Honestly, if you drive ten miles west of Hunt, Texas, and keep going until the cell service starts to get a little sketchy, you’ll hit a massive limestone gate. Most people see the sign for Mo Ranch Conference Center Hunt TX and assume it’s just another church camp with scratchy bunk beds and lukewarm cafeteria mystery meat.
They couldn't be more wrong.
Mo-Ranch is basically a 500-acre slice of Hill Country history that feels like a cross between a luxury oil baron’s estate and a summer camp from a 1940s movie. It sits right on the North Fork of the Guadalupe River, and the water there is so clear it’s almost distracting. It’s a "thin place"—that’s what the regulars call it. It's where the gap between heaven and earth feels a little narrower, or maybe it’s just the lack of notifications on your phone.
The Oil Man’s Legacy: Why It Doesn’t Look Like a Normal Camp
You've got to understand the history to get why the architecture is so weirdly grand. Before the Presbyterian Church (USA) bought the place in 1949, it was the private playground of Dan Moran. He was the big boss at Continental Oil Company (which became Conoco).
He didn't do "rustic" in the way we think of it now. He built a literal village.
There's a 45-foot-high catwalk that looks like something out of an industrial steampunk dream. Moran built it in 1941 so guests could walk above the tree line. Today, people use rocks to spell out messages on the ground below for folks on the catwalk to see. It’s quirky, it's slightly terrifying if you're afraid of heights, and it's totally unique to this spot.
💡 You might also like: Finding the Best Hampton Inn Miami FL for Your Specific Trip
Then there’s the Greenhouse. Moran actually had it dismantled and flown in by his private pilots. He didn't do things halfway. When the Presbyterians bought the 6,871-acre ranch for about $525,000 back then, they kept the best parts of this oil-money opulence and turned it into a retreat center that serves over 30,000 people a year now.
Staying at Mo Ranch Conference Center Hunt TX
If you're planning a trip, don't think you're stuck in a sleeping bag. The lodging variety is actually kind of wild.
- Wynne/Flato Lodge: This is your standard hotel setup. It’s got 50 rooms with queen beds and private baths. It’s comfortable, air-conditioned (thank God, because Texas), and perfect for people who want the "retreat" vibe without the "roughing it" part.
- The Manor House: This was the original carriage house. It’s got these cool French doors and still has the original pulleys and hoists in the ceiling from when it actually held carriages.
- The Nicklos Place: This is the big one. Built in the 1930s from native stone and cedar, it sits on a hill and can sleep 24 people. It’s where you go for the massive family reunions or corporate retreats where you want to feel like a rancher from a Western.
- The River Dorms: Okay, these are bunk beds. But they’re right on the water. If you're there for a youth conference or a low-budget retreat, this is where you’ll be.
Prices fluctuate, but generally, you're looking at around $155–$165 a night for the hotel rooms and anywhere from $400 to over $2,000 for the private houses and lodges.
The Guadalupe Factor
The river is the heart of the place. Period.
The North Fork of the Guadalupe at Mo-Ranch isn't like the muddy, crowded stretches you find closer to New Braunfels. It’s spring-fed and crisp. There’s a specific spot called the "Mo-Slide." It’s basically a massive concrete slide that launches you into the river. It’s a rite of passage. If you haven't lost your sunglasses or your dignity on the Mo-Slide, have you even been to Hunt?
You can kayak, paddleboard, or just sit in a tube and watch the cypress trees. The ranch also has a massive ropes course with a 480-foot zip line. If you’re into birdwatching, keep an eye out for painted buntings. They look like someone took a normal bird and let a toddler go wild with a box of 64 crayons.
What’s Happening in 2026?
Mo-Ranch isn't just a place to sit; it’s a place where stuff actually happens. For 2026, the calendar is already pretty packed with the "big hits."
The Men’s Conference is set for May 1–3, 2026. They’re even doing a "Calvin Cup" golf tournament at the River Hills Country Club in Kerrville as a kickoff. Rev. Brian Coulter is the keynote for that one.
Then you’ve got the Women’s Conference in early June and the Intercultural Youth Conference running from June 30 to July 3, 2026. This one is pretty cool—it’s focused on high schoolers celebrating different ethnic backgrounds through food, skits, and worship. It’s led by a diverse team including folks like Stephanie Arredondo and Dan Anderson-Little.
One thing to keep in mind: Mo-Ranch had some serious flooding in July 2025. The Guadalupe is beautiful, but she’s temperamental. The ranch has been in "rebuild and renew" mode, so while most things are back to normal, you might see some fresh landscaping or renovated spots that weren't there a few years ago.
Getting There and Getting In
The address is 2229 FM 1340, Hunt, TX. It’s about a two-hour drive from San Antonio and maybe three from Austin.
📖 Related: Is San Juan Puerto Rico Country? The Status Explained Simply
Here’s a tip that catches people off guard: Day passes aren't a thing for the general public anymore. You used to be able to just roll up and pay a few bucks to swim for the afternoon. Not anymore. Now, you either need an overnight reservation or a Season Pass. The Season Pass is $100 for an adult (half off if you're over 55, a first responder, or a teacher) and it gives you access all year. If you live in Kerrville or Fredericksburg, it's a steal. If you're just passing through, you’ve got to book a room.
Is It Too "Churchy"?
People ask this all the time. Look, it’s a Presbyterian facility. There’s a "Chapel on the Hill" that has an incredible view. There are crosses. There are groups praying.
But honestly? They’re very "all are welcome." You don’t have to be a Presbyterian—or even religious—to book a room. A lot of people go just for the silence and the hiking trails. There are over five miles of trails that get surprisingly rocky and steep. It’s a great place to just be a human for a weekend.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're actually going to pull the trigger and visit, keep these things in mind:
- Book the Wednesday/Saturday BBQ: During the summer, they do an outdoor barbecue right on the riverbanks. It’s the best food on the property.
- Pack "Camp Shoes": The ground is rocky. Your fancy white sneakers will be ruined in twenty minutes. Bring Chacos or hiking boots.
- Check the Dress Code: If you’re attending one of the youth conferences, they’re pretty strict about "appropriate dress" (no midriffs, no short-shorts). For individual guests, it’s casual Hill Country vibes.
- Register Early for 2026: The popular lodges like the Manor House book up months, sometimes a year, in advance for summer weekends.
- Download the Map: Your GPS will probably quit on you about three miles before you arrive. Download an offline map of the Kerr County area before you leave Hunt.
Don't expect 5-star resort service where someone brings you a mojito by the pool. Expect a place that smells like cedar and river water, where the stars are actually visible at night, and where you can finally hear yourself think.
👉 See also: Why There Are No Snakes in Ireland: What Most People Get Wrong
To start your trip, call the guest services line at 800-460-4401 to check availability for the specific lodge you want. If you're aiming for a 2026 conference, head to their "Attend a Conference" portal to grab your early bird pricing before the rates jump.