Looking for a unique getaway within driving distance of Austin? From treehouses, teepees, bubbles, safari parks, castles, train cars, shipping containers, yurts, and even Conestoga wagons — we’ve rounded up some exciting places to book an overnight stay for an unforgettable vacation experience for your family.
Weird & Wonderful Places to Stay in Texas
7a Ranch
333 Wayside Dr, Wimberley
Settle into one of many cabins along the gorgeous Blanco River that features modern amenities and comfy beds. Take a dip in the resort pool or in the river where you can also kayak, float, fish, and more! The most unique aspect of this property is the Pioneer Town — a replica of an 1880s Western Town that features an old-fashioned ice cream parlor as well as the bottle house — a structure made entirely out of glass bottles. 7a offers tons of fun for kids and plenty of dog-friendly cabin options, too!
Basecamp Terlingua
45 Kempf Rd, Terlingua
Think of this Texas escape as a Western hideaway meets space camp. You can choose to stay in a teepee, casita, or an enclosed see-through bubble for a unique opportunity to sleep under amazing views of the night sky. Most notably, this campground is located just outside of Big Bend National Park where tons of outdoor adventures await.
Castle Falkenstein
7400 Park Rd 4s, Burnet
For the grandest getaway around, you can book this massive 14,000 square-foot Bavarian-style castle in Burnet, TX where your little princess or prince can live out fairy tale dreams. This lavish lodging comes with six bedrooms, a game room, majestic views, a gazebo, and a koi pond with a waterfall, and features an interior decorated with beautiful artwork and other artifacts. Read all about the history of the castle, and view rental info for more details.
Collective Retreats
7431 Fulton Ranch Rd, Wimberley
Located along the Blanco River in Wimberley, TX on a sustainable, eco-friendly ranch, you’ll find 12 luxury Summit Tent accommodations. Each tent is set in shaded areas of the ranch underneath the oak and juniper trees and outfitted with plush beds, outdoor private decks with Adirondack chairs, and private bathrooms. You can opt to book a Family Suite that includes a tent for you and an adjacent smaller tent for the kiddos! Click here to read all about our stay at Collective Hill Country.
Conestoga “Glamping” Wagons
Fredericksburg
Take a (slight) peek into colonial times by staying in one of the Conestoga Wagons in Fredericksburg, TX. Don’t worry, this isn’t your average wagon, these bad boys are air-conditioned and heated. Guests are also provided with the code for 24/7 access to amazing amenities such as the jacuzzi, pool, gym, volleyball courts, and so much more. You haven’t seen Fredericksburg like this, and with the assurance of comfy living — and newly renovated restrooms, what’s to stop you?
Cypress Valley Canopy Tours
223 Paleface Ranch Rd S, Spicewood
At this whimsical escape in Spicewood, TX you get to nestle into a little treehouse high up in beautiful cypress trees! Can’t you just imagine a peaceful night’s slumber surrounded by the quiet sounds of nature? Cypress Valley also has a seasonal pool, ziplining, and event space. Please note: children must be at least eight years old to stay in the tree houses.
El Cosmico
802 S Highland Ave, Marfa
Another hot spot in West Texas is tucked in the town of Marfa. This campground exemplifies the charm and eccentricity of its hometown. You can choose to stay in a mirrored lodging, safari tent, yurt, trailer, or teepee.
Flophouze Shipping Container Hotel
1132 W, Farm to Market Rd 1291, Round Top
For a unique and eco-chic experience, how about a stay inside a shipping container? The Flophouze, located in Round Top, offers a colorful array of shipping containers designed for you to chill out in a casual setting with pretty luxurious interiors. Each was gutted and re-fitted with bedrooms and bathrooms, featuring funky and comfy lodging. There’s also a great little pool to take a dip in and plenty of wide open space to enjoy a campfire and stargazing.
Geronimo Creek Retreat
2050 Laubach Rd, Seguin
Located just a mini-road trip outside of Austin near New Braunfels, TX, this retreat invites you to relax in treehouses, teepees, or cabins and boasts numerous fun outdoor activities. Spend the day paddle boarding, kayaking, and swimming, and wrap up your evening at the fire pit.
Indian Lodge Resort
127 Private Road 1200, Kopperl
*Closed for construction in 2024: check here for updates
For unique lodging in the Davis Mountains State Park of West Texas, you can stay in rustic but charming rooms in the Indian Lodge — built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. By day, this is a great place for hiking, biking, and swimming in their ice-cold pool.
Johnson City Exotic Resort Zoo
235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City
How would you like to stay in a safari cabin in the same park as wild animals such as gazelles, zebras, yak, and emu? Not only does the Johnson City Exotic Resort Zoo offer a drive-thru zoo experience by day, but it also offers several cabins for an overnight stay with just the right amount of excitement and adventure. During the day you can take an animal tour, swim, fish, or explore the Texas Hill Country.
