Campground news, Hill Country happenings, and our story - told one week at a time.
Gordon's weekly notes from the campground — what's happening around the property, what's coming up in Bandera, Boerne, and the Hill Country, and the ongoing story of how a dream became Al's Hideaway. New posts every week.
Lost Maples, Hill Country State Natural Area, and the new Kronkosky park are all a short drive away — here's when to go and what to expect this fall.
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The Bandera County Fair returns to Mansfield Park October 8-10 with livestock shows, carnival rides, and Western fun — about 15 minutes from our front gate.
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We're part of Visit San Antonio's Day of the Dead Trail October 5-November 5, decorating our pavilion and building a community ofrenda. Come add a photo of someone you love.
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Record global travel, rising costs, and overtourism fatigue are pushing travelers toward quieter, closer-to-home trips in 2026. Here's why that makes the Hill Country the smart move this year.
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August 4, 2026
Exclusive access, on-site lodging for your whole guest list, and owners who actually live there -- here's what separates the wedding venues that work from the ones that just photograph well.
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State parks, caves, wineries, motorcycle routes, amusement parks, and hidden gems — a complete map and who/what/when/why guide to the Hill Country, with Al's Hideaway right at the center of it all.
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The Perseid meteor shower peaks August 12–13 under a new moon — the best viewing conditions in a decade. Here's how to catch up to 100 meteors an hour from our dark Hill Country skies.
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The Bandera Round-Up takes over Labor Day weekend: a longhorn cattle drive down Main Street September 5, ranch rodeos, market days — and our guests get to ride the Al's Hideaway parade float.
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National Day of the American Cowboy lands July 25 at Bandera City Park — gunfight reenactments, trick ropers, live music, and cowboy biscuits and gravy. Where else would you celebrate it?
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Three of the finest rivers in Texas — the Guadalupe, the Medina, and the Frio — are all within reach of the Hideaway. Outfitters, costs, float times, and local tips for peak tubing season.
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The Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area is under construction just down Highway 46 — 3,852 acres of protected Hill Country aiming for a fall 2026 opening. We're the closest campground, period.
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Two parades (one for the pets!), a river to float, fireworks in town, and a quiet, fireworks-free retreat afterward for nervous pets and anyone who'd rather skip the boom. Here's how to plan your Bandera weekend.
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Every Friday night through July 31, Mansfield Park Arena lights up with broncs, bulls, and barrel racing — and we're 15 minutes down the road. Plus dinosaurs at Saturday's Jurassic Jamboree.
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The seller accepted our offer on the spot - and suddenly the dream had a home. Now the real work could begin: weekends of clearing brush, cutting cedar, and camping on an air mattress.
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Andrea said she'd found the perfect property. Like my pappy always said, 'If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.' So we scheduled a visit.
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They're building a brand-new state park six minutes down the road - and Al's Hideaway is the closest campground, period. Plus: the property search begins.
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We looked at the Gulf Coast. We looked at the Ozarks. Then one riding weekend in the Hill Country changed everything: here, you can ride year-round.
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Camped on top of Mount Nebo, Jennifer asked if I could build a campground of our own. I told her, 'If you can dream it, I can build it.' She said she dreamed big.
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Long before there were cabins, signs, or a name, there was Albert Banis - 'Abe' - my wife Jennifer's grandfather. Those Hill Country trips were their hideaway.
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A strong winter storm forced us to cancel our catfish fry - but the next few weeks are shaping up big: Cowboy Mardi Gras, a chili cook-off, and the Three Twisted Sisters.
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When people search for cabins, RV sites, or campgrounds in Bandera County, they're often looking for more than a place to sleep. Here's who we are and what makes us different.
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Texas will be buzzing with World Cup energy in 2026. Savvy travelers know the move: enjoy the excitement, then escape to a peaceful Hill Country retreat.
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