Romantic ranch camping near Fredericksburg
Subtitle Legendary wine trail, peaches, and German culture and cuisine make this a must-see Texas destination.
- Fredericksburg
4 top ranch campgrounds near Fredericksburg
Romantic ranch camping near Fredericksburg guide
Overview
German residents settled in Fredericksburg beginning in the 1830s, and the town’s Old World charm is still evident throughout the region’s cuisine and hospitality today. Visitors flock to the state’s best known wine trail that winds along Highway 290 from Fredericksburg to Johnson City, filled with more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms, along with a few distilleries making noteworthy Texas whiskey and vodka. Peach season is a fun summertime activity, when you can visit orchards for fresh-picked peaches, cobblers, and peach ice cream. Nearby, a giant pink batholith called Enchanted Rock beckons hikers to take on its heady journey to the top, and cycling through Hill Country’s namesake hills is another worthy physical challenge.
Where to go
Downtown
Antique shops, boutiques, and intimate restaurants abound in downtown Fredericksburg, worthy of a day trip for shopping and dining. You’ll also find plentiful public parks and museums here, and farmers’ markets and festivals planned throughout the year.
Luckenbach
A 1977 Waylon Jennings song put this tiny town on the map. Today, it’s a historic dance hall and a post office with a bar in the back. Order up a beer and ask the resident guitarist to strum you a tune (you’ll never guess which one is the most requested).
Johnson City
Johnson City and nearby Stonewall are within a 30-minute drive of Fredericksburg along Highway 290 and its wine country. This was the boyhood home of President Lyndon B. Johnson, and you’ll find Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, where you can explore his roots as well as his “Texas White House,” where he lived and worked during his tenure.
When to go
Texas Hill Country is a wonderful destination year-round, given the frequently lovely Texas climate (just prepare for some heat during the summer months). Weekends tend to be busy with tourists, with bachelorette parties flocking to wineries and bars in and around Fredericksburg. Summer is peach season—ideal for picking your own fruits or trying some local cuisine created with peaches. During the winter holidays, Fredericksburg transforms into a German-style Christmas village, with lights, music, and specialty treats to enjoy.
