Discover the best forest campgrounds near Harper, Texas

United States
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Texas
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Harper

97% (2247 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Harper

Community favorites near Harper

Public campgrounds near Harper

Scenic overlook on East trail near camping area B

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(15)

Lost Maples Hike In Campground

40 sites In Lost Maples State Natural Area

Trails at Hill Country SNA vary in difficulty from very relaxing hills to steep climbs. Miles and miles keep it interesting with great overlooks and vegetation.

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(2)

Chaquita Falls Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents In Hill Country State Natural Area

The river was low, but really beautiful. Plenty for us to get in and cool ourselves off the entire weekend.

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(10)

South Llano River Campground

64 sites · RVs, Tents In South Llano River State Park

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(1)

Hermit’s Shack Campground

22 sites In Hill Country State Natural Area

95%

(29)

Lost Maples Campground

30 sites · RVs, Tents In Lost Maples State Natural Area

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(1)

West Verde Creek Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In Hill Country State Natural Area

90%

(10)

South Llano River Hike In Campground

5 sites In South Llano River State Park

Butterfly Springs Campground

2 sites In Hill Country State Natural Area

Trailhead Equestrian Campground

6 sites In Hill Country State Natural Area

Bar-O Developed Equestrian Area

25 sites In Hill Country State Natural Area

Chapa’s Group Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Hill Country State Natural Area

Stories from the community

Brent

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to 12 Fires Winery and Vineyard

The place was an amazing stay when the lights came on during setup. It was an amazing, beautiful night, and I was able to take some amazing pictures. It was the perfect night.

2 nights at Sparrow Bend River Retreat

Absolutely amazing! I've been coming to the area (mainly Frio River) my entire life and this place might be my favorite place I've been! We stayed in campsite #3 and it was perfect. Plenty of room between other campsites. Very clean and had a fire pit area with a picnic table. Deer came to eat every morning and evening. We saw turkey as well. Went fishing and caught bass, catfish, gar, soft shell turtle and about a million perch! Water was low, but still had the perfect amount for swimming and cooling off. Indoor bathrooms with AC is a major bonus! The cabins on the property looked great from the outside. Truly worth every penny, we'll be coming back! Easy access into the gated property, which made us feel safe knowing our stuff was safe when we left to go to town. Can't say enough good things!

Weekend Trip to Sparrow Bend River Retreat

Camping spot was great! Tried to get a river spot first, but they were all booked up. Glad we ended up a Forest 1 because of the shade and close to bathrooms. Only about a 3 minute walk to the river. River was super fun. Also, short drive to Bandera which was a really cute town. Plan on returning in the future!

Weekend Trip to Memmie’s Farm

The two camping sites near the river (Medina and Riverside) were perfect for our group! Ellie’s property was lovely, secluded, and peaceful. Lots of deer, and hummingbirds! A short walking distance from the river, which was flowing great. It was wonderful to have the clean, well-kept outhouse for our 4 day visit, along with blocks for our fire and a trash barrel. Ellie was very friendly, respectful of our space, and attentive- with very clear instructions. We will be visiting again! Thank you Memmie’s Farm!

1 night at Starlit Flat on the 1873 Ranch

What a perfect spot!! We saw so much wildlife and thought it was super quiet!! Great location and easy to get to both Fredericksburg and enchanted rock and like others said, potty was CLEAN!!!

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Views from the campsite were beautiful! Will definitely come back.

1 night at Sparrow Bend River Retreat

I stayed at forest 2 very clean, quiet and I loved the little bathrooms.

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

Great location. Clean. Quiet. Great location to use to get to many activities in the area

Weekend Trip to Sparrow Bend River Retreat

Great campsite. Very clean and there was water in the river.

Weekend Trip to Sparrow Bend River Retreat

Sparrow Bend Retreat was the perfect camping getaway. Our spot was the closest to the river and we loved the short walk on a hot day. Bathrooms weren’t too far either. Definitely bring your own shade for this site as there is none. The owners are extremely nice and responsive.

