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  4. Medina

Laf ranch

Hosted by Fritz · Medina, Texas
20 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 1100 acres
99%
·
212 reviews
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Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Fritz is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Private sites
99% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
1100 acres of gorgeous natural land at the headwaters of the Medina River. Crystal clear and clean spring feed water. Fourth-generation family owners. Remote camping. Very private with plenty of varied terrain for hiking swimming, tubing, biking or just hanging out in a hammock enjoying the breeze and peace and quiet. About 2 miles as a crow flies from Lost Maples State Park. You drive through a 13,000-acre ranch to get to us. We are at the end of a dead-end road with one way in and one way out. NO FISHING As our topo map shows we have a wide variety of terrain ranging from steep cliffs with huge views to shady canyons. The river cuts through the middle of the place and is surrounded by four hills that each have their unique characteristics ranging from flat oak-covered to rocky steep ridges. I guarantee you will find beauty all around. We do have a couple of fun areas to try your 4-wheel drive out. Please dont make your own....stay on trails. There are plenty of places to swim. When the Ladder is reserved, you may not swim there. Please be respectful. We have 1.5 miles of both sides of the river so plenty of places to swim. It varies a lot in depth and width over the ranch. Every camp spot has access to all the swimming holes except the ladder when it is booked. The main swimming holes are-- 1. Below the Green Cabin 2. Another my brother likes that has a cypress tree submerged you can sit on he calls the 1000 waterfalls 3. big pond Please note all pictures taken on and of the ranch remain the property of the LAF ranch and are to be used for personal or promotional purposes only. No sales of images allowed. Follow us on Instagram and FB for updates, events and discounts. Discounts to repeat campers. Reach out to me when you are interested in coming. https://www.instagram.com/lafranchtx/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568080263642 If you would like to see a videos from camper see below https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://youtu.be/-cWUlU8l9yI?si=bvq3IBDWp4h_GrdZ__;!!P5FZM7ryyeY!WgQmrFG0RGV_QYIvXYcnQeiuYLpvkktJkpsJD7GwAk6mmI4_e1nNqrnsmUN6tko8QVwiAOJyOA8HymhlLP7b$ https://youtu.be/OydUiRVi8V8 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jH09fJLR0dE

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Tent-only sites

1 site
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Big Pond Tent Site

100%
(36)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
This is an intimate spot on a large pond area of the river down from the road. When I was growing up my parents threw epic keg parties at this spot. I followed suit in college and beyond….There was tons of fun while everyone floated on tubes and had the occasional moss fight. One side is mossy bottom and the other rock. Perfect for swimming and a 150 foot zip line across the river is in the works. For camping It’s the ideal romantic spot with a canoe thrown in to boot. Drive along the bank to your spot. You will be camping on the river bank. Adventurous campers can use the canoe to pack into a spot across the pond in between two gigantic cypress trees. When you book here the entire “pond” is yours for your privacy. See video a camper did on the site. It came out nice! https://youtu.be/ZDJ2nga3Rsg?si=ivypq5hncxb7vQMF If you have a big group and want to relive the days past, sans keg…. Book both this spot and the big camp spot which will accommodate many rvs tents etc….
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No showers

RV/tent sites (dispersed)

10 sites
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The Ridge

100%
(51)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 1 ft
The Ridge is the highest spot on the ranch at 2400 feet. It has the most spectacular view as well. At the edge of a sheer 250 drop off you need to be careful taking in the view! You have an unobstructed view of the sky and the horizon. You wont see any lights out here!! I think the Ridge is one of our most private spots. It is a mile off the main ranch road on a pasture road. Small fires are ok as long as it is not too windy. There are a couple of well placed Live Oaks on the edge which are perfect for a hammock. Please note--the Ridge is a must-see for any camper. If you book the ridge you need to be ok with allowing other campers to make a one-time short visit to check out the view. You may have access to the river for swimming except in reserved designated camp sites.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
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The Ladder Swimming Hole

