Are you looking for the best Texas Dude Ranches for your vacation? Well, look no more. We bring to you a selection of the best dude ranches in Texas where you can live at a ranch-like property.
Texas is full of stunning scenery, wildlife, and Southern hospitality but most importantly, it is popular for its western lifestyle. Do you remember watching movies about cowboys who lived on a ranch, tended to the horses, and enjoyed a campfire in the wild?
Well, you can live the same life too by staying at one of the dude ranches in Texas. Experience the Texas culture, the Wild West days, and have some fun experiences.
If you don’t like the dust and dirt, then don’t worry! There are a few luxurious Western-style ranches and resorts available too. So, you don’t have to worry about the grime but can enjoy all the glamour.
Not sure which ranch resort you should stay in? Then, check out our list of the 10 best Texas Dude Ranches you must visit in the state.
Why Are They Called Dude Ranches?
In the 1880s, ‘dude’ didn’t mean something like ‘bro’ or buddy, it had a completely different meaning. The slang was popularly used by the western cattle ranchers, popularly known as the cowboys, for the urban dwellers.
As a result, when the East Coast residents learned about the ranch visits in the Wild West, they started planning their vacations. They would stay in ranches where the owners charged them for the stays and helped them experience authentic ranch activities.
The ranches that opened up to host these tourists were called guest ranches, or dude ranches. The first dude ranch was opened by Eaton Brothers in Dakota Badlands and Teddy Roosevelt was one of their customers. He tried the cowboy life and fell in love with the fishing, hunting, and horseback riding adventures.
Due to President Roosevelt’s great interest in western life, several East Coast dwellers planned their own vacation in the West. In fact, many of them would dress up in cowboy hats, boots, clothes, etc. to get the proper feel of western life.
Since then, many luxury ranches in Texas have opened up to host more visitors.
10 Best Texas Dude Ranches
Flying L Ranch Resort
If you are looking for luxury ranch resorts in Texas, then Flying L Ranch Resort is a good choice.
Located in Bandera, this is one of the best Texas dude ranches that feature four-bedroom villas for visitors to stay in. That’s not all.
This Bandera Texas dude ranch is also home to five restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, a business center, a general store, and a conference room. Moreover, there is a water park including the lazy river available here for the entire family to enjoy.
Apart from the luxuries, this Texas dude ranch also has several scenic trails for the guests to explore. You can also indulge in typical ranch activities like roping, archery, horseback riding, fishing, and more.
If you are looking for a western-style family vacation, then Flying L Ranch Resort is one of the top Texas dude ranches to consider.
BlissWood Bed & Breakfast Ranch
BlissWood Bed & Breakfast Ranch is one of the best ranch resorts in Texas and is only an hour’s drive from Houston.
This dude ranch near Houston is 500-acres big and is a great place to unwind and enjoy the countryside environment. With packages available for everyone including honeymoon couples, solo travelers, and kids, this dude ranch is the best way to experience the western lifestyle without compromising on your comfort.
You have a good selection of accommodations available here including private baths, kitchens, and antique furnishings. There are many fun activities to enjoy here as well such as hiking, fishing, archery, trap shooting, and so on.
For a peaceful time, visitors can plan picnics beside the lake covered with lily pad. You can also go on safaris to watch wildlife or go horseback riding through the bluebonnet fields for a memorable experience.
Trust me, this is one of the best luxury Texas dude ranches that you must stay in the state.
Dixie Dude Ranch
Are you looking for the best dude ranches in Texas Hill Country? Then, look no more. Dixie Dude Ranch is one of the top dude ranches located in Bandera county that makes for the perfect weekend getaway.
The Bandera texas dude ranch is an all-inclusive resort in Texas where visitors can sleep comfortably in the charming, cozy cabins. It has been operating for over 75 years now and offers an idyllic setting where the visitors can relax and experience the western lifestyle.
If you are looking for a dude ranch near San Antonio, then Dixie Dude Ranch is only an hour from the city. It is a popular place to visit as a day trip from San Antonio and is ideal for family vacations or honeymoons.
The ranch offers many activities to visitors including horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and so on. That’s not all, there is an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and campfires also available here for guests to enjoy.
This is undoubtedly one of the best Texas dude ranches for a western retreat in the country.
Check Prices on Tripadvisor.com
Wildcatter Ranch and Resort
Wildcatter Ranch and Resort is a popular dude ranch near Dallas that offers premium experience to the guests.
It is located in Graham and is just a two-hour’s drive from Dallas. This is one of the best luxury ranch resorts in texas overlooking Brazos River and offers a hotel room, a cabin suite, and a guest house as accommodation options to visitors.
