Cabin at the Ranch - Harper, TX

98%

81 reviews

· Harper, Kimble, Texas · 84 acres

Hosted by Travis W.

Cabin

· 8 guests max

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Travis is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

All to yourself

100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.

The Ranch is our place we like to go when we need to get away. It's raw and it's nice land to camp, explore and enjoy wildlife. We have a Wildlife Exemption on the property and enjoy managing native song birds. We keep a constant flow of bird seed located in feeders around the ranch, and we have seen all kinds of birds making this a great place for birders. The ranch has nice elevation changes with a wet weather creek that traverses the property. There are some trails to hike or mountain bike. The cabin is rustic without plumbing or electricity, but we enjoy it and it's fun to think it's everything we would need. This is off-grid living all the way, and we are constantly learning new and better ways to do things. The cabin is located on the very first spot we pitched a tent after purchasing the land, and we continue to make improvements as we go. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.Camp in this cute off-grid cabin outside of Harper, Texas. Watch amazing sunset views from the relaxing front porch. At 2000' above sea level, you can enjoy the weather year round with proper planning. Enjoying campfires at night in the pit is a favorite past time. The Cabin sits on a high-fenced 84 acre wildlife refuge managed for Native Song Birds and Wild Turkey with walkable/bikeable trails. "Panther Creek" traverses the ranch and natural springs keep water in the ponds for wildlife. We have a family of Mini-Donkeys and Mini-Texas Registered Longhorns that roam the property. Stars are extremely bright, and the ranch is an excellent spot for star gazing. It is so quiet, most of the time you can hear the silence. Miniature donkeys visit guests around the cabin and property to make sure you're safe, and you may see some of the elusive deer. The sounds of coyotes will call you most evenings and nights, and it's not uncommon to hear foxes, wild hogs and other wildlife throughout the night. If you are a light sleeper, you may want to bring some ear plugs. Bird seed and supplemental water are provided year round and make this a great destination for birders and outdoor enthusiasts. Many unique bird species have been spotted on the ranch which has proximity to South Llano River State Park, renowned Birder destination. It is a 35 Minute drive to Kerrville or 30 min to Fredericksburg and Junction. Area attractions include Enchanted Rock, the Eckert's James River Bat Cave, South Llano River State Park, and Texas Hill Country wineries. Yates River Crossing on the Llano River offers a nice place to cool off in the summer, or for fishing and putting in and out for kayak trips. Cook your meals over fire at camp on cooking grate, or in the cabin on the 2 burner stove. If that's more that you want to mess with, head into the cute town of Harper for EXCELLENT meals at The Longhorn Cafe, or check out some of the other cool establishments for some local culture. We recommend bringing much of what you would for back country camping. Note: there is no electricity, running water, or toilets, so come prepared. There is a solar generator inside the cabin that provides some plugs and usb ports, and some solar light bulbs that provide light. Ask the host for recommendations on what to bring and expect. We offer the HipCamp "extra" Firewood Bundle for $10 which allows you to DIY harvest any grounded deadwood during your stay. Please do not cut off any branches on any trees, even if they are dead, as we are mindful of Oak Wilt. Thanks!

What to expect

Cabin

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

8 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firepit, private. We have a big natural rock campfire pit. There is generally wood to use around the camp fire, but we suggest that guests bring their own. We do not mind if guests look for and use dead wood on the property if paying for the firewood bundle, but PLEASE don't cut or break any branches from trees. Only use fallen wood.

Toilet available

Pit toilet

Pets allowed

On leash. There are animals and wildlife we wouldn't want dogs chasing, so please be mindful. We also don't want any pets getting tangled up with wild hogs or other wildlife. You know your dog! There is a chain on the skinny cedar tree out front if you want to tie your pup up.

