Here’s why you should head to Dripping Springs, Texas: it’s home to Camp Lucy, a beautiful retreat set on 289 acres in the Texas Hill Country, roughly 30 minutes from Austin. Despite the name, Camp Lucy is a romantic, secluded escape offering 41 luxurious guestrooms, suites and private cottages with a warm Texas-rustic character. Architectural touches include exposed wood beams, restored heritage buildings and abundant stonework, such as the handcrafted, half-egg-shaped stone soaking tubs featured in the Estate Rooms and the Terrace Suite.
© Jerry Hayes Photography
Camp Lucy offers a varied program of activities to suit both active and relaxed travelers. Guided sunrise hikes and nature walks introduce guests to the surrounding landscape, while yoga and meditation classes provide calm and balance. For a bit of fun and competition, try archery; for a quieter afternoon, cast a line at one of the resort’s fishing spots. History tours share the property’s stories and regional heritage.
Food- and drink-focused experiences are a highlight. Mixology classes, vineyard visits and olive oil tastings showcase house-infused oils and balsamic vinegars alongside freshly baked focaccia and artisanal cheeses, often paired with a glass of Camp Lucy wine. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the resident alpaca herd, where guests can meet and feed these friendly animals. Wildlife is plentiful on the grounds and during hikes you may spot deer, armadillos, porcupines, wild turkeys and occasionally bobcats or coyotes. After dark, take advantage of the clear skies for stargazing—Dripping Springs is recognized as an International Dark Sky Community, making it an ideal spot to observe the night sky.
Dining at the resort centers on Tillie’s, which serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner in a relaxed yet refined setting. Chef Andy Knudson crafts menus that celebrate regional ingredients and seasonal flavors. Dinner selections might include Mick Family Farms lamb bolognese with semolina gargati, squashio e pepe with arborio rice, Jurgielewicz duck with cassoulet beans and Toulouse sausage, or a pit-smoked Tomahawk ribeye. Desserts include treats such as a pecan sundae or Mont Blanc tart. The bar offers bespoke handcrafted cocktails and creative zero-proof options like the Blueberry Cardamom Smash.
© Camp Lucy
For those combining work with pleasure, Camp Lucy provides flexible meeting and event spaces designed for a range of gatherings. Venues such as Stedman Hall, Ian’s Chapel, The Vineyard and Sacred Oaks accommodate meetings, social events and performances. Sacred Oaks features an expansive lawn that works well for cocktail receptions, live performances and larger gatherings, while indoor venues suit corporate meetings, small conferences and private celebrations.
Overall, Camp Lucy blends luxury accommodations, thoughtful programming and a strong sense of place in the Texas Hill Country. Whether you’re seeking a romantic weekend, a food-and-wine getaway, outdoor adventures or a distinctive venue for events, this property offers a memorable escape with a distinctly Texan spirit.