Weekend Trip to Sparrow Bend River Retreat

This spot is absolutely lovely! I’ve booked it multiple times because I enjoy the shade it provides.

Trevor

2 weeks ago

1 night at The Charmadillo: Glamping Resort

This was exactly as described and incredibly clean.

Weekend Trip to Sparrow Bend River Retreat

We had a great time on Angela's property! It was so beautiful and well maintained and our campsite was so spacious and nestled away from the other campsites. We loved being able to walk down to the river and swim with our puppy.

Weekend Trip to Texas Tranquility at Al's Hideaway

We loved Al's Hideaway. The highlights were the pool, pavilion, beautiful grounds and the friendliest hosts! We will definitely be back.

Weekend Trip to The Charmadillo: Glamping Resort

We loved this place, would definitely come again. Host was very nice and helpful. 10/10

lee

2 weeks ago

1 night at The Charmadillo: Glamping Resort

Unbelievably sweet experience. Host was caring and accommodating. The grounds were impeccably kept and stunning. The facilities were sparkling clean and beautifully crafted. Stayed in the RV since all of the A-frames were booked and it was equipped with everything I needed, including a little jackery so I was able to plug in and do some work. She really thought of everything. But I would say the best part was waking up to fresh complimentary (artisanal?!) pour over coffee and an outdoor shower. The bulletin board in the kitchen was also very informative about local happenings and things to do so I got the tip to stop at center provisions on my way out of town and stock up on treats! The only thing I would change is having been able to stay longer. Hope to be back. Really special

2 nights at Seco Ridge Campgrounds

Such an amazing place! Utopia is lovely and we enjoyed our site!!

Weekend Trip to Sparrow Bend River Retreat

Site 4 was honestly just as expected. Bit elevated view, shades, conveniently located between the river and the amenities/bathrooms. The experience at the camp was great. We went on about a 3-4 mile hike in morning. We later discovered we could take the sub wheeling down same path but went much further. It’s also great for quads. Very scenic to see the texas fauna. Bit tragic to see how the river dried up over what i expect was last decade or so but also a steady reminder of climate and change. We actually swam in an accessible part of river and it was quite refreshing i took tons of pics of the fauna, sunset, and trails. Would come back again but next time with quads. Site also had amazing showers, clean bathrooms, firewood for purchase, and even charging ports.

Mary

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to 3 Dry Wells Ranch

We enjoyed our stay at 3 dry wells. The facilities were simple but comfortable, the views were breathtaking, and the hosts were friendly. We look forward to staying again.

Weekend Trip to Sparrow Bend River Retreat

We thoroughly enjoyed the campsite! Our 3 kids stayed in the river exploring and swimming from sun up to sun down. Beautiful river and scenery. Bathrooms and shower area was very clean and convenient. We didn’t want to leave. Will definitely be planning another camping trip to this site soon!

Available this weekend

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Farnon’s Fields

5 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Boerne, TX

Discover a tranquil retreat in the heart of Kendall County Hill Country on our five-acre property. Just a short 5-mile drive from Downtown Boerne and within 45 minutes of San Antonio and New Braunfels, Texas, our location offers the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you spot a variety of songbirds, majestic raptors, graceful deer, curious armadillos, and our friendly resident chickens. The seasonal dry creek that runs through the property adds to the charm and provides a serene backdrop for your camping experience. Enjoy the simple pleasures of camping, from gathering around the campfire for s'mores to firing up the BBQ for a delicious outdoor meal. Don't forget to join us for the daily chicken feeding, a fun and interactive experience for all ages. We also offer educational resources and information about local wildlife and habitat sustainability, allowing you to learn more about the natural world around you.

