There are many dude ranches, working ranches, and guest ranches that still exist in Texas and give visitors a taste of what it’s like to be a cowboy. The town of Bandera is considered the “Cowboy Capital of the World” and has a higher concentration of ranches than anywhere else in the state.
But there are other options as well if you’re visiting another part of Texas and are interested in horseback riding, livestock shows, or just a quiet place to stay in the country. Each ranch has something different to offer its guests, but here are some of our favorites that you can visit in Texas.
1. YO Ranch – Kerrville
YO Ranch is a popular ranch-style hotel and conference center that is just off Interstate 10 in the Texas Hill Country. Located in Kerrville, this is a large ranch that spans 600,000 acres in beautiful scenery and truly celebrates the Old West. The décor features antiques and exotic game trophies, and the rooms are cozy.
If you decide to extend your stay beyond a day trip, YO is the perfect choice. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and patios or balconies. YO Ranch headquarters offers guided horseback riding, deer hunting, and wildlife tours. Near Kerrville, you can visit Kerrville Hills Winery, play golf, kayak or canoe, and visit the Western Art Museum.
2. Texas Ranch Life - Chappell's Hill
Texas Ranch Life is an 1,800-acre working ranch that is located in the rolling hills of Austin County. It is about an hour west of Houston and is a bed & breakfast that was originally established in 1823. On the ranch, you will find American bison, quarter horses, Texas Longhorn herds, and other wildlife. Eight historic Texas homes have been restored and decorated with authentic Texas decor to accommodate guests.
There are overnight accommodations here as well as an indoor banquet facility. Horseback riding experiences are available to both lodge guests and day visitors and will take you through the rolling hills and wildflower meadows. Other featured activities here include ranch work demonstrations, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, Kawasaki adventures, cattle drives, ranch work, tomahawk throwing, and skeet shooting.
3. 7 Canyons Ranch – Tarpley
Located in Tarpley, Texas, 7 Canyons Ranch is a 4,000-square-foot lodge in the Texas Hill Country. This is a lovely place to stay, but it does not offer guided activities. Therefore, it is a great choice for couples who want a quiet place to stay and opportunities to explore the area on their own via hiking and biking trails.
The upstairs bedrooms have private baths and one or two queen-size beds. Guests can take advantage of the large kitchen and dining area, cozy up in the living rooms with fireplaces, gather around the fire pit, soak in the hot tub, and use the wireless Internet access. Pets are not allowed at the lodge.
4. Dixie Ranch – Flag
The Dixie Dude Ranch is one of the most fun places you can visit in Bandera. This is a rustic, old-fashioned cattle ranch in the Texas Hill Country that is family-friendly and offers great horseback riding opportunities. It has been a Texas vacation destination for over 75 years and attracts visitors from around the world.
It is a real working ranch with longhorn cattle, pigs, goats, and horses, but it also has a large pool with a hot tub, family-friendly dining, and a gift shop. For lodging, there are duplex cabins, cottages, a two-story bunkhouse, and lodge rooms. Guest ranch packages include horseback rides that last about an hour.
5. Beaumont Ranch – Grandview
Beaumont is a guest ranch featuring an outdoor adventure resort and event center on 800 acres of land among rolling hills. Just 35 minutes south of Dallas/Fort Worth, this North Texas destination is home to longhorns, horses, llamas, and wildlife. There are guest suites, guest rooms, and cabins here that are ideal for romantic getaways as well as business retreats.
Outdoor adventure activities to try while staying here include horseback riding, sport skeet shooting, archery, extreme ATV tours, ziplining, and cattle drives.
6. Prude Ranch - Fort Davis
Prude Ranch is an old-school ranch with rustic cabins, horseback riding, and a history that dates back over 120 years. For lodging, there are cozy cabins, family-friendly bunkhouses, modern lodge rooms, and even 30 RV sites with water, 30-amp electricity, and sewer hookups.
This is a nice place in the Fort Davis area to take a horseback ride through the mountains and experience the rugged beauty of West Texas. Trail rides are available and require a reservation. At the ranch, you'll also find a large indoor pool, tennis and basketball courts, a fitness center, an outdoor pavilion, and a dining facility.
7. Rancho Cortez-Bandera
Rancho Cortez is an all-inclusive dude ranch and “cowboy fitness farm.” It’s less than an hour from San Antonio and offers full-day or half-day Western-style horseback riding instruction. “Day at the Ranch” packages include meals, rides, storytelling, and a hayride. But what really sets this ranch apart is its fitness program.
Come here for a ranch vacation that focuses on strength training, water aerobics, stress reduction, healthy nutrition, and behavior modification. There are a few weight loss program options you can take advantage of while staying in the suites, hotel-style units, and bunkhouses.
8. Southfork Ranch – Parker
Southfork Ranch was used as a set for the television series “Dallas” and is now a special events venue in the Dallas, Texas area. It has been called “The World’s Most Famous Ranch” and is a popular venue for weddings and festivals. Check out the ranch’s events page to see what’s happening during your visit, such as a free concert or a 5K race.
You can take a guided tour of the ranch grounds, eat at the on-site deli, and check out memorabilia from the TV series and grounds. You can also take a ride on the trail. But to get the most out of this ranch, sign up for the Day on the Ranch experience, which includes horse education, a trail ride, a tour of the mansion, lunch, snack, and gift shop credit.
