10 Popular Dude Ranches Near Austin | Experience the Cowboy Life!

Guests ride horses on dusty trails at a Texas dude ranch, surrounded by rolling hills and sprawling pastures. Cowboys lead the way, while cattle graze in the distance

Looking for a thrilling cowboy experience in Texas, a dude ranch near me? Look no further than these 10 Dude ranch resorts in Texas located close to Bonnell Mountain in Austin.

So, what is a dude ranch? From horseback riding to cattle drives, these ranch getaways in Texas offer plenty of adventurous activities to try while also providing an opportunity to relax and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life. So, saddle up and read on to discover 10 popular Dude Ranches near me that you won’t want to miss for your next dude ranch getaway!

1. Dixie Dude Ranch

Located in Bandera, this ranch is perfect for those who are not experienced ranchers or farmers wishing to learn more about ranch jobs in Texas. The ranch spans 725 acres in the Texas Hill Country, located near the city of Austin, so is ideal for dude ranch weekend getaways. The ranch is fully functional as a cattle business with Longhorn cattle and Spanish goats and pigs.

Dixie Dude has been operational for 75 years, and its current owners still compete in local rodeos. The ranch also offers a lodging experience in a small cottage decorated in the styles of the 1940s-50s. As it’s only an hour’s drive northwest of San Antonio, a Bandera dude ranch day trip is quite achievable.

Dixie Dude Ranch
833 Dixie Dude Ranch Rd
Bandera, TX 78003
United States

Phone: +1 830-796-7771

Click here for more information on the Dixie Dude Ranch.

2. Mayan Dude Ranch

This ranch is a two-hour drive from Austin and is located on 350 acres of land, resembling more of a mini village than a simple ranch. The ranch hotel near me experience is oriented towards tourists and features a daily “Cowboy Breakfast.”

There are good property amenities and traditional free breakfast, including eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, grits, and oven-fresh biscuits. The Mayan Dude Ranch hosts barbecues at the Riverside Gazebo and multiple daily trail rides.

Mayan Dude Ranching 350 Mayan Ranch Rd
Bandera, TX 78003
United States

Phone: +1 830-796-3312

Click here for more information on the Mayan Dude Ranch.

3. 7 Canyons Ranch

This ranch is located two and a half hours from Austin and offers lodging accommodations that can house up to 28 guests at a time.

The facilities feature a comfortable, western feel and include fire pit, fully-equipped kitchen, a grotto-style cave and observation deck. The ranch began as a hunting ranch before evolving into a lodging facility. 7 Canyons Ranch is over 500 acres and offers the chance to be at one with Mother Nature.

Seven Canyons Ranch
1160 Seco Pass Rd
Tarpley, TX 78883
United States

Phone: +1 830-796-1319

Click here for more information on the 7 Canyons Ranch.

4. Rancho Cortez

Located two hours outside Austin city, the accommodations include indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, horse camps and a fitness boot-camp. This is another ranch that offers lodging accommodations for an additional fee , so guests can remain for a fully-engaged, extended stay.

Rancho Cortez is both a dude ranch and fitness farm, it offers excellent day trips, overnight stays and horseback rides. They also provide a Cowboy Wellness Program. The Cortez family promises a Texas dude ranch luxury vacation full of fun-filled adventure.

Click here for more information on the Rancho Cortez Ranch.

5. Twin Elm Guest Ranch

The ranch is home to a number of rodeo champions, offering classes on horseback riding as well as bird watching opportunities river-tubing and fly fishing in the local Medina River. Facilities include camping and RV-hookups, horseback riding and a general store.

The 2E Twin Elm Guest Ranch is perfect for the whole family and provides a classic Hill Country vacation just three miles from downtown Bandera. The ranch facilities are top notch with air conditioning and wifi provided.

Twin Elm Guest Ranch
810 Farm to Market Rd 470
Bandera, TX 78003
United States

Phone: +1 830-796-3628

Click here for more information on the 2E Twin Elm Guest Ranch.

6. Wildcatter Ranch & Resort

Located just outside of Graham, Texas, Wildcatter Ranch & Resort promises luxurious dude ranch vacations. With multiple cabin and suite options, breathtakingly beautiful North Texas hill country views, and exciting activities such as archery, hayrides, spa treatments, and cattle drives.

