Day 1
Friday — Settle In
- 4–6pm: Arrive, bunkhouse + tent assignments, ranch tour
- 6:30pm: Dutch-oven welcome dinner
- 8pm: Night-sky orientation — constellations 101 by the fire
- 10pm: First real look at the Milky Way. Phones down.
Fredericksburg, Texas · Nov 6–8, 2026 · Dark-Sky Ranch Basecamp
Dark Skies & Campfire
Sleep under the biggest sky you've seen in years.
No streetlights. No ceiling. Just the Milky Way doing its thing.
Founding SeasonFounding Season — join the list
A ranch-stay weekend built around the night sky. Days are easy — trail walks, hammock time, a field-skills workshop (knots, fire, cast iron). After dark we kill the lights: stargazing with a local astronomy guide, coyotes in the distance, a Dutch-oven cobbler going in the coals. Bring a jacket; the Hill Country gets honest at night in November.
Founding Season. Nov 6–8, 2026 is a sample weekend shown while we lock real dates — holding spots is free and never promises a confirmed seat yet.
- Dates
- Nov 6–8, 2026
- Where
- Fredericksburg, Texas
- Basecamp
- Dark-Sky Ranch Basecamp
- Length
- 3 days · 2 nights
- Price
- From $429 all-in
- Group size
- Max 20
- Region
- Texas Hill Country
✅ What's included
- 2 nights ranch lodging (bunkhouse + platform tents, real mattresses)
- All meals Friday dinner through Sunday lunch, catered by local cooks — menu subject to change
- Guided stargazing night with telescopes provided
- Field-skills workshop: fire, knots, cast-iron cooking
- Morning trail walks + afternoon hammock field (bring a book)
- Hot coffee and hot breakfast, every morning, no exceptions
🚫 Not included
- Transportation to the ranch (carpool board provided)
- Alcohol — BYO
- Sleeping bag (rent one from us for $25 if you fly in)
- A telescope of your own (we've got you covered)
What you'll do
- Guided stargazing night with telescopes provided
- Field-skills workshop: fire, knots, cast-iron cooking
- Morning trail walks + afternoon hammock time
Optional extras
- THE WATERLINE SANCTUARY — optional massage or Reiki, pre-booked, consent-based, relaxation only (not available yet — note your interest when you book)
Where you sleep
Ranch bunkhouse + platform tents — separated quarters where the property allows
- Heated bunkhouse + platform tents with real mattresses
- Separated quarters where the property allows
- Couples can request private accommodations when available
Everyone gets a safe, respected arrangement — and anything sensitive stays between you and the organizers via the private note field at booking.
Food at this weekend
Dutch-oven ranch cooking — eggs, biscuits, cobbler from the coals
- Vegetarian at every meal
- Common allergies handled if you tell us at booking
Cooked by our local hill country caterer (tba) — Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. Menu subject to change.
Coming with Founding Season retreats
THE WATERLINE SANCTUARY — secluded bodywork, not spa day
A private treatment space in canvas and natural materials — soft natural light, privacy screens, fresh air, trees and water nearby, natural sounds. At this weekend it's a secluded private 3/4 tent near the water — quiet, natural, intimate without being sexual, premium without pretentious — for optional massage or Reiki sessions. Vetted local practitioners, scheduled and pre-booked, consent-based, purely relaxation and wellness (never medical), limited availability. Not available yet — note your interest when you book and we hold a slot in mind for you.
Sample itinerary
How the weekend flows
All meals catered by local cooks — menu subject to change.
Day 2
Saturday — Skills by Day, Stars by Night
- 8am: Ranch breakfast (eggs, biscuits, gravy)
- 10am: Field-skills workshop — fire, knots, cast iron
- 1pm: Lunch + hammock field free time
- 4pm: Golden-hour trail walk
- 7pm: Dinner, then guided stargazing with telescopes
- Late: Cobbler from the coals, coyote chorus
Day 3
Sunday — Slow Goodbye
- 8:30am: Final ranch breakfast
- 10am: Group photo + closing circle
- 11:30am: Lunch to-go boxes, ride board for the drive home
- 12:30pm: Gates close. See you at the next one.
This weekend's questions
Good to know
What if it's cloudy?
The Hill Country gives us clear November nights far more often than not — but if the clouds roll in, we pivot to the fire: night photography basics, constellation stories, and extra cobbler. The weekend doesn't hinge on one sky.
How cold does it get?
Honestly cold after dark — 40s is normal. Bunkhouse is heated, tents get rated bags, and the fire runs all night. Pack layers and you'll be cozy.
Do I need any astronomy knowledge?
None. Our guide starts from zero and the telescopes are set up for you. You'll leave knowing five constellations and one good story about each.
Booking
Hold your spots — free, no payment today.
Start a free hold for Dark Skies & Campfire (Nov 6–8, 2026). No payment is due today — payment comes later via a secure link we email you.
From $429 all-in · Founding Season
Hold my spots