Fall is the perfect time of year to head out into nature for pet-friendly weekend getaways in Texas. The weather is finally cooling off, but it’s not so cold that you need to pack winter gear. Hiking during the day becomes not just bearable, but pleasant, not to mention safer for you and your dog. At night, temperatures drop enough to justify a cozy campfire under the stars where you can make s’mores or just snuggle with your pup under a blanket.
Lucky for San Antonio, there are plenty of lovely spots to visit within easy driving range. Whether you are looking for a full-blown camping experience, a luxurious cabin, or something in between, there is something out there for everyone. If quarantine and the hot summer months have you feeling cooped up and restless, then it is time to pack your bags, hop in the car, and drive to one of these three pet-friendly weekend getaways in Texas.
Pet-Friendly Weekend Getaways in Texas
1. Getaway House
3 Locations Across Texas near Houston, Dallas, & Wimberley
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If you spend any time on Instagram, you’ve probably seen these cute little cabins that are nestled in remote areas all across the United States. There are three outposts in Texas, and all of them are easy driving distance from San Antonio: one outside of Dallas (4.5 hours from SA), one outside of Houston (3 hours from SA), and one outside Austin/San Antonio (in Wimberley, to be exact, only about 1 hour away)!
Although located out in the middle of nowhere, each cabin has a comfy queen bed with amazing nature views, a stocked bathroom with shower and toilet, and a mini-kitchen stocked with cooking supplies. Best of all, Getaway is super pet-friendly, only charging a flat fee of $40 to cover the additional cleaning costs! They provide food and water bowls, a puppy s’mores kit, and even have an outdoor long lead where you can leash your dog, but still give them space to roam.
According to the founder, Getaway was created “to give people time, space, and permission to be off. Our tiny cabins in nature provide a break from the city, technology, and work, so that you can recharge and reconnect to who and what matters most.”
If you are looking to “getaway” from it all without having to rough it, this is the perfect weekend getaway for you and your dog!
2. 13 Acres Retreat
802 Bell Springs Road | Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
If you are looking for something a little bit more connected to nature, then 13 Acres Retreat might be the perfect spot for you! I first discovered this hidden gem when searching for a weekend getaway for my husband’s and my 2 year wedding anniversary last winter. These cute cabins nestled on 13 acres of wilderness are located outside Dripping Springs just an hour and a half away from San Antonio.
Each cabin has an air conditioning/heater, a small coffee pot, a comfy bed with fresh linens, and gorgeous views of the Texas hill country. There are two compositing toilets on site, but don’t let that scare you! They are adorably decorated and kept immaculately clean! Other amenities include a water cooler to fill up your reusable bottle, a sink with soap to wash dishes and your hands, and a shower with hot water. However, it is an outdoor shower, which is very cute but can also be a bit chilly if you are visiting in the cooler months.
There is no shortage of things to do while staying at 13 Acres Retreat. You can roam the property (note: there are no trails, so this is an adventure!) or hop in the car and check out some nearby state parks like Pedernales Falls. If hiking isn’t quite your thing (or your dog’s thing), you can also check out some of the dog friendly wineries/breweries that are all within 20-30 minutes of the retreat. My personal favorite is Hawk’s Shadow Winery.
3. Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground
37221 F.M. 187 | Vanderpool, Texas 78885
If you’ve never visited Lost Maples in the fall, YOU ARE MISSING OUT. Lost Maples State Natural Area is a little less than 2 hours away from San Antonio, and it is famous for being one of the few spots in Texas where you can peep some stunning fall foliage. You do have to time this out just right, as the leaves won’t begin to change until the temperatures drop—usually around mid October or early November. The weather in Texas is always unpredictable, but you can check out the park’s Fall Foliage Color Report here.
Once the leaves start to change color, Lost Maples becomes a hot spot of activity! It’s highly recommended that you book a campsite in advance—sometimes up to a year in advance! Due to COVID, access is even more limited, and you are required to reserve passes (both camping and day passes) in advance either online or by calling the customer service center.
I promise you, it is worth the trouble! Not only is Lost Maples a beautiful slice of nature year-round, but there are over 10 miles of trails you can explore, including a loop that takes you along the top of a 2,200-foot cliff. There are 30 campsites with water and electricity, and about 50 primitive campsites that you can hike to, many of which are a short hike from composting toilets.
If you or your pup don’t really like camping, you can definitely make Lost Maples a day trip. It’s definitely close enough to drive out there in the morning, enjoy a hike, and drive home in the afternoon. However, it’s hard to beat a night or two out under the stars, especially when the weather is chilly enough to snuggle into your sleeping bag with your pup!
Have more pet friendly weekend getaways in Texas you’d add to this list? Let us know in the comments or let us know on social!
Find more dog-friendly travel ideas below:
Pet-Friendly AirBnb Rentals in San Antonio, Texas
Guide to Taking Your Dog to Texas National Parks
Highways & Hounds | Road Trip Tips for Dog Owners
Author: Blair Salt
Blair is a native San Antonian, committed dog mom, and all around animal lover. She lives in San Antonio with her husband, three rescued dogs, and a rescued cat. You can find her writing about responsible pet ownership over at her dog mom blog, Dogs Are a Girl’s Best Friend. When not hanging out with her pets, you can find Blair working at the McNay Art Museum, teaching yoga at AC Power Yoga, or cooking up a delicious plant-based meal in her kitchen. Find her on social media @twopupsinapawed!
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