Lone Star Glamp Inn
4212 Texas 237, Round Top
This is your chance to explore the great indoors! Lone Star Glamp Inn is a unique lodging experience in Round Top, TX. Taking glamping to the max, this camping trip will be all indoors, so you don’t have to worry about wild creatures and bad bathrooms!
Lucky Arrow Retreat Yurts
3600 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs
At this getaway destination in Dripping Springs, you can choose from a variety of types of lodging, including their most popular — yurts! The property has 10 luxury standalone yurts that accommodate two people (or one extra child for an extra fee). Each yurt includes a queen-sized bed, air conditioning, and skylights for stargazing. Guests share access to the bathhouse, and there is also a pool and beer garden at this retreat.
Matagorda Bay Nature Park Airstreams
6430 FM Rd 2031, Matagorda
Enjoy luxury amenities while camping right on a beachy paradise! Operated by LCRA Parks, this 1,333-acre nature preserve is located at the mouth of the Colorado River on the Matagorda Bay peninsula where you can enjoy miles of Gulf of Mexico beachfront for playing, swimming birdwatching or go paddling and exploring in the coastal marshes. Opt to “glamp” in one of the swanky Airstrems or reserve a tent or RV camping spot. Read all about our experience staying in the Airstream at Matagorda Bay.
Nottingham Castle at Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Ln, Paige
You can be king of the castle in Sherwood Forest! Located in McDade, Texas, this castle is located on the site of the annual Sherwood Forest Faire, and you can stay in the Great Hall section of the castle that boasts five bedrooms for overnight accommodations, or gather with friends to rent out the whole castle for your little kingdom.
Open Air Resorts
25928 Haynie Flat Rd, Spicewood
The Open Air Resorts in Spicewood, TX invites those with RVs to come and park at this luxury facility, but if you don’t have your own RV, that’s no problem! Choose from a variety of stylish and fun lodging options already set up for you like their fully renovated vintage trailers or even tiny homes that have been featured on the A&E network. The resort also has a swimming pool, clubhouse, playground, pickleball court, volleyball, a stocked fishing pond, and is pet friendly Read all about our experience staying in a vintage trailer at Open Air Resorts.
Pirate Cabins at Blue Hills Ranch
2032 Blue Cut Rd N, McGregor
Just 15 minutes outside Waco, TX, you’ll find a beautiful ranch where zebras, donkeys, horses, and cattle roam freely around an assortment of cabins — including new pirate-themed cabins. Blue Hills Ranch might be well-known for its safari tours and animal encounters such as bottle-feeding giraffes or swimming with otters, but its Kraken, Scallywag, and Hook cabins are sure to give your kids a whole new sense of adventure! Ahoy matey! Read about our visit to Blue Hills Ranch.
Presidio La Bahia
217 US-183 Hwy, Goliad
Located in Goliad, TX, this historic Spanish Colonial Mission & Presidio is most famous for its role during the Texas Revolution, and you can also book an overnight stay at the Quarters and enjoy history first-hand. Take note: the Quarters are known for their spooky aura that resulted in the Travel Channel ranking it one of “America’s Most Terrifying Places.”
The Bloomhouse
West Austin
Is it a giant seashell unicorn sculpture or a house? Located right here in Austin on a secluded lot, this whimsical dream home feels more like a work of art than a dwelling. The Bloomhouse is a celebration of all things magical and mystical, and perfect for those looking for a fairy tale stay. Read about its design and history here. The Bloomhouse is only an option for families with children ages five and older. The home sleeps four and has amazing patio spaces for outdoor daydreaming.
The Cell Block
20 Clifton Art Alley, Clifton
Lock yourself up at The Cell Block, located in historic downtown Clifton, TX, which was once used as an office for the town’s night watchman. The Cell Block is fully equipped with a queen size bed, full bathroom, natural gas fire pit, roof-top deck, vintage phonograph, and record selection.
Woodrow House Santa Fe Caboose
2629 19th St, Lubbock
Looking to stay somewhere outside of the normal hotel? In Lubbock, TX, at the Woodrow House, you can book your stay in a restored train caboose! Enjoy amenities such as a pool, and hot tub, or head into the town to explore the West Texas Walk of Fame.
More to Explore:
- Best Camping Spots Around Austin
- Castles of Central Texas
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts
- Airstream Glamping at Lake Bastrop North Shore Park
- Family Friendly Resorts Near Austin
- RV Camping Around Austin
- Guide to Texas Beaches
- Best Texas Road Trips for Families
- Day Trips From Austin
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*Thanks to Abby Tirres & Sabrina Macias for contributing to this article.
