Few properties in Texas can rival the waterfowl resources, coastal beauty, and sporting opportunities found at Oak Meadows Duck Camp. Spanning approximately 1,700 acres along Turtle Bay and Matagorda Bay near Palacios, Oak Meadows sits within one of the most celebrated waterfowl wintering areas on the Gulf Coast. The ranch’s 10 managed wetland impoundments, encompassing approximately 447 acres, have been thoughtfully developed and maintained to attract and hold exceptional numbers of ducks and geese throughout the season. A picturesque beachfront lodge overlooks the bay, offering commanding views of the water and spectacular coastal sunsets. With more than a mile of bay frontage, outstanding fishing, excellent dove hunting, and a healthy population of bobwhite quail, Oak Meadows represents a truly rare opportunity to own one of the finest sporting properties on the Texas coast.
LOCATION
Property is located just south of Hwy 35, 6 miles west of Palacious, Texas. Access is at the end of Barber Road on the west side, and includes almost ¾ of a mile of frontage on Jensen Point Road.
TOPOGRAPHY, RANGELAND & HABITAT
Oak Meadows Duck Camp encompasses approximately 1,000 acres of upland coastal prairie, where the property’s managed wetland system is located. This portion of the ranch is predominantly level terrain and includes approximately 450 acres of freshwater wetlands, with the balance consisting of native coastal prairie grasses, scattered brush, and habitat ideally suited for a variety of wildlife species. The remainder of the ranch is comprised of an extensive saltwater and brackish marsh system connected to Matagorda Bay through large culverts that facilitate natural tidal exchange and water movement. The predominately clay and silt loam soils exhibit excellent water-holding capacity, supporting both the ranch’s highly productive wetland habitat and its agricultural and grazing potential.
WILDLIFE
Oak Meadows Duck Camp is widely recognized as one of the premier waterfowl properties on the Texas Coast. The combination of hundreds of acres of managed freshwater wetlands situated directly adjacent to Matagorda Bay creates an exceptionally attractive environment for migratory ducks and geese. Each fall, vast numbers of waterfowl funnel into the area, taking advantage of the abundant food resources, dependable water, and strategic location along the Central Flyway. The surrounding agricultural landscape further enhances the ranch’s wildlife appeal, supporting outstanding dove hunting and a healthy population of bobwhite quail.
The fishing opportunities at Oak Meadows are equally impressive. An extensive network of protected backwater bays and tidal marshes within the ranch provides outstanding habitat for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Water movement through a series of large culverts connecting the marsh system to Matagorda Bay creates natural feeding zones where fish congregate during tidal exchanges, offering exceptional angling opportunities. In addition, the ranch enjoys direct access to Matagorda Bay, one of the most productive and storied fishing destinations on the Texas Gulf Coast. The result is a rare sporting property that combines world-class waterfowl hunting with outstanding saltwater fishing in a single ownership opportunity.
AGRICULTURE
Currently, the property is leased for cattle.
IMPROVEMENTS
Positioned along the shoreline of Matagorda Bay, the ranch headquarters is centered around a classic coastal lodge elevated on pilings and designed to capture sweeping views of both the bay and the ranch’s renowned wetland system. Having withstood more than three decades of coastal weather, including multiple hurricanes, the home stands as a testament to both its construction and location.
The residence offers three bedrooms and three bathrooms, anchored by a spacious open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area that serves as the gathering place for family and guests after a day in the field or on the water. Expansive picture windows frame breathtaking views across Matagorda Bay and the managed wetlands, creating a constant connection to the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Additional accommodations are provided through a loft sleeping area and a ground-level bedroom, allowing the home to comfortably host larger hunting and fishing groups. An outdoor elevator further enhances convenience, simplifying the movement of gear, supplies, and provisions.
Near the entrance of the ranch, a large Quonset-style equipment barn provides ample storage for tractors, implements, hunting equipment, and ranch infrastructure. A well-maintained internal road system provides excellent access throughout the property, allowing efficient travel to the wetland units, marshes, bay frontage, and recreational areas. The ranch is also well fenced, reflecting the thoughtful stewardship and management that have made Oak Meadows one of the premier sporting properties on the Texas coast.
WATER
A dependable and well-designed water infrastructure system is one of the key components that has helped establish Oak Meadows as one of the premier waterfowl properties on the Texas Coast. The ranch’s managed wetland units are supplied by a high-capacity irrigation well that provides ample freshwater to maintain optimal water levels throughout the year. Powered by three-phase electricity, the system allows for efficient and reliable management of the wetlands, ensuring ideal habitat conditions for migrating waterfowl.
A second domestic water well serves the lodge and surrounding improvements, providing water for residential use and landscape irrigation around the headquarters.
The ranch is underlain by the highly productive Gulf Coast Aquifer, which provides an abundant source of high-quality groundwater. This reliable water resource enhances both the operational efficiency of the ranch and the long-term sustainability of its managed wetland habitat, a critical component of the property’s exceptional hunting and wildlife resources.
ELECTRICITY
Both single phase and three phase is on the property.
MINERALS
Surface only; no production