The Hill Country doesn’t ask you to rush. It invites you to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and let the landscape do the talking. For Dallas residents craving real rest with a side of wilderness and wine, Dripping Springs is just under four hours away—but it feels like a different world. This four-day adventure doesn’t bounce from place to place. You’ll stay grounded—literally—with three nights of camping at Pedernales Falls State Park, home to one of Texas’s most striking river systems, with massive slabs of limestone carved over centuries and swimming holes shaded by ancient cypress.
Sites at Pedernales Falls are shaded, quiet, and cost just $30 per night. The park offers restrooms with hot showers, fire pits, and more than 40 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. The real draw, though, is the river—a ribbon of rushing water cutting through sun-bleached rock that shifts color with the sky. Mornings here start with birdsong and coffee percolating over a camp stove. Evenings end around a fire ring, the Milky Way arching overhead. Reserve your site in advance—these spots go fast in cooler months.
Day 1: Arrival and First Look
Arrive midday and set up camp. After a simple picnic lunch (stop by Rolling in Thyme & Dough on your way in for house-made sandwiches and pastries), take your first hike on the Twin Falls Nature Trail. It’s short—just a little over half a mile—but ends at a shaded overlook where twin streams tumble into a fern-lined pool. Cool down in the river or walk along the stone ledges of the main falls area. For dinner, drive 20 minutes into town and head to Tillie’s. Built inside a repurposed Vietnamese chapel on the stunning Camp Lucy resort property, Tillie’s serves elevated comfort food like short rib with truffle mash or grilled quail with seasonal vegetables. Expect to spend about $35–$50 per person, and make reservations in advance.
Day 2: Full Immersion
Wake early and hit the Juniper Ridge Trail, a moderately challenging 9-mile loop offering sweeping vistas of the Pedernales River valley. Bring water—shade is sparse—and expect to encounter deer, wildflowers, and perhaps a few mountain bikers along the way. After your hike, return to camp and rest, or take a lazy float in one of the river’s quieter stretches. In the evening, head into Dripping Springs proper for dinner at The Switch, a modern smokehouse blending Texas BBQ with New Orleans flair. Brisket boudin, blackened shrimp and grits, and smoked pork belly headline the menu. A meal here will run about $20–$35, depending on your appetite.
Day 3: A Taste of the Vines
Give your legs a break and spend the afternoon exploring the Hill Country’s wine scene. Start at Duchman Family Winery, located about 30 minutes east. Modeled after a Tuscan villa and specializing in Italian varietals, it’s a beautiful and laid-back spot to sip a glass of Vermentino under a shaded arbor. Tastings are $25 per person. Next, visit Bell Springs Winery, just 10 minutes from camp, for small-batch wines and a casual, dog-friendly patio. Before returning to your site, swing by Homespun Kitchen & Bar for dinner. Their menu leans fresh and Texas-forward—think cast-iron seared steaks, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, or butternut squash risotto—with mains from $20–$38. Grab a slice of bourbon pecan pie before heading back to the park.
Day 4: A Quiet Goodbye
On your final morning, rise early for one last walk—maybe down the Duck Pond Trail, where fog often drifts across the still water and herons pick their way through the reeds. Pack up camp slowly. On your way out, stop at Mazama Coffee Co. in downtown Dripping Springs for a final cup—try their house-roasted espresso or cold brew flight, $4–$6—and reflect on what the last few days have given you: stillness, sun, maybe a sore foot or two, and a better sense of what it means to unplug.
What It Costs
This trip is a balance of economy and indulgence. Campsites at Pedernales Falls run $30/night, with a $6 daily entrance fee per adult. Meals in town range from $15 to $50 depending on where you eat. Wine tastings average $20–$25, and most trail adventures cost nothing but effort. All in, expect to spend around $350–$500 per person for four days of unforgettable scenery, exceptional food, and one of the best camping spots in Texas.
Dripping Springs doesn’t require elaborate plans or fast-paced itineraries. It asks only that you show up, open your eyes, and let the place work on you.
