24 Best Texas Dude Ranches

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Texas is the largest state within the contiguous United States, offering travelers an endless list of superb dude ranches to choose from. A dude ranch is really just a vacation destination that is located on a working ranch. Many of the guest ranches in Texas provide charming, western-style accommodations, sweeping properties full of wildlife and breathtaking scenery, and exceptional Southern hospitality. Whether travelers are looking for that one-of-a-kind hunting trip, authentic ranch-style cuisine, a little peace and quiet, or days filled with outdoor adventures, this list of 25 Texas dude ranches is the perfect place to start the search. Travelers should grab their cowboy hats and boots, and book their next getaway in the Lone Star State.

© Cibolo Creek Ranch

Cibolo Creek Ranch is one of Texas’ oldest ranches, where historical artifacts, antiques, and art come together to create an authentic nineteenth century atmosphere. The ranch’s dwellings evoke a real sense of togetherness, often culminating at the long table in the dining room during mealtime. Guests can spend their days exploring the ranch’s 30,000 acres of marvelous wilderness, as well as enjoy a wide array of fun activities led by enthusiastic ranch hands. ATV rides, hunting excursions, sporting clays, wildlife photography; hiking, boating, fishing, stargazing, and horseback riding, are just a handful of the classic experiences offered at Cibolo Creek.

97139 U.S. Highway 67, Marfa, TX, Phone: 432-229-3737

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BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch is a marvelous bed and breakfast that can be found at the Lehmann Legacy Ranch – a sprawling 500-acre working ranch that is located about an hour’s drive west of Houston, Texas. Visitors can unwind in the relaxing and peaceful countryside environment, surrounded by the ranch’s towering live oaks. Guests will have their choice of charming accommodations, complete with private baths, kitchens, and furnished with antiques. Guests that are interested in doing a little horseback riding will find the ranch well-equipped; they can enjoy leisurely rides through the oak forests and meadows, past soothing ponds, and across bubbling creeks. Travelers will find everything they need for a tranquil escape at BlissWood.

13597 Frantz Road, Cat Spring, TX, Phone: 713-301-3235

© 4-D Guest Ranch

4-D Guest Ranch is a sprawling dude ranch that is conveniently situated about 9 miles off of Interstate 10, between San Antonio and Houston, Texas. The ranch features premier, rustic lodging coupled with opulent amenities. The ranch sits on 950 acres of pristine wilderness that is surrounded by high-fence and divided up into several hunting parcels. On the parcels, guests will find 12 rifle stands capable of holding three people, and six mobile bow blinds. 4-D is well-stocked with over 30 different species of exotic game, along with a plethora of trophy whitetail deer. The ranch offers its guests the opportunity to enjoy some of the best shooting, hunting, and fishing, that there is in Texas.

5974 County Road 444, Waelder, TX, Phone: 830-540-4447

© Dixie Dude Ranch

Dixie Dude Ranch is an established guest ranch that’s been operating for more than 75 years in Bandera, Texas. This sprawling ranch provides an idyllic setting for the perfect Western retreat, where visitors can relax, unwind, and simply let the everyday worries fade away. Situated just an hour west from San Antonio, Dixie Dude Ranch has been a popular returning point for school trips, Texas Hill Country honeymoon’s, family reunions, summer vacations, and much more. Guests will be treated to plenty of horseback riding, spacious and comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals, along with the ranch’s long tradition of Southern dude ranch hospitality. Other fun activities include swimming, hiking, fishing, and playing horseshoes.

833 Dixie Dude Ranch Road, Bandera, TX, Phone: 830-796-7771

© Flying L Ranch Resort

Flying L Ranch Resort is situated on 542-acres of well-manicured and managed property in Bandera, Texas. The resort is equipped with cozy 1-4 bedroom apartments and suites that boast Western-style décor. The accommodations also feature complimentary Wi-Fi, fireplaces, and cable TV. The resort has two country-style eateries, a convenience store, a saloon, and a pizzeria. Additional resort amenities include an 18-hole championship golf course, a miniature golf course, and a water park. Guests can also partake in a plethora of fun and exciting outdoor activities, such as wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, tennis, hay rides, and campfires.

