Letâs be honest: leaving your dog behind when you head out on a weekend getaway? Not fun. They give you that look. You know the oneâears drooped, eyes full of betrayal. And if youâve ever been stuck trying to find a decent pet-sitter (let alone trusting them), you know the struggle.
But hereâs the good news: You donât have to leave your four-legged buddy behindâespecially not when you’re headed into the wide-open beauty of Texas Hill Country.
These days, more resorts than ever are rolling out the welcome mat for dogs (and even the occasional cat). And in this part of Texas, where the land stretches out and trails wind through oak-covered hills, bringing your pet just makes sense. They wanna sniff every trail, splash in every creek, and curl up beside you after a day of adventure.
This guideâll walk you through the best pet friendly resorts in Texas, with a special focus on the hidden gems scattered throughout Texas Hill Country.
Why Choose a Pet-Friendly Resort?
First off, letâs get something straight: not every âpet friendlyâ place is actually pet friendly. Some places just allow pets, but only if you pay a sky-high fee, keep them locked in the room, and promise theyâll never bark, breathe, or exist too loudly.
What weâre after here? Resorts that actually welcome pets. Ones with dog parks, nature trails, pet waste stations, and maybe even a few special treats for your furry travel companion.
Because when you bring your pet, they deserve more than just a patch of gravel and a âno dogs on the furnitureâ rule.
What Makes Texas Hill Country a Pet Paradise?
If youâve been, you already get it. If you havenâtâitâs time to find out.
Texas Hill Country is filled with wide-open spaces, rolling green hills, lakes, and old stone towns that get the whole laid-back, no-fuss vibe. Add in some incredible weather (most of the year, anyway) and a community that loves outdoor life? It’s basically a playground for dogsâand their people.
From riverside hikes to dog-friendly patios and cafes, itâs the kind of place where your pup isnât just tolerated⊠theyâre expected.
Now, letâs dive into the places that truly stand out.
1. Texas Hill Country Resort â Scenic, Relaxed, and Dog-Approved
This resort near San Antonio is a favorite for travelers looking to unwind with their pets. The grounds are spread out across 90+ scenic acres, giving your dog plenty of room to sniff, explore, and run around without feeling boxed in.
Theyâve got walking paths, plenty of shaded grassy spots, and a general âyour dog belongs hereâ attitude that makes you both feel right at home. Itâs quiet, clean, and far from the chaos of big city trafficâexactly the kind of place your dog can nap in peace after a long walk.
Thereâs also an amenities section that lists out everything you can expect, including outdoor games, relaxation areas, and nature access thatâs ideal for pet-friendly adventuring.
Best for: Long weekend getaways, peace and quiet, and scenic strolls with your pup.
2. Canyon Lakeview Resort â Lakefront Bliss
Located just off the shores of Canyon Lake, this resort offers cabin-style stays that are perfect for couples, families, and dogs who love to swim. There’s lake access right from the property, which means lots of splash time if your dogâs into that sort of thing.
The cabins have outdoor porches where you can enjoy a sunset while your dog watches for squirrelsâor just sprawls out and snoozes.
There are a few rules and small pet fees, but nothing too strict or over the top.
Best for: Water-loving dogs and humans who want a chill lakefront weekend.
3. Blanco River Resort â For the River Dogs
Set on the banks of the Blanco River, this place feels like a throwback to old-school Texas vacations. Itâs a mix of rustic and comfortable, with cabins that welcome dogs of all sizes.
One standout feature here is how close you are to the water. If your dogâs the type to cannonball into a river before you even set your towel downâthis is their kind of place.
Heads up: Bring your own pet bedding and bowlsâthey donât supply that stuff.
4. Blue Skies Retro Resort â Vintage Vibes, Furry Guests Welcome
This oneâs fun and funky. Located in Fredericksburg, Blue Skies Retro Resort offers a collection of renovated vintage trailers, each one decked out with style. And yesâwell-behaved pets are allowed.
Thereâs a communal pool, a shared fire pit, and outdoor spaces for dog walks (on leash). It’s not the biggest space, so maybe not ideal for super high-energy pups, but for friendly, chill dogs? Itâs a vibe.
Best for: Unique stays, Instagram pics, and relaxed evenings under the stars.
5. Yogi Bearâs Jellystone Park â Hill Country
This oneâs geared more toward families, but itâs got plenty for the pups too. Yogi Bearâs Jellystone is in Kerrville and includes pet-friendly cabins and RV spots. Thereâs a fenced-in dog park, nature trails, and lots of open spaces to explore.
Just be ready for some noise and activityâitâs a kid-friendly resort, so your dog should be good with people and other pets.
Best for: Families with kids and dogs looking for a full-on, fun-filled vacation.
What to Pack for a Pet-Friendly Hill Country Trip
Now that youâve picked your spot, letâs talk gear. Because nothing wrecks a trip faster than forgetting your dogâs leash or food.
Pet Travel Must-Haves
- Leash (and a backup!)
- Waste bags
- Food and water bowls
- Extra food, treats, and chews
- Towel for muddy paws
- Current vet records (just in case)
- Dog bed or travel crate
- Tick/flea prevention
Itâs also a good idea to call ahead and double-check pet rulesâsome places have limits on size, breed, or number of pets per room.
Where to Eat with Your Pet in Tow
Once you’re settled in, youâll want to grab a biteâand luckily, Texas Hill Country is full of dog-friendly patios.
Some of our favorites:
- Hondoâs on Main (Fredericksburg): Music, tacos, and a huge patio
- The Leaning Pear (Wimberley): Upscale-ish food, laid-back vibe
- Krauseâs CafĂ© (New Braunfels): German food and beer garden with space to spread out
- Dogologie Haus (Fredericksburg): Not a restaurant, but a must-stop dog store with treats, gear, and toys
Trails, Parks, and Adventures for You and Your Pup
The best part about staying in a pet-friendly resort? Youâre already near some amazing trails.
Here are a few to explore:
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area â Dogs allowed in the day-use areas (not on the summit trail).
- Pedernales Falls State Park â Tons of river access and wooded trails.
- Guadalupe River State Park â Shady trails and swimming spots.
- Old Tunnel State Park â Great for bat-watching and quiet evening strolls.
Just remember to bring plenty of water for both of you, and check for posted signs about pet rules.
Final Thoughts: Donât Leave âEm Behind
The truth is, travel feels better when your best friendâs along for the ride. And in Texas Hill Country, thatâs not just possibleâitâs welcomed.
Whether youâre looking for peace and quiet or a little adventure, there are plenty of pet friendly resorts in Texas thatâll make you and your dog feel right at home. From lakeside cabins to scenic hiking trails just outside your front door, the Hill Country has something special for every kind of travelerâpaws and all.
And if youâre looking for a place that checks all the boxesâpeaceful, spacious, scenic, and absolutely pet-friendlyâTexas Hill Country Resort is a solid bet. Youâll both sleep better knowing you didnât have to leave anyone behind.
Now go pack that leash, toss some biscuits in your bag, and get ready for a weekend of tail-wagging adventure.