WHERE
COMMUNITY AND NATURE MEET
3-4 About
5-6 Testimonials
7-10 Horizon Hall
11-12 Kitchen
13-16 Sleeping Shelters
17 Amenities
18 Registration
19-20 Map and Trails
21 Parking and Directions
ABOUT
The Campsite at Shield Ranch is an artfully designed and sustainably built facility carefully sited within an ecologically diverse sanctuary located just 22 miles from downtown Austin. Earning SITES Gold certification and a 2022 Austin Green Award, it operates 100% off-grid using solar power and a rainwater system.
The Campsite provides year-round nature-immersion experiences for people of all ages. It welcomes community groups including nonprofits, nature immersion-seeking businesses, and educational and youth organizations. Group registration is required for day and overnight usage.
Groups can host their own programming or select from our program menu. Here are some examples of the types of events and activities we can accommodate:
• Experiential environmental education
• Wellness and mindfulness programs
• Spiritual, contemplative, and artistic retreats
• Strategic planning, team building, training, and meetings
• Scout overnight and field trips
• Conservation programming
Please note that the facility is not available for weddings, family reunions, fundraisers or individual recreation. It is closed during select holidays and Camp El Ranchito spring break and summer dates.
Holiday and Closing Schedule
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
The Campsite at Shield Ranch is the perfect spot to host your next team meeting, retreat, or education program. But don’t take our word for it. Here are what guests are saying about their experiences:
“The hikes were brilliant, beautiful, and informative. We took a moment to sit alone and soak in the nature around us.”
“I felt a stronger and deeper connection with my colleagues after some relaxed and focused time at the Ranch together.”
“I personally dread retreats and I was dreading this one. I was surprised to find myself relaxed and smiling at the end of the day.”
“The quiet natural surroundings were an attention draw and comfort; it felt like a safe and supportive nest.”
“My body literally went into shock when I left the Ranch. It was telling me to turn back around and go back. I clearly didn’t want to leave.”
“The food was excellent! Chef Addie was also very friendly and helpful!”
“Your hospitality was exceptional.” Where
HORIZON HALL AT THE PAVILION
Horizon Hall overlooks breathtaking views of Shield Ranch. It provides a large flexible gathering space, cooled by fans and screens in the warmer months and heated by a fireplace and a wood-burning stove in the cooler months. Moveable wood panels and the overlook glass window open and close the space to the outdoors. Interpretive materials in our book nook are available for use during your visit.
Square foot
1,836 square feet, concrete floor
Capacity
• 84 seated in 60-inch rounds
• 90 seated lecture style
Entries
ADA accessible via the bridge or elevator
Seating
• 12 round tables (60-inch) with aluminum tops stored on rolling carts
• 4 rectangular tables (30 x 60-inch) with aluminum tops stored on rolling carts
• 90 Herman Miller Caper stacking chairs with no arms stored on rolling carts
• 6 Herman Miller Caper chairs with arms
• 4 rocking chairs
Technology
• 70-inch flat-screen monitor on portable stand with HDMI cable
• 2 Bluetooth compatible speakers with stands
• 1 speaker connector for direct connection to portable phones
• 2 microphones
• 1 4-channel mixer with cables for microphones, speakers, instruments
• 2 portable power stations
• 2 extension cords (6 and 15 feet)
• Wi-Fi available
Weather Room – Level 1
• For inclement weather and breakout space
• 863 square feet, climate controlled, concrete floor, 1 window
• Restroom, 3 unisex stalls with sink and drinking fountain
Restrooms
• 4 unisex stalls with sink
• Diaper changing station
Wellness Office 136 square feet Camp Office 228 square feet
KITCHEN
Camp Chef Addie Broussard is available to provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options with consideration for dietary restrictions. As an extension of our conservation values, an effort is made to source local and seasonal ingredients. The Howard E. Butt Jr. Family Kitchen is reserved for Shield Ranch staff only, and no outside food is allowed.
