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Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy!

Photo gallery for Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy!

Property grounds
Property grounds
Plenty of seating and comfy too!
Lots of acreage to explore and 2 private lakes.
Interior detail

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Tarpley, TX
  • Frio River
  • Lost Maples State Natural Area
    ‪36 min drive‬
  • Garner State Park
    ‪56 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bunk Room

1 Single Bunk Bed

Guest Room #1

1 Queen Bed

Master

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Ensuite

Shower only

Main Bathroom

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy!

Deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country a whole new world awaits with the promise of adventure. A little more than an hour NW of San Antonio, Shadow Dance Ranch offers a private self-catered escape from the city. The newly remodeled private 3/2 guest house decorated in "Cozy Texas Ranch House" offers all of the amenities of home. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, lakes and rugged terrain, Shadow Dance offers wide open spaces to be explored and incredible views from every angle, sunup to sundown. Twenty-five acres of spring-fed lakes and three miles of Hondo Creek afford an opportunity for swimming, paddle boating, canoeing as well as catch and release fishing.

The guest house includes 2 bedrooms with a queen bed in each as well as a third bedroom with bunk beds. Other amenities include a full kitchen (pots, pans, dishes, full size refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher and coffee/tea service), a large living room with a wood burning fireplace, poker table and satellite TV, charcoal BBQ grill and outdoor seating. The guest house is very private and is the only guest house located on a 2000 acre working cattle ranch and former exotic hunting ranch. Because it is a working cattle ranch we have a strict "NO PETS" policy. WiFi is available and spotty cell service depending on your carrier.

Herds of Axis, Fallow, Black Buck and White-tailed Deer, Aoudad and Native Wild Turkey create an excellent atmosphere for wildlife viewing.

Birding opportunities on the ranch and at nearby Hill Country and Lost Maples State Natural Areas and Garner State Park are abundant throughout the year. The Texas Hill Country is home to approximately 430 bird species, the most popular being the Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo.

Due to the dark skies at Shadow Dance Ranch star gazing is popular year-round and great for viewing annual meteor showers.

Poker table, ping pong table, cornhole boards, paddle boats and large outdoor charcoal/wood BBQ grill, picnic table and hammock will ensure you don't have to leave the ranch to have a good time.

Property manager

Jeralyn
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NO PETS.
No guns, fireworks, ATVs or dirt bikes. Street bikes o.k. No hunting, fishing is catch and release only. Do not pass through closed ranch gates.
All outdoor activities will be at the guests' own risk.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed USD 999.99, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Tarpley

Located in Tarpley, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Tarpley Crossing Park and Bandera Sports Complex reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Bandera Beach Club Tubes, Kayaks & Shuttle and Love Creek Orchards Cider Mill and Country Store. Travelling with kids? Consider Bandera Natural History & Art Museum, or check out an event or a game at Bobcat Stadium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Tarpley, TX

What's nearby

  • Mansfield Park - 22 min drive - 34.5 km
  • Bandera Beach Club Tubes, Kayaks & Shuttle - 26 min drive - 38.7 km
  • Bandera City Park - 27 min drive - 39.4 km
  • Lost Maples State Natural Area - 36 min drive - 53.0 km
  • Garner State Park - 56 min drive - 59.0 km

Getting around

  • San Antonio International Airport (SAT) - 86 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Steel Horse Cafe - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy! located?

Located on a river, this family-friendly holiday home is within 20 mi (32 km) of Tarpley Crossing Park, Bandera Beach Club Tubes, Kayaks & Shuttle and Bandera Sports Complex. Mansfield Park and Ranger Crossing Park are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 48 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 48 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 48 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 48 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 48 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was lovely - we enjoyed the livestock and peacefulness of the ranch.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Serenity

The stay exceeded our expectations. The ranch is incredible, the fishing was great . My four year old caught his first largemouth bass , he was ecstatic! Oh yeah , the swimming is awesome too. There’s great hiking if that’s your thing . The place is the type where you actually hate leaving. We stayed 8 days and it was not enough, the views , the water , the animals, the evenings on the porch are all magical. Everything was perfect, hopefully we can return one day very soon. If you like getting away from it all this is a great place for that , the pictures online don’t even come close to the beauty that awaits. Bandera is a short extremely scenic drive away providing all you need. The guest house is extremely comfortable and has everything you need for a super relaxing stay , Couldn’t be more pleased , worth every cent “.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Spot

