El Castell on the Llano River was recently featured in this article by Austin Monthly.
By Rosie Ninesling for Austin Monthly, June 2, 2023
If you’re not careful, it’s easy to miss. After taking Highway 71 deep into the Hill Country and going west from Llano (a scenic drive lined with wildflowers), Castell, Texas first appears as a small conglomerate of buildings: a circle of cabins, a gift shop, a steepled Methodist chapel, and a trading post.
Its population? Seven—but don’t call it a ghost town. Step inside The General Store, and you’ll likely meet all the locals, many who have no problem sipping a Lone Star or two with you at the bar. With live music every Saturday, a boozy “Drinking with Jesus” church service on Sundays, and endless outdoor attractions from fly-fishing to gravel-grinding, Castell is rapidly transforming from a sleepy Texas town to a Hill Country getaway without the crowds. Ready to plan your trip before the secret’s out? Check out our travel recs below.
Where To Stay
For luxe cabins that boast everything from outdoor dining rooms to saunas and hot tubs, look no further than El Castell on the Llano River. Not only is it a prime location for hopping into the clear waters that cut through the town, but you’re also steps away from The General Store (see below). Each cabin varies in size (accommodations are available for both solo travelers and large groups), but if you’re looking for a boutique, farmhouse experience, you’ll want to book the El Castellito, where cozy furnishings sleep up to 10 and pets are welcome.
