Life at Dead Cat Ranch

What Is Included When You Rent an Entire Ranch

Stacy Betts — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 14:43:14 -0500

What is included when you rent an entire ranch? When your group reserves Dead Cat Ranch here in East Texas, all 1,200 private acres are yours — the whole property and the lodging — for your group and no one else. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how our whole-ranch model works so you can plan with real answers instead of guesswork. I'm Stacy Betts, and we proudly operate Dead Cat Ranch, a private group venue nestled in the picturesque landscape near Palestine, Texas. If you're an event planner, an HR leader, a family organizer, or a production coordinator comparing venues, this one is for you. We founded the ranch to share this place with others, and we plan every stay around how groups actually connect, recharge, and leave with a renewed perspective. Here's what we cover: what's included when you book — the lodging options like three cabins, two Airstreams, and the bunkhouse, all part of one package when you rent the whole property. I'll also explain what comes with the base rate — fishing, the pools, hot tubs, trails, and outdoor games — and what's available for an additional fee, like UTV/ATV rentals, horseback riding, shooting, and classes. How booking works, how a day event differs from an overnight stay, and the difference between having a corner of a shared venue versus having the entire place to yourselves. Whether you're planning a corporate retreat, a family reunion, a community gathering, a wellness retreat, or a film and photo production, you'll know what to ask and what to expect. And yes, you'll have reliable cell service in the main area, though it may be more limited in the remote sections. With us you have the freedom to tailor your stay to your group's preferences and set your own pace, and rejuvenation, connection with nature, creativity, and a fresh perspective are all part of the experience. When you're ready to talk through your group's dates and what the day could look like, give us a call at 903-372-0728. We'd love to help you plan it. Come out and relax, play, and stay at Dead Cat Ranch.

Film Location Rental Palestine Texas

Stacy Betts — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:42:53 -0500

If you're searching for a film location rental in Palestine, Texas, here's the short answer: Dead Cat Ranch is a private 1,200-acre ranch venue in East Texas that one production rents in full — no other guests, no shared access, just your crew and the land. Good morning, good afternoon, y'all. I'm Stacy Betts, and in this episode we're talking directly to the film and photo production coordinators who are scouting East Texas and wondering whether the whole ranch is the right call for their shoot. Here's what we get into: why coordinators choose to rent the entire property instead of piecing together separate locations, and what that private footprint actually gives you on a production day. When your group rents the ranch, all of it is yours — 1,200 acres of pasture and wilderness, the Texas Hideaway Cabin, the Country Cottage, the Bunkhouse, and both the Hollywood and Hoosier Airstreams, all included for your crew to use. That means room to stage, room to sleep your team on-site, and the kind of unplugged East Texas backdrop that's hard to fake. Film productions, documentaries, commercials, and commercial photo shoots are the projects that energize us most, and we'd love to help yours come together. We're located near Palestine, in Anderson County, within reach of Tyler and the Texas State Railroad. If you're planning a shoot and want to talk through dates, access, and what's possible on the property, give us a call at 903-372-0728 and we'll walk through it together. Thank you for your time, sincerely. Come out and relax, play, and stay at Dead Cat Ranch.

The Man Who Started It All: Jerry Spencer's 40-Year Legacy

Stacy Betts — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:17:23 -0500

If you're deciding whether you can trust the people behind a venue before you hand them your group's weekend, this one's for you. Good morning, good afternoon — I'm Stacy Betts, and today I'm sharing the story of the man who started it all: my dad, Jerry Spencer, who founded Dead Cat Ranch more than 40 years ago here in the beautiful landscape of East Texas. In this episode, you'll learn how one self-made man turned raw ranch land into 1,200 acres of wilderness and a place to truly unplug and slow down. I'll tell you about my dad — a Marine Corps Captain with quick wit, a lifelong love of learning, and a real head for business — and the reputation he built for mentorship and commitment to our community in Palestine and Anderson County. His favorite place in the world was this ranch, and the hospitality principles he lived by are the same ones we run on today: exceptional hospitality, respect, integrity, and always putting our guests first. You'll also hear about the name. There are many theories about how "Dead Cat Ranch" got its name, and I'll share the legend our ranch loves to tell — a story about respecting the land and treating others well. If you're planning a corporate retreat, a family reunion, a community group gathering, a film or photo production, or a wellness retreat for your whole group, I'd love to hear from you. Give us a call at 903-372-0728 and let's talk about your dates. Until then — come out and relax, play, and stay at Dead Cat Ranch.