Wildcatter Ranch & Resort is known for its charm, hospitality, tranquility, and memorable locations. Blending the traditional rustic feel with modern amenities, Wildcatter Ranch & Resort is perfect for families, friends, and couples.

Wildcatter Ranch & Resort
6062 TX-16
Graham, TX 76450
United States

Phone: +1 940-549-3500

Click here for more information on the Wildcatter Ranch & Resort.

7. Silver Spur Guest Ranch

Located in Bandera, Texas, Silver Spur Guest Ranch is a family owned ranch, providing visitors with the perfect Texas Hill country experience. Whether you’re into horseback riding, hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the pool or in a cabin, Silver Spur Guest Ranch completes the cowboy experience with genuine Southern hospitality.

During the evening, the guest house serves a traditional Texan dinner which can be enjoyed under the stars while listening to live music. With a variety of amenities, including accommodations, activities, and dining, Silver Spur Guest Ranch is perfect for families and friends.

Click here for more information on the Silver Spur Guest Ranch.

8. Cowboy Campout

Located in Lockhart, Texas, Cowboy Campout offers an immersive old west experience. Providing guests with the opportunity to experience living like a cowboy on horse ranch vacations, with accommodation in a tipi, Cowgirl Cabin or Cowboy Cabin, guests are sure to experience western culture at its finest.

With activities such as horseback riding, archery, fishing, and cattle drives, Cowboy Campout offers something for everyone. Going out of their way to make sure guests feel like true cowboys of Austin, Cowboy Campout is the perfect place for adventurous travelers.

Click here for more information on the Cowboy Campout.

9. Texas Ranch Life

Texas Ranch Life is located in Chappell Hill, a dude ranch in Houston, which is 1400-acres. Providing guests with hands-on ranching experience, guests can try their hand at cattle drives, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting. There are fine opportunities for taking photos and videos.

In addition to outdoor activities, Texas Ranch Life also offers a variety of accommodations such as a bunkhouse, historic homes, and mountain chalets. Furthermore, Austin wine tours are also available through the ranch, so sit back, relax, and let Texas Ranch Life take care of your next cowboy adventure.

Click here for more information on the Texas Ranch Life.

10. West 1077 Guest Ranch

Situated in the heart of the big sky and beautiful Texas Hill Country the West 1077 Guest Ranch is only as hour away from San Antonio International Airport. West 1077 was built on an old cattle ranch and is found just 10 miles from Bandera.

This West Texas ranch offers a peaceful, exciting services including hiking and run trails, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The ranch’s 230 acres are adjoined with the Hill Country State National Area, a State Park of 5,400 acres.

West 1077 Guest Ranch
9061 Bandera Creek Rd
Bandera, TX 78003
United States

Phone: +1 888-272-9998

Click here for more information on the West 1077 Guest Ranch.

Conclusion

These working ranch vacations Texas are some of the best places to spend your time when in Texas. Each of these ranches offers a unique cowboy experience within a comfortable, luxurious setting, often with free wifi.

With a wide range of activities to choose from, these ranches can be perfect for families, friends, couples, and even solo travelers. So, pack your bags, bring your boots, and head out to one of Austin’s Dude Ranches for a Texas ranch tour for unforgettable and authentic cowboy experiences. Several ranches are good sites for hunting both quartz crystals and moss agate if you’re into collecting rocks. For other dude ranches in Texas, click here for a

dude ranch near Houston
dude ranches near Dallas Texas
Ace High Ranch Valley Mills TX
King Ranch Texas, Houston TX - Historic ranch that the ads say now covers 825,000 acres
74 Ranch Campbelltown TX - trophy bucks hunting packages
6666 Ranch (4 6s ranch)
Bandera Historical Rides, Bandera TX - cowboy capital and home of the Frontier Times Museum
Beaumont Ranch, Grandview Texas
Southfork Ranch - is a conference and event center in Parker TX
Want to try your hand at a Texas hog hunt or a wild hog shoot? Click here and 4J Ranch
Which of these ranches do you plan to visit first, and why?
And if you ever want to travel farther afield, then how about The Bar W Ranch in Northwest Montana. Get involved in activities, meals, games, music, and dance, you will make friendships and connections that could last a lifetime.