Entire home

Mountain View Lodge and 23-Acre Ranch

Photo gallery for Mountain View Lodge and 23-Acre Ranch

Heaven on Earth!
View from Cathedral Rock (swimming hole)
Lodge swimming hole and Cathedral Rock
View from Upper Deck (trail to river in foreground)
Panorama from Upper Deck!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 152500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Barksdale, TX
  • Frio River
    ‪49 min drive‬
  • Garner State Park
    ‪60 min drive‬
  • Lost Maples State Natural Area
    ‪97 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 15)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Entertainment Room

2 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Entry Room

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Mountain View Lodge and 23-Acre Ranch

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The minimum booking is 3 nights for most dates. 15% discount applied to 7+ nights.

All bookings are separated with a 1-night vacancy. This allows time for cleaning the large property, and the potential for early checkin by our guests.
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Mountain View Lodge lies on the western edge of the scenic Texas Hill Country, offering spectacular views and sunsets--great for gatherings large or small. This modern, 2-story (2,400 sq ft) lodge is along crystal-clear, spring-fed Pulliam creek (Middle Prong of the Nueces River), which is ideal for swimming, tubing, and snorkeling. A 5-ft-deep swimming hole is at the lodge. Nearby is a large natural spring.

The Lodge sits high above the creek with a lovely, panoramic mountain view. The area is Nueces Canyon, home to many species of birds and other wildlife. The Lodge is located 6 miles north of Camp Wood and 28 miles west of Leakey, near Barksdale, on a 23-acre ranch.

No other place can match the breath-taking view, serenity and seclusion of the Lodge. Hike up and down the river for miles. Hike the 23 acre pasture and county roads. There's a very friendly donkey in the pasture who will love you forever if you give him a salty snack! Other goats & sheep are by his side.

*****
For a video walking the trail down to the river where swimming hole is, go to YouTube and search for "Mountain View Lodge Trail to River". The trail is easy to navigate.
*****

Accommodations: Upstairs (main living area) has 2 bedrooms with king-sized beds sleeping 4 people. Downstairs are recreational accommodations and beds for 8 people. Additionally, there are 3 very comfortable foam pads, pillows & bedding for 3 more. Total of 12 people on beds; 15 when including foam pads. (SEE CAPTIONS UNDER PICTURES FOR BED ARRANGEMENTS.)

About 200 ft in front of the house is a fire pit dug into the ground, lined with rocks. There's a water hose nearby for safety. Scavenge the 23 acres for plenty of firewood. Roasting forks are there, too, by the BBQ pit on the downstairs porch.

TELECOMMUTE FROM THE RANCH! Super-fast, fiber-optic internet, 100 Mbps, BOTH download & upload!! Also, MESH WiFi for no dead-spots, one which broadcasts from multiple locations at both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz.. Do your Zoom business and school meetings wirelessly. Or wired (bring your ethernet cable).

A 55-inch Roku TV is downstairs and a 50-inch Roku TV is upstairs, above fireplaces. For both TVs, Roku voice remotes are used to select content from internet streaming services, or air-cast from your personal device. Select from a vast array of free services or from your own subscription service. Use your voice when selecting a streaming service (Roku remotes provide this technology). Simple instructions are provided: for example, say “launch Netflix”, or "find kid TV shows," or "find all Clint Eastwood movies," or "find It's a Wonderful Life movie." You’ll be amazed! The Lodge is a blend of high-tech and amazing outdoors!

There are large living areas upstairs and downstairs with a southwestern decor. The main living area is upstairs, which includes a large kitchen/dining area, a living room, and two bedrooms. Downstairs is an entertainment area and 2 more bedrooms. A door separates the two lower bedrooms for privacy. (All four bedrooms have doors for privacy.) Each level has a fireplace and a full bath.

Large decks on both levels provide majestic hill country views and a comfortable setting for relaxation. (See pictures for outdoor chairs and tables for each.) The fully equipped kitchen includes a microwave and a dishwasher. The downstairs deck includes a barbecue grill for outdoor cooking. Also downstairs are a washer and dryer.

There are 4 entrances to the house so people can go in and out without disturbing others. Two entrances are upstairs via two large staircases on two opposite sides of the house. Then, 2 entrances downstairs; one main entrance and another on the opposite side of the house via the downstairs porch where the BBQ pit is located.

Weather conditions: It is not just summertime that's great in the Hill Country. Fall, spring, and even winter are some of the most wonderful weather days. The water source for the Lodge is from a well tapped into the nearby spring aquifer--an extra treat. It's processed through a water softener just to remove the hardness and is really great quality water--classic Hill Country.

