Let’s be honest — most of us are glued to screens more than we’d like to admit. Work follows us home, notifications interrupt conversations, and even our downtime ends up being spent scrolling. That’s why planning a tech-free weekend in the Texas Hill Country isn’t just a fun idea — it’s a reset button.
With its rolling hills, hidden rivers, winding scenic drives, and star-filled skies, the Hill Country is tailor-made for slowing down and reconnecting with the real world. Whether you’re camping, staying in a cabin, or setting up at TX Hill Country Resort’s RV Park in Boerne, it’s surprisingly easy to fill your days without relying on screens.
Here’s a complete guide to unplugging and making the most of your weekend — from analog navigation to campfire cooking and stargazing under some of Texas’ clearest skies.
1. Start with a Simple Unplugged Itinerary
Before you arrive, jot down a loose unplug itinerary for your weekend. Nothing rigid — just a simple outline to keep you focused on real-world experiences rather than defaulting to your phone.
A sample tech-free weekend itinerary might look like this:
Friday Evening:
– Arrive at the resort, unpack slowly, and enjoy dinner outdoors.
– Take a quiet evening walk and watch the sunset.
Saturday:
– Early morning hike or sunrise yoga session.
– Picnic lunch near a river or scenic overlook.
– Afternoon scenic drive using paper maps.
– Campfire cooking and storytelling at night.
Sunday:
– Slow breakfast and journaling.
– Birdwatching or light nature sketching.
– Midday swim or stroll before heading home.
The key is to intentionally fill your weekend with simple, screen-free activities so your phone doesn’t sneak its way back in.
2. Analog Navigation: Paper Maps & Trailheads
There’s something liberating about exploring without GPS constantly barking directions at you. Pick up a paper map of the region before your trip, or grab one from the visitor center when you arrive. Mark out your planned routes, scenic stops, and trailheads with a pen — old-school style.
Scenic Drives to Try:
- Willow City Loop – Winding roads, oak canopies, and sweeping views make this 13-mile loop near Fredericksburg ideal for a leisurely, tech-free drive.
- Highway 16 Between Bandera and Kerrville – Curvy roads, hidden creeks, and charming small towns along the way.
- The Twisted Sisters – FM 335, 336, and 337 are legendary among drivers and motorcyclists for their rollercoaster curves and hilltop vistas.
Pro tip: If you’re prone to getting turned around, fold your map to highlight your day’s route and stick a pencil in the glove box for notes. You’ll be surprised how quickly your sense of direction sharpens when you’re not relying on turn-by-turn navigation.
3. Unplugged Adventures: Hikes, Swims & Scenic Stops
The Texas Hill Country is packed with hikes, rivers, and natural lookouts that practically beg you to ditch your devices.
Hiking Trails
- Lost Maples State Natural Area: Famous for its bigtooth maples in the fall, but year-round it offers serene trails through canyons and along creeks.
- Guadalupe River State Park: Gentle riverside paths are perfect for morning walks or a shaded mid-day stroll.
- Enchanted Rock: If you’re up for a short climb, the summit rewards you with panoramic views — especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Bring a simple trail map or follow the signs at the trailheads. Many parks offer printed maps at the entrance, so leave your phone in your pack and focus on the sound of crunching gravel under your boots.
Swim Spots & Water Breaks
On warm days, a dip in the water is the perfect way to reset. Blanco State Park, the Frio River at Garner State Park, and the Guadalupe River all have calm swimming areas where you can spend an hour floating, skipping rocks, or just sitting quietly on the bank.
Scenic Overlooks
Pull over at roadside overlooks during your drives. Instead of snapping a photo immediately, take a minute to really see the view — the textures of the hills, the way the light hits the grass, the breeze. If you want to remember it, jot down what you see in a travel journal later instead of reaching for your camera.
4. Campfire Cooking, Games & Journaling
Evenings are where a tech-free weekend in the Hill Country really shines. Without screens, you’ll find the rhythm of your nights slowing down into something simpler and more meaningful.