675 Flying L Drive, Bandera, TX, Phone: 830-796-7745

© Hill Country Equestrian Lodge

Hill Country Equestrian Lodge offers travelers the ultimate nature and horseback riding vacations in Bandera, Texas. This Texas Hill Country ranch provides a private and quiet environment for guests to relax in, surrounded by open spaces with exquisite vistas. At the Hill Country Equestrian Lodge, miles of trails meander their way through 6000 picturesque acres of wildflowers, yucca, and live oaks; while rabbits, wild turkey, deer, and other wildlife species roam the property. The ranch’s luxurious and authentic accommodations, educational and interactive horseback riding programs, and personalized service, set this ranch apart from many of its competitors. The lodge also features spa services in the form of manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages.

1580 Hay Holler Road, Bandera, TX, Phone: 830-796-7950

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Historic Prude Ranch is an excellent guest ranch that combines the best of Old West wilderness with modern amenities for an unforgettable Western vacation. This ranch serves as both a working cattle ranch and guest ranch, and has for more than 80 years. Travelers will find the sprawling Historic Prude Ranch located in west Texas. The ranch is home to many year-round activities that include outdoor education programs, organized horseback riding sessions, family reunions, vacations, corporate retreats, and the annual Texas Star Party. From the indoor swimming pool to the basketball and tennis courts to the beautiful riding and hiking trails to the large open-air pavilion, this ranch has everything needed for packing a Texas getaway full of fun.

201 Prude Guest Ranch Road, Fort Davis, TX, Phone: 432-426-3201

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© Iron Horse Guest Ranch

Iron Horse Guest Ranch offers travelers a place to unwind, take in views of the countryside, and let the everyday troubles roll away. Located in Plantersville, Texas, the ranch first got its start in October of 2014, when Vic & Debbie Wilcox and Alex & Niki Henson jump-started their venture. Iron Horse is equipped with a couple of rustic cabins that feature kitchenettes, 32” HDTVs, 1-2 bedrooms, and private bathrooms. There are plenty of fun things to do around the ranch, including gathering eggs the chickens have laid, feeding cattle, horseback riding, fishing, and roasting marshmallows while gazing up at the sparkling, star-lit sky.

25896 Riley Road, Plantersville, TX, Phone: 936-419-3425

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© Laguna Vista Ranch

Laguna Vista Ranch specializes in quality whitetail deer and exotic hunts with personalized service, while providing only the finest of trophy animals. For the discerning whitetail deer, exotic animal, and elk enthusiasts, Laguna Vista Ranch is a sprawling Texas paradise. Over 20 different species of native, European, and African big game animals are thriving in an open-air habitat that’s about a 45-minute drive south of San Antonio, Texas. With the ranch’s 7,000-sqaure-foot luxury lodging, visitors will be treated to gourmet meals three times a day, first-class transportation, unlimited beverages, and well-trained guides. They’ll also have access to the hot tub and swimming pool, as well as breathtaking views around the entire Laguna Vista Ranch.

17289 West FM 140, Pearsall, TX, Phone: 281-798-7435

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© Mayan Dude Ranch

The Mayan Dude Ranch is located approximately 47 miles northwest of San Antonio, Texas, within beautiful Hill Country. This sprawling 348-acre dude ranch is owned and under the operation of the Hicks family, and has been for more than 50 years. Picturesque trials meander their way throughout the property, from the lowlands around the Medina River to high up in the hills, overlooking the valley. Guests will find themselves in a world filled with western warmth and hospitality, plenty of cowboy and cowgirl activities, and exciting adventures around every corner. Guests will enjoy attractive rooms with rustic décor, three hardy meals each day, use of the tennis courts, and two daily horseback rides.

350 Mayan Ranch Road, Bandera, TX, Phone: 830-796-3312

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Muller’s Ark Guest Ranch is a picturesque dude ranch that is nestled on 100 pristine Texas Hill Country acres in Bandera, Texas. The ranch provides several charming accommodations that meet a variety of needs and budgets. Its headquarters is situated high up on a bluff that overlooks the winding Medina River, yielding marvelous views of all of Hill Country. With a frontage of nearly one mile in length along the Medina River, guests can conveniently enjoy fishing, swimming, and picnics at the river. There are many scenic trails on the property for guests to hike along; they may even see some wildlife in the form of peafowl, geese, deer, and wild turkey.

714 Peaceful Valley Road, Bandera, TX, Phone: 830-796-3420

© Rivers West Ranch

Rivers West Ranch is a 2,100-acre retreat and wedding venue that is located approximately two hours west of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, on the Brazos River’s Clear Fork. This ranch is an idyllic destination for family adventures, hunting trips, corporate team retreats, memorable occasions, and special celebrations. The spacious Ranch House is situated atop Johnson Mountain and features three bedrooms and three baths. It’s also equipped with a great room that has a wood-burning fireplace, a ping-pong and pool table, and a modern, state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen. Guests will have a variety of fun outdoor activities to choose from, such as kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, skeet/target shooting, cat fishing, and bass fishing.