Pets ages 1 year or over are welcome.

Property manager

Kermit Graf
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 2:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
$50 fee for up to 2 pets
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outside only.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Barksdale

Located in Barksdale, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Local points of interest include Nueces River. Snorkeling and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking nearby.
Map
Barksdale, TX

What's nearby

  • Frio River - 49 min drive - 48.0 km
  • Garner State Park - 60 min drive - 59.9 km
  • Devil's Sinkhole State Natural Area - 64 min drive - 56.4 km
  • Concan Golf Course and Country Club - 74 min drive - 72.7 km
  • Lost Maples State Natural Area - 97 min drive - 80.9 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Casa Falcon Restaurant - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪The Chicken Coop Grill - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Madame Butterfly Ristorante Italiano - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Harley's Bike Stop - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Two Twisted Sisters Bar - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Mountain View Lodge and 23-Acre Ranch pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Mountain View Lodge and 23-Acre Ranch?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mountain View Lodge and 23-Acre Ranch?

Check-out is at 2:00 PM.

Where is Mountain View Lodge and 23-Acre Ranch located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly vacation home is 4.2 mi (6.8 km) from Nueces River and 29.8 mi (47.9 km) from Frio River.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 259 out of 272 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 272 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 272 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 272 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 272 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Frank W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

review

All good
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best place Ever

I can’t say enough amazing things about this rental property! From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the owners truly care about their guests and have put so much thought into every detail. They’ve anticipated every need we might have during our stay, and I was blown away by how everything was perfectly labeled—right when I had a question, there was the answer, ready to go! The variety of river shoes was fantastic, and the owner was super responsive, making our experience even more enjoyable. For families, this place is a dream come true! With baby gates, high chairs, pack n play, and adorable kid plates and cups, they’ve got everything covered for little ones. And the location? Absolutely unbeatable! The river is breathtakingly beautiful—crystal clear waters where little kids can splash around safely, and deeper areas for the brave to dive into. Every moment spent here felt like pure joy! Watching the birds while we ate, thanks to the bird feed they provided, was such a delightful bonus for the kids. If you’re looking for the perfect family getaway, look no further! This place is an absolute gem, and I can’t recommend it enough!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bobby W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frank W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

review

all good
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a special place!

It's easy to see why this property and host has so many repeat visitors. We enjoyed every minute!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jana B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas 2024

Everything wes excellent!! The house is cozy and roomy at the same time. We took 9 people, and everyone had places to sit around the table and bar. The kitchen was well stocked. The view is absolutely amazing!! We even enjoyed the bird feeders, and several varieties of birds. We LOVED the stay!!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shanna A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The BEST view and location

I absolutely loved this property! Our stay was so peaceful and beautiful. Great sunset and early morning sunrise views! Beautiful property! Great access to river! Perfect place. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Miriam S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden Gem!

Our stay at the Mountain View lodge has always been awesome! Superb location, fantastic amenities, and the host went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time again. communication is great with super quick responses The nights are amazing! We will continue returning to this beautiful hidden gem!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Omar D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great experience

The place is great and has everything you need for camping or overall relaxing. Having a branch of the river behind the property makes it even better… we definitely recommend to stay here ..
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christina S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for River Fun

We had a great stay at Mountain River Lodge. We celebrated our friends 40th birthday and the 4th of July. The space was perfect for our group and the river was fantastic! Would definitely return again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frank M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Getaway

The host provided our family with a seculded getaway that perfectly met our every need. We have been enjoying Moutain View Lodge for over 10 years. My grandchildren consider our annual trip to Barksdale in early June as the official start to summer vacation.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible as Always

This was our 4th time staying at the Mountain View Lodge. Each time our family has grown more and more!!! We have loved making family memories over the past 10 years here! The house is immaculate and homey. The view is 1 in a million from TV e house. And my personal favorite is the view from the swimming hole looking toward the hills in the distance. (I took some pictures this time to print out and display in my home to remember one of my favorite views in the world!) My entire family (12 of us!) ranging from 1 year old to almost 60- all enjoyed cooking on the barbeque pit, swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing in the swimming hole for about 10 hours a day! And hiking down the river for even more exploration. The home itself has everything you could possible need. We cooked and ate all our meals there and were completely set at all times. All the cousins walked to feed the goats every evening and had the time of their lives. My father in law and I enjoyed providing birdseed for the birds and birdwatching with our coffee each morning We hope to continue visiting this house for years to come.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect place to relax!

We drove in and never started our cars until our departure 3 days later! Headed down to the incredible clear waters of the river EVERYDAY! Just a simple, majestic, getaway to unwind. The owners really do an outstanding job of equipping the house with necessities. This trip was a blessing, full of great memories, and we look forward to coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

D G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

River Bliss

One of the most peaceful river properties and clean rivers I’ve ever stayed/been in.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing property

We had a wonderful time and loved the view! So secluded it was nice and quiet.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

robert w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Retreat

Lodge is very well maintained, clean, and comfortable. Furnishings are well done and furniture is comfortable (chairs/sofas/beds). Everything you may need or think you need is available to you at lodge. Just bring your food and refreshments and the lodge provides nearly everything else you may need. Beautiful views, wonderful spring to swim in, and owner is very helpful and attentive with any questions or concerns you may have. Would stay again...will stay again..and you should too...
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

2024 Eclipse, Astronomy, and More

Reserved the property two years ago for the 2024 eclipse. Lodge was spacious enough for my adult children and guests as well as some of my siblings families. Overall we had 12 people for the eclipse. Eclipse weather was touch and go but cooperated enough to allow a fantastic experience as the sun played peek-a-boo with the clouds. Also had a great night of astronomy as weather permitted in some of the darkest skies that I have had the pleasure of viewing under. Besides the eclipse, hikes along the pasture and river were highlights of the trip. Family was very excited to meet the sheep, goats and Mr. Donkey. Bird and humming bird feeders gave plenty of entertainment. Views from the lodge are outstanding. Sunsets are amazing. Swimming at the swimming hole in the river was very popular. There was something for everyone. Surprisingly given the location, there is very good internet service. The weather in the area can be interesting especially when a major front comes though. Lodge was very well equipped and clean. Everything needed was there including food for the sheep, goats, birds and Mr. Donkey. Communications with the host were outstanding. Lots of good documentation at the host's listing, e-mails, and posted at the lodge. Would gladly stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Raymond S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spacious and gorgeous views

Really enjoyed the spacious ranch house during my stay there. The view from the living area was awesome! Had fun feeding Mr. Donkey, goats, rams and birds. Very relaxing, quiet and beautiful area to get away from city life. The host was very accommodating when I had to reschedule due to unforeseen circumstances. I am looking forward to my next stay there in October!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frank W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

mvl

good
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Adventure Motorcycle Trip

Plenty of room for 5 guys riding the Twisted Sisters and local adventure motorcycle routes. We could hear the river/running water on the deck. Great sunset views!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing, peaceful location

This is an amazing place to stay if you want to sit on the deck and losten to the river down below and birds in the trees taking turns coming to the feeder. It's wonderfully quiet. All amenities needed are provided. The river is beautiful. If I'd been visiting when the temps were warmer, I'd have spent the whole day sitting in the water. It's very clean. Found a blogger who stated that the river in this area is probably the most pristine in the whole state. I hated to leave. The sheep in the pasture added an extra measure of lovely. Everything was very clean and well labeled. Instructions were so easy to follow. You won't be disappointed!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

joshua b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gods Country

We enjoyed our stay. Owners have went out of their way to make sure this place is comfy and well stocked. All the comforts of home except with amazing views and stars as far as you can see! We enjoyed exploring the river and even took a polar plunge a few times! We really enjoyed every aspect of this place and can't wait to get back!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So peaceful

Our family really enjoyed this great home. We stayed outside most of the time. We had two large porches facing the creek and a beautiful scenery. You could hear the crystal clear water from the porch, which made for a very relaxing time. There are neighbors but we didn’t see anyone the whole time. I definitely recommend this place and will most likely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beth T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Reunion

Nice secluded get away with all the conveniences of home. Visited my dad's parent old ranch place with the family. We enjoyed being close to the river and letting the kids wade. Loved seeing the deer, birds, goats, and Mr. Donkey everyday we were there. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great owner

We had an amazing time but when we were leaving one of the cars wouldn’t start. Kermit gave us some resources to try and fortunately the property was rented that night so he delayed his cleaning so we could be in and out til we could resolve the problem and leave later that day. He was super helpful and nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

About the host

Hosted by Kermit Graf

Host profile image
In 2011 I retired from 31 years as an engineer with Schlumberger. My wife and I own and manage three vacation rental properties. We enjoy providing relaxing and safe properties for our guests and their families. We are both originally from Houston, then moved to Austin in the late 1960s when attending, then graduating from, the University of Texas, where we met each other in the Longhorn Band. Hook-em Horns!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests