The Campsite

Where Community and Nature Meet

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Sustainably built in an ecologically diverse sanctuary, the artfully designed Campsite at Shield Ranch embodies our commitment to conservation. An open-air pavilion, screened shelters, and miles of hiking trails provide a unique offering just 22 miles from downtown Austin. The Campsite strives to create an environment where all people feel welcome and can be their authentic selves. We offer facilities for Camp El Ranchito and nature immersion experiences for pre-registered community groups including nonprofits, businesses, and educational organizations. The Campsite is not open to the general public for recreation, weddings, family reunions, or individual short-term rentals.

PricingProgram Menu

Open-Air Pavilion

Seating up to 96 people, the upper level of the centrally located pavilion includes a large gathering space for dining and programs, a commercial kitchen, restrooms, and offices. Large openings and fans cool the pavilion during the summer months, while sliding wall panels, a fireplace and a wood-burning stove allow for use of the facility during cooler weather. The ground level includes an inclement weather room and rainwater storage tanks.

Sleeping Shelters

Eleven screened shelters, carefully sited and shaded by a canopy of oaks and juniper, provide protection from insects and the elements. These shelters are cooler and more durable than tents, open to the breezes, the dawn chorus of birds and the calls of tree frogs and owls at night. Moveable panels can be closed during storms or cooler weather for added protection. With four different designs, shelters sleep 74 people on cots and are furnished simply with storage units for guests' gear.

Read Our Brochure

Design and Delivery Team

Architect:
Andersson / Wise

Landscape Architect:
Ten Eyck Landscape Architects

General Contractor:
Hill & Wilkinson

Project Manager:
Benz Resource Group

Landscape Sustainability & SITES Consultant:
Regenerative Environmental Design

Signage and Wayfinding Consultant:
Asterisk*

All firms are local to Austin.

2022 SITES Gold logo
Austin Green Awards 2022 logo
July/August Texas Architect magazine cover.

The Campsite at Shield Ranch is featured in the July/August issue of Texas Architect. Read the article.

Supporters

Thank you to our Abiding Campaign supporters.

If you are interested in supporting outdoor programming at the Campsite, please consider joining our Wild for Good Circle.

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Directions to 10417 Crumley Ranch Road, Austin, TX 

From Dripping Springs
Take RR 12 north and drive approximately 4.6 miles. Turn right at Fitzhugh Road and go 1.8 miles. Turn left on Crumley Ranch Road. Drive 1.1 miles to the Shield Ranch west entrance on the right. Once inside the gate, follow the main paved road about 1 mile until you see the entrance to the Campsite parking lot on your left. 

From Austin
Drive to Bee Cave via Bee Caves Rd., Southwest Parkway or US 71. From Bee Cave, take US 71 north past RM 620. Turn left at the next traffic light at RR 3238 (Hamilton Pool Road). Drive 3.7 miles to Crumley Ranch Road. Turn left and go 2.1 miles to the Shield Ranch west entrance on the left. Once inside the gate, follow the main paved road about 1 mile until you see the entrance to the Campsite parking lot on your left. 

For more information contact info@shieldranch.com.