I booked this place thinking we could stay the night, but spend our days at Garner State park mostly. We got in at sunset on Friday and instantly fell in love. We were greeted by three sweet horses, and the most beautiful sunset. We decided the next morning not to leave and instead to enjoy all this beautiful ranch had to offer. It was magical! I can’t wait to go back. Oh and on top of the ranch being amazing, the hosts were wonderful and the house was perfectly cozy. We can’t wait to go again.Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Howard K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

Very nice property to stay at for people wanting to be in a quiet area and enjoy the Texas Hill Country
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Howard K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private hiking

Very nice place I re-rented it in October
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christina W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing break

Built for relaxing, surrounded by natural beauty. We saw wildlife and stars and migrating butterflies, and the only noise came from the many birds. Wonderful getaway from the responsibilities of daily life.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brenda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay at Shadow Dance Ranch!

Relaxing visit on the ranch! Truly enjoyed the scenery and great atmosphere, especially evenings on the patio. Thank you for offering such a special place!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Natalie A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

We enjoyed the cabin! My kids loved it! Very nice scenery.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Virginia B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Little Piece of Paradise

We always enjoy our 4th of July celebration at Shadowdance Ranch. Love fishing in the ponds, watching the sunsets, petting the horses, and enjoying the magnification Texas Hill Country views.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Misty L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway!

We loved the property and the house! The house was very clean and spacious. The location is perfect for visiting Utopia, Lost Maples State park, and Bandera, Hill Country state park. We really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Hill Country Getaway

What a great getaway to the Hill Country! We really enjoyed our stay, especially the lakes and hiking around the ranch. Wildlife - we saw an armadillo, a few deer, and several bird species. The ranch house was clean and comfortable. The porch and grill/firepit were nice as well as the separate, screened gameroom. It's a long way from home, but hopefully we can visit again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charles S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time in Tarpley

We enjoyed our stay and the home was very comfortable and the host was very responsive and nice to work with. The ranch is very nice and we enjoyed the wide open space and night sky and saw plenty of meteors. Thanks and we hope to be back at some time in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved the ranch

The house is super cute. We loved hanging out on the porch watching the sunsets and The kids had a great time exploring the property and watching the animals. We were sad to leave!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, remote getaway

We really enjoyed all of the beautiful birds and wildlife on this lovely property. Lost Maples SP was only about 35 minutes away. Great for hiking! Clean and comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lanette J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Property

This was our second time visiting and we absolutely loved our stay!! The owner stopped by to welcome us when we got there and to make sure everything looked good in the house. They have made some improvements which were very nice and the scenery was just as beautiful as we remembered. We did not leave the ranch for our 4 day stay and enjoyed hiking, bird-watching, fishing, wildlife viewing (saw a beautiful blackbuck) and just being on a working cattle ranch. We definitely plan to return! This is a 5-star property!!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Get Away from City Lights

A comfortable ranch house with cattle, exotics, and wildlife at your front gate. Easily housed five adults, although the bunk beds might challenge some. Perfect for those seeking big, dark sky nights and rugged, beautiful Hill Country views.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maria R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Perfect weekend getaway for our family! The guest house was clean and tidy. The boys had fun on the paddle boats and later enjoyed playing ping pong in the back shed. We were able to bbq and then ended the evening with some star gazing and storytelling. The host was quick to reply to questions— highly recommend if you’re looking to escape, relax and unplug. Will definitely be coming back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Roxanne A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Something For Everyone

Our stay at this beautiful home in Texas Hill Country was wonderful. We relaxed outdoors in the shade watching so many different birds and had fun researching their names. The cows came to water and four horses came by one day for a stroke along their face. We fished with tackle we brought along. Ping pong, horseshoes, hiking, paddle boating, and card games filled our time too. At the end of the day we slept in such comfortable beds with plenty of pillows. We enjoyed the serenity this wonderful location offered.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Staycation

Our family really enjoyed a short staycation at the ranch. The guest house is spacious, clean, and really beautiful. It's well complemented by the rolling hills surrounding the property. The outdoor area is awesome! We enjoyed chilling on the hammock, playing games, masking smores, and star gazing. Canoeing at the lake was a special highlight of our trip. Teens can be difficult to please, we had three of them and they loved it! Thanks Jeralyn for sharing your home.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brandon D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great week off the grid!

