Welcome to the Wildcatter Ranch & Resort FAQ page! Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, booking a stay, or looking to explore our 1,500 acres of authentic Texas ranch country, we’ve got you covered. Browse through the sections below to find quick answers on accommodations, horseback riding, on-site dining at The Steakhouse, group events, and what to expect during your stay.
No. We are a working guest ranch. Even though we run cattle and horses, we’re not the family-style, campfire-and-cobbler dude ranch experience you might be picturing. Our horses move at a walking pace, our steakhouse serves $50 to $100 steaks instead of buffet-style meals, and the whole property leans towards authentic Texas ranch. If you came here expecting a dude ranch, you’ll notice the difference fast.
Think smaller, more personal, and a little more intimate than a traditional full-service resort. Wildcatter sits on 1,500 acres but has a limited number of accommodations, so you get plenty of space to roam without feeling like you’re staying at a massive hotel.
No room service or valet, but friendly staff onsite 24-7 and great outdoor amenities.
Wildcatter is in Graham, Texas, about 90 minutes from the DFW Metroplex and just outside Possum Kingdom Lake. Instead of the mountains and colder climate you might associate with a Montana or Wyoming ranch, you’ll find the rolling plains of North Texas, the Brazos River, wide-open skies, and plenty of classic Texas ranch character.
The best part is it’s easy to get to hundreds of direct flights to DFW!
Yes! Our team is full-time and year-round. No seasonal crew rotating though here. Returning guests regularly ask for wranglers and front desk staff by name, and some have kept in touch with our staff for years after their stay.
Both, and international guests make up a bigger share than you’d expect. We regularly host couples from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia, along with guests from across the United States.
Through the Book Now button throughout our website, or click here. You’ll pick your dates and room, and you can add on activities during that same booking flow. (Or you can always call or email us afterward to build out your itinerary.)
Yes, and this is one detail worth knowing before you arrive. Wildcatter is spread across 1,500 acres, with lodging and the Steakhouse on the mountaintop and the horse barn and many activities down in the valley. The two areas aren’t within walking distance, so you’ll want a vehicle.
Book ahead if you can, especially for anything popular like trail rides or the chuck wagon experience because spots are limited and do sell out. You can always call or email us to add things on once you’ve arrived, but locking in your must-dos early means less waiting.
Outside photographers need approval and a site fee since Wildcatter is private property. For your convenience, we have an in-house photographer for family, couples, and engagement sessions.
No. We’re a ranch, not a full-service hotel. Our front desk is staffed 24/7 and will help with whatever you need, but there’s no room service menu or overnight housekeeping.
Cabin Suites, OT’s Cabin, and The Homestead are pet-friendly. Hotel rooms are not. Dogs and cats up to 55 pounds are welcome, two pets max per room, for a $50 pet fee per stay. Pets need to stay leashed or crated outside your room, and they’re not allowed in the restaurant, pool, or activity areas. Full details and terms are on our pet policy page.
No. Our horses move at a walking pace. This isn’t a wide-open-range gallop; it’s a relaxed ride where you can take in the views without worrying about hanging on for dear life.
Our regular morning trail rides are a 90-minute ride at 9:30 a.m. and a 60-minute ride at 11 a.m. Both take you through our ranch with views of river valleys, cliffs, and the Brazos River.
It depends on the activity. For more information on the age restriction for each activity, please visit our activities page!
Yes, we run kids camps periodically throughout the year (mostly in the summer) and not on a fixed schedule. Check our activities page for what’s currently on the calendar.
Yes, and we highly recommend this! Activities can be added while booking your room, or you can contact the Front Desk after your lodging is confirmed. Activity schedules can change due to weather and seasonal conditions, so your final schedule will be confirmed as needed.
Yes! It’s one of our most requested add-ons. Our in-house photographer will capture the moment without interrupting the ride itself. Check our engagements page for details!
Quite a bit! There’s something free for everyone. Longhorn feeding at 9 a.m. is free, as well as fishing in our bass tank. You can also enjoy our game room in the lobby, hiking trails, natural scenery, pool, hot tub, and time with some of our resident animals, like Travis the donkey and Jewel the horse. Learn more about our amenities here!
Not for regular lunch service. Wildcatter Steakhouse serves breakfast and dinner daily. Boxed lunches can be pre-ordered for guests, and the town of Graham is only about 15 minutes away if you’re looking for lunch off-property.
Breakfast is served daily from 8am–10 a.m. Dinner and the bar open at 5 p.m., with the last dinner seating at 8:30 p.m. The Steakhouse is open seven days a week.
We recommend making a reservation. Walk-ins are welcome when space allows, but without a reservation, seating isn’t guaranteed.
No. Wildcatter Steakhouse welcomes both overnight guests and visitors. If you’re joining us just for dinner, reservations are recommended.
Yes. Wildcatter has several private and semi-private dining options available for events, corporate gatherings, and rehearsal dinners. Please visit our steakhouse page to explore our private dining options!
Yes. We host special events throughout the year, from private dinners and holiday celebrations to unique experiences and events at the ranch. Check our events calendar for what’s coming up during your stay.
No, Wildcatter is a working guest ranch that provides our guests with an authentic Texas ranch experience. Expect open sky, dirt roads, and cowboy hats, not turndown service.
Late summer and fall (roughly August through November), are when crickets show up in higher numbers around the property, including occasionally indoors. It’s part of ranch life and nothing to be alarmed about. We just want you to know ahead of time.
You’re on 1,500 acres of working ranch land, so yes, you can expect to see coyotes and plenty of birds and deer. Don’t be surprised by the occasional cricket or bug making its way indoors.
Armadillos and roadrunners can be seen most days!
Absolutely. Wildcatter hosts corporate retreats, meetings, workshops, team-building events, and professional dinners. Learn more about our corporate retreats here.
That depends on your group and the kind of experience you’re planning. Wildcatter can help coordinate meeting space, meals, lodging, activities, team-building experiences, and other event details. The Events & Retreat team will work with you on menus and a customized proposal.
Wildcatter itself has limited capacity for weddings. We only have enough lodging to accommodate smaller groups. For most couples, we recommend our sister property next door, Sparrow Creek Ranch, which was built for weddings. Learn more about Sparrow Creek here.
The tent alone runs $60,000. It’s a stunning option if your budget allows for it, but it’s a significant investment. Most couples find Sparrow Creek Ranch a better fit for their special day.
Yes, quite often! Most Fridays have a rehearsal dinner booked. It’s one of our most popular group events, with several private dining spaces to choose from.
Yes. Wildcatter accepts inquiries for film and branded content shoots. Because the ranch is private property, you’ll need to submit an inquiry so the team can discuss availability, location options, site fees, and logistics.
Yes. Wildcatter welcomes family reunions, church groups, and other private gatherings. The Events team can help coordinate lodging, meals, gathering spaces, activities, and other details based on your group’s needs.