Cooking equipment present

Grill over firepit, bbq, stovetop or hot plate. There is a 2 burner propane stove in the cabin that works great. The is usually some propane, but it's still a good idea to bring your own, especially if you intend to use the Big Buddy Propane heater for heat. I also have a mini charcoal grill (please do not use it on the deck, or at least be very careful not to catch anything in fire), and there is the campfire cooking grate with 'extras' by the tree. There are hot dog and marsh mellow skewers as well.

Picnic table present

We do have tables and chairs for guest use. There are a couple chairs on the porch, but also an outdoor table and 4 chairs. There are a couple of campfire lounge chairs inside the cabin. You are welcome to use the hammock with hooks in the trees off the cabin steps, but please roll it up and store in the cabin when not in use.

Wifi available

You must have Hot Spot in order to use internet via your cell phone. AT&T works pretty well (2 bars) at the cabin.

Playground available

Small zipline. Lot of room to play.

No potable water

Bring your own water. There are a few small ponds on the property and I usually have 'extra' water out there in case of emergencies, but I ask that guests bring their own water. 5 gallons per person per day is more than adequate for most.

No showers

We recommend guests bring portable showers and their own water. The Llano River is not too far away!

Pack it out

Bring your own trash bag, and please do not leave any open food or crumbs in the cabin.

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 3:00 PM

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Moderate

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 3 vehicles

4WD recommended

High Clearance vehicles recommended. 4wd is only necessary if it's muddy, 2wd is sufficient most of the time.

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Firewood bundlegood

$10.00

Start your trip off right with a bundle of firewood waiting for you at your camp for your first campfire.

Reviews

98% Recommend99 Ratings · 81 reviews

Justin C.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· December 2024

Classic Texas hill country getaway

I just got back from 3 nights at Travis's ranch and I feel so rested and recentered. The cabin - the decor is awesome. It's like Texas meets native American Indian. As long as you're cool with no water or electricity, you'll think it is perfect. There is a solar powered battery with lights that was helpful at night. The fire pit - lined in white stone with natural wood benches, as if made from fallen trees nearby. I brought firewood and found plenty of kindling nearby to get fires going every night. There's an animal feeder about 30 yards form the fire pit, so while I was warming up by the fire or chilling on the front porch of the cabin, I saw birds, turkeys, donkeys, deer (including 10 point bucks), and longhorns come visit every day. The design of the area is perfect with rustic, classic Texas hill country vibes. There was some rain during my stay, but with the tin roof of the cabin and the rusted-metal decor around the cabin - it was a beautiful symphony of "dings" from the rain. I came out here to "get away from it all" and reconnect with nature, and I couldn't be happier. I feel grateful to have been able to experience some time on this ranch. I would love to come back and bring friends/family. Thanks for having me Travis!

Isaac V.

11 months on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· May 2024

Overall we had a good experience: the property is very nice, secluded, and the donkeys are awesome. But the cabin is very filthy and not as depicted in the pictures. I would not recommend anyone to sleep inside the cabin as the matt is very dirty and we saw spiders and even a mouse inside the cabin.

Kara B.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2024

Stargazers Dream

With kids

The stars were magnificent! The cabin is situated between South Llano River State Park and Enchanted Rock, both International Dark Sky Spaces, has very little light pollution and allowed for excellent stargazing.

Samuel R.

3 reviews

Recommends

· February 2024

Great property, very private with some paths to walk around. There are very friendly cows and donkeys walking around, they were fun. Cabin was as described and provided good shelter during rain and wind. Host was very responsive, friendly and provided clear directions. I will be returning to this property.

Matt C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2024

With pets

We had a great couple of days staying at the cabin. The land is wonderful - plenty to explore and we all loved hearing the packs of coyotes howling at night and a fox screaming close by that got our (and our dog's) attention. Our family heartily recommends a stay here.

Scott B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· January 2024

Really loved so much about this place! The donkeys were super chill and Travis was extremely helpful and responsive. Will absolutely be back!

Location

Harper, Kimble, Texas, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Jumanos, Coahuiltecan, Nʉmʉnʉʉ Sookobitʉ (Comanche), Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache), and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking