Pre-Trip Experience:…read more
Before our visit, I spoke with Shy over the phone, and she was incredibly knowledgeable and patient. She answered all my questions and got me even more excited about everything the ranch had to offer.
Getting There:
We visited for my wife's birthday, bringing along our 11-year-old and 2-year-old.
We arrived on a Tuesday and stayed until Thursday--it was quiet at night and incredibly peaceful.
Traveling from Round Rock, the GPS guided us directly to the property without any issues.
The drive was enjoyable, with scenic views of cows and lush greenery.
A few days before arrival, we received an email with everything we needed--gate code, Wi-Fi password, parking instructions, and more--making check-in smooth.
Upon arrival at our cabin, we were greeted by the sight of zebras and Jack the camel, which was an incredible surprise!
The Camellia Cabin:
First Impressions: Cool, cozy, and well-designed--felt like a tiny home.
Living Area:
Spacious fridge and ample cabinet space.
Stove available for cooking.
TV, loveseat, and a comfortable chair.
Loft Area:
Two full-sized beds (low ceiling but cozy).
Bathroom:
Clean with a sliding door.
Water was consistently hot (bring your own soap--mentioned in the email).
Main Bedroom:
Full-sized bed with two closets.
The AC is positioned above the bed--great for cooling down, but be prepared for direct airflow.
Extras:
Fireplace for s'mores.
Plug-in bug zapper.
Plenty of firewood provided.
The Property:
Beautiful and spacious with plenty to explore!
Wildlife: Baby goats, peacocks, and geese freely roaming the grounds.
Outdoor Activities:
Swings and grassy areas perfect for picnics.
Bikes available for riding around the property.
Lovely pool area for relaxing.
The Extras:
Safari Tour (Highly Recommended!)
A 600-acre tour behind a gated section of the property.
Our guide (whose name I sadly can't recall, but I believe it started with "A") was amazing--his passion and knowledge of the animals made the experience unforgettable.
We saw wildebeests, bison, red stags, llamas, and more.
When it started to rain, our guide quickly pulled my
into a shed to keep us dry and continued sharing fascinating details about the animals and property.
A must-do experience--kudos to the staff!
Horseback Riding (Trip Highlight!)
Just outside the main gate (about 9 yards to the left).
We were greeted by Kenneth and his associate, who were welcoming and professional.
My wife rode Oil Money, while I was paired with Geronimo--my first time on a horse!
I was nervous at first, but Geronimo was a pro--he knew exactly what he was doing, even if I didn't!
The ride lasted over an hour, and we felt like we got every penny's worth.
Final Thoughts:
Moon River Ranch exceeded our expectations in every way.
The staff was friendly, helpful, and always available to answer questions.
The property was stunning and offered so much to do.
We truly made the most of our two-day stay and can't wait to return!
If you're looking for a great place to eat, check out The Butcher's Cellar in Waco--about 30 minutes from the property. Fantastic food and well worth the drive!
Highly recommend this incredible getaway--thank you, Moon River Ranch!