The Holy Campsite 🏕️

2 sites · Tents1 acre · Bandera, TX

Hey there, camping enthusiasts! Today, we're going to talk about the joy of camping, the happiness it brings, and how it promotes unity, peace, and a connection with God. Camping is a wonderful way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature. It's a chance to disconnect from our devices and reconnect with ourselves, our loved ones, and the natural world around us.

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Roughin' It Camp Site

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · Fredericksburg, TX

7 acres near Fredericksburg in Alamo Springs Ranch subdivision. Peaceful hilltop, undeveloped land. Wet water creek at bottom of hill. No water or electricity hookups. One short gravel driveway and one picnic table. Otherwise raw, uncleared lot. (3 miles from Old Tunnel State Park. 16 miles from Fredericksburg)

Booked 1 time

Rebecca Crider’s Place

8 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Kerrville, TX

Rough camping sites are available or suitable for completely self-contained RVs. Please note that there will be no or limited access to running water and no access to electricity. However, portable toilets will be accessible to campers. Enjoy an incredible view from the very top of the highest hill in Kerrville, Texas, providing a 360-degree view of the total solar eclipse. Prepare for a truly mind-blowing and breathtaking experience. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will make you truly believe in the existence of God.

12 top forest campgrounds near Harper

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Sparrow Bend River Retreat

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Pipe Creek, TX

Sparrow Bend River Retreat is a beautiful 8 acre multi-site vacation rental property with camping, RV sites and 2 vacation homes.With a private 300yard stretch of the crystal-clear, spring fed MEDINA RIVER your party will spend the day exploring its majestic cliffs and coves, paddling/floating the river (tubes and kayaks for rent), splashing in the shallows, playing yard games on the lawn or sunbathing on a massive bolder.Enjoy a delicious and memorable dinner in Lakehills (15min), Bandera (20min) or Boerne (25min). Or stay in and grill out over the fire, or at the provided grill.Camp sites each have a customized picnic table for you convenience.Spend you evening sharing laughs around the provided firepit as you take in the dazzling canopy of stars. (Firewood available for sale)Our family has always dreamed of hosting a place for families and friends to come enjoy nature however we would have never dreamed of finding a property as unique and beautiful as this. A lake when the water is high, a beautiful river when the waters low. All crowned by a majestic limestone bluff, complete with boulders, coves and endless room for adventures.This land was once a part of a wagon trail along the river and, if you're lucky, you can still find arrowheads along the paths.The property is gated with a high privacy fence along the neighboring borders for security.

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The Charmadillo: Glamping Resort

29 sites · Lodging, Tents44 acres · Center Point, TX

A getaway tucked deep into 44 magical acres of rolling hills. 10 minutes outside of Center Point, Texas. Tucked into the top of a beautiful valley, where hills rule supreme! While on the property spend your time enjoying the rugged trails, bird watching, dark night skies, and the quiet. Don't forget to take advantage of our communal amenities including stock tank pools, sauna and outdoor shower! Currently we have 7 A-frame cabins and RV to rent as well as dispersed camping sites! If you're interested in booking the whole property for your group shoot us a message! *We ask that guests clean up after themselves in the communal spaces during their stay. Allowing all guests to have access to a clean and welcoming space!* SHOWER HOUSE -4 private stalls: Shower + Toilet + Vanity *Dr.Bronner’s body wash will be provided in each shower KITCHEN: -Equipment: 4 burner range + convection oven + refrigerator + freezer + toaster + kettle + pour over cones -Tools: pots and pans + bakeware + measuring tools +cooking utensils + colander + can opener + wine opener -Pantry: olive oil + butter + salt + pepper -Breakfast: Birch Benders pancake mix (gluten free available) + syrup + oatmeal STOCK TANK POOLS -2 8 foot stock tank pools open 24/7 (not heated) -Get your soak on and take in the views! SAUNA + OUTDOOR SHOWER -Sauna hours will be listed in checkin details. THE DEN** A communal indoor space with Wifi, tables and couches. You can also find games as well as books on plant ID and history of the area. (Found in the first bay of the garage) THE DUGOUT** A covered open air space appointed with twinkle lights and picnic tables. Intended for shaded outdoor hang space. We ask that tent campers cook there if they choose to use their own camp stoves. (Found in the open bay of the garage) The Charmadillo is a great base to explore the area! About an hour from Lost Maples, Garner State Park and Enchanted Rock. About 35 minutes to Hill Country State Natural Area. Various access points to the Guadalupe river via Center Point and Kerrville. With the addition of wineries, honkytonks, and charming bars and restaurants throughout the region.

