Line Camp

Deep in the heart of Texas, nestled within Padre Island National Seashore, lies the Novillo Line Camp. It’s a time capsule, a relic of a bygone era when cowboys roamed the island and cattle dotted the landscape. Novillo Line Camp wasn’t just a place to rest your head. It was a vital hub for the Dunn Cattle Ranch, the largest operation on Padre Island for nearly a century. Imagine the scene: cowboys, weary from long days herding cattle, seeking refuge in the simple bunkhouse. The aroma of campfire coffee hung in the air as they shared stories under a star-studded sky. Novillo Line Camp was their connection to civilization, their lifeline in this rugged, isolated land. Today, Novillo Line Camp stands as a testament to this era. The weathered bunkhouse, the remnants of cattle fences, even the worn table where cowboys once shared their meals, all whisper tales of the past. Novillo Line Camp is the northernmost of several such camps on the island. Black Hill Line Camp and Green Hill Line Camp were located further south. Together, these camps formed a network that allowed the Dunn Ranch to control two-thirds of Padre Island from 1879 through 1970. Novillo Line Camp offers a glimpse into a unique period of Padre Island’s history. It’s a reminder that before the island became a popular tourist destination, it was a working ranch. A place where hardy men and women carved out a living amidst the dunes and the sea. You can still visit Novillo Line Camp today. Park along Park Road 22, across from Bird Island Basin Road, and follow the dirt path. As you approach the weathered structures, imagine the echoes of the past. Picture the cowboys, the cattle, and the bustling activity that once filled this now quiet place. Novillo Line Camp isn’t just a collection of old buildings. It’s a portal to another time. A place where the spirit of the Texas cowboy still lingers in the windswept dunes of Padre Island.