Yurts in the dirt are cool and all, but what about having breakfast with the birds? Pack your bags for a night in one of these Texas treehouses. From a treehouse built around a 100-year-old cypress tree just outside of Austin to a spa treehouse featured on the Animal Planet series Treehouse Masters, these spots take glamping to new heights.
Casita Roja in Austin
Those looking for a touch of Austin’s quirkiness should definitely check out this “treehouse.” Not a traditional one, because it’s not suspended in the trees, it’s a little oasis completely surrounded by trees with views of a magical backyard in the popular Travis Heights neighborhood. Close to South Congress Avenue, Casita Roja has an artistic feel to it and is a much cooler option than a traditional hotel stay.
Treehouse Spa Room outside Austin
Featured on Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters the Treehouse Spa Room is a custom-built treehouse on the 40-acre Davis Ranch Retreat. The tiny treehouse goes from a relaxing spa to your home for the night, complete with a queen-sized bed, steam shower, and a private porch. While the house is quite small, you do have the entire ranch to enjoy, including the pool and fire pit at the base of the footbridge, ponds filled with fish, and trails. Ride around in the "Green Machine" (think super quiet golf cart), stopping to visit with cows and horses, butterflies and birds, flowers, and even the Texas Longhorns. At night, sit around the fire and gaze at the star-filled sky while you master the art of making s’mores. This ranch is literally a slice of heaven and only an hour from Austin.
Luxury glamping in Spicewood
This place is the crème de la crème of treehoues in Texas with each of the four (the fifth is in the works) being unique. You have to cross a suspended footbridge to get to Lofthaven II at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours. The treehouse looks like a modern-day yurt with a wraparound porch and an ancient cypress tree growing in the middle of it. It sleeps two, so it’s the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. There’s also a bathhouse across the bridge that has a waterfall tub and views out to the ravine.
The Nest is by far the most impressive, with ample space for the whole family, outside decks and exploration lookouts, two bedrooms, a lounge, and a kitchenette/dining room, all nestled above the beautiful creek ravine beside a small waterfall. The decor is whimsical meets rustic. You can also rinse off under the stars in the outside shower or head across the small bridge to a private bathhouse complete with a bath and shower.
River Road treehouses near New Braunfels
Walk across an elevated footbridge to your private cabin perched over a seasonal river creek bed surrounded by 80-foot-tall cypress trees. The six treehouses are far from roughing it, as they’re fully furnished with all the conveniences of modern-day living, including indoor bathrooms with showers or claw foot tubs, fully stocked kitchens, Wi-Fi, TV with satellite and Amazon Fire, king-sized bed in the master bedroom, and two queen beds in the loft. The entire property spans over 1.5 acres and you have 400 feet of direct access to the Guadalupe River just across River Road.
Geronimo Creek Retreat close to New Braunfels
The Texas Hill Country is home to wineries, small towns, swimming holes, and this oasis. Close to New Braunfels but tucked away enough that you’ll feel off the beaten path, the treehouses at Geronimo Creek are perfect for families, large groups, or even a romantic weekend. The cabins are surrounded by lush pecan trees and situated on a corner of Geronimo Creek, allowing you to have private access to the calm water. The treehouses are fully furnished, and the property has all the water toys needed. There are fire pits and outdoor seating areas scattered about the property, so bring groceries and take full advantage of the grills. Once you get to Geronimo Creek, there’s really no reason you would need to leave.
Frio River Treetop in Rio Frio
What’s a vacation in Texas without a little river recreation? Nestled along the banks of the cool and clear Frio River, the Frio River Treetop not only sleeps the whole family but the neighbors too (lodge sleeps 14 and cottage sleeps four). Less of a glamping experience and more of a house on the river setup, it comes stacked with everything you need in a vacation rental. At night, roast s’mores by the fire in the treetop deck that sits in a tree 40 feet above the river.
Coming soon
Hung 30-feet high in the trees over a private spring-fed creek not far from Houston, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another place like this. Expected to be completed by the end of summer, the trees almost completely engulf the top of the treehouse, and while you can easily see down the creek and across the fields, it is almost impossible to see into the structure itself.
Inspired by his love of nature, Matt, owner and star of Discovery Channel’s show Fire in the Hole is creating this treehouse and campsite as a labor of love to share his unique adventures with guests. From the wood-fired hot tub to the pizza oven and fire pit (yes, you can actually have a fire here), this place is all about slowing down and living in the moment. It also offers private access to the river, complimentary kayaks, tons of shade, room to explore, and one of the only treehouses in Texas that is dog-friendly. Come here to recharge, enjoy nature, and get back to a slower pace of life.
Frio River Treetop.
The Dog Ridge, Texas section, of course, features dogs.Photo courtesy of ABC
The Glen Rose section has dinosaurs.Photo courtesy of ABC
The Mach family with Great Christmas Light Fight host Carter Oosterhouse.Photo courtesy of Patrick Mach