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Memmie’s Farm

53 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Bandera, TX

Memmie’s Farm is a special 30 acres just outside of Bandera, TX on the Medina River! We hope bring love and energy to this beautiful piece of family property by opening it up to visitors who embrace the outdoors. At the designated tent camping sites, you will find oak groves that provide opportunities for shade. The RV sites are in a picturesque field that provides excellent views of the sunset. The field leads down to incredible cypress trees lining the Medina River. We also have a primitive camping area down by the river that requires you to park in a parking area and walk to your preferred camping spot. If you are looking for solitude and untouched nature, this is the place for you. The comforts of Bandera are conveniently only a 5 minute drive away. We are located less than 2 miles from Bandera City Park! At this time, all sites are completely dry. We do have porta-potties available. RV sites are boondocking only (no water or electric at this time.)

Clear Water Ranch & Resort

1 site · Lodging400 acres · Leakey, TX

Clear Water Ranch & Resort – A Private Escape on the Frio River Tucked away in the stunning Texas Hill Country, Clear Water Ranch & Resort is your perfect getaway for peace, adventure, and reconnection with nature. Whether you're bringing an RV, pitching a tent, or settling into one of our cozy cabins, you'll have exclusive access to over half a mile of private Frio River frontage—away from the crowds and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. 🏕️ Stay Your Way We offer a variety of accommodations to suit every kind of camper: 25 RV sites (30 & 50 amp hookups) 12 rustic-modern cabins (sleeping 6-10 guests) 3 spacious bunkhouses for groups 10 boondocking sites for off-grid camping 🌿 Experience the Great Outdoors Clear Water Ranch is more than just a place to stay—it’s an immersive outdoor experience: ✔ Private river access for tubing, swimming, and fishing ✔ Scenic hiking trails with incredible Hill Country views ✔ Campfires & BBQ areas to gather, cook, and unwind ✔ Stargazing under Texas’ wide-open night sky ✔ Kayaking & floating down the crystal-clear Frio River ✔ Special events & concerts on select weekends 🐾 Pet-Friendly & Family-Focused We love pets! Your furry companions are welcome to join your adventure. Just keep them leashed, and a $20/day pet fee applies. 📍 Perfect Location & Nearby Attractions Located in Rio Frio, Texas, we are just minutes from: Garner State Park – A Texas favorite for hiking and scenic views Scenic drives & hidden gems in the Hill Country Local restaurants serving authentic Texas flavors 📅 Booking & Policies Check-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM No Wi-Fi or TVs – Unplug and reconnect with nature Peak Season: Minimum stay required—book early! Come experience the beauty of the Frio River, the peace of nature, and the warmth of a true Texas retreat at Clear Water Ranch & Resort. Whether you're here to relax, explore, or make memories with loved ones, we can’t wait to welcome you! 📞 Call now to book your stay!

