Old Herrera Ranch

For many Texans, the call of the wild and the desire to reconnect with nature are powerful draws. Camping offers a unique opportunity to escape the everyday hustle, breathe fresh air, and create lasting memories with family and friends. In the diverse landscape of South Texas, just a stone's throw from San Antonio, lies a truly special place: Old Herrera Ranch. This campground isn't just a patch of land; it's a historic and secluded gem offering a distinctive primitive camping experience along the beautiful Medina River.

Unlike larger, more developed campgrounds, Old Herrera Ranch caters to those who appreciate a more rustic and private outdoor adventure. It's the kind of place where you can genuinely feel like you have the "gorgeous riverfront all to yourselves," as one happy camper described. This focus on seclusion and natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for Texans looking to unwind, enjoy water activities, and immerse themselves in a setting rich with history.

The experience at Old Herrera Ranch is deeply tied to its heritage and its natural surroundings. Reviews consistently highlight the feeling of being "mostly the only ones on the land and river," emphasizing its status as a "secluded hidden gem." This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Old Herrera Ranch, drawing upon available public information and genuine customer feedback. We'll explore its unique location, the services it offers for primitive camping, its distinct features and historical significance, and how to get in touch. Our goal is to help local Texans discover if this exceptional campground aligns with their vision for an authentic outdoor escape.

For Texans who cherish privacy, historical connections, and direct access to natural waterways, Old Herrera Ranch offers a compelling alternative to more crowded camping spots. By presenting a balanced and informative picture, we hope to guide prospective campers in deciding if this hidden treasure is their next perfect outdoor adventure.

Old Herrera Ranch is located at Old Somerset Rd, Von Ormy, TX 78073, USA. This address places the campground in a unique and strategic position in South Texas, offering a blend of rural seclusion and surprising proximity to urban amenities. Von Ormy, a community just southwest of San Antonio, allows for a peaceful camping experience that doesn't feel entirely cut off from civilization.

One of the most significant aspects of its location is its direct access to the Medina River. As reviews attest, the campground offers a "gorgeous riverfront" and the opportunity to "kayak the Medina river." This direct access is a major draw for water enthusiasts and those seeking a natural aquatic environment for recreation. The river here can be kayaked directly from the campground to the Medina River Natural Area, a roughly 5-mile journey, providing a fantastic day trip opportunity right from your campsite.

Despite its secluded feel, Old Herrera Ranch is remarkably accessible to San Antonio. It's described as being "just 20-minutes from downtown San Antonio," which is a significant advantage for Texans looking for a quick getaway without a long drive. This allows campers to enjoy the tranquility of nature during their stay, while also having the option to easily visit San Antonio's iconic attractions like the Alamo, the River Walk, or its diverse dining and entertainment options. Major highways such as Interstate 35 and Loop 410 are within a reasonable driving distance, ensuring straightforward navigation to and from the campground.

The "Old Somerset Rd" address itself hints at the historical nature and somewhat off-the-beaten-path feel of the location, contributing to its "secluded hidden gem" status. While it offers a rustic camping experience, its proximity to both the Medina River and a major metropolitan area makes it a highly convenient and unique choice for Texans seeking an authentic outdoor adventure without traveling too far from home. However, it's worth noting one review that mentions "persistent noise from the nearby highway," indicating that while secluded, it's not entirely isolated from distant traffic sounds.

Old Herrera Ranch provides services that cater to a primitive camping experience, emphasizing immersion in nature and historical ambiance. While not a full-service RV park with extensive amenities, it focuses on the essentials for comfortable outdoor living. Based on available public information and guest reviews, the following services are offered:

• Primitive Camping Sites: The campground offers space for "tents, roof-top-tent setups or car/van dry-camping." This indicates a focus on more rustic camping, where campers are expected to be largely self-sufficient.

• River Access: A primary service is direct access to the Medina River. This allows for activities like kayaking, swimming, and simply enjoying the "gorgeous riverfront." This is a key draw for the campground.

• Drinking Water: The park is in the process of building/restoring and plans to have "drinking water" available, which is a crucial service for primitive camping, reducing the need for campers to haul in large quantities of water.

• Fire Pits: "Fire pits" are either available or planned, allowing campers to have campfires for cooking, warmth, and traditional outdoor ambiance. Guests should inquire about any fire restrictions based on local conditions.

• Compost Toilets: For sanitation, the campground plans to have "compost toilets," offering a more environmentally friendly and basic restroom facility compared to flush toilets.

• Shade and Natural Cover: The presence of "plenty of shade" from trees is a valuable natural service, especially during the hot Texas summers, providing comfort and relief from the sun.

• Pet-Friendly: Reviews indicate that the campground is "pup-friendly" and "off-lead friendly," making it an excellent choice for campers who wish to bring their dogs and allow them freedom (with responsible supervision).

• Historical Features: While not a traditional service, the preservation of historical structures like "jacals" (dated from 1830-40s) and an "old Dance Hall" serves as a unique educational and atmospheric feature for guests to explore and enjoy.

• Day Use and Overnight Stays: The campground can accommodate both day visitors and those wishing to stay overnight, providing flexibility for different types of outings.

It's important for prospective campers to note that the park is described as being in a "building/restoring process," which implies some amenities may be new or still under development. It's always best to call ahead to confirm the exact availability and condition of all desired services.

