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

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Smart TV, fireplace, table tennis, books - Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy! (Tarpley)
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Smart TV, fireplace, table tennis, books - Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy! (Tarpley)
Exterior - Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy! (Tarpley)
Interior - Shadow Dance Ranch-Private 2000 Acres and 2 Lakes with Plenty of Water to Enjoy! (Tarpley)
Deep in the Texas Hill Country, Shadow Dance Ranch offers a private self-catered escape with wide open spaces to explore. Enjoy paddle boating, canoeing and fishing on the 25-acre spring-fed lakes or relax by the wood burning fireplace in your fully equipped guest house.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6139 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Add dates for prices

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 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

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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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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

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 information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Located in Tarpley, this vacation 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. Traveling with kids? Consider Bandera Natural History & Art Museum, or check out an event or a game at Bobcat Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and water tubing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cycling. Visit our Tarpley travel guide
View more Vacation Homes in Tarpley
Map
TX, Tarpley

What's nearby

  • Scenic View of the Bandera City Park, Texas, just before the solar eclipse of April 8, 2024
    Bandera City Park
    20 min drive - 39.0 km
  • Medina River
    16 min drive - 33.0 km
  • Tarpley Crossing Park
    16 min drive - 33.4 km
  • Mansfield Park
    16 min drive - 34.5 km
  • Bandera Beach Club Tubes, Kayaks & Shuttle
    20 min drive - 38.7 km

Getting around

  • San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
    86 min drive

Restaurants

  • Mac & Ernies Roadside Eatery
    5 min drive
  • WCD West
    5 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.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the 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!?

Check-out 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 vacation 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 mi (32 km).

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

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 54 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 54 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 54 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 54 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 54 reviews

9.8

Cleanliness

10

Location

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property!! The house, lakes and animals were such a treat!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Angela S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed the quiet and relaxed under the stars. Such a beautiful property. It is a working ranch, so watch for cows around your vehicles.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan L.

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Virginia B.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bruce M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a wonderful place for a family get away! Being from Alaska we enjoyed the morning welcome from the horses , cows, and deer. The property was perfect, our boys loved the lakes and paddle boats.Everything needed to get started was at the ranch house, coffee, coffee filters, pots, pans, paper products, and it was nice having laundry facilities.Beds were comfortable with lots of blankets.Very cleanWe could not have asked for anything more.Thank you for sharing the ranch with us.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Senisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Always a good experience
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary M.

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

10/10 Excellent

kadon l.

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

Quite and Relaxing

This property was a nice escape.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maria R.

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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