What Do You Get When You Rent an Entire Ranch for Your Group?

Stacy Betts — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 21:31:56 -0500

When you rent Dead Cat Ranch, y'all get the whole thing — all 1,200 acres, to your group and no one else. In this episode, I walk you through exactly what a private whole-ranch rental includes, so if you're the planner deciding whether we can handle your group, you'll know where everyone stays, what there is to do, and how much room you have to gather. I'm Stacy Betts, and we run Dead Cat Ranch, a private 1,200-acre venue nestled in the beautiful landscape of East Texas, just outside Palestine in Anderson County. Here's the part planners love most: this isn't a menu where folks pick a cabin and hope for the best. When your group books the ranch, all of it is yours — the Texas Hideaway Cabin, the Country Cottage, the bunkhouse, and both Airstreams. Everyone stays together, no strangers, no shared spaces. I'll also cover what there is to do once you're here: horseback riding and our therapeutic horse programs, clay and target shooting, fishing, ATV trails, the pool, the hot tub, and axe throwing, plus workshops like art classes, yoga, and self-defense. And I'll talk through the versatile spaces you have for your actual event — whether that's a corporate retreat, a family reunion, a community group gathering, or a film or photo production. This is the lived structure of every visit: relax, play, and stay. If you're planning a group getaway in East Texas and want to talk through your dates and what your group needs, give us a call at 903-372-0728. Thank you for your time, sincerely — come out and relax, play, stay at Dead Cat Ranch.

Which Location Should You Choose for a Photoshoot? A Texas Answer

Stacy Betts — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 16:41:52 -0500

If you've ever asked yourself which location you should choose for a photoshoot, this one's for you, y'all. In this episode, we talk through exactly what makes a great backdrop for commercial photography shoots, filming, documentaries, and creative projects — and why so many photographers keep coming back to the same 1,200 acres here in East Texas. I'm Stacy Betts, and we proudly operate Dead Cat Ranch in Palestine, Texas. When you're scouting a location, you're really weighing a handful of things: variety, light, access, privacy, and whether the people behind the property actually care about your vision. We'll walk through all of it. From wide-open pastures and tree lines to golden-hour sunsets best enjoyed from a rocking chair, spring dogwood blooms, and quiet spaces that give any shoot a renewed perspective, this land offers the kind of range that saves you from booking three separate locations. Here's what you'll learn: how to think through backdrop variety for a photoshoot, why light and timing matter more than most folks realize, what to ask a property owner before you book, and how exceptional hospitality can make or break a shoot day. Whether you're planning a commercial, a documentary, a family session, or a full creative production, we want you to feel confident in your choice. When you're ready to escape to nature and style, come see us. Visit deadcatranchtx.com or give us a call at 903-372-0728. We're located at 3775 FM 315, Palestine, Texas. Thank you for your time, sincerely — come out and relax, play, and stay at Dead Cat Ranch.