One of the best Texas dude ranches for weddings, family vacations, reunions, etc., Wildcatter Ranch and Resort provides several unique experiences to its guests. From Texas cuisine to relaxing massages, you can do a lot here.
There are many fun activities to do here as well such as horseback riding, hiking, fishing, archery, and more. Plus, after a tiring day, you can simply enjoy in the infinity pool or the hot tub that is available at this ranch resort.
So, if you want a fun and luxurious ranch stay, then Wildcatter Ranch and Resort is the best choice.
Mayan Dude Ranch
One of the top places to visit in Texas Hill Country is the Mayan Dude Ranch. This dude ranch near San Antonio has been owned and operated by the Hicks family for over 50 years.
The scenic beauty surrounding this ranch will blow your mind and there are plenty of trails going through the lowlands to the hills from where you can enjoy a stunning view of the valley.
Experience the unique southern hospitality at this ranch and participate in the fun cowboy and cowgirl activities here. From horseback riding to eating BBQ, to swimming in the pool, there is a lot to do around here with your family.
Trust me, this is one of the top texas ranch vacations to take with your family or friends. If you are looking for Texas dude ranches to enjoy a family vacation, then Mayan Dude Ranch is an ideal choice!
Check Prices on Tripadvisor.com
Prude Ranch
Located in Fort Davis, Prude Ranch is one of the best ranch stays in Texas for family vacations, corporate retreats, and more.
It is one of the top texas ranch getaways, especially if you love being surrounded by glorious mountains. Here, you can experience the best of Old Wild West along with the modern amenities for a fun yet relaxing vacation.
The ranch has been operational as a guest ranch and a cattle ranch for over 80 years. It also offers stunning views of the Big Bend mountain ranges along with many fun and adventurous activities.
There is horseback riding sessions, hiking trails, a swimming pool, a basketball court, and much more to enjoy here. So, if you are looking for good Texas dude ranches for a vacation, then do check out Prude Ranch.
Check Prices on Tripadvisor.com
Rancho Cortez
Rancho Cortez is one of the best Texas ranch vacations for anyone who wants to spend the night on a dude ranch near San Antonio.
It is located in Bandera, which is less than an hour from San Antonio. This is the best texas dude ranch vacation for those who wish to escape the urban life for a couple of days and want to watch wildlife while enjoying the rugged landscapes around the ranch.
You can stay in their western-style decorated accommodations with large porches, a covered outdoor deck, an indoor swimming pool, and a children’s playground. Eat homemade meals and freshly prepared desserts and experience the western lifestyle.
There are many activities for the entire family to enjoy including hayrides, lasso lessons, cattle roundup, and more.
If you want luxury while experiencing authentic western activities, then Rancho Cortez is one of the best Texas dude ranches.
Check Prices on Tripadvisor.com
Cibolo Creek Ranch
One of the oldest Texas dude ranches, Cibolo Creek Ranch offers an authentic nineteenth-century vibe to the users with its historical artifacts and antiques.
The interiors of this ranch offer a sense of togetherness to the guests and the long dining table in the dining room makes it a perfect choice for family vacations. Here, you can explore the 30,000 acres of wilderness or indulge in fun activities like hunting, ATV rides, hiking, fishing, boating, and more.
Visitors can also enjoy classic experiences such as horseback riding, stargazing, and wildlife safari at this ranch. So, if you are looking for the best Texas dude ranches for a long vacation, then Cibolo Creek Ranch is a great choice!
West 1077 Guest Ranch
Located in Texas Hill Country, West 1077 Guest Ranch is one of the top Texas ranch getaways.
This Bandera Texas dude ranch in Texas Hill Country is an hour’s drive from San Antonio. It is situated in the place where a working cattle ranch stood years before and is one of the few Texas dude ranches to retain its charm and authenticity.
If you are looking for a quiet and scenic environment, then West 1077 is one of the best places for Texas dude ranch vacations. Visitors can stay in the rustic cabins and meet the hosts of the ranch and interact with them.
Since this ranch is connected to the Hill Country National Area, there are a lot of things to do here. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountain biking, and more.
Mill Creek Ranch Resort
Are you searching for luxury ranch stays in Texas? If yes, then you should check out Mill Creek Ranch Resort in Canton.
It is an hour’s drive from Dallas and one of the best ranch resorts in Texas for families and adventure enthusiasts. There are several accommodation choices available here including yurts, cabin-style cottages, tiny houses, and RV sites.
Visitors can enjoy simple, basic life here with the countryside hospitality. There are lots of amazing activities to enjoy here as well such as fishing, golfing, paddle boating, hiking, and more.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a fun and adventurous vacation with family, Mill Creek Ranch Resort is a great luxury dude ranch in texas to book.
10 Best Texas Gulf Coast Beaches You Must Visit