99%
(48)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 20 ft
Gorgeous Spring-fed swimming/bathing hole. This location is what I think is the best swimming on the place. Its my favorite place to take a bath. There are tons of fish and it is like an aquarium. They hear my Kubota and come to the bank waiting for me to feed them kernel corn and the bass love their worms. Absolutely no fishing at this hole. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDF0ViBIbOY
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
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The Teepee

100%
(26)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 1 ft
My brothers favorite spot to camp with his kids. Very shady and cool and you are lulled in relaxation by the sound of the waterfall below. Nestled at the base of a steep hill on one side and the river on the other shaded by a thick canopy of trees. You will have your own private part of the river to enjoy during your stay.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
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Laf ranch open camping

95%
(21)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 20 ft
The Laf undefined is anywhere on the ranch that is not a defined campsite. Most spots would be on hilltops in open areas. There is plenty of land for privacy and finding a flat spot for a tent and if you have a rig with camper top that would be even better. Some would be suitable for small RV's. You have swimming access to any unbooked campsite on the river…eg ladder, big pond, green cabin plus any other undefined swimming hole.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
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The Big Pond Big Camping Spot

100%
(17)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 25 ft
An approximately 5-acre flat field is perfect for several travel trailers or several tents. It is right across the road from a big part of the river we call The Big Pond. Great sky views. The field will be shredded and can be weed eated by me if you like it super short
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
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Rough Ridge

100%
(9)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 1 ft
The demand for the Ridge has been so great we are creating another campsite on the opposite side! Both Ridge sites will have total privacy and a great view. The difference is the Rough Ridge will be accessed via the Ridge Challenge Trail and you will need a 4x4 and a little nerve. There is currently a fire ring and picnic table. There is room for a tent and a rig with a rooftop tent would be perfect. Same sheer 250 drop off you need to be careful taking in the view! You have an unobstructed view of the sky and the horizon. You wont see any lights out here!! Please note-If you book the ridge you have access to the river for swimming except in reserved designated camp sites. Thanks Fritz 210-385-8766
4WD required
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
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The Big Spring

100%
(9)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 20 ft
The Big Spring is at the far back of the place. It is very isolated and about a mile off the main road. There are numerous places to camp ranging from in an open field for RV's to farther back for tents and camping rigs but no trailers. Low-clearance vehicles would be best as you are winding through and under huge hardwood trees. The Piece de resistance is the Big Spring itself. It is not easy to find or get to, but it is a strong running spring coming out of the side of the mountain into a small pool before the water goes underground to feed the lower river. You access it by descending a natural rock staircase.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
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Ken's Running Pools

100%
(8)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 15 ft
A friend of the family-Ken-has a knack for discovering great campsites so it is time to honor him. This is a fantastic cozy site off the road among beautiful old growth cedar trees so there is plenty of shade. It is a flat nice ground for a tent and you can hear the water from nearby waterfalls.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
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Deer Path Hilltop

100%
(1)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 1 ft
Deer Path Hilltop is a flat elevated area of about two acres. To access it you go up a short path off the road. It's only about 6 feet in elevation--so it's just a bump up and you are up there. The area has a gentle hillside at your back, the road and river in front, and the bluff of the ridge to the other side of you. We call it Deer Path because the deer come off the hill behind you to get a drink from the river each night before going to bed so don't be surprised if they wonder what you are doing there!
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
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NewInstant book