Best Place to Stay in Palestine, TX? Your Labor Day Family Escape

Stacy Betts — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:42:35 -0500

If you've been asking yourself, "What's the best place to stay in Palestine, Texas?" — well, y'all, we're so glad you found us. In this episode, we're talking about why Labor Day weekend is truly the sweet spot for a family escape here in East Texas, and how a little time on the land can leave you feeling recharged and carrying home a renewed perspective. I'm Stacy Betts, and we operate Dead Cat Ranch, a beautiful 1,200-acre getaway nestled in the picturesque landscape near Palestine, Texas. This place was originally my dad's ranch — a man who cherished every acre of it — and we've made it our mission to share that same beauty and warm Texas hospitality with families like yours. In this episode, you'll learn why that last long weekend of summer is the perfect time to gather everyone before the busy season sets in, what makes Palestine such a special corner of East Texas, and how our "Relax, Play, Stay" experience gives your family room to reconnect. We'll walk through everything from horseback riding, fishing, and ATV trails to the pool, hot tlub, and axe throwing — plus our bunkhouse that sleeps 20 and cozy Airstream lodging, so the whole family can stay together. Whether it's a family reunion, a couples getaway, or a girls' or guys' trip, we've got room for all of it. So grab a cup of coffee and let's plan your Labor Day escape. Come out and relax, play, stay at Dead Cat Ranch — book now at deadcatranchtx.com or give us a call at 903-372-0728. Thank you for your time, sincerely.

Can One Venue Really Sleep 20 and Keep Everyone Together?

Stacy Betts — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 21:06:52 -0500

So, how many people can a venue actually fit — and can one place really keep your whole group together under the same roof? Y'all, that's the question we're answering on this episode. Here at Dead Cat Ranch, our bunkhouse sleeps 20, and we're walking you through exactly how a group getaway comes together on our 1,200-acre family retreat in the beautiful landscape of East Texas. I'm Stacy Betts, and we founded Dead Cat Ranch in Palestine, Texas to give families, friends, and businesses a place to reconnect and escape the everyday. In this episode, we talk through what it really means to keep everyone together — from the 20-person bunkhouse to our Airstream lodging — and why togetherness matters so much for family reunions, church retreats, couples' and girls' and guys' trips, graduation celebrations, and corporate team-building weekends. We'll cover the honest questions folks ask before they book: how the sleeping arrangements work, how a big group shares the same space without feeling crowded, and how the whole "Relax, Play, Stay" experience comes to life with horseback riding, fishing, ATV trails, the pool and hot tub, and evenings spent watching sunsets from a rocking chair. Our whole heart here is exceptional hospitality — putting our guests first and helping y'all leave with a renewed perspective. When you're ready to gather your people for a weekend of relaxation and fun in nature, come see us at deadcatranchtx.com or give us a call at 903-372-0728. Come out and relax, play, stay at Dead Cat Ranch. Thank you for your time, sincerely.

What Makes a Retreat Successful? Lessons from Dead Cat Ranch

Stacy Betts — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:47:05 -0500

Welcome, y'all. Ever wonder what separates a forgettable weekend away from a retreat that leaves you truly transformed? In this episode, we sit down to talk about what actually makes a retreat successful — and it's not just the pretty scenery, though we've got 1,200 acres of that here in East Texas. We're Dead Cat Ranch, a family getaway nestled near Palestine, Texas, and over the years we've hosted corporate retreats, family reunions, church groups, romantic getaways, and creative shoots. Along the way, we've learned a few things about what makes folks leave feeling recharged and renewed. In this conversation, we walk you through the heart of our "Relax, Play, Stay" framework and why exceptional hospitality, real connection, and putting guests first are the foundation of every meaningful retreat. You'll hear our take on the biggest mistake retreat planners make (hint: it's forgetting the people), how the right balance of downtime and activity strengthens team cohesion and morale, and why fostering genuine fellowship matters more than a packed itinerary. Whether you're planning a corporate team-building retreat, a girls' trip, or a quiet couples getaway, we hope you'll walk away with a renewed perspective and a fresh idea or two. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in with us. When you're ready to escape the everyday, come out and relax, play, stay at Dead Cat Ranch. Visit us at deadcatranchtx.com or give us a call at 903-372-0728. We're at 3775 FM 315, Palestine, Texas. Thank you for your time, sincerely — looking forward to hearing from you.

What Does 1,200 Acres Really Look Like? A Tour of Dead Cat Ranch

Stacy Betts — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 12:48:14 -0500

Ever wondered what 1,200 acres of East Texas actually looks like? Come walk it with us. In this episode, we take y'all on