Getaway Hill Country is all about experiencing unscheduled, unstructured, and uninterrupted free time, all in a beautiful secluded nature spot. It’s the place to create distance from the city, and disconnect from technology and stressful work schedules. Here is where you will savor your free time, and enjoy the company of those who matter most. 

Need a break from those demanding work schedules? Need time away from the city? Perhaps you’ve found yourself consumed in your phone and need to take a step back. It’s easy to get lost in technology, whether it’s being glued to your phone a few hours at a time or lost in your favorite TV show. There are times we need to take a breather from it all. We need that free time to relax and rejuvenate for what’s to come next. 

If you’re anything like me, you find yourself searching for the perfect nature spot for a simple escape. Being in nature is critical to our well-being, productivity, and overall happiness. Getaway’s founder, Jon Staff would agree, as he spent most of his childhood outdoors and felt himself longing for the role of nature. In 2015, Jon and his college buddy Pete Davis launched Getaway Hill Country. 

With 15 Outposts and counting, Getaway Hill Country offers simple escapes to nature within two hours of major cities across the country – not just in Texas.

Home Sweet Cabin

Tucked away in Wimberley, Texas, (one hour from Austin and San Antonio), features an Outpost with low-hanging trees that open up stunning views of Old Baldy and wide skies. The Getaway Campgrounds have everything you need and nothing you don’t, so no need to think or plan too hard on what you need or what you may forget to bring.

Check in begins at 3 p.m. and check out is at 11 a.m. You’ll get a text message with your cabin name, neighborhood, and key code 30 minutes before check in. The Outpost Map was super easy to follow and even though the cabin was secluded, it was easy to find. All the cabins are lovingly named after the grandparents of a staff member or guest. Be sure to download your map before your trip. You most likely won’t have service at your Outpost, but trust me, that’s a good thing and how it should be! 

The cabins themselves remind me of tiny homes, so if you ever wanted to know what those are like this is your opportunity. These campsites come complete with a picnic table and chairs, hammock, kitchenette with propane burner, dishwater, cutlery, and provisions. There’s also a soft, leveled area where you can set up your tent. You’ll have clean, individual bathroom suites that include a sink, hot shower, and toilet. And of course, you’ll have a fire pit to roast marshmallows and have great conversations under the stars. 

We recommend putting your phone and other technology devices away in the lockbox so you can truly focus on living in the moment and what’s around you.  

What makes this getaway unique from other campsites is the window wall on one part of the cabin – allowing you to really appreciate Mother Nature. Let the sun coming through the large window be your alarm clock. You’ll enjoy sitting by the window with a cup of coffee in the morning taking in the beautiful sunshine. Or maybe you’ll get lucky like me and get a chance to enjoy a good book while listening to the rain fall graciously against the cabin exterior. 

The cabins are scattered throughout the Outposts, but you’ll still be able to hear your neighbors. Be sure to be respectful of music and keep your voices down after a particular time. One thing I appreciated was being super close to downtown. If you didn’t come prepared to cook or grill anything, don’t worry, there’s a Subway nearby and downtown restaurants to stop at. If you do want to get your grill on to make your favorite campfire recipes, there’s an H-E-B and Brookshire Brothers just down the street. Gateway also has a General Store on site that offers quality goods in the great outdoors. 

Daytime Adventures

For things to do during the day, you can check out one of the hiking tails or swimming holes nearby (depending on the season). Blue Hole Park and Trail Loop and Cypress Trail were only 15-20 minutes from the Outpost. The Blue Hole Trail Loop is near the natural, spring-fed swimming hole that’s super popular during the summer. (You have to make reservations). It’s a mostly-flat 1.6-mile trail that’s perfect for families. The Cypress Creek Nature Trail and Preserve is great for all hikes and features a river, which will catch the attention of the kids. This is also a popular spot for beginner mountain bikers. The ever-so-popular Jacob’s Well is also close by. Old Baldy Trail is great for those who are more into views than the hike. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area when you reach the peak. 

Stick around by the cabin and check out the nature trail onsite, or keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like whitetail Deer, Red-tailed Hawk, and armadillos. 

S’mores and Stargazing

At night, of course, it’s a must to light up that campfire for dinner and s’mores. You’ll be addicted to the warmth of the fire. Make dinner by grilling some burgers and sausages and for dessert, bust out those s’mores as a campfire tradition. Out here, your only worry is roasting the perfect marshmallow. Listen to the fire crackle while enjoying a good book. Take turns sharing stories around the campfire, allowing you to truly connect with those who matter most.

You’ll be happy to get out of the city to see the magnificent stars light up the night sky. This is the ideal place to stargaze! Close your eyes and listen to the wind blowing through the trees, bird wings flapping, crickets chirping, fire crackling, coyotes howling, everything you’d expect to hear in a naturescape.

Side Trips

There are other notable side trips to mention near Getaway Hill Country that may interest you, like Wimberley Zipline Adventure if you’re feeling adventurous. Then if you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, head to Route 32 and search for the “Devil’s Backbone.” There’s a lot of local lore and spirits that may haunt the area. After your scenic drive, stop by The Devil’s Backbone Tavern for a drink and you may hear more spooky tales from the locals. You can even head to the Wimberley Valley Winery for some gorgeous views of the property and delicious wine tasting. There’s also Middleton Brewing, a 10-barrel brewpub with some tasty ales inspired by the Hill Country. 

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Cover Photo courtesy Getaway Hill Country.

Leean Vargas is the Highlight Reel newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.