Gentle Spot

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Everyone wants a spot right on the river, but due to the topography at the ranch that is hard to come by. We do have the Ladder, Teepee and Tent site but you figure with 1100 acres and almost two miles of both sides of the river we would be able to come up with more spots....not so!!!...until now. Our good friend of the family, Ken is known for sniffing out great campsites. (We named Kens Pool after him)....Well, in May of 2026 he somehow saw the potential in this spot and removed all the rocks, cut the grass and scrub out, built a firepit and worked on cleaning the area on the riverbank. He stayed there four days. When I went to look at it I felt immediate peace. Its just the right mix of shade, privacy and easy river access. Now granted the part of the river it is at is only two or so feet deep but it reminds me of a time when my sister and I would bring lawnchairs to a certain part of the river and talk. I didnt realize at the time how special it was to be sitting there with our legs in the cool water sharing that moment with her. So Gentle Spot was born. I hope you enjoy it. We will see how it evolves. I am so excited about it I am thinking of building a special ramp and floating area to make it easy to get in without getting dirty. It would be especially good for small children. I am going to wait on that to see peoples reaction and feedback. For now, I am going to make it a special introductory rate of $50 per night.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup

Lodging

1 site
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The Green Cabin

100%
(17)
Cabin · Sleeps 4
The Green Cabin is a rustic one-room cabin with a stove, refrigerator, bed frames with clean new mattresses, and wood stove for heat. It has running water both hot and cold and a very cool outdoor shower!! Outside is a fire pit and bbq. It has the next best thing to a flush toilet… it’s own outhouse. (6-9 update--the outhouse is closed until further notice due to someone putting their trash in the hole) The cabin is at the base of a steep hill on one side and down the hill is your own private swimming hole. It is situated on the prettiest, shadiest, largest flat spot on the ranch. You have the option of staying in the cabin or just having plenty of space for campers and tents. Please note you need to bring your own plates, glasses and utensils. Don’t forget the garbage bags!
Campfires allowed
No toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table

