border the lovely San Saba River, providing campers the opportunity to swim, wade, fish and paddle. Farm animals including dairy goats, chickens, and horses inhabit the property, but wildlife such as deer, wild turkey, ringtail, fox and armadillo is also abundant. Bird watchers will be delighted at the diversity of birds, especially in spring. Don't forget to look up at night as our dark skies provide excellent stargazing on clear nights and a very visible Milky Way. We limit the number of campsites and spread them out so that campers may enjoy privacy and seclusion. Campsites are provided with compost toilets and most sites also have a fire ring. 4WD is not required unless we have had heavy rains, otherwise most vehicles, except very low clearance ones, do fine. The nearest town, Menard, is about a 12 minute drive from the property and has a grocery store, gas stations, a couple restaurants, a pub and a bakery. Lovers of history might enjoy visiting the Presidio de San Saba, about 20 minutes from the farm, as well as the historic Pioneers Rest Cemetery in town. Low Gear Farmstead is a safe, welcoming space for queers and POC.
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$20
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87%
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Alamo River RV Resort
55 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Von Ormy, TX
Alamo River RV Resort
City Close, Country Quiet! Cozy RV park and campground on the Medina River just south of San Antonio. We accommodate RV's, Motorhomes, Campers and tents. We have 2 fully appointed Deluxe cabins and 1 Rustic cabin on site. Come relax on the river! Fishing, canoeing, kayaking and campfires allowed.
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$40
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97%
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EcoRich Ranch
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Bluff Dale, TX
Come stay on our 100 acre Richard Creek Valley getaway, gently tucked away on the north slope. There are four campsites on the property and they are all at least 150 yards away from each other. Each site is private. When the ground is dry there is access for all vehicles. When the ground is muddy, Brookside, RiverRock, and Richardson Creek campsites require a 4-wheel drive and have alternate routes to get to them. Ancient Oaks is an all-weather site. You can enjoy hiking and swimming in Richardson Creek when water levels permit. Canoeing from Bakers Crossing put-in which is only 3 miles away.
Some places to check out while you are here include Dinosaur Valley State Park, Dinosaur World, Granbury Historic Square, Stephenville Rodeo, Bakers Crossing River Put-In, Oakdale Plunge Pool, and BigRocks Park in Glen Rose.
Please no loud noises after 9:00 pm as this is quiet time, out of respect for other campers.
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$35
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99%
(230)
Coyote Breaks Farm
7 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Wildorado, TX
The sites overlook the beautiful Canadian River breaks to the north with wide open skies to the west and east to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. These are rustic sites with no improvements. We are just getting started with this so you’ll be able to help us from the ground up. If we are not in a burn ban you’re welcome to have a campfire. There will be opportunities to call up a wild coyote or watch some mule deer or an occasional antelope stroll by. You could even be awakened by the horses on their way to water in the morning and we can set up some horse riding if we have enough notice to schedule time off from the 9-5 haha. Can’t wait to see you on the prairie!
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Under $50
Available this weekend
Ranch camping in Texas with wildlife watching guide
Overview
They say everything’s bigger in the Lone Star State, and that includes the variety of options for campers, whether you're looking for an RV park, tent camping, or a primitive camping backcountry adventure. Beat the summer heat on sandy Gulf beaches, or head inland to the arid deserts of Big Bend Country in winter for some of the nation’s darkest skies and best nighttime views. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for wine tasting in Texas Hill Country, hiking the canyons of the Panhandle, or paddling the bald cypress forests of the Texas Pine Curtain.
Big Bend Country
Remote West Texas boasts some of the most pristine landscapes in the state. Explore the hiking trails of Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend national parks, raft through narrow canyons along the Rio Grande River, go rock climbing in Hueco Tanks State Park near El Paso, or hit the dunes in Monahans Sandhills State Park. The quirky communities of Marfa, Terlingua, and Marathon serve as convenient gateways to desert adventure.
Texas Hill Country
Known for its wineries, whiskey distilleries, swimming holes, and rich German heritage, the rolling hills of this central Texas region extend between Austin and San Antonio, with plenty of small towns to explore along the way. Springtime brings bluebonnets to the roadsides of the region. In fall, head to Lost Maples State Park for some of the state’s best leaf peeping. Soak up panoramic views from Enchanted Rock, venture deep into the Caverns of Sonora or the Cave Without a Name, or take a leisurely float along the Guadalupe River.
Gulf Coast
The Texas Gulf Coast stretches for more than 600 miles along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and includes the Padre Island National Seashore. Sun seekers will find plenty of sandy beaches with warm Gulf waters (plus opportunities for beach camping), while the natural areas along the coast feature some of the best birdwatching in the nation. Houston, Galveston, South Padre Island, and Corpus Christi are among the most popular areas to stay.
Panhandle
The plains of the Texas Panhandle comprise one of the largest regions in the state. Here you’ll find America’s second-largest canyon within Palo Duro Canyon State Park, as well as the iconic Cadillac Ranch car sculpture along road trip-worthy Route 66.
Pine Curtain
Lakes, forests, and swamps dominate the landscape of the lesser-known Piney Woods of East Texas. Step back in time at Mission Tejas State Park, straddle the state line in Texarkana, pitch a tent among the gargantuan pines of Daingerfield, or make the 835-mile camping trip along the Texas Forest Trail. If you want to get out on the water, it's hard to beat a kayak in Caddo Lake State Park.
Prairies and Lakes
This region sweeps down through the center of the state from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to Waco, Bryan, and College Station (home of Texas A&M University). You don’t have to drive far to find a lakeside campground or on-the-water activity, thanks to the area’s 17 Texas state parks and one national wildlife refuge.
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