Entire home

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

Lakefront vacation home with kitchen and patio

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

October 2025

November 2025

Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Smart TV, fireplace, table tennis, books

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61500 sq ft

Popular amenities

Fireplace
Washer
Dryer
Barbecue grill
Kitchen
Parking available

Explore the area

Tarpley, TX

Place, Frio River
Place, Lost Maples State Natural Area
‪36 min drive‬
Place, Garner State Park
‪56 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Tarpley

This vacation home places you 28.8 mi (46.3 km) from Garner State Park. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a patio.

View more Vacation Homes in Tarpley

What's nearby

Mansfield Park - 22 min drive - 21.5 miles
Bandera Beach Club Tubes, Kayaks & Shuttle - 26 min drive - 24.0 miles
Bandera City Park - 27 min drive - 24.5 miles
Lost Maples State Natural Area - 36 min drive - 32.9 miles
Garner State Park - 56 min drive - 36.4 miles

Getting around

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) - 86 min drive

Restaurants

‪Mac & Ernies Roadside Eatery - ‬5 min drive
‪Steel Horse Cafe - ‬5 min drive
‪WCD West - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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.

The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. A Smart TV comes with satellite channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a fenced private yard. Housekeeping is available on request.

Similar properties

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly

Property amenities

Beach

Beach towels

Internet

Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

Car required
Parking on site

Kitchen

Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Stovetop
Toaster

Dining

Dining table

Bedrooms

3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided

Living spaces

Dining table
Fireplace
Living room

Entertainment

Books
Games
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

Barbecue grill
Fenced yard
Firepit
Outdoor furniture
Patio

Laundry

Laundry facilities
Washing machine

Comfort

Air conditioning
Heating

Pets

No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

Housekeeping (on request)

Location highlights

In a rural location
Near a health/beauty spa
On a lake
On a river

Things to do

Boat
Table tennis
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Swimming nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock

General

Housekeeping (on request)
Unit size: 1,500 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Contactless check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 28

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

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.

Pets

This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Long-term renters welcome

Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 28

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

Due to national regulations, cash transactions can't exceed USD 999.99 at this property. For additional details, contact the property using the contact information on your booking confirmation.
Long-term renters welcome.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available on site at this vacation home?

No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.

Is this vacation home next to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

What do couples enjoy most about Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy!?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this lakeside vacation home include a fireplace and a kitchen in each accommodation with some featuring lake views.

Are there hot tubs at Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy!?

No, this vacation home doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this vacation home provide breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.

Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy!?

Yes, every accommodation at Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy! comes with a deck with some featuring lake or mountain views.

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

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10 Excellent

Harrison F.

Sep 22, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Phenomenal ranch!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Senisa S.

Aug 14, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Always a good experience

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary M.

Aug 1, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

The place was very comfortable and peaceful. The night sky was unbelievable. We fished on the lakes and took a day trip to the Frio River.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Becky O.

Jul 17, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John F.

Jun 29, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Jennifer R.

Jun 11, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

The property was lovely - we enjoyed the livestock and peacefulness of the ranch.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica A.

May 12, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

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

kadon l.

Jan 14, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Quite and Relaxing

This property was a nice escape.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

JP & Jenn Sourdellia, Where do you live?

Dec 29, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Howard K., Georgetown texas

Nov 1, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

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., Georgetown texas

Sep 5, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Private hiking

Very nice place I re-rented it in October

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christina W.

Aug 27, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Susan L.

Jul 20, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Family Vacay

Loved this property! Secluded and beautiful. If you like being out in nature this is the ticket. Love the pastures and cows and horses. Also enjoyed swimming in the lake.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Virginia B.

Jul 10, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Roxanne A.

May 23, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Jason W.

Apr 2, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Lanette J.

Mar 14, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Brenda M.

Dec 31, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Virginia B.

Nov 15, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Fall in the Texas Hill Country - GORGEOUS!

This is my third trip to Shadowdance ranch, but this time I came during the fall and brought my sister and cousin for a 3-day getaway. I usually come with my husband for 4th of July. It's SPECTACULAR in the fall! Gorgeous colors and cooler temperatures, a fire in the huge fireplace inside and another in the fire pit outside at night...HEAVEN! We went to Lost Maples for a day trip, but because of the drought, the maples were not particularly showy this year. We enjoyed the park, but were more than happy to return to the ranch where we spent the entire day by the little lake, enjoying the beauty, peace, and solitude. At night, we took our chairs into the back yard and gazed at the incredible stars. There was a meteor shower, so we saw tons of shooting stars...what a treat!!! But even without them, the sky was just fantastic. Shadowdance Ranch is truly the best place I've ever stayed, and I'll be back...soon and often!

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charles S.

Aug 15, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Ashley H.

Jul 16, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Unplugged family vacation success!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this ranch. We loved seeing the cows, horses, deer, birds and fish. We hiked down the creek, hiked a bit around the property close to the guest house, fished at both lakes and went out on all of the little boats. The kids enjoyed the ping pong table and the hammock. Overall I would recommend this place to a family that’s wanting to spend your days in the peace and quiet of the country. The mornings were beautiful, 75-80. It hit 100+ each evening we were there and the ac struggled a bit but then cooled down by 10 or so. I messaged owner and they offered a window unit but we declined because it was still comfortable in the house. One other thing I noticed was there was small ants in the living room when we got there, not a huge trail or anything but enough to notice. But it is out in the country so it didn’t really bother me. One thing I would suggest to the owner would be to put a small pier or floating dock on the lake closer to the house to walk out to fish from. Thank you for sharing this property with our family, it is so beautiful!!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maria R.

Jul 13, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Weekend getaway

This is our second stay, and it did not disappoint! If you are looking to disconnect from your weekday routine, and enjoy some peace and quiet, this is your place to stay! We enjoyed the paddle boats, ping pong, and just coming home to relax after a day of floating on the Frio! Will definitely stay here again.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Virginia B.

Jul 5, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Shadowdance Ranch - home in the Hill Country

I discovered Shadow Dance on VRBO last year, and now this is my 2nd Fourth of July there. This will become a family tradition. I feel so fortunate to be able to share my family's old ranch, built by F.L. Hicks in the 1850s, with my children. My family has sold off all our sections, so what a blessing it was to find out I could still visit the ranch and pass on the family history! This year, our aunt who still lives in Utopia turned 100 years old! She got to come out and see the place, possibly for the last time, and it meant so much to her! Besides the deep family roots, this place is a DREAM! My husband and daughter & her boyfriend caught HUGE bass in the ponds. We fished all day, and everything was so beautiful and tranquil, the time flew by. I feel 100% relaxed and rejuvenated. From our porch at the house, we watched cows, rabbits, hawks, hummingbirds, and all kinds of wildlife. This morning we woke to a visit from four friendly horses who let us pet them forever. At night, we watched the stars...not as brilliant as last year, but we got to enjoy a huge full moon. We went to Utopia for the 4th of July firework display. I can't understand how a small town can put on such an amazing, spectacular display! It's worth going there to celebrate the 4th every year! AND the house is just beautiful! Large windows overlooking the hills. Beautiful furniture and rockwork, and every kind of amenity imaginable. This really is the best equipped place I've ever stayed in!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Jun 25, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing

Shadow Dance Ranch was exactly what we needed for a relaxing stay accommodating six people mostly adults. The ranch was beautiful with two lakes including a paddle and Jon boat at each location, large rock formations, cattle and other wildlife, and wide open spaces to explore. The house was clean and fit for fun including indoor and outdoor games. We are looking forward to coming back!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Harvey H., Houston, Texas

Jun 16, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

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