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Seco Ridge Campgrounds

14 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · Utopia, TX

EXPERIENCE UTOPIA Private, family-friendly campgrounds in the Texas Hill Country. Great views, and just minutes from Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Natural Area. We offer 3 different types of camping experiences, so be sure to check out all of our listings. Message us if you have any questions regarding bookings during the Texas 2'clipse dates: 10/14/23 (annular eclipse) and 4/8/24 (total solar eclipse). We will be in the path of total darkness for both! -PRIMITIVE TENT CAMPING SITES- Want to get back to nature? Our secluded primitive tent camping sites are for you. Includes tent pad, fire ring, access to Community Kitchen & our Shower Haus (aka bathrooms & showers). 14-day maximum per month. -Ridge Site- Maybe you'd like to get back to nature in style? Enjoy our Ridge Site with Cargo Tent - complete with a fire ring, table and chairs, and swings. This site does not include a bed. -THE BUNKHAUS- Looking to get back to nature with all the creature comforts? Check out our Bunkhaus that sleeps 4, including a queen size bed and a set of bunk beds. The Bunkhaus has electricity, A/C and Wifi. ALL OF OUR CAMPING EXPERIENCES INCLUDE ACCESS TO: • Communal Kitchen (sinks, fridge, grills, etc.) • The Shower Haus (flushing toilets, sinks, and hot showers) • The Tree House Play Area AROUND UTOPIA • Experience driving on the 'The Twisted Sisters' (Ranch Roads, 335. 336, and 337). • Garner State Park • Lost Maples State Natural Area • Tubing the Frio River • Sabinal River • Horseback Riding • Sabinal County Museum • Frio Bat Flight • Utopia Community Park - picnic, swim & fish under the enormous cypress trees. • Dine at Lost Maples Café, The Lunchbox, or take the 20 min drive to Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery in Tarpley, Tx (featured on Food Network)

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Grapevine Springs Retreat

32 sites · RVs, Tents3300 acres · Leakey, TX

We welcome you to come enjoy the seclusion and dark sky on a working cattle/exotic hunting ranch in the Texas Hill Country. My great great grandfather established this ranch in the late 1870's and our family still lives here today. We are located in Real county just north of Leakey, Texas on US Highway 83. Our campsites are on the head waters of the West prong of the Frio River. Our Grapevine Springs have continuous flow the year round. You will enjoy the gurgling creek, hiking, swimming, solitude and our sunrises and sunsets, and big and bright stars in the night sky. We have tall hills and hardwood trees, Spanish oaks, Escarpment Cherry, Black walnut, live oaks and other oaks. We have wild animals; white tail deer, turkey, hogs and exotics and seasonally songbirds and butterflies on the ranch. We are close to Lost Maples State Nature Area and Garner State Park.**Make sure your vehicle has plenty of clearance. Truck or SUV work great**

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HomeAway Ranch & Wildlife Preserve

62 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Boerne, TX

We're happily retired partners loving life in this wonderful oasis... And working hard to make it a bit better for our animals and guests, every single day. Mickey's recently retired from 21 years traveling the world with International Joint Special Forces and Vicky's a Cordon Bleu Chef who also recently retired. We are living our dream "retirement" in this gorgeous wooded Texas Hill-Country, caring for and playing with all sorts of fun animals and welcoming lovely people to our ranch/wildlife preserve/nature- resort, personally ensuring everyone has a memorable experience, from customized horseback-riding experiences (everything from trail rides, to horseback riding lessons to weddings and vows-renewals on horseback), to serving as concierge to preparing that special "made to order" fresh country breakfasts, champagne brunches and romantic or fun meals and treats like chocolate covered strawberries for any special occasion, including anniversaries and birthdays.

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3 Dry Wells Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Blanco, TX

We welcome you to come enjoy the beautiful outdoors and dark sky on a scenic 110 acre ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Our family has lived and cared for this unique property since 1976 and we are still here today. We are conveniently located in Blanco, Texas less that 50 miles from either San Antonio or Austin and in the heart of the Texas wine country. Our campsites are next to a spring feed tributary creek which flows year around feeding into the Blanco River just a few miles away or hillside with amazing views of the river valley. You will enjoy the babbling creek, miles of hiking and biking trails, cooling off in the creek, scenic hilltop views, solitude, bold sunrises and sunsets, and a brilliant night sky. We have numerous old growth hardwood trees including Live Oaks, Spanish oaks, Elm, Escarpment Cherry, Black walnut, and Ashe Juniper (cedar) one of which has the largest circumference in Texas. We have a wide selection of native and migratory wildlife that calls this place home including white tail deer, wild turkeys, foxes, bobcats, jack rabbits, road runners, seasonal songbirds and butterflies. We are just minutes away from Blanco State Park and a short drive to Pedernales Falls or Guadalupe River State Park.

