Ranchview Off Grid Cabin

Prepare to time travel while camping at the Ranchview Cabin! Built in the early 1900's, this cabin has no electricity, water, or air conditioning – so come prepared to live life without our 21st century luxuries. Ranchview Cabin offers a beautiful retreat from the fast paced life we experience on an everyday basis.

My dog, Pilgrim, and I stayed at Ranchview earlier this week and thoroughly enjoyed our time spent there. When we arrived, Joan met us at the main house and gave us a tour of her beautiful flower and veggies garden. We talked for a while before her son, Shannon, came over with the 4x4 to drive us to the cabin. Since it had rained recently, my car wasn't equipped to drive through the fields... however, if it hasn't rained in a while (or you drive a 4x4), you can drive yourself to the cabin, which is set about a half mile back on the farm. They gave me a tour of the cabin and left me on my own – just me, my dog, and the beautiful summer sounds resounding across the property.

We spent the afternoon exploring, watching cows graze, and swimming in the pond. It was a hot 87º on the day of our visit and Pilgrim spent most of his time cooling off in the pond. I made the mistake of not bringing enough water and had to walk all the way back to the main house to get more. So make sure you bring plenty of supplies, including food and water, since this cabin is a good 20 minute walk from the main house (which is very peaceful, but not so fun if you forget your water!).

Joan was a wonderful and inviting host and the property was beautiful. Overall, the Ranchview Cabin was a great place to camp and we very much enjoyed our visit. Come prepared with lots of water (especially in the summertime) and you will too!

Be ready to go off grid. There's no water, nor electricity, but it oddly lends itself to the charm of this cabin. While researching other sites and locations, I kept coming back to Ranchview. It's an ideal place to retreat and decompress. If you can handle backcountry camping, this cabin will be a luxury. And the owners couldn't have been any kinder, nor hospitable.
I arrived after dark, and they guided me out into the cold night through a pasture of glowing curious cattle eyes to the destination. They'd lit the stove earlier, so we we arrived it was very comfortable inside. We went over all the important details, and they left me and my dog on our own.
The cabin is surrounded by trees on three sides, with an open front yard that looks beyond the fenced perimeter into the cattle pasture. I was concerned about the cabin being too cold or drafty at night, but it's well insulated and the stove kept the entire room warm at night. The beds were extremely comfortable, covered with a blanket and down comforter. There is a kerosene lantern and candles for some lighting. If you need to venture out at night, bring a headlamp or flashlight.
During the day, I walked the property. From my understanding there was some hiking nearby, but I never left the grounds. Make sure you bring plenty of water. For a 3-night 4-day stay, I brought 2x 5gal water jugs, which was perfect.
I'd easily stay here again.

The wife and I stayed here for our last little getaway before our baby’s arrival and we are very glad we chose this little old cabin! It’s only an hour away from Dallas and it was perfect to get away from all the city distractions and enjoy the peace and quiet with our two dogs. Joan was beyond helpful as she has the cabin stocked with essential supplies and the interior vintage decor was picture perfect. She and her son supplied us with more than plenty wood to keep the cabin nice and cozy during the near freezing temperatures. We’re already talking to our friends about coming back and folks are asking for info on the cabin. We will definitely come back soon!

I highly recommend a visit to this charming cabin! The host has taken great care to make this a cozy, comfortable getaway location. We spent hours soaking in the warmth of the old wood burning stove and enjoying the quiet (interupted only by occasional mooing from baby cows). No need to worry about the cold as the fire will keep you warm. For a day trip out of the cabin explore the small towns and amazing Amish bakery on the way to hike in Mineola Natural Preserve. Again, can't say enough good things about our stay here.

Joan’s cabin is so pretty. Take a Laura Ingalls Wilder book and enjoy your own little house on the prairie. She provided gallons of water for washing up, wash bins, all linens, extra blankets and pillows, pots and pans and silverware, and a wood chip toilet. There is a fire pit and wood.

Boy did we love this place. Quiet, simple, beautiful and a perfect place to step away from the city.
Joan was great as well and just absolutely precious!
Thanks Joan!

Response from Joan, the Host, on May 28th, 2018

Thank you Claire. It was such a pleasure having you and your family.

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