West of Austin and north of San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country region provides a scenic escape from city life. Because of its location in the southwestern central region of Texas, it’s easy to take a Texas Hill Country road trip.
From wineries and unique restaurants to state parks, caverns, and beautiful lakes, there is so much to see and so many things to do. Swim, snorkel, kayak, and fish in the rivers and lakes or go biking or hiking. At night, gaze up at the stars, which are known for being big and bright deep in the heart of Texas. Relax under live oak and pecan trees and watch for birds and other wildlife.
Make the most of your experience by staying in a Texas Hill Country cabin. Here are some of our favorites, from Fredericksburg to New Braunfels.
Nueces River Treehouse
Located 30 miles north of Uvalde and about 10 miles south of Campwood, this two-bedroom riverfront treehouse boasts spectacular views of the Nueces River and hills from its large deck. Under the deck, there’s a shaded outdoor space that has a bathroom, bar, kitchenette, porch swing, and hammock. Grill out on the barbecue and roast marshmallows over the fire pit.
The Nueces River is known for its clear, warmer waters that flow into it from spring-fed Hill Country creeks. Nueces means “nuts” in Spanish. The river is named so for the pecan trees which dot the riverside. It’s great for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing for bass, sunfish, and perch. Bird watching, biking, hiking, and hunting are also popular in the area. Keep an eye out for wildlife in the mornings and stargaze at night.
If this place is booked during your desired dates or you need more space, check out the host’s other nearby properties: this beautiful blue hole Nueces riverfront cabin and this riverfront house.
Unique Upcycled Grain Bin Cabin
If staying in a grain bin that has been converted into a cabin doesn’t appeal to you, then keep scrolling. If that sounds cool, then check out this vacation rental that lies less than two hours from San Antonio in Leakey, Texas. Giant live oak and pecan trees shade the yard, which features a grill, picnic tables, and a firepit. It’s the perfect place for yard games, stargazing, and bird watching.
From April to October, watch millions of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from their cavern when the sun goes down at Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area. Offering a nightly dance in the summer, putt-putt golf, paddleboats, hiking, and caves, popular Garner State Park is just 8 miles away. Home to Monkey Rock, great hiking, fall foliage, and a vineyard, scenic Lost Maples State Natural Area is less than half an hour away. A local float trip is available as well. Take a scenic drive to other nearby Hill Country towns, such as Fredericksburg, Utopia, Bandera, and Vanderpool.
Miracle Springs Ranch Lodge
Perched on a 754-acre high-elevation ranch, this waterfront lodge offers panoramic views and a whole lot more. Inside there’s a pool table and fireplace, but outside, you’ll find two lakes, a private pool and hot tub, a spacious yard, and a giant grill and smoker. Fish off the pier while taking in amazing mountain views. The host also provides a small selection of complimentary boats and tubes. Rock trails are great for hiking and mountain biking, while the grounds are great for watching wildlife and stargazing.
Both kid- and pet-friendly, this Texas Hill Country cabin can accommodate up to 20 guests, but the price listed is based on six with a $50 fee for each additional guest per day. Do note that the hosts live on site.
One of the most famous trees in Texas, the ancient Rio Frio Landmark Oak, lies just down the road. Bikers should bring their hogs to test out on the Twisted Sisters Trail. Although remote, Hill Country towns such as Leakey and Vanderpool can be found close by this vacation rental. Lost Maples State Natural Area, Garner State Park, and tubing on the Frio River are all within a half an hour’s drive.
Kerrville Cottage
Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, this vacation rental might be more of a cottage than a cabin, but it’s full of rustic charm. Featuring an electric fireplace inside, this three-bedroom Kerrville cottage has a firepit out back. A grill and outdoor table make dining al fresco a breeze. Guadalupe Park and River Trail offer even more fresh air less than a mile from the house. Explore local attractions such as Stonehenge II and the Museum of Western Art or venture out to nearby vineyards.