FM 701, Breckenridge, TX, Phone: 254-559-5505

© Rockin’ B Ranch

Rockin’ B Ranch is a wonderfully-serene, 55-acre dude ranch that is located in the center of the picturesque Texas Hill Country. This sprawling property is equipped with four unique houses that can accommodate a variety of needs and group sizes, including the solo-traveler, couples, families, low-key honeymooners, corporate retreats, and more. Guests can take advantage of some catch-and-release fishing in the spring-fed creek, go for a bike or hike along scenic trails, or simply lounge and relax in one of the ranch’s outdoor hot tubs. Additional ranch amenities include a swimming pool, billiards table, and outdoor fire pits. After adventure-filled days, guests can unwind by a warm campfire under the shimmering Texas night sky.

776 Mountain View Lane, Pipe Creek, TX, Phone: 210-421-1417

© Silver Spur Guest Ranch

Travelers looking for a relaxing place to escape to for a while should consider one of the finer dude ranches in Bandera, Texas – the Silver Spur Guest Ranch. The ranch has been lovingly redecorated and renovated by the Walsmith family prior to its opening to the public. This beautiful Texas Hill Country property features a poolside gazebo, hay barn, a Junior Olympic size swimming pool, playground, and The Healing Studio – a wellness center. The ranch is situated adjacent to the Hill Country State Natural Area, which offers over 5,600 acres of pristine wilderness for guests to enjoy wildlife watching, camping, fishing, and horseback riding in. During their stay, guests may also encounter a country band, trick roper show, singing cowboy, or storyteller.

9266 Bandera Creek Road, Bandera, TX, Phone: 830-796-3037

© Texas Ranch Life

Texas Ranch Life is a new bed and breakfast located within Austin County’s rolling hills, about an hour’s drive west of Houston, Texas. Guests staying here will have their days filled with fresh country air, beautiful wildflowers, and endless adventures. Guests will enjoy a peaceful stay on the quiet, 1,800-acre Lonesome Pine Ranch, which was originally settled in the year of 1823. This working ranch offers a tremendous amount of beautiful scenery, and is also home to abundant wildlife, American Bison, quarter horses, and a large Texas Longhorn herd. Some of the ranch’s top outdoor activities include skeet shooting, fishing, tomahawk throwing, cattle drives, mountain biking, Kawasaki adventures, and horseback riding.

10848 Cactus Lane, Chappell Hill, TX, Phone: 979-865-3649

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Rancho Cortez is a marvelous, year-round dude ranch that is located approximately an hour northwest of San Antonio, in Bandera, Texas. Travelers looking to escape the concrete urban jungle will appreciate the ranch’s beautifully-rugged landscapes and broad variety of wildlife species. The ranch’s accommodations are cozy, feature Western-style décor, and are equipped with modern amenities. Rancho Cortez also boasts a spacious indoor pool, a shimmering outdoor pool, large porches, covered decks, and a rejuvenating hot tub. Between the ranch and the adjacent Hill Country State Natural Area, guests will have more than 40 miles of pristine trails to hike, mountain bike, and ride horses on.

872 Hay Hollar Road, Bandera, TX, Phone: 830-796-9339

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The Sugar & Spice Ranch is an all-inclusive dude ranch that is located in Bandera, Texas, just west of San Antonio. The ranch and its staff specialize in fostering positive bonding experiences through the use of structured activities, including weekend and summer getaways, trail ride excursions, and horseback riding camps. The ranch offers several packages that cater to a variety of wants and needs, including the Mother and Daughter horseback riding package, a women’s-only Saddles and Mats package, and Family Getaway packages. The packages include all snacks and meals, lodging, tack, horses, and riding lessons. Spa treatments may be made available upon request, but are subject to additional fees.