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Starlit Flat on the 1873 Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Fredericksburg, TX

A Texas Hill Country ranch with uncrowded “primitive” campsites about 8 miles from Fredericksburg and about 12 miles from Enchanted Rock. There is no running water, no electricity and no WiFi at the campsite. There is a picnic table, some chairs, a fire ring with some firewood and a portable toilet. This site is suited to tent camping, car camping and small RV "dry camping". There is relative privacy, hopefully starry nights and campfire provisions. Guests share a pasture with livestock and wildlife. Weather in all its variations is part of camping. If you are not prepared to deal with whatever the weather may be, you should consider another option. We encourage guests to research this destination before booking, carefully review our cancellation policy, and consider buying travel insurance to protect against unexpected travel disruptions. Weather conditions are not an acceptable reason for a refund or change of reservation for this campsite. Cellular service is limited here. AT&T provides a good signal in this area. HOWEVER **** SPRINT, VERIZON and T-MOBILE may have “VERY POOR” or “NONEXISTENT” cellular signals at this site. We have neighbors, and although the place is relatively large, and we don't anticipate a problem, there is no guarantee that you will not be bothered by some kind of noise. Likewise, we don’t want our neighbors bothered by any noise coming from you. People live out in the country to enjoy separation of space. Please be considerate of others and keep noise to a minimum. Observe quiet time after 9 pm and before 8 am. The country roads in this area are paved and they are excellent for walking, bicycling and driving. There are “cattle guards” in the roadways. Cattle guards are steel pipe obstacles along a road intended to prevent livestock, such as sheep and cattle from passing out of a fenced area. If you book this property you will be able to check yourself in at the property. The specific location and other check in details will be provided to you on the day of your scheduled arrival, and after housekeeping and campsite make-ready is complete. Most any car should be just fine for accessing the campsite, except in the case of very wet weather. Guests are not allowed to use firearms or fireworks on this property.

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It's a Wendelful Life Ranch

75 sites · RVs, Tents489 acres · Llano, TX

Cinco de Mayo Event (May 3rd-5th, 2024) Our ranch was originally part of the enchanted Rock property owned by Mr Moss. It is currently a 6th generation ranch. Original ranch was 1767 acres. The highest elevation is 1600'. You can locate us on Google Earth by searching for Dooley Wahl Rd Llano, Texas. We have secluded camping available. Primitive tent camping, or if you want to go glamping you can bring an RV with a generator and be even more secluded but still have the comfortable amenities of an RV. IF YOU DON'T HAVE AN RV...no worries! Contact outdoorsy.com. you can rent an RV. They will deliver it, set it up and pick it up. Remember to ask for a generator. You don't have to bring wood. We got yuh covered! There is a porta potty at the dig site. We are currently working on getting an outside bathroom and shower area. Firepit musicians welcome! Bring your instruments! Bring bikes, dirt bikes, atv or mule. Rock hounds who love to pick up rocks will love this place. Photographers who enjoy taking pictures of nature and wildlife will love this! If you enjoy looking for treasures like Arrowheads and artifacts you can participate in one of our large screen digs. You can pay for large screen digs when you arrive and see how it works! You can fish! We allow Jeep rock crawling. You can Target practice. Hand guns/side arms are permitted. Lots of room for kids to run and play! Let them be kids! Family get away, romantic secluded get away! The skies are limitless! Take home anything mother nature makes. Plants, rocks, feathers and more! During the month of February March and April the ranch provides a safe space with no electric lines in the 1500' long Sandy bottom dry creek. Leaving you with straight Lanes to you kites. Fighting kites and rather large exotic kites. Learn local Texas history! We also offer hog hunting, aoUdad hunting, during deer season we have day hunting available.