Das Steinhaus
Texas Hill Country has unique German influences, and the name of this vacation rental is one of them. “The Stone House” (translated from German!) sleeps up to eight guests in three bedrooms — one with a king and two with queen beds.
Enjoy being surrounded by wide open spaces and make the most of the house’s pool and hot tub, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, patio television, and comfy lounge area. Later in spring and early in the summer, you can even pick fruit from the property’s 2-acre on-site orchard. And when you’re ready for fruits of a different preparation, head for the nearby Hill Country wineries.
Charming Fredericksburg Cabin
This charming country cabin is just 10 minutes from downtown Fredericksburg. Watch for the Hill Country sunset from the front porch. Keep an eye out for deer, birds, and other wildlife. Sit or swing by the chiminea and look up at the night sky.
Conveniently located between Comfort and Fredericksburg, this vacation rental allows guests to shop for antiques in Comfort in the morning and visit Fredericksburg wineries in the afternoon. Other nearby attractions within a 30-mile radius include Wild Seed Farms, Luckenbach, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Fredericksburg Wine Road 290, Garrison Brothers Distillery, the first bourbon distillery outside of Kentucky, and more!
Canyon Lake Cabin
Offering a laidback environment combined with endless opportunities for adventure, this cabin is not on Canyon Lake, but it does offer a peek of its turquoise waters. Look out over the hills from the front porch or by the firepit.
Boat, fish, or hike by the lake, tube the Guadalupe River, and catch a show at nearby Whitewater Amphitheater. In addition to outdoor fun, state parks, and attractions, this Texas Hill Country cabin offers easy access to New Braunfels, San Marcos, San Antonio, and Wimberley.
Multi-Family Canyon Lake Cabin
With five bedrooms, this expansive cabin was designed to accommodate two separate families. Two kitchens and two living rooms are divided by a massive shared dining room. A barn loft offers even more living space and a firepit. Several rocking chairs provide the perfect perch to observe the beautiful farm and hillside views from the wraparound porch.
Boat, fish, tube, or hike around nearby Canyon Lake. Canyon Lake’s scenic Overlook Park is just 7 minutes away. New Braunfels and San Marcos are both just minutes away.
Guadalupe River Cabin
Nestled below Canyon Lake Dam on the Guadalupe River, this cabin offers riverfront access for fishing, tubing, and kayaking. Four tubes, two kayaks, and a paddleboard are included with the rental. When you’re not frolicking in the river, you can grill out, sunbathe, lie in the hammock, or play some cornhole.
Canyon Lake is just a quarter of a mile away. Pack a cooler and float the Guadalupe’s Horseshoe Loop. Whitewater Amphitheater is just a couple of miles away, so this is a convenient place to stay if you’re going to catch a show. Historic Gruene, Texas, is just 13 miles from here, while New Braunfels is just 30 minutes away.
Cozy Comal River Cabin
Speaking of tubing, if that’s on your Texas Hill Country agenda, stay in a restored 100-year-old railroad cabin on the Comal River in New Braunfels. Each of the eight cozy cabins has its own theme. This one is decked out in railroad memorabilia, while this one has a Texas theme and this one has a military theme. They are all connected by one deck, which is convenient if you’re renting out more than one for a group.
Located directly above the famous tube chute, Texas Tubes is right next door, and Landa Park Golf Course is across the street.
Gruene Bed & Breakfast
Filled with retro decor, this adorable cottage is a short drive from Gruene Historic District and the Guadalupe River. In the courtyard, you’ll find a gas grill, horseshoe pits, and a firepit. While its not a bed and breakfast in the traditional sense, this Gruene vacation rental comes with instant oatmeal and fruit.
La Grange Laughing Hen Silo
Nestled on 10 acres in La Grange, this cottage is one of three that were fashioned from vintage silos. Impeccably decorated, these unique Hill Country vacation rentals have been featured in several national home decor magazines. Round Top is just 8 miles from here, where you can explore art galleries, live music, museum tours, shops, wine tastings, and the Antiques Fair in the spring and fall.
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