merkell ranch

As Texans, we value wide-open spaces, a rich connection to the land, and the genuine hospitality of the Big Country region. The **Merkel Ranch** campground, located outside the town of Merkel, Texas, is a destination that truly encapsulates this authentic experience. It's more than just a place to set up camp; it's a ranch setting that allows visitors to step away from the urban bustle and reconnect with the rugged, beautiful Texas landscape.

The Merkel Ranch is characterized by its rural appeal, offering a serene backdrop of native trees, mesas, and arroyos. While the campground offers a more traditional and sometimes "primitive dry camping" experience in its designated areas, it also provides the option for a more refined stay with its on-site, highly-rated **luxury hunting lodge**. This dual offering ensures that whether you're a seasoned camper with a tent and gear, or a family seeking the comforts of a full-service rental, Merkel Ranch has a suitable option. The property is known for its abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and various exotic animals, enhancing the true ranch atmosphere.

The ranch prides itself on being **Good for kids**, making it a fantastic choice for family excursions where children can explore the natural environment of Central West Texas. The friendly, rural setting encourages outdoor adventure and a peaceful retreat for all ages.

The Merkel Ranch campground is located at **5609 FM126, Merkel, TX 79536, USA**. This address places it squarely in the Texas Big Country region, offering a tranquil, rural setting that feels miles away from the nearest city, yet remains highly accessible.

The ranch sits conveniently near the intersection of major roads, ensuring an easy drive for Texans traveling from larger hubs. It is situated just outside the small, friendly community of Merkel, and is only about a 20- to 30-minute drive from the city of **Abilene, Texas**. This proximity to Abilene is a significant advantage, providing campers and lodge guests with quick access to urban amenities, dining, shopping, and cultural attractions, while allowing them to retreat to the quiet of the ranch at the end of the day.

Guests arriving at the ranch will find the ranch's access road is typically made of caliche, leading to the main property areas. For all visitors, **On-site parking** is a confirmed amenity. For those staying in the luxury lodge, limited covered parking, including a garage, may be available. Its location off a farm-to-market road (FM) emphasizes the authentic Texas country experience. The setting, often described as being in the mountains or foothills (a testament to the dramatic mesas and landscape), offers stunning views of the Texas countryside and opportunities for scenic morning and evening walks.

Merkel Ranch offers a spectrum of services, catering to both the adventurous camper and the luxury traveler. It’s important to note the dual nature of the offerings—the primitive campground areas and the luxurious lodge rentals—each having distinct services.

• **Campground Sites:** The primary camping area offers fairly level grassy spots nestled among mesquite, juniper, and cedar trees. It operates largely as a **primitive dry camping** experience.
• **On-Site Parking:** Dedicated **On-site parking** is available for all guests, ensuring convenience upon arrival.
• **Luxury Lodge Accommodation:** For guests seeking high-end amenities, the large, luxurious lodge provides substantial living space, central heat and air conditioning, and a full, well-equipped kitchen with features like a double oven and island glass cooktop.
• **Family-Friendly Environment:** The entire ranch is considered **Good for kids**, making it a great place for families to spend time together outdoors.
• **Internet and Connectivity (Lodge):** Guests staying at the lodge typically have access to **Free WiFi** or high-speed internet, allowing for connection even in the rural setting.
• **Hunting and Wildlife:** The ranch is actively a **hunting ranch**, featuring numerous native and exotic wildlife species. This service is a major draw for guests interested in white-tailed deer or African Safari-style exotic animal viewing and hunting (hiking is restricted during deer season for safety).
• **Outdoor Amenities (Lodge):** The luxury lodge includes multiple covered and uncovered patios, a barbecue grill, and outdoor dining areas, offering comfortable spaces to enjoy the rural Texas air.

The highlight of a stay at Merkel Ranch is the unique combination of Texas ranch life, natural beauty, and the choice between rugged and refined lodging.

• **Unique Texas Wildlife:** The presence of both native and over 12 species of exotic wildlife (from Africa, India, Asia, and New Zealand) provides an incredibly unique experience, akin to an African Safari right here in Central Texas.
• **Luxury Meets Rustic:** The centerpiece of the property is the **4500-square-foot luxury hunting lodge**, which offers five bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, fireplaces, and all the high-end comforts of home, providing a truly plush base for relaxation and exploration.
• **Scenic Exploration:** The property boasts unique geological features, including red and green colored mesas and arroyos. Guests can explore these canyons and open areas, which often feature running streams after rainstorms, and enjoy the beautiful blossoms of thorny plants and yuccas in the spring.
• **Bicycling Opportunities:** The surrounding county offers **great county road bicycling** on paved roads with almost no traffic, perfect for a peaceful and scenic ride through the Texas countryside.
• **Proximity to Local Attractions:** The ranch serves as a convenient launchpad for exploring the Big Country, including the cultural and historical offerings of nearby Abilene, such as the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, or the natural beauty of Abilene State Park.

To inquire about reservations, hunting packages, or to learn more about the specific amenities available for either the campground or the luxury lodge, please use the following contact information.

**Address:** 5609 FM126, Merkel, TX 79536, USA

**Phone:** While specific public reservation numbers for the campground part of Merkel Ranch are not widely advertised, for properties of this type that include large rental lodges and hunting services, the general best practice is to search for the most current booking contacts on third-party rental or hunting service platforms. Based on common regional practice for ranches near Abilene, general inquiries may sometimes be directed to a personal ranch line, which is typically found during the booking process on sites that list the lodge. We recommend searching "Merkel Ranch luxury hunting lodge" for the most current booking contact or phone number.

Merkel Ranch is an ideal choice for Texans seeking a distinct, high-quality outdoor experience that goes beyond a standard campsite. **It is worth choosing for its unique ability to blend the rugged authenticity of a Texas ranch with moments of true luxury.** The stunning, remote location provides the peace and quiet needed for a genuine escape, while the quick, 20-minute drive to Abilene offers the convenience of city life when desired. Furthermore, the extensive, well-maintained luxury lodge is a superb option for large family gatherings or corporate retreats, providing a level of comfort that is rare in a ranch setting. Finally, the truly unique opportunity to view and potentially hunt exotic game right here in the Texas Big Country makes Merkel Ranch a destination for outdoor enthusiasts that is unlike any other in the region.

merkell ranch

5609 FM126, Merkel, TX 79536, USA