Reviews

99% Recommend250 ratings · 212 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Beautiful Property
16 ft car ·
The Ridge
Beautiful ranch and Fritz is a great host. Had a great time and would definitely go back .
C
Chris B.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
Big Pond Tent Site
Great spot ! Would definitely come back again We went hiking and used the canoe that was provided at tent campground
C
Clayton C.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Camping with dog
Tent · With pets ·
Rough Ridge
This place is beautiful, pictures do not do it justice! Beautiful meadows, access to the river, and stunning views. You could spend days exploring on foot if you wanted. Bring your hiking shoes because you’ll want to hike around. Gorgeous trees and wildlife to spot too! We will be back.
K
Kayla C.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Ken’s pools
Tent ·
Ken's Running Pools
The ranch is amazing! Fritz was super nice and understanding. If you’re having 2nd thoughts about booking this place, dont! You wont regret staying. Hands down the best place in Texas ive ever camped at.
G
George M.
3 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
Absolutely wonderful experience.
Tent · With kids ·
The Teepee
We camped at the Teepee and everything about our stay exceeded my expectations. As an avid camper, lover of secluded places with great vibes, this is the place. The flow of the creek was perfect for my young daughters to play and explore in. The cypress, and ferns that grow there are stunning. The seclusion is SO great. We felt a million miles away from it all, exactly what I wanted. The drive is was SO fun, with river crossings - and the feeling of disappearing further and further into the wild. Fritz was away while we were there, but Ken met us and was delightful. We felt so welcome, and while we knew we had hosts near to help, we never saw or heard a thing but the river flowing, frogs, and birds. Stunning property, great vibes and cannot wait for our next visit.
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Adam G.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
Hidden Treasure
Tent · With pets ·
The Ladder Swimming Hole
We have camped at Laf a few times and will be going back. Fritz is a great host and im grateful he shares his lil slice of paradise with us.
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Jenni S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2026
Tent · With pets ·
The Ridge
Beautiful property with great views. The long roads winding around to get to the property were taken care of and beautiful. Arrival instructions were clear. Fritz was responsive and accommodating. Very reasonable host. I definitely plan on going back.
A
Adriana L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
16 ft car ·
The Ladder Swimming Hole
Our trip to Laf Ranch was great! We stayed at The Ladder and felt that it was a beautiful campsite, it felt private and really enjoyed having the swimming hole right next to us. Fritz was a great host and very friendly and gave us good information about the ranch. If you enjoy off roading as well this site has some good trails, we drove up the ridge road and really enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend this spot!
S
Stefani V.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
A must!
4 ft rooftop tent · With pets ·
Rough Ridge
What a great experience. The land is some of the most beautiful in Texas. If you want a private area with no phone service this is the place. Thanks to the host for a great weekend.
C
Chris K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Loved how private it was!
Tent ·
The Big Spring
Great spot I would’ve never found without hipcamp. Fritz is awesome and this piece of land is really neat. We camped 2 nights in Big Spring and loved it, there’s tons of variety to explore, the drive in is incredible and it seems like Fritz is working on making lots of improvements to the land for better camping spots. He’s got a great HQ spot with a message board for camp/updates. Oh and lastly we loved that we couldn’t get any cell service but that wifi was available at HQ if we needed it. Definitely camp here! Try to get big pond if you can, but all the camping is great.
C
Christian Q.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
The Big Spring
Wow! What a special, beautiful place Fritz has. The drive to get to his land is beautiful as well. One of the best Hipcamps I have been to yet!
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Jacob M.
5 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · With kids ·
The Teepee
We had a 10/10 experience at LAF ranch. I stayed at the Teepee site with my 5 and 3 year old. The ranch is stunningly beautiful, we found several watering holes, and just had an incredible time overall. Fritz' directions were spot on, and the ranch is meticulously kept. Looking forward to going many more times.
M
Michaelcazayoux C.
4 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · With pets ·
The Big Pond Big Camping Spot
I had a blast camping on Fritz’s land! I’m definitely going longer next time! One night was not enough!
H
Holli J.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
Rough Ridge
Fun rugged off grid camping with no cell service! I love the 4x4 route to get to the camp sites. Multiple water crossings to get to property too.
J
Jonathan E.
9 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
SPRING(fed) Break!
Tent ·
Big Pond Tent Site
We had a beautiful spot next to a spring fed creek that was perfect for us. The drive in rivals state/national park vibes and is located relatively close to a few parks, Garner being the closes. Our spot was nestled between a rockwall and a large hill that made it secluded even from the road you drive in on. A huge plus was the canoe that was there for us to use at our leisure. Also worth mentioning, our dog had the best time. Fritz was very welcoming and a great host. Definitely would recommend!
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Andy B.
4 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
10 ft pop-up camper · With kids ·
The Ladder Swimming Hole
Very secluded spot on a ranch with a number of wonderful views and varied topography. Water is crystal clear and I would recommend this as a great place to unplug and experience the beauty of Texas hill country.
J
J.B. Y.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
Rough Ridge
We loved tent camping here! The stars were amazing and lots of wildlife to hear and see. We want to come back to check out all the other camping spots on Laf Ranch!! Drove a stock 4x4 Tacoma, which handled great.
