Not all of Texas is full of ranches and cowboys; however, visitors who want to experience the cowboy lifestyle can do it on guest ranches and dude ranches. A dude ranch is simply a vacation destination on a working ranch. The ranches listed below will teach you how to ride a horse while also offering incredible lodging options. Many of the ranches listed are actually located in the ‘Cowboy Capital of Texas’ in Bandera. Get your cowboy boots on and head to these top dude ranches in the Lone Star State for your next getaway.
Rancho Cortez, Bandera
Hit the trails on horseback or simply lounge by the pool and spa at Rancho Cortez. Miles of trails are at your fingertips at this family-owned dude ranch. However, Rancho Cortez is not just a dude ranch but also a fitness camp. Learn how to lose weight and eat right with the on-site gym and various fitness classes led by encouraging instructors. No matter if you want to find a healthier you or simply find some relaxation, Rancho Cortez is a great dude ranch destination in Bandera.
Beaumont Ranch, Grandview
Beaumont is a guest ranch with an outdoor adventure resort and event center on its 800 acres of land that sit amongst picturesque rolling hills. It’s only 35 minutes south of Dallas/Fort Worth, home to lots of wildlife, including longhorns, horses, llamas, and wildlife. You can stay overnight in one of the cozy suites, rooms, and guest cabins. There is a wealth of outdoor recreation on offer, such as horseback trail rides, sporting clay shooting, archery, extreme ATV tours, zip-lining, and cattle drives.
Cibolo Creek Ranch, Marfa
Go all out with a stay at Cibolo Creek Ranch, a luxury five-star West Texas ranch resort with a 19th-century atmosphere and modern amenities. The ranch is a remote, peaceful escape with picturesque views of the Chinati Mountains, offering motorized tours, horseback rides, shooting activities, hunting, and viewing of Native American rock art, along with opportunities to explore the ranch’s on-site museum. Located on 30,000 acres, its rooms in historically renovated fort sites embody the best of ranch living.
Mayan Ranch, Bandera
Mayan Ranch is perfect for families, located in Bandera and is surrounded by the Medina River. Lodging options vary from cottages to single rooms. There are many things to do during your stay at Mayan Ranch. Included in your stay are two 50-minute horseback rides a day, and the guides make even the beginner rider feel comfortable. Don’t miss out on some river fun, such as tubing, fishing, or swimming in the Medina. After all that horsing around, you’re sure to build up an appetite. Therefore also included in your stay are three meals fit for a cowboy, and the meals vary from Tex-Mex to barbecue.
Y.O. Ranch, Kerrville
Y.O. Ranch is a popular ranch-style hotel and conference center right off Interstate 10 in the Texas Hill Country. Located in Kerrville, this is a large ranch that sprawls over 600,000 acres in a beautiful landscape and truly celebrates the Old West. The Y.O. Ranch Headquarters offers guided horseback riding, deer hunting, and wildlife tours. Nearby in Kerrville, you can visit the Kerrville Hills Winery, play golf, go kayaking or canoeing, and visit the Museum of Western Art.
Dixie Dude Ranch, Bandera
Located on 725 acres, the Dixie Dude Ranch is still a working ranch in Bandera that raises cattle, goats, and pigs. Your stay at Dixie Dude Ranch will be in either a cabin, cottage, bunkhouse, or a room in the lodge. Feel free to relax at the pool or go on a hike hunting for arrowheads. A dude ranch wouldn’t be complete without horseback riding, therefore learn the ropes by trained cowboys that actually compete in rodeo events.
Texas Ranch Life, Chappell Hill
Texas Ranch Life is a 1,800-acre working ranch in the hills of Austin County. Located an hour west of Houston, home to American bison, quarter horses, Texas Longhorn herds, and other wildlife. Historic Texas homes have been restored and decorated with authentic Texas décor to accommodate guests. Horseback riding experiences are available to both lodging guests and day visitors and take you through the rolling hills and wildflower meadows. Other activities include ranch work demos, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, Kawasaki adventures, cattle drives, ranch work, tomahawk throwing, and skeet shooting.
Flying L Ranch Resort, Bandera
For those wanting all your modern amenities in a dude ranch, Flying L Ranch Resort is the ranch for you. Complete with an 18-hole golf course and a water park, Flying L is a little bit different than your rough-and-tumble dude ranches. However, for those who still want to get dirty on the range, there are hayrides and horseback rides on this 542-acre ranch. End your day with a filling dinner and roaring campfire perfect for s’mores.
Hill Country Equestrian Lodge, Bandera
Horse lovers and those wanting to learn more about horses will love staying at Hill Country Equestrian Lodge. This dude ranch focuses on the bond between horse and rider, so expect well-taught lessons and attentive guides. Hill Country Equestrian Lodge is even home to summer riding camps and riding clinics. However, don’t think you need to get on a horse to enjoy this dude ranch. Take a hike or even enjoy the spa services here too.
Prude Ranch, Fort Davis
Located in Fort Davis, Prude Ranch offers fun for the whole family. Enjoy scenic mountain scenery during a relaxing horseback ride here. For those who truly want a cowboy experience, choose to camp on an overnight trail ride lead by Prude Ranch. End your day with a buffet-style meal that is sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Twin Elm Guest Ranch, Bandera
Enjoy nice accommodations, home-cooked meals and a rodeo every weekend at the Twin Elm Guest Ranch. This ranch overlooks the Medina River and Indian Creek in Bandera. This is the dude ranch to visit to truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are no TVs or telephones found in the rooms, so expect to have a relaxing time without interruption. Founded in 1939, this 230-acre ranch is actually one of the oldest dude ranches in the picturesque Texas Hill Country.