Seasonal Sample Menu
Breakfast
Select one
Breakfast Taco Bar
Everything you need to create a hearty breakfast taco
Biscuits n’ Gravy
Creamy southern gravy with buttermilk biscuits
Seasonal Frittata
Made with local eggs and seasonal vegetables
Pancake Party
Fluffy pancakes with a variety of toppings
Hearty Oatmeal
Warm oatmeal with seasonal fruit, spices, and accoutrements
Lunch/Dinner
Select one
Sandwich & Salad Bar
Array of options for your group to create their own masterpieces
Pizza & Salad Buffet
Barton Springs Mill flour, local seasonal veggies
Deli Sandwiches + Salad/Chips
Pre-made sandwiches for your group to choose from
Soup & Salad
Easy Tiger bread, seasonal soup selection
Sloppy Joes + Potato Salad
Locally harvested meat, toasted buns
Quesadillas
Sweet potato and jack cheese
Pulled chicken and green chilies
Pulled Pork Tacos or Sandwiches + Slaw
BBQ or Tex-Mex style
Salad + Baked Potato Bar
Array of options for your group to create their own masterpieces
Fajitas
Grilled fajitas with all the fixings
Lasagna/Pasta
Winter béchamel and greens
Spring primavera
Walkin' Tacos
Chili atop crispy corn chips. Seasonal flavors and local meat when available
Sustain-A-Bowl
A choose-your-adventure meal with 5 components including seasonal variations: protein, whole grain, vegetables, leafy greens & toppings
Where
SLEEPING SHELTERS
Shelters
11 in 4 custom designs
Capacity
74
The Campsite’s screened sleeping shelters offer a variety of options for overnight group sizes and needs. Each shelter is named for an animal and is grouped by Land and Sky neighborhoods. All shelters include full-size cots with vinyl mattresses, roll-down canvas dividers, storage cubbies, an overhead fan, many floor-to-ceiling screens that can be covered by barn doors with windows, and a floor light at entry. Shelters do not have climate control or electrical outlets. No linens, bedding, or toiletries are provided.
Bee
280 square feet, duplex and each side sleeps 2; sleeps 4 total.
Frog
280 square feet, duplex and each side sleeps 2; sleeps 4 total.
Butterfly & Dragonfly
320 square feet; open plan sleeps 6.
Heron & Hummingbird
320 square feet; open plan sleeps 6.
Owl
375 square feet, duplex and each side sleeps 3; sleeps 6 total.
Deer & Porcupine
906 square feet, separate small room sleeps 2 and larger room sleeps 7; sleeps 9 total.
Coyote & Turtle
906 square feet, separate small room sleeps 2 and larger room sleeps 7; sleeps 9 total.
AMENITIES
Showers
• 1 women’s facility; 4 private shower stalls
• 1 men’s facility; 4 private shower stalls
• Biodegradable shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided. To conserve rainwater, showers are on timers.
Toilets
4 evaporative toilet facilities; each with private ADA accessible stalls featuring evaporative toilets and sinks with potable water. Evaporative toilets do not use water or chemicals.
We recommend completing registration no later than 1 month from the use date. Our registration coordinator will walk you through the process.
Checklist
• Submit inquiry form
• Sign license agreement and pay deposit
• Provide proof of insurance
• Complete guest liability waivers prior to arrival
Online registration options include a group organizer registering individuals or a link for participants to selfregister.
Wild for Good Pricing
By reserving the Campsite at Shield Ranch for your next event, you are helping to offset the usage cost for nonprofits and mission-driven programming including Camp El Ranchito scholarships.
Pricing Sheet
Program Menu
For more info contact: info@shieldranch.com
MAP AND TRAILS
The Campsite is on Rocky Creek, a tributary of Barton Creek, and features a trail system including 2 ADA trails (blue and green trails) made from stabilized decomposed granite. An upper mulch-surfaced (red trail) connects to overflow parking with elevation changes near the T-intersection and bypasses the shelters to provide access to the Gathering Place for a more secluded hike. Guests have selfguided access to Rocky Creek and Sacred Path trails not far from the facilities. The program menu offers miles of guided hikes beyond the Campsite boundaries of varying lengths and interpretive focuses.
PARKING AND DIRECTIONS
10417 Crumley Ranch Road, Austin, TX 78738
From Austin
Drive to Bee Cave via Bee Caves Road., Southwest Parkway or US 71. From Bee Caves Road, take US 71 north past RM 620. Turn left at the next traffic light at RR 3238 (Hamilton Pool Road). Drive 3.7 miles to Crumley Ranch Road. Turn left and go 2.1 miles to the Shield Ranch west entrance on the left. Once inside the gate, follow the main paved road about 1 mile until you see the entrance to the Campsite parking lot on your left.
From Dripping Springs
Take RR 12 north and drive approximately 4.6 miles. Turn right at Fitzhugh Road and go 1.8 miles. Turn left on Crumley Ranch Road. Drive 1.1 miles to the Shield Ranch west entrance on the right. Once inside the gate, follow the main paved road about 1 mile until you see the entrance to the Campsite parking lot on your left.
From San Antonio
Take US 281 North. Take 290 East to Dripping Springs. Take Ranch Road 12 North. Turn right on Fitzhugh Road and left on Crumley Ranch Road. Turn right at gate for the Campsite. Once inside the gate, follow the main paved road about 1 mile until you see the entrance to the Campsite parking lot on your left.
*Use the gate code provided to you by the registration coordinator.
Parking 24 spaces; plus 2 designated ADA parking spaces By arrangement, groups may access a mulched lot for overflow or bus parking that accommodates up to 35 vehicles.
The Campsite at Shield Ranch was designed by Andersson / Wise and Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, and constructed by Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors.
We welcome all Campsite guests to have a nature-immersion experience on wild, protected land and to embody the conservation values that shaped this facility. Together, we can ensure it will stay wild for good.