Waco might be a small city in central Texas, but with the Brazos River flowing through it, and the beautiful Lake Waco, there are countless outdoor activities. In the heart of the city lies Cameron Park where you can enjoy picnics and even catch a boat race. Don’t forget to visit the Cameron Park Zoo which hosts several events throughout the year. Waco is also the birthplace of Dr Pepper, and if you’re interested to learn more about this famous drink, make sure to stop by the unique Dr Pepper Museum. You can also visit The Waco Mammoth National Monument and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.
Texas has always been synonymous with rangers and cowboys, and a stay at a ranch is the most Texan adventure one can experience. Continue reading to book one of the top ranches to stay in Waco, Texas for a once in a lifetime holiday.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Charming studio on a farmstead (from USD 100)
Get a taste of the laidback farm life when you book this private suite situated in a working farmstead. The suite is attached to the main residence but is designed to include a private entrance and porch. Guests are free to walk around and explore the lovely 4-ac (1.62-ha) homestead which includes goats, sheep, and chickens. If you would like to get up close with the animals, ask the host for a tour of the property.
The spacious studio includes a living space, a dining table, and a small kitchen with no stovetop. Enjoy the pleasant Texas weather from the covered outdoor porch that is styled with modern furniture and string lights. Guests also enjoy access to the shared backyard which has another outdoor seating area with a firepit.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a country style setting homey and comfortable studio space that allows you to spread out and relaxroom was perfect quiet and peacefultheir place was so comfortable delightfully decorated very spacious and had everything we neededCleanliness:
very clean and nice decorclean comfortable and well appointedextremely clean and cozy well decorated roomsthe studio was clean and quietvery beautifully decorated super clean and comfortableHost:
great host for everythingshe was very responsive and always made sure we had everything we neededfantastic host every thing was perfect fantastic place to staylaura was a lovely host this studio was exactly what i was looking forthe home was close to everywhere we wanted to visit in waco very friendly and kind hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great locationsuper cute set up very close to all things magnolia tooa good place to take a break from tv tooit was in a great location to see everything in wacoperfect for our little weekend getaway location was close to everything we wanted to visit in waco
Nearby ranches
2. Pet-friendly farm stay (from USD 104)
If you are searching for a holiday to enjoy the outdoors, this is a fantastic farm stay option. The house is part of a 10-ac (4.05-ha) working farm with plenty of horses, cattle, and even peacocks. Pets are charged an additional 25 USD when accompanying guests but must be on a leash or under control outdoors since chickens and peacocks roam free.
The majestic 400-year-old oak tree in the front yard is an incredible gathering spot, with a wooden swing connected to a branch. The twinkling string lights give it the most ethereal feel in the evenings. If the children take over this spot for playing, the adults can pick the expansive wooden deck to lounge in. The semi-covered deck includes a barbecue grill, a tree-trunk dining table, and some chairs.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were super comfortabledecorated in the texas motif as expected in the heart of texas and very comfortablegreat comfortable place to unwind and take it the tranquilityCleanliness:
the house was super clean and cozythis airbnb is clean spacious comfortable and welcomingbeds and bathrooms were comfy and cleanthe house was extremely clean and so thoughtfully supplied with everything you would needvery clean a lot of room and our granddaughter enjoyed the animalsHost:
bill is the best hostand bill is a wonderful hostbill is an amazing host and makes it feel like our home away from homewilliam is polite accommodating and the best host everthe host was welcoming and easy to contact and responded instantlyRead more reviewsLocation:
one of our favorite things about our stay was the covenient locationgreat place to get away for a couple days highly recommendall the comforts of home and close to the vineyard for easy access to events
3. Fussy Hen Ranch (from USD 140)
This is a 20 ac (8.09 ha) working ranch that allows visitors a chance to experience country life. Guests enjoy complete access to 5 ac (2.02 ha), while the rest of the ranch is closed off for the resident horses. The accommodation has been creatively tagged as a ‘barndominum’ by the host and includes an open plan living, dining, and kitchen area, and a curtained-off bedroom. The barndominium is extended out to include an awning where guests can park their cars and also sit out and enjoy the outdoors.