Campfire Cooking
You don’t need to be a professional chef to enjoy cooking over the fire. Pack ingredients for easy foil packet meals, skewers for hot dogs or sausages, and maybe a cast-iron skillet for cornbread or cobbler. The crackle of the fire and the smell of woodsmoke make even simple meals taste amazing.
Games & Conversation
Bring a deck of cards, a travel chess board, or a set of dominoes. Or, go old school with storytelling — take turns telling true stories, ghost stories, or made-up adventures. Without TV or phones, conversations stretch longer, and laughter carries farther.
Journaling
One of the best parts of unplugging is how much more you notice. Bring a notebook and pen to jot down reflections, sketches, or simply list things you’re grateful for. Even a few sentences each night can turn into a lovely keepsake of the trip.
5. Stargazing, Birding & Nature Sketching
The Hill Country has some of the clearest night skies in Texas, especially if you’re away from big city lights. And during the day, its fields, rivers, and woods are alive with birds, wildflowers, and wildlife that reward anyone willing to slow down and look.
Stargazing
After dinner, spread a blanket on the grass and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. In just a few minutes, more stars than you can count will reveal themselves. If you know basic constellations, try to spot them. If not, just enjoy the quiet wonder of the night sky — no app required.
Birding
Bring a small pair of binoculars or simply sit quietly near a riverbank at dawn. The Hill Country is home to songbirds, hawks, herons, and, if you’re lucky, the golden-cheeked warbler. Birding is one of those activities that naturally pulls your attention outward — a gentle, focused way to engage with the world.
Nature Sketching
You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy sketching. A simple notebook and pencil are enough. Draw the shape of a tree, the outline of a ridge, or the details of a flower you find along the trail. This slow act of observation is meditative, and the sketches make great souvenirs.
6. Wellness: Yoga, Meditation & Slow Mornings
Unplugging isn’t just about cutting out tech — it’s also about giving yourself space to breathe. The Hill Country’s peaceful atmosphere is ideal for a little wellness reset.
Morning Yoga Outdoors
Find a shaded spot or use the deck at TX Hill Country Resort for a gentle sunrise yoga flow. You don’t need an instructor — just a mat and some quiet time. Stretching as the morning mist lifts off the hills is a feeling you won’t forget.
Meditation in Nature
Choose a comfortable seat under a tree or near the river. Close your eyes, notice the sounds, the temperature of the air, the way the breeze touches your skin. Even 5–10 minutes of mindful stillness can ground you in a way scrolling through your phone never could.
Slow Mornings
Resist the urge to “fill” every moment. Let yourself wake up naturally, sip coffee outside, and watch the world wake up around you. The pace of the Hill Country practically invites this slower rhythm — lean into it.
FAQs: Planning a Tech-Free Hill Country Weekend
Do I have to turn off my phone completely?
You don’t have to — but it helps to switch it to airplane mode or leave it in your bag for most of the day. The goal is to remove distractions.
What if I get lost without GPS?
Bring paper maps, write down directions ahead of time, and stick to established scenic routes and trailheads. It’s part of the adventure.
Are there places with no cell service?
Yes. Many rural parts of the Hill Country have spotty reception, which actually makes unplugging easier.
Can I do this with kids?
Absolutely. Kids often adapt faster than adults once the screens are gone. Bring games, sketchbooks, and let them explore safely.
What’s the best season for an unplugged trip?
Fall and spring offer the most pleasant weather for hikes and campfires, but summer swims and winter stargazing can be incredible too.
Final Thoughts
Unplugging for a weekend isn’t about rejecting technology forever — it’s about reclaiming your attention for a couple of days. The Texas Hill Country makes this easy with its scenic drives, quiet trails, starry skies, and natural rhythms that slow everything down.
Whether you’re journaling by a campfire, following a paper map through oak-lined backroads, or stretching at sunrise with nothing but birdsong in the background, a tech-free weekend here leaves you feeling lighter, more grounded, and surprisingly recharged.
So leave the notifications behind. The hills are waiting.