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Cabin at the Ranch - Harper, TX

1 site · Lodging84 acres · Harper, TX

The Ranch is our place we like to go when we need to get away. It's raw and it's nice land to camp, explore and enjoy wildlife. We have a Wildlife Exemption on the property and enjoy managing native song birds. We keep a constant flow of bird seed located in feeders around the ranch, and we have seen all kinds of birds making this a great place for birders. The ranch has nice elevation changes with a wet weather creek that traverses the property. There are some trails to hike or mountain bike. The cabin is rustic without plumbing or electricity, but we enjoy it and it's fun to think it's everything we would need. This is off-grid living all the way, and we are constantly learning new and better ways to do things. The cabin is located on the very first spot we pitched a tent after purchasing the land, and we continue to make improvements as we go. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

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Casita In The Hills

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents14 acres · Pipe Creek, TX

As a young girl, I read "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder. That book opened my eyes to a different way of living. From that moment on, I dreamed of one day living in big woods somewhere. As an adult, some of those dreams are coming true! We have Casita in the hills in Hill Country Texas! We are a small, beginner homestead and we'd love to share this journey with YOU! Donkeys and deer roam most of the property. We also are raising chickens, ducks, rabbits, a few pet goats and bees. We have camping spots, (2) rv electric hook ups and a small cabin to sleep in. Our property is on 14 acres. We have open pastures and forested areas. Whether you are seeking to escape the city hustle and bustle, or want a small taste of the homestead life, this is a great place to be! We are located about 35 minutes from San Antonio, 25 minutes from Boerne and 15 minutes from the Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera, TX! We do have a visible neighboring property. Therefore there is the occasional barking, lights, and music that can be heard/seen. We hope you choose to stay here and enjoy your stay!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Lost Maples State Natural Area

Leakey, Texas

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Hill Country State Natural Area

Bandera, Texas

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South Llano River State Park