Fussy Hen Ranch includes RV hookups that can be rented separately so there can be additional guests on the property. Guests also have the option of renting out the entire property for a small event or a wedding. The ranch also offers overnight accommodations for your precious horses.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed is so comfy feels like you're sleeping on cloudsCleanliness:
clean and cozy insidevery clean lots of great amenitiesthis place is so beautiful i love how cozy the inside and cleanthe place was clean comfortable and well located for getting into wacoHost:
mollie and paige are great hostsmollie was an excellent hostess the check in directions were spot on and she was very accommodatingmollie and paige are fantastic and super responsiveit’s pet friendly which made our stay more funRead more reviewsLocation:
great place and great locationgreat location close to the city but far away enough for quite and comfortwe loved the location and the whole experienceit's a great location to get away from the hustle and bustle of every day lifegreat place to kick back & take life easy
4. Gorgeous ranch with ponds and fruit trees
Surrounded by 14 ac (5.67 ha) of greenery, this is the perfect retreat to take a break from city life. This working ranch includes horses which are available for guests to ride for an additional fee. Guests can also book a day of fishing or private yoga classes during their time here. Go for a stroll around the three ponds or visit the fruit and vegetable garden on the ranch.
The private cabin offers a comfortable stay for a family holiday in the Texan country. Bring groceries on your way to the ranch and cook meals in the fully equipped kitchen which includes a freezer and an electric cooker.
Robinson, Texas, United States
3.78 km (2.4 mi) from Hewitt ParkAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the murphy bed was comfortable and supportiveCleanliness:
awesome property with a perfectly simple and extremely clean barndominium setupcomfortable clean and it’s was prettyHost:
the owners were extremely nice and helpful as welljonathan and star were very welcoming and communicative throughout our staythe hosts were so good to us we couldn’t have asked for a better stayjonathan and star were amazing hosts and really good people the space was so cute and cleanRead more reviewsLocation:
such a cool and unique place with convenience to attractions around the areajonathan and his wife star are amzing host we loved the location and the animals we’re an added bonus
5. Beautiful farm stay with a host of amenities (from USD 99)
Skip the city life and check in to this farmstead where guests enjoy access to the entire property. Relax in a hammock under the shade of towering trees or enjoy a farm picnic with salads and sandwiches behind the cottage. At night, everyone can gather around the fire pit for star gazing and spooky stories. This rental welcomes pets, but they must be on a leash at all times when outside as neighborhood animals roam the grounds.
This homestead is located outside city limits and permits fireworks on the property. Even though the hosts live in the main house on the property, guests will enjoy ample space and privacy.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the smart tv really didn’t work bc of the internet access being too slowCleanliness:
spotless house and easy to findvery clean and host very responsivegreat stay nice and cleanhad a great stay at kristen’s the house was clean and very welcomingmy family had fun feeding the goats very clean would stay here againHost:
kristen was also an amazing hostcute place very nice hostkristen was so kind and politekrysten is a wonderful host and we will stay again if we are ever traveling up that wayvery friendly host house was exactly as described neighborhood was quiteRead more reviewsLocation:
cute little place to staygood location and the baby goats are a plus recommendedgreat place to stay and loved the the location and the goatseasy to get to plenty of parking only 10 minutes from a grocery store gas station highway etcbest airbnb ever the location is perfect so calm and peaceful
6. Dew Drop Inn (from USD 151)
Dew Drop Inn is part of a working cattle ranch and allows visitors a chance to experience Texan ranch culture. You might be on a ranch, but all the amenities ensure that guests are only cut off from the city, not the comforts.
The rental is designed as a rustic chic retreat from the city and features a tin roof in certain rooms. With a porch, gazebo, and fire pit, there are plenty of places where guests can enjoy the outdoors depending on the weather.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
absolutely love that this property doesn’t have wi-fithe beds were cozy and comfortable and we slept greatcomfortable bed soft sheets and a stocked kitchenCleanliness:
quite clean country cabineasy check in clean and fully stockedclean out in the countryRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful location with lots of out door space
7. The Guardian Horse Farm
This property is part of a unique horse rescue farm and allows guests the chance to aid in the recovery process as well. In addition to the fencing in place at the farm, the cottage is also fenced for additional safety. Guests are welcome to feed the horses with the provided carrots and even pet them in order to help them feel loved. The farm also boasts curated horse experiences that come at an additional charge.
Since the farm is away from major cities, it is an excellent spot for star gazing so remember to bring your telescopes. You might be away from the cities, but you will not encounter any dirt roads, ensuring that your vehicle is safe from road debris.
Axtell, Texas, United States
32.77 km (20.4 mi) from Hewitt ParkSuperhostAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the rooms were cozy and comfortable whatever the temperature outsideCleanliness:
the house was clean and so comfortablethe house was very clean and comfy which made us feel right at homeRead more reviewsHost:
they were very friendly and welcomingmichelle was a gracious host and we loved our time heremichelle and her husband were excellent hostsmichelle is a great host and provided everything you’d expect and a little bit morewe loved the quiet horses and kind hosts
8. Private cottage with a hot tub (from USD 135)
Visitors to this horse farm are in for a pampered stay in the country. A paved path leads guests to the 900 sq ft (83.61 sq m) private cottage which is surrounded by majestic oak trees. The cottage also includes a private and fenced backyard. It is right next to the main farmhouse and surrounded by a 25-ac (10.12-ha) horse farm.
