There’s a Tranquil Vintage Airstream Resort Near Ennis TX – Here’s What You Need to Know
If you want a rustic – but not too rustic – Texas escape with a good dose of retro, The Range Vintage Trailer Resort deserves a spot on your travel shortlist. Outdoor beauty, tranquility, and a fun intro to the world of Airstream and vintage travel trailers near a just-right-sized town that's fun to explore await you at this Airstream resort near Ennis TX.
There's a Tranquil Vintage Airstream Resort Near Ennis TX – Here's What You Need to Know
The Range is 30 miles from Dallas and just outside the small town of Ennis, which is famous for their Bluebonnets. You can find Bluebonnets throughout the state in springtime, as well as other gorgeous wildflowers like Indian Paintbrushes and Mexican Hats. It's not far from civilization but has a lovely remote feel that is perfect for a weekend getaway.
I flew from San Antonio to Dallas Love Field Airport on Southwest Airlines. It took about 50 minutes each way to reach the campground.
Why rent a vintage travel trailer?
Because it's fun, quirky, and yields great pictures. Plus, it's an opportunity to have a relaxed and unplugged time with your loved ones or take a break by yourself.
The Range has nine Airstreams and vintage travel trailers for rent. The 30-acre property also has 13 open sites where Airstream owners and owners of vintage travel trailers can park their rigs. All sites are at least 100 feet away from neighboring sites and there are lots of trees and vegetation, so there's a feeling of seclusion. You can check out the available trailers for rent here.
The 1953 Boles Aero
I spent three nights in this restored vintage trailer that sleeps two. The Range's website lists it as having “cozy vintage cabin vibes” and I would say that's accurate. There is a tiny double bed and the dinette folds down to make a second bed. I stayed alone and was very comfy in the bed although I would not have been as comfortable with someone else in the bed.
Otherwise, the Boles Aero had all the comforts of home, including a small refrigerator, microwave, kitchen sink, counter area, and a Nespresso machine, which I think is an excellent, upscale touch. There is a small stovetop but it's for show and can't be used.
Outdoors, there is a Weber charcoal grill, two retro lawn chairs, a propane fire pit, a deck, a picnic table, and a net hammock. The warm glow of the string lights was the cherry on top of a picture-perfect experience.
A chance to really unplug
None of the rental trailers have a television and although the amenities on The Range's website list WiFi, I not only did not have WiFi in my trailer, I had very spotty cell service. This isn't a complaint but something to be prepared for. I downloaded books on my Kindle to read during downtime. You could also download movies or shows to your device.
The WiFi is stronger in the common areas and may be stronger at other places around the campground so if you need to check email or download a movie, you don't have to go far to do it. I found being in my trailer with a new book to read very restorative and I did not miss scrolling.
Showering in the vintage wet bath
The trailer has a wet bath, which is a tub, shower, sink combo – everything you need in a bathroom in a condensed space. I showered here twice during my stay and managed to get it done. There's also a bathhouse on the property that has a full-size shower. I showered here once because I wanted more space to shampoo my hair and shave my legs. The bathhouse was a short walk from my trailer.
Why a Vintage Airstream Resort?
Owners Sarah and Paul Beauregard, who live onsite and have roots in Dallas, developed their vision for an all-Airstream, all-vintage trailer resort after camping in their 1972 Airstream, which they restored themselves. Owning their own Airstream resort came from camping near other travel trailers and having to send pictures of their trailer to campgrounds to verify that they had a beautiful and fully restored trailer.
The Beauregards built a place where older, restored trailers fit right in and where campers look out their windows and see trees, not another travel trailer. What they've built is a warm, welcoming environment that allows guests to camp on their terms and be as social as they want to be.
Food at The Range
The Range's common space is called The Barn. It's a warm, multi-use gathering space with a small bar located outside that is – what else – a repurposed Airstream trailer. Although guests generally fend for themselves in terms of food, either at their trailers or in nearby Bristol or Ennis, Friday and Saturday nights are for feasting.
Friday features backyard burgers with delicious trimmings like ranch beans, potato salad, smoked elote pops, and S'mores for dessert in the giant firepit outside The Barn. Saturday is an eight-course pizza feast which is just as awesome – and filling! – as it sounds. Salad, six slices of wood-fired pizza on house-made dough, and dessert. Both meals require reservations – ask onsite or search Open Table – and are served long table style. The fare is deliciously simple while also managing to have some serious foodie vibes and makes you feel like you're having dinner at a friend's house. A friend who has mad cooking skills.
The Airstream Bar is open on weekends and serves a variety of Texas spirits and beers, craft cocktails, and wine.
Other Amenities
The Range has a pool, nature trails, and a fishing pond. There's also a generous supply of board games at The Barn as well as yard games. There is ample space for kids to run around.
Nearby Ennis has shopping and dining options. I recommend Fern in the Wild, which is a fantastic place to eat lunch and shop. Fern in the Wild also has an upstairs speakeasy, The Green Room. And, if you want something fun, quirky, and “only in this neck of the woods” then visit the Bristol General Store and gas station for sushi. I know, gas station sushi sounds a little sketchy but this is legit and actually very well-known.
The Range also has dedicated Women's weekends. No men and no kids mean a weekend of lounging by the pool with drinks, massages, arts and crafts and getting to know other women campers. You can come solo or with your mom, daughter, or girlfriend's group and you can bring your own trailer or rent one of the onsite trailers.
I was hosted by Airstream. Read my full article on Airstream culture and towing here.