We absolutely loved staying at Shadow Dance Ranch. It’s definitely off the grid, if that’s what you’re looking for. Plan to cook all of your meals at home and then enjoy all the exploration the ranch has to offer! Our kids loved climbing all the rocks, fishing, and discovering hidden waterfalls. Cows, deer, and other wildlife are everywhere. It was exactly what we were looking for during this uncertain period of social distancing.

10/10 Excellent

Frank G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ranch House Stay

Great experience, very quite and well taken care of. Enjoyed the nights with my family just sitting outside and enjoying the vey clear view of the stars. Our host was very responsive when I had a question. Great place to stay and view the wildlife, and enjoy bird watching in the mornings while drinking your coffee outdoors. Me and my family will sure return to this spot with plenty to go out and see nearby. We just missed the chance to go on the local ponds on the paddle boats or canoe's but maybe next time.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lanette J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Hill Country Property

Absolutely FANTASTIC property!!! My family and I loved our stay. We hiked and fished the whole time, enjoyed the horses and cows that roam the property along with the many deer and exotics and only went into town once for a great lunch at Mac and Ernie's. The house is great and comfy with a nice porch and fire pit that we enjoyed in the evening. Everything you need is there including a canoe, paddleboats and a jon boat to explore the gorgeous crystal clear lakes that are loaded with bass and bluegill. Our teenage sons loved going out on the water to fish and explore. It was especially beautiful in the evenings catching bass while watching a perfect Hill Country sunset. We definitely hope to return to this gorgeous property!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Lily O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Country living

This place was very clean and there weren’t a lot of knick knacks everywhere - IDEAL! We were there during a 103° weekend and it was HOT so the AC was definitely struggling. It was a bit hard to stay cool, but it’s country living so that’s part and parcel. Property is gorgeous and there is a fun screened in patio area, separate from the house, that would be perfect for hanging and playing ping pong in slightly cooler temps. We selected the property to be close to Lost Maples and Garner State park. Each are about 30 minutes away so it’s a good medium. Only feedback would be to perhaps wash the quilts- they seemed a bit dusty. Thanks for having us!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patricia m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very accommodating

Our stay was unfortunately cut short due to a plumbing situation beyond control of the property owner. The host was very involved and provided us another lodging alternative when it was realized that the problem would not be fixed during our stay. For the overnight that we were there we absolutely loved the house and surrounding property. We played games at the card table (as well as pingpong & corn hole), enjoyed looking at the stars while sitting around the fire pit, slept great and the next day we hiked to the edge of the property up the hill. Everything was as beautiful and peaceful as expected based on the listing. The furniture, abundance of windows and decor were comfortable and provided a great setting for our family gathering. We hope to return someday to explore more of the property and enjoy all the place has to offer.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Harvey H., Houston, Texas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very Private, with Access to Many Hill Country Attractions

The beauty of this ranch is not only the rugged hill country setting, but how private it is. We could relax, read, talk, and hike, all by ourselves. Children who are accustomed to living in a city would be amazed at how wide open you feel here. We took advantage of dining at an amazing restaurant in little Tarpley (New Zealand lamb chops??!!), and drove to Bandera for live entertainment at night. We drove by the peaceful, quiet Medina River, then headed west to Lost Maples State Natural Area, then down to Utopia for dinner, and back to the ranch that evening. If we're in the area, we will definitely stay here again. My only suggestion . . . ditch the Rival drip coffee maker and buy a new one that works better! But otherwise, no complaints!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Jeralyn

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Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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