There’s nothing quite like striking out into the wilderness on an all-terrain vehicle, setting out across the most rugged of terrains. Experience, explore, and escape to Texas landscapes with an off-roading adventure that’s hard to beat.

Whether you are new to the sport or have plenty of experience as a road warrior, here are our five favorite destinations across the state for revving it up and straying far from the beaten bath.    

Lighthouse Hill Ranch (Johnson City)

Easily accessible from both Austin and San Antonio, Lighthouse Hill Ranch is the ideal destination for a weekend off-roading adventure in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. The ranch offers endless scenic trails of varying difficulty, weaving through the region's rolling hills, rugged terrain, and breathtaking landscapes. Texas Off Road and Adventours provides everything you need for a thrilling experience, including expert guides to lead you on an adventure tailored to your comfort level. Whether you're a family seeking a fun outing, a beginner wanting to try off-roading for the first time, or an experienced rider looking for a challenge, this spot has something for everyone.

After a day of adventure, unwind at one of the ranch's unique vacation rentals. You can even stay in "The Lighthouse" itself, a stunning four-story structure perched atop one of the highest hills in the county, offering panoramic views and a memorable stay. Along with off-roading, guests can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, local wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities, making this the perfect Texas getaway.

Alligator Run Offroad Park (Easton)

Riders here have more than 5,000 off-road acres to explore, and the park property straddles wetlands, granting visitors ample wild mudding opportunities in addition to scenic hills, creeks, and trails aplenty. Throw in the obstacle course, racing areas, and top-notch camping facilities and you can see why Alligator Run draws huge crowds to its many offroading events held throughout the year.

Sam Houston National Forest (New Waverly)

An hour north of Houston, you'll find an entirely different off-roading experience in the Sam Houston National Forest, where more than 85 miles of multiple-use trails designated and developed for hiking, biking, horses, and ATVs wind through thick, towering pine forests. For those seeking a balance between adventure and relaxation, the nearby Lake Conroe offers a perfect retreat.

Within the same forest, Lake Conroe boasts 22,000 acres of water recreation, ideal for boating, fishing, or simply unwinding by the shore. Known for its bass fishing and scenic beauty, visitors can also enjoy lakeside camping at the Cagle Recreation Area, which provides full-service campsites, hiking and biking trails, and easy access to the water. Whether you're zipping through the forest on an ATV or spending a peaceful day by the lake, the Sam Houston National Forest and Lake Conroe offer the perfect mix of excitement and tranquility for an unforgettable outdoor getaway.

Hidden Falls Adventure Park (Marble Falls)

Just an hour west of Austin, Hidden Falls Adventure Park offers up even more tantalizing Hill Country trails to explore across 2,000 acres. They specialize in Utility Task Vehicles, also called “side-by-sides,” offering a fleet of two- and four-seat off-road vehicles for rent. UTVs have exploded in popularity, offering the same handling and acceleration capability of four-wheelers but with a protective roof and seating for four or more! For those too young or not ready to take on driving off-road themselves, riding along in a UTV is absolutely the way to go.

And if off-roading isn’t enough, try one of their Polaris Slingshots, and have fun cruising the rural pavement in speedy style. These futuristic open-top, three-wheeled sportscar/motorcycle hybrids are definitely worth taking for a spin.

Far Flung Outdoor Center (Terlingua)

Big Bend, in far West Texas, should top anyone’s travel bucket list. Full of geological marvels, shimmering Chihuahuan Desert landscapes, and sprawling diverse wildlife, it’s genuinely a must-visit destination. And what better way to take it all in than on an ATV capable of tackling the rockiest, most remote terrain.

Less about the thrills and more about the scenery, Far Flung Center offers a tranquil off-roading experience. Explore the wilds of Big Bend on a vehicle capable of handling anything this enchanting land can throw at you.