6 Best Hotels in The Hill Country, Texas

Though it's been around since 1946, the Flying L is anything but stuck in the past: guests can horseback ride, go on hayrides, and enjoy roasting nightly s'mores, as is the case with most dude ranches, but this expansive 772-acre property also has an 18-hole golf course, a water park and lounging pool, and an entire kids' activity program. Accommodations range in size from stand-alone villas with room for 13 to smaller condo-like suites that sleep four to six. All have a gas fireplace and cozy bedding.

While driving the winding road to the hilltop lodge here, it's easy to believe you've taken a wrong turn, but after a few glimpses of sparkling Lake Buchanan, you dead-end right into the state-managed nature preserve and its low-frills guest lodge set on 940 acres. This is a great spot for bird-watchers, as you'll have a good shot at seeing the endangered black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler, as well as the glorious bald eagles that nest here from fall to early spring. Most rooms offer spectacular views of the lake and come equipped with comfortable queen beds and full bathrooms.

One of Bandera's oldest dude ranches, the Dixie opened its doors to guests in 1937 and offers cabins and cottages for large parties as well as individual rooms in the rustic bunkhouse and main lodge. Though the decor is laced with Western kitsch, rooms all include the modern amenities that combat the Texas heat—namely, air-conditioning. Be sure to get the full cowboy experience on the overnight trail ride, with cookouts, swimming, and cowboy serenades. Meals are served family-style in the dining lodge. All-inclusive rates include two horseback rides per day.

Just a couple of blocks off Main Street and nestled on the banks of Barons Creek, this no-frills, straightforward, cookie-cutter inn offers comfortable rooms, two refreshing swimming pools (one is heated year-round), and a picnic area and firepit. It's a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfare.

You can relax the day away by your split-timber and river-stone cabin or join the ranch crew for various activities. These include horseback riding, swimming, fishing and tubing on the Medina River, hayrides, roping lessons, longhorn shows, a walk to the dinosaur tracks, and even Texas two-step lessons. Rates include two horseback rides per day, meals, activities, lodging, and beer and wine. Children's programs are offered during the summer (June to August).

These retro-style cottages resemble tidy bungalows, with simple decor, though most offer a front porch, fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. It’s the location that can’t be beat, right on the banks of the Guadalupe River and minutes from downtown Kerrville, with proximity to the Kerrville River Trail and Louise Hays Park. There are fire pits, picnic areas, and riverside pavilions on the property. Most accommodate up to four people.