E
Erick M.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · With pets ·
The Ridge
LafRanch is truly a gem. It’s raw camping, breathtaking scenery and a night sky that is intoxicating. The stillness of being so far removed from a city provides a beautiful experience of what camping gets to be. Basically no light pollution, no sounds of city life, air that feels crisp, and campsites with spaciousness around them. The bald cypress that follow the creek, the oak groves peppering the landscape and the pervasive juniper trees all provide wonderful shade and nourishment to the wildlife in the area. From bucks to canyon wrens it’s truly special to get to experience a place as untouched as this in Texas. Fritz is a generous man who goes above and beyond for his guest to be able to experience this gem of Texas.
D
David L.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2026
Rough Ridge
Tent ·
Rough Ridge
I stayed at the Rough Ridge. It had awesome views and was very secluded. The road getting to it from one directions is very easy. The other road is a little more challenging (fun) but would recommend 4x4. Fritz was a very gracious host and there was great communication from him after booking. I looked at all his sites and you can't go wrong with any of them. Thank you Fritz for sharing you place with everyone.
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Chris T.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Rough Ridge
This was truly a remote spot that felt like you were nowhere near civilization although it was only a 1.5 hour drive from Helotes. We loved the views, river crossings, and hiking. It was so nice to be able to let our small dogs hike with us off leash- and feel so safe! The campsite was clean and had a picnic table as well as great trees to hang your hammock. Communication with host was punctual and friendly. We will definitely be back and try out different spots on the property.
L
Lee P.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Big Pond Tent Site
Such a great spot! Fritz was a welcoming host and the property is stunning.
K
Katy H.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Big Pond Tent Site
This spot is absolutely amazing! The pond site is beautiful, very private, and quiet. I drove in with a RTT on my 4runner and made it easily to the property with plenty of room to set up. The written directions were spot on and Fritz was very welcoming upon arrival. Plenty of great views to hike around and see as well. I’ll definitely be back!
J
Jax W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
20 ft campervan · With pets ·
The Ridge
Owner was extremely nice and welcoming! Land was clean with clear directions on how to get to the spot. The ridge had a great view of the land and a great spot to watch the sunrise. Definitely recommend.
J
Juan R.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Beautiful terrain, excellent host
Tent · With pets ·
The Big Spring
Love camping and exploring the Faust Ranch. You can set up camp and wander without being right on top of other guests. We stayed up by the big spring and trekked all over; ridge, fords, creeks, etc. Fritz is a great host and set us up for success with maps and directions. We ran into him several times throughout the weekend as he rode over the ranch checking on guests. Exceptional place to camp if you want to get away from overcrowded state and national parks, but still experience the Hill Country.
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Roy D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent · With pets ·
The Ridge
What an amazing place. Breathtaking view and a fun drive to get there. We will definitely be back.
V
Vince C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent · With pets ·
The Ladder Swimming Hole
SUCH a gorgeous property. My dog and I had a lovely stay at the ladder swimming hole site. The price is steep but I feel it was worth it for access to some of the most beautiful land the hill country has to offer, and given how inaccessible remote camping is in Texas. Fritz was super hospitable and nice to chat with. I saw him once near the beginning of my stay and then didn’t see anybody else the rest of the time - with the exception of other campers occasionally driving past near the site, but it wasn’t bothersome at all. It felt pretty remote. So peaceful and quiet, except for the coyotes we heard howling in the distance at night, which I thought was really cool. As for the road getting there, I have a RAV4 with front wheel drive and it did okay, but I would be nervous about anything with lower clearance. Oh and definitely try to get there before sunset. Overall, one of my favorite spots I’ve ever camped! Thanks so much Fritz! I hope to come back someday!
C
Celeste H.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Gorgeous, scenic camp…
Tent · With pets ·
The Ladder Swimming Hole
We stayed at The Ladder. It was absolutely beautiful! I do not have one negative thing to say about the space. Even the lack of cell service (be advised) and the complete unplug, was a nice change. Getting up on the ridge, and looking down in the canyon was just…. Amazing! The owner was very nice, put up with my questions, and shared some history of the place with me. I love that they want to keep it as natural as possible, and that was one of the main things that sold us on the place. . We will definitely be back in the summer time!
S
Sheila C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Repeat Campers
Tent · With pets ·
The Ridge
We’ve camped at three different spots here and have enjoyed them all. Highly recommend the Laf Ranch.
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Kevin V.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
Rough Ridge Best Stay!
Tent ·
Rough Ridge
Fritz is an amazing host! This is my 2nd time back to LAF ranch! If you’re looking for amazing views of the sunset/sunrise book one of the ridge sites you won’t regret it! I’ll be coming back to this site many more times!
J
James G.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
Tent · With pets ·
The Ladder Swimming Hole
We had a wonderful time camping at LAF Ranch! The ladder swimming hole is a beautiful spot and we loved that everything felt really serene & secluded! We loved that it's dog friendly - ours had the time of her life out here! We would definitely return.
S
Sydney R.
6 years on Hipcamp

Location

Medina, Bandera, Texas, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar

Hosted by Fritz F.

Joined in September 2023
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 4 hours

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