• Secluded Riverfront Access: The most celebrated feature is the "gorgeous riverfront" along the Medina River, which guests often have "all to ourselves." This provides unparalleled privacy and direct access for water activities like kayaking and swimming, making it a true "secluded hidden gem." The ability to kayak from the campground to the Medina River Natural Area (5 miles) is a significant draw for paddlers.

• Rich Historical Significance: Old Herrera Ranch is steeped in history, having been in the same family since the early 1800s. The presence of old "jacals" (dated 1830-40s) and an "old Dance Hall" offers a unique glimpse into Texas's past, creating a distinctive and educational camping environment. The potential crossing of Santa Anna's army through the area adds to its historical intrigue.

• Primitive and Private Camping Experience: Unlike crowded, commercial campgrounds, Old Herrera Ranch focuses on a more primitive style of camping, with ample space for "tents, roof-top-tent setups or car/van dry-camping." The emphasis on being "mostly the only ones on the land and river" is a major highlight for those seeking solitude and a genuine connection with nature.

• Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground is explicitly "pup-friendly" and allows pets "off-lead," which is a huge bonus for dog owners who want to enjoy the outdoors with their furry companions without strict leash rules. This freedom for pets enhances the overall family camping experience.

• Dedicated and Responsive Host: The host, Dax, is praised as a "Star Host" who is "highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences." This personal level of management ensures a welcoming atmosphere and support for campers.

• Proximity to San Antonio: Despite its rustic and secluded feel, the ranch is just "20-minutes from downtown San Antonio." This ideal location allows campers to enjoy the peace of nature while having convenient access to urban amenities, attractions, and job opportunities.

• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The reviews highlight the beauty of the "Medina River" and imply opportunities for observing native wildlife, contributing to the immersive natural experience.

Information regarding specific, publicly advertised promotions or special offers for Old Herrera Ranch is not extensively detailed beyond its listing on Hipcamp, which is a booking platform for unique camping experiences. Pricing is typically set per night, and any discounts or special rates would likely be managed directly through their Hipcamp listing or by contacting the owners.

However, based on the nature of Hipcamp listings and similar private campgrounds, potential offers might include:

• Tiered Pricing for Length of Stay: While not explicitly stated, campgrounds often offer reduced per-night rates for longer stays (e.g., weekly or monthly bookings) compared to single-night reservations. Given its appeal for extended stays, this is a possibility.

• Seasonal Discounts: During off-peak seasons or specific times of the year, campgrounds may offer lower rates to encourage bookings.

• Group Booking Rates: For larger groups planning a shared camping experience, inquiring about group discounts might be beneficial.

• Repeat Visitor Incentives: Although not guaranteed, some private campgrounds might offer small incentives for returning guests, given the positive feedback about repeat visits to Old Herrera Ranch.

Since Old Herrera Ranch operates through platforms like Hipcamp and maintains a personal connection with its guests, the best way for prospective campers to learn about current rates, availability, and any potential offers is to visit their listing on Hipcamp directly or use the contact information provided below. This direct approach will ensure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date pricing and information for your desired camping dates.

For reservations, inquiries about availability, specific site details, or to learn more about Old Herrera Ranch, you can reach them using the following contact details:

• Address: Old Somerset Rd, Von Ormy, TX 78073, USA

• Phone: (512) 924-8193

• Mobile Phone: +1 512-924-8193

• Online Booking Platform: Old Herrera Ranch is prominently featured on Hipcamp, where you can check availability and make reservations. Searching for "Old Herrera Ranch - Medina River" on Hipcamp should lead you to their listing.

It is highly recommended to contact the ranch directly, especially if you have specific questions about primitive camping needs, bringing large groups, or understanding the current status of their ongoing building/restoring process. Direct communication will ensure you have the most accurate information to plan your unique camping experience.

For Texans, Old Herrera Ranch offers a remarkably suitable and distinctive camping experience, particularly for those seeking a genuine escape into nature with a touch of history. Its primary appeal lies in its "secluded hidden gem" status, providing a rare opportunity to have "gorgeous riverfront" access along the Medina River "all to ourselves." This level of privacy and direct engagement with a natural waterway is highly coveted by local outdoor enthusiasts for activities like kayaking, fishing, or simply unwinding by the water. The ability to kayak directly from the campground to the Medina River Natural Area further enhances its suitability for active Texans.

The rich historical background of the ranch, with family ties dating back to the early 1800s and structures from the 1830s-40s, offers a unique educational and atmospheric dimension that resonates with Texans who appreciate their state's heritage. This blend of nature and history provides a more profound camping experience than generic campgrounds. Furthermore, its "pup-friendly" and "off-lead friendly" policy makes it an ideal destination for Texas families who want to include their furry companions in their outdoor adventures without stringent restrictions, aligning with the state's love for pets.

Despite its primitive and secluded nature, its proximity to San Antonio – just "20-minutes from downtown" – is a major convenience for locals. This allows for a swift transition from urban life to a natural retreat, making it perfect for weekend getaways without extensive travel. It provides a peaceful base while still being close enough to access city amenities or for those working in the area. While some external "highway noise" is noted, the overall emphasis on seclusion and the natural environment generally overshadows this for most visitors. Old Herrera Ranch is an exceptional choice for Texans who value privacy, historical immersion, direct river access, and a truly pet-friendly primitive camping experience close to home.