The covered porch is the perfect setting for chilled drinks at the end of the day. Another wonderful evening activity at this farm stay is an outdoor soak in the hot tub. Upon request, a tour of the farm is available for guests.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage is very comfortable for twowe felt very at-home and comfortablebetter than the pictures immaculate full kitchenCleanliness:
super clean and comfy bedseverything was clean and ready for usethe house was cozy clean and just what we neededit was a great hosted by celeste the cabin is super clean and spaciousvery clean rental quiet property and super friendly dogs that greeted us every time we can inHost:
the hosts were phenomenal and very helpfulamazing place great host easy check in and checkoutceleste was a great host for usthey were all friendly and we spent a lot of time petting themit was a great stay and the hosts are very friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
close to salado but nice and quietthe farm is a great location and for anyone wanting to go to salado it is a great spotvery relaxing environment out in the country close enough to town if you need to go for anythingsuch a quiet pretty place
9. The G Ranch (from USD 93)
Book this cabin for a beautiful stay on a ranch. The cabin is right next to a stock pond and 1.5 mi (2.41 km) away from Lake Mexia. This is a unique rescue ranch, and the cabin is a way to raise funds for the animals. The cabin includes a rug-covered porch with a swing and couch that is perfect for relaxation.
This is a pet-friendly property, and guests are requested to inform the host about any pets they might be bringing at the time of booking. The farm is located in a rural area, and a car is required to reach the rental as it is not supported by public transport. The G Ranch is a popular geocaching location, too.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the place is a great and tidy: comfortable bedding full kitchen a/c bbq and fire-pitthis cabin is suuuuper cozy and loved the heat from the heater toomexia (also 20 mins) ate most delicious breakfast tacos on handmade tortillas at mexicano grillmake sure to bring your own soap and shampoo for the bathroomCleanliness:
it felt really clean and all the linens smelled so fresh and cleanthe g ranch was very clean and quietlovely small house clean and nicely decoratedher place was extremely clean and peacefulthe cabin is clean comfortable and well-appointedHost:
the host was so wonderfulrebecca was a nice hostrebecca was a great hostrebecca is a wonderful host and lovely personrebecca was the best hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great place to get awaystill an amazing place to get awaythe location is beautiful and the peacefulness is just amazingthe location was amazing with a large fenced area for our poodleif the opportunity arises to book this cabin long term this is the place i’d choose
10. GCM Ranch Guest Cabin No.2 (from USD 74)
This is a pet-friendly cabin on a family ranch spread across 40 ac (16.19 ha). With no Wi-Fi access and no cable TV, this is one of the top places near Waco for a break from technology. This cabin also takes bookings for long-stay guests and could be just the place you are looking for to complete your thesis or novel. The 400 sq ft (37.16 sq m) cabin accommodates a maximum of two pets at 10 USD per night per pet. The ranch also includes a couple of guard dogs and some cats so it helps if guests have friendly pets.
The farm includes horses, llamas, cows, and even donkeys, and guests are free to pet them at their own risk. Guests are also welcome to walk and explore the ranch fish in the catch-and-release pond.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
would recommend bringing extra blankets in the winter or a small fan for the summeryou can expect to stay in a very comfortable cabin with really nice amenitiesthe cabin is so cozy and perfect with all the cold/hot water your heart desiresCleanliness:
everything was very clean including bathroomthe cabin was very nice clean and quieteverything was clean and well put together in the cabinit’s a really nice quiet area as well and everything was clean upon my arrivalshi is incredible and his place is quite clean spacious and calmingHost:
host was excellent at communicating with me throughout my staythe host is excellent and provided us lots of great informationthe host is very nice and makes sure you have everything you needi love this place and the host shi is so very nice accommodating and helpfulreally great stay with great hosts would highly recommend if you’re looking for a nice getaway in the countryRead more reviewsLocation:
the fishing pond is within walking distance wish we stayed longer to be able to enjoy itcute animals and quiet relaxing farm appealwhat a wonderful place to just get awaythe property is nice as well for a much needed quiet stay away from the hustle of everydaygreat place to stay
Experience Texas from Waco
Waco is a small city that can be a great stopover between exploring larger cities in Texas. Guests can easily cover the city attractions in a couple of days or stay longer and enjoy the nearby countryside. Make sure to book one of these top ranches to stay in Waco, Texas when you find yourself in this part of the country.
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