884 Rikki Drive, Bandera, TX, Phone: 830-460-8487

© Twin Elm Ranch

Twin Elm Ranch is among the oldest dude ranches still operating in the picturesque Hill Country of Bandera, Texas. The ranch is situated just a few miles from downtown Bandera, which is recognized as the ‘Cowboy Capital of the World’, and also home to several world-champion rodeo stars. Twin Elm Ranch offers an idyllic Texas destination for family vacations, youth group retreats, corporate conventions, reunions, and private parties. Around the ranch, guests can enjoy games of basketball, horseshoes, or volleyball, they can also take refreshing dips in the sparkling swimming pool. Twin Elm offers plenty of outdoor adventures for guests to partake in, including horseback riding, hayrides, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

810 FM 470, Bandera, TX, Phone: 830-796-3628

© Valley View Guest Ranch

Valley View Guest Ranch is a wonderfully-scenic dude ranch that is conveniently situated about a 90-minute drive west from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in central Texas. This splendid 37-acre property is nestled within the rolling Palo Pinto Mountains, amid pure Texas nature. The ranch’s 450-squre-foot cottage is equipped with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, a double sink, and spacious shower. There are also three cabins on the property that feature covered porches overlooking the valley. Guests will have access to a large, outdoor swimming pool, as well as an oversized Jacuzzi. There are plenty of outdoor activities available for guests to enjoy, such as riding ATVs, horseback riding, and rifle shooting.

4995 Chesnut Mountain Road, Palo Pinto, TX, Phone: 817-575-7328

© West 1077 Guest Ranch

Travelers will find the West 1077 Guest Ranch located at the very center of the stunning Texas Hill Country in Bandera, Texas, an hour northwest of San Antonio. This sweeping ranch is situated on what used to be a working cattle ranch, retaining much of its charm and simple ways of life from that time period. Travelers can expect a more low-key atmosphere at West 1077, with an emphasis on peace and quiet, relaxation, and beautiful scenery. Guests will still have plenty to see and do, including hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. The ranch’s Old-West-style lodge has been recently renovated and features a pool table, fireplace, and several TVs.

9061 Bandera Creek Road, Bandera, TX, Phone: 830-896-5675

© Wildcatter Ranch Resort and Spa

Wildcatter Ranch Resort and Spa is a premier dude ranch that is located just minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth, in the beautiful North Texas Hill Country. The ranch offers the perfect setting for corporate retreats, weddings, family-vacations, friends-reunions, and romantic getaways. Visitors can enjoy everything from authentic Texas cuisine to therapeutic massages to guided activities to horseback riding to Western-styled guest rooms. The ranch offers charming hotel rooms, upscale cabin-suites, and beautiful guest homes, all of which are equipped with special amenities for an unforgettable stay. Some of the ranch’s more popular outdoor activities include sport clay shooting, archery, historic jeep tours, and simply lounging by the shimmering infinity-edge swimming pool.

6062 Highway 16 South, Graham, TX, Phone: 940-549-3500

© Y.O. Ranch

Y.O. Ranch is a guest ranch that offers authentic Old West hospitality and attractive accommodations in Kerrville, Texas. The ranch’s 190 guest rooms are spacious, non-smoking, and comfortably furnished. They feature Mexican Saltillo tile floors, private patios or balconies, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. For dining and entertainment options, the ranch has The Branding Iron Restaurant and Elm Waterhole available. The Elm Waterhole is a charming saloon where guests can relax with a pint of craft beer and watch sports on TV or shoot some billiards. The ranch provides its guests with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting, sport clay shooting, golfing, ranching, and horseback riding.

2033 Sidney Baker, Kerrville, TX, Phone: 830-257-4440

© Yellow Rose Ranch

Yellow Rose Ranch is a marvelous guest ranch that is situated in one of the most beautiful areas that the famous Texas Hill Country has to offer. Nestled at Hondo Creek and located near three sparkling lakes, Yellow Rose offers its guests unrivaled natural beauty and opportunities for water activities. This ranch provides an idyllic destination for any families, couples, or groups of friends that are looking to escape the daily hustle and bustle of urban living. From the Spring Lake House to the Hall House to the Pavilion House to the Hunter’s Cabin, guests will enjoy spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped accommodations. Fun and exciting ranch activities include catch and release fishing, canoeing, and horseback riding.

294 Deer Road, Tarpley, TX, Phone: 210-294-2517

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Golden Eagle Ranch is a traditional guest ranch that is located within the Edwards Plateau/Central Texas Hill Country area, in Hext, Texas. It’s situated at the end of the road, providing plenty of privacy and seclusion. This is an excellent place for travelers to come and relax or enjoy a little hunting. Guests who are traveling to the ranch specifically for hunting will find it well-stocked with Lechwe, Addax, Axis, Blackbuck, Elk, Whitetail, and Rio Grande Turkeys all throughout the property. The lodge is spacious, comfortably furnished, and features a lot of Western-style décor. Golden Eagle Ranch offers its guests one-of-a-kind hunting excursions with some of the finest trophy animals found in Texas.

PO Box 1503, Hext, TX, Phone: 325-456-3203