Junction, Texas

Other options near Harper

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Redcreek Nature Ranch

4 sitesJunction, TX

The Kothmanns came to Texas from Germany, landing at Matagorda Bay on December 31, 1845, after a three month journey at sea. They spent the remaining winter months in miserable conditions on the coast, finally making their way inland to New Braunfels in April 1846. After a brief time there, they became part of the first wagon train of 120 original settlers to Fredericksburg, arriving on May 8, 1846.Heinrich Conrad Kothmann, born January 31, 1798, died August 27, 1881, and his wife Katherine Pahlman Kothmann, born March 1, 1810, died February 15, 1905, left Hanover, Germany, September 26, 1845. My great-grandfather, Heinrich Friedrich Kothmann, born February 10, 1835, died September 1, 1915, was their oldest son.They were part of the very first founding families of Fredericksburg. Heinrich worked as a cabinet maker and served as the town musician, often playing the violin for money. During some of the most trying times, Friedrich walked barefoot with his father 80 miles to Austin where they found work splitting railroad ties for 25 cents per day. From those earnings, they had to feed and board themselves.The Kothmann family was integrally involved in the early life of Fredericksburg, and with Providential protection, survived wide-spread disease and death. While life in the young town became increasingly more comfortable as time passed, Heinrich was drawn by the desire to own land and raise large numbers of livestock. In 1856, the opportunity to do just that presented itself when he was finally granted 640 acres of land in the Fisher-Miller grant. The original passage he had bought for the family in Germany for $240 had entitled him to this property located west of the Colorado River between the Llano and San Saba Rivers. A strong Indian presence and political and institutional financial problems had prevented the completion of this grant at an earlier date.Holding strong to his dreams of giving his family a new start, he saved his money during the early years in Fredericksburg. With that he was able to buy an additional 640 acres, along with his grant of 640 acres, when the area opened up and the family was able to move to the Willow Creek region in eastern Mason County.Starting over once again as pioneers in the wilderness, this time at the age of 58, Heinrich and Katherine built a new home, raised their children, and helped the older sons get started in the ranching business on their own. After a dozen very difficult years and some unbelievable good fortune, the Kothmanns were now living their dream of raising large numbers of livestock in the fertile Hill Country of Texas. Their burial site on the original family homestead at Art, Texas, seven miles east of Mason on HIghway 29, is designated with a Texas Historical Marker.Their oldest son, Heinrich Friedrich (Fritz) Kothmann, my great-grandfather, became a very successful businessman and rancher. He was appointed the first sheriff of Mason County. He established the Premier Ranch, on the Llano River, raising pure-bred Hereford cattle. The original entry gate to the ranch still stands on the east side of Highway 87 between Mason and Fredericksburg. In the 1870’s he built a large and modern home on the ranch which drew attention from near and far. It is still in use today.Fritz and his brother Dietrich were business partners in a number of various enterprises, including several cattle drives out-of-state. Fritz’s first wife was Sophie Hartwig, born March 16, 1833, died July 24, 1883. Their fifth son was my grandfather, Eli Henry (Lee) Kothmann, born September 10, 1872, died August 1, 1951. When he died in 1915, Fritz’s ten children were all established on their own ranches and each inherited $25,000.This sum was a remarkable amount of cash for someone whose sole source of income was ranching in the raw territory of the Texas Hill country at the beginning of the twentieth century.Eli Henry and his wife Amelia Hahn, born November 8, 1875, died January 28, 1972, were married on her birthday in 1899, in Mason. They ranched and began raising their family on the Llano River in Mason County. Ten years later they decided to make a significant change, and in the spring of 1909 bought 6,000 acres for $3.00 per acre in eastern Kimble County between Junction and London.It is the southern portion of that purchase near the headwaters of Red Creek that is now Red Creek Nature Ranch. This land, which was a virtual wildlife refuge and untapped wilderness in 1909, is still pristine in many ways 106 years later. When someone visits the ranch today there is considerable evidence of forward thinking, creativity, and hard work that left the environment intact, while functioning as a productive working ranch for four generations.My father, Howard Harris Kothmann, born March 6, 1904, died December 24, 1974, was the third son of eight children raised by Lee and Amelia on this property which became the passion of their lives. They taught their children to have great respect for the land and to be good stewards of it. Each child was given educational and economic opportunity.For many years my father ran his own ranching operation and assisted his mother with hers after his father died. My father was able to purchase more and more land over the years from no other source of income but the raising of sheep, goats, and cattle. In August of 1941, Howard married my mother Mable Perkins, born July 9, 1918, died April 18, 2002. She was a devoted wife and mother.Howard and Mable raised three children. I was the oldest, born October 6, 1942. I had two sisters. Amelia was born December 30, 1943 and died in 1999. Marlene, born March 25, 1949, lives on her part of the family ranch two miles north of my home, which was built by my parents in 1954. It is located at the headquarters of Red Creek Nature Ranch.I have two sons, John James, born May 16, 1968, and Kevin Cameron, born April 4, 1970. James has a daughter, Kristin Lynn, born August 1, 1990. James and Kevin live with me on the ranch and work diligently to maintain its character and integrity. Kristin and her husband Afshawn currently reside in Florida.It is the desire of my family and I to open the land we have been given dominion over, so others may have an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate its uniqueness and beauty.Nature is an open book for those who care to read.Upon each grass covered hillside is revealed the history.Of the past, the condition of the present, and the hope of the future.Read, Observe, Learn, Enjoy!Family and ranch history compiled by John Howard Kothmann on December 25, 2004.

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Forest camping near Harper guide

Overview

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