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Walden was founded on the simple idea of making the outdoor experience comfortable and convenient. Named after Henry David Thoreau’s classic *Walden,* we are a hospitality brand founded on the same ideas and spirit Thoreau so eloquently brought into the world when he wrote:
*“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”*
Walden Retreats is located just 1 hour west of Austin and 1 hour north of San Antonio in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Situated on 96 acres of private land along the Pedernales River, this is your private luxury camping getaway.
Perfectly positioned right along the Texas Wine Trail, easily explore Fredericksburg, Johnson City, Luckenbach, Pedernales Falls State Park, LBJ Historic State Park, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and much more.
Use Google maps to navigate to the property. If GPS stops you at what looks like a private residence, drive about 0.2 mile further. Our property has a cedar post fence, metal gate, and boulder with our logo.
We came here on our honeymoon two days after we got married. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience with Walden. Growing up in the scouts, I always turned my nose up at the “glamping” experience, but Walden changed my mind. The space seems so authentic and the accommodations are top notch for people who enjoy the outdoors, but appreciate not having to pack some of the essentials like cookware, firewood, and shelter. The beds and views make this place worth it. I couldn’t have asked for a better retreat for me and my wife (who loves the outdoors but hates primitive camping). It has something for everyone. Check out the field guide provided by Walden to learn a bit about building a fire, priming your wood burning stove, and learning about surrounding attractions like wineries and eateries.
We had a fantastic stay. The tents were luxurious & very well-equipped. Location felt like going on a fun adventure, driving down the dirt rounds to get to it (but easy to find).Having the fire pit & cast iron cooking equipment made for cooking a memorable open-fire dinner.
We had a lovely time during our stay at Walden! The tents are perfectly equipped with most everything you would need and situated to have privacy between neighbors. We went during a time of extreme cold (for the area) and the mini-split unit did have a difficult time keeping us warm. Luckily there are plenty of blankets and a small heater, but we planned ahead and brought our own heater as well, so that helped. Our only complaint was the "hot tub." The first day the plumbing wasn't adequately secured, and the second day it just wouldn't heat - we followed directions precisely for 4 hours and only got luke-warm water. We spent a lot of time trying to get this to work - so our "relaxation" was not-so-much. If a less labor-intensive (or more functional) hot tub situation could be set up, it would greatly help. We really enjoy hot tubs when taking a weekend escape. All in all, we will most likely revisit!
I took my wife here for a surprise trip after reading about Walden Retreats in the AAA Connections magazine. I was not disappointed. The “tent” looked exactly like it did in the article and on the website. I put tent in quotes because while it was a tent, it was nicer than many hotel rooms that I have stayed in. It was clean and comfortable. There was everything that one could need for a relaxing “glamp-out”. The only thing I missed was a microwave, because I love popcorn and would have love to make some, but a microwave would have been counter cultural to what the resort is about so I understand. (Not a negative in any way.) I will certainly be back as time permits. Even though it was very cold outside, the heater was able to keep the room very comfortable. Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Walden Retreats was excellent. Drove in from Austin for a weekend. Was nice to get away from the city and enjoy nature, but in a luxury stay. From the moment we parked and got picked up by the host on a golf cart, to the time we checked out we felt fully accommodated. Becky, the host/receptionist was excellent. She was so happy and kind to us. That only made us immediate have a warm welcome. They have everything you need there.
