1. Refined Travel
  2. Parks Near Me
  3. Texas
  4. Bexar County
  5. Encino
  6. Parks in U.S. 281
  7. San Tomas Hunting Camp

San Tomas Hunting Camp

San Tomas Hunting Camp 1

San Tomas Hunting Camp Overview

Rating

Phone (361) 568-3536

Address US-281, Encino, TX 78353, USA

Hours

San Tomas Hunting Camp Location & Map

TexasBexar CountyEncinoU.S. 281

San Tomas Hunting Camp About

For many Texans, hunting isn't just a pastime; it's a deep-rooted tradition and a vital connection to the state's rich natural heritage. When it comes to finding a premier hunting experience, particularly in the legendary South Texas brush country, discerning hunters seek out operations that combine expert guidance with comfortable amenities. San Tomas Hunting Camp in Encino, TX, stands out as a top-tier destination, offering a comprehensive and immersive hunting adventure. More than just a campground, San Tomas is a well-established hunting operation known for its prime location in some of Texas's best wildlife habitat, providing exceptional opportunities for various game species.

This camp is designed for serious hunters looking for a guided experience, complete with comfortable lodging and professional services. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems of South Texas, renowned for their abundant wildlife and challenging hunts. Whether you're targeting trophy whitetails, elusive quail, or the formidable Nilgai, San Tomas Hunting Camp provides the setting and expertise to make your hunting dreams a reality.

---

Location and Accessibility

San Tomas Hunting Camp is strategically located on US-281, Encino, TX 78353, USA. This address places it firmly in the heart of South Texas, a region legendary for its robust wildlife populations and unique brush country habitat. Encino itself is a small community in Brooks County, known for being part of the vast King Ranch, which significantly influences the area's wild character.

The camp's proximity to US-281, a major north-south highway, ensures excellent accessibility for hunters traveling from various parts of Texas, including major metropolitan areas like San Antonio, Houston, and the Rio Grande Valley. While nestled in a rural setting that guarantees an authentic outdoor experience, the ease of reaching the camp via a well-maintained highway minimizes travel time and maximizes your time in the field. This location is particularly advantageous for hunters seeking prime quail country and areas known for large deer and exotic game, such as Nilgai.

The rich composition of open quail country and mixed brush canopy makes this ranch a wonderful combination hunting ranch. It’s located in the sand sheet of South Texas, an area widely recognized for its exceptional quail hunting. Furthermore, its position in Brooks County puts it in the vicinity of large neighboring ranches, contributing to the quality and abundance of game.

---

Services Offered

San Tomas Hunting Camp offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to provide a complete and high-quality hunting experience. It goes far beyond a typical campground, focusing on guided hunts and full-service accommodations:

  • Guided Hunting Experiences: The core service revolves around expertly guided hunts. For instance, specific packages mentioned include opportunities to harvest Nilgai bulls or cows and feral hogs. These hunts are conducted with professional guides who possess extensive knowledge of the local terrain and wildlife.
  • Deluxe Overnight Accommodations: Unlike basic campgrounds, San Tomas provides comfortable, often described as "deluxe," overnight accommodations. This ensures hunters have a restful and pleasant stay after a day in the field. While the exact type of lodging (e.g., cabins, lodge rooms) is best confirmed directly, the emphasis is on comfort.
  • All Meals Provided: For multi-day hunts, all meals are typically provided, ensuring hunters are well-fed and energized for their expeditions. This eliminates the need for campers to prepare their own food, allowing them to focus entirely on the hunting experience.
  • Game Preparation: A crucial service for hunters, game preparation is included. This covers the initial processing of harvested animals, which can be a significant convenience.
  • Access to Prime Hunting Grounds: As part of a larger ranch or in an area known for its excellent hunting composition, guests gain access to vast tracts of well-managed hunting land. For example, some offerings mention hunting on "45 square miles of prime Nilgai habitat."
  • Customizable Hunt Durations: Hunts can be tailored, such as an "afternoon hunt, spend the night, hunt all the next day," or even "spend a 2nd night and hunt the last morning, if needed," offering flexibility to hunters.

---

Features and Highlights

San Tomas Hunting Camp is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a premier choice for hunters:

  • Premier South Texas Hunting Grounds: The camp is situated in an area renowned for its exceptional hunting opportunities, particularly for Bobwhite Quail, Trophy Whitetail Deer, Nilgai, and Feral Hogs. The natural composition of the land, with open quail country and mixed brush canopy, is ideal for these species.
  • Turnkey Hunting Operation: The camp is often described as "perfectly set up for entertaining guests or as a commercial hunting operation," implying a well-organized and efficient setup that handles all aspects of the hunt.
  • High Quality of Game: Being located in an area with large neighboring ranches and within the "sand sheet" of South Texas, the camp benefits from a healthy and robust wildlife population, offering opportunities for trophy animals.
  • Expert Guides and Staff: While not explicitly detailed in the provided snippet, the nature of a "hunting camp" implies experienced guides who are knowledgeable about tracking, game behavior, and the local environment, essential for successful hunts.
  • Comfortable Base Camp: The provision of deluxe overnight accommodations and all meals ensures that hunters can focus on the hunt without worrying about logistics or comfort.
  • Conservation-Minded Environment: While not directly stated, the fact that research on quail habitat and population ecology, including long-term investigations, is conducted at a "San Tomas Hunting Camp" (associated with the King Ranch's Encino Division) suggests a commitment to wildlife management and sustainable hunting practices.
  • Unique Nilgai Hunting: For those seeking a unique big game experience, the opportunity to hunt Nilgai, a large antelope native to India but well-established in South Texas, is a significant draw.

---

Promotions or Special Offers

As a specialized hunting camp, San Tomas Hunting Camp typically operates on a reservation and package basis rather than offering general "promotions" in the way a public campground might. Their pricing is usually structured around the type of hunt, duration, and number of animals included. Therefore, instead of traditional discounts, potential "offers" are more likely to be in the form of tailored hunting packages. It is highly advisable to contact San Tomas Hunting Camp directly to discuss:

  • Current Hunting Packages: Inquire about their specific packages for different game species (e.g., quail, deer, Nilgai, hogs), which often include lodging, meals, and guided services.
  • Availability and Booking: Given the specialized nature, popular hunting seasons may book up quickly. Early inquiry is crucial.
  • Group Rates: If you're planning a hunting trip with a group, ask if there are any special rates for multiple hunters.
  • Customized Hunts: Discuss if they can tailor a hunt to your specific preferences or target species.

While the provided customer reviews do not mention promotions, the focus on direct booking and personalized service is common for such high-end hunting operations.

---

Contact Information

Ready to embark on an unforgettable hunting adventure in the heart of South Texas? Here's how you can get in touch with San Tomas Hunting Camp:

  • Address: US-281, Encino, TX 78353, USA
  • Phone: (361) 568-3536
  • Mobile Phone: +1 361-568-3536

It is strongly recommended to call San Tomas Hunting Camp directly to inquire about their specific hunting packages, availability, pricing, and to make reservations. Their team will be able to provide detailed information to help plan your ideal hunting trip.

---

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Texans with a passion for hunting, San Tomas Hunting Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity right in their backyard. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a comprehensive, professionally run hunting operation that taps into the very essence of Texas's renowned hunting culture. Its location in the prime wildlife habitat of South Texas means locals don't have to travel out of state to experience world-class hunting for species like quail, deer, and Nilgai.

The convenience of having deluxe accommodations, meals, and expert guides all included in a single package makes it an ideal choice for busy Texans looking for a hassle-free yet authentic hunting experience. It caters to those who appreciate the deep knowledge of local terrain and game that only Texas-based outfitters can provide. Whether you're a seasoned hunter seeking a new challenge or looking to introduce the next generation to the rich hunting traditions of the Lone Star State, San Tomas Hunting Camp provides a suitable, accessible, and high-quality destination for a truly memorable Texas hunting adventure.

Customer Reviews

3.0
3 reviews
L
Lyle Perkins
Apr 11, 2019

Never been there

K
Kit Haas
Jan 27, 2019

s
sean stoner
Aug 26, 2018