By now you surely know that everything is bigger in Texas, but you might not know that everything is also more unique in Texas, especially when it comes to your choice of where to stay on your next getaway.
“There are some incredibly unique places to state in Texas, with unusual and boutique properties all across the state,” writes travel writer Kimmie Conner. “From cabins with amazing views to treehouses … The Lonestar State has it all.”
Cozy Cabins from the Piney Woods to Hill Country
If a cozy cabin is your idea of heaven, then Texas will have you on Cloud Nine.
“Search Airbnb for cabins in Texas, and you’ll scroll through thousands of choices, from $50-per-night austerity to over-the-top luxury,” wrote Will Bostwick in Texas Monthly in February.
Bostwick’s story profiled cabins that stretch the definition of the word with everything from exotic animals to Jacuzzi to floating sundecks to choose from. Among his favorites:
- Chinati Hot Springs (Ruidosa): This oasis in the Chihuahuan desert was once owned by sculptor Donald Judd (who put Marfa on the map). These remote cabins do have A/C and heat, but no WiFi or cell service and you’ll need to pack in all your food and drinks, for use in a communal kitchen, with the nearest store an hour away. The awe and wonder of Big Bend Ranch State Park are just over three hours away.
- Contigo Ranch (Fredericksburg): These Cabins are in the heart of a Texas Hill Country family-owned working ranch. The historic Kentucky log cabins were all hand-hewn and built during the 1800s. In addition to the ranch’s Watusi breed cattle, be on the lookout for armadillo, axis deer, bobcats, coyotes, feral hogs, red foxes, and wild turkeys.
- Floating Cabins (Baffin Bay): Only Texas, perhaps, can you find your cabin … floating in the bay. Some of these Baffin Bay cabins are positioned close to some of the best fishing spots on the Texas Gulf Coast. Others even come with their own fishing guides who can help you land, red fish, trout, flounder, and drum.
- Getaway Piney Woods (LaRue): Enjoy the splendor of the Piney Woods with these tiny cabins that are spread out across the rolling hills and high peaks of East Texas.
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park: One of the best kept secrets in Texas may be spectacular Palo Duro which has CCC-built stone cabins perched on the canyon’s rim. Come and find out why the area’s pastel desert light and rugged beauty inspired the painter, Georgia O’Keeffe.
Glamping Texas Style: Yurts to Treehouses to Tepees
For those that find even rustic cabins not close enough to nature, there are plenty of options deep in the heart of Texas to get you under the stars at night.
Glamping Texas style includes accommodations like:
- Yurtopia (Wimberly): You do not need to go to Central Asia to get your Yurt on as these remote hilltop yurts are an easy drive from Austin and San Antonio in Hill Country. Some of the yurts are perched about the Blanco River and some come with private rooftop decks for stargazing.
- Cypress Valley (Spicewood): Embrace your inner kid with these magical tree houses nestled next to ancient cypress trees. These treehouses have become popular for honeymoon’s, anniversaries, and even weddings!
- Hozhoni on the Hill (Cottonwood Shores): You want more than Glamping? How about the world’s fir Glampominium! Changing its name soon to “Retreat on the Hill” this facility features cliff houses, teepees, stardome suites, container suites, and the Eagle’s Nest – which has a private deck, indoor/outdoor shower, outdoor star-soaking tub and luxury safari tent with a king-size bed, all overlooking Horseshoe Bay.
- EL Cosmico (Marfa): Up your Instagram game with a stay in 22-foot tepees with brick floors and queen-size beds. El Cosmico has plenty of the hip lodging choices including yurts, safari tents, and retro trailers. This facility also plays host to the Trans-Pecos Festival of Music + Love each year.
- Basecamp (Terlingua): For a real “Ground Control to Major Tom” experience try sleeping in these out of this world bubbles in the Chihuahuan desert. Basecamp was the first inflatable hotel ever in the United States. In addition to the bubbles, you can also stay in tepees, lotus tents, campsites, and casitas at Basecamp.
