It’s Texas wilderness at its finest, Red Creek Nature Ranch.  Located approximately 15 miles from Junction, Texas, this wild hill country is perfect for those who love to hunt, watch birds, or simply get away from civilization and retreat back to natural surroundings.  Owned by Mr. John Kothmann and sons, you are welcome to call them at 1-325-475-2901 or visit their website.

Having met the family, I found Mr. John Kothmann and sons to be friendly and full of advice on where the wildlife could be spotted.  Furnishing camouflage blinds for our photography, helped bring the wildlife closer in toward us as we staked out in the pastureland.   Right off we saw deer, coons, and many birds.  Not being the best bird identifier, I wasn’t able to distinguish all those I saw and heard except the illustrious “Bob-White quail.”  Now that one bird I recognize anywhere! Not only do they have a very distinct call – they taste mighty good when smoked over a campfire or mesquite roasted for dinner served on a bed of wild rice with a side or beans and potato salad!

Those birders who just want to observe our fine feathered friends can hide out in the camouflage areas.  Waiting patiently, you just might spot a Painted Bunting, a Cardinal, or one of the many other beautiful birds both native and those flying through for winter. 

During November and December the hunters come in from the four corners of the world it seems and reserve the best places for hunting season.   Red Creek Nature Ranch is one of the best places for the hunters.  Photographers, campers, and hunters don’t mix well due to the obvious needs of each group; yet there are spaces of time in between hunting where other types of naturists can reserve some time on this vast expanse of Texas land.  Our group from www.Photoandtravel.com visited the ranch during June of 2006 and found rustic cabin accommodations with nice furnishings, kitchens and full baths with running water – basically all the amenities of home with the exception of “bring your own bed linens and towels, and of course your own food.”

Not having been to this beautiful hill country ranch prior, we made the mistake of driving to the ranch in Editor John C. Jones’ Pleasure Way RV van, and due to the rocky terrain of the back roads, were reduced down to a 5 – 10 mile an hour pace.  The road into Red Creek Nature Ranch is rugged and rough.  It is maintained by the county and not the residents scattered throughout the ranch lands, therefore, after a rain it is especially difficult to go down the road in anything other than 4x4 vehicles, however; we were anxious to see this ranch and experience “back to nature,” so off we rode up and down and around a long winding road until we saw the sign, “Red Creek Nature Ranch.”  Mr. Kothmann had told me, “just when you think you’ll never get here – there it is – the turn off into our ranch.”

The large cabin can accommodate 12 people without any difficulty.  While there, you’ll want to walk around the homestead and see the relics from farming years past.  Become acquainted with the jackrabbits which stay around and look for food.  No, these are not the cute bunnies – they are big with tall ears and powerful hind legs, always on guard waiting to bounce off at any given moment. 

I don’t recommend young children at this ranch.  This is wild country and rattlesnakes get to roam free along with bobcats, coyotes, skunks, coons, squirrels, jackrabbits, goats, and many reptilian species from horned toads to lizards.  This is an adult nature lover’s paradise.  The botanist will enjoy exploring the wooded areas while photographing the cactus blooms and many species of trees and wild flowers scattered around.  Birders can take advantage of the hunting blinds and wait comfortably to watch birds arriving to feed. 

If the Red Creek Nature Ranch is just too much wilderness and uncivilized for you, there is always the drive into Junction, Texas where you can find Junction Golf Club .  This 9 - hole course has undergone major improvements since its inception in 1927.    The land is owned by the Hill Country Fair Association.  Four – 2 - day tournaments are held annually with an evening meal included.  Of course there are other places to play golf in the Junction, Texas area such as:  Llano River Golf Course where the overall layout was designed to use the natural terrain of the area to challenge golfers.  And there’s more – swimming, tubing, boating in the Llano River.  We enjoyed seeing families having fun as they jumped into the river or attempted to paddle those tubes down the stream. 

Whether you are camping out in an RV, or want to camp out in the amenities provided, just call John Kothmann and he will set you up for a great Texas wilderness!  Happy RV’ing in this delightful area of Texas!

(photos courtesy of:  Red Creek Nature Ranch, photographer – Cathy Illg, and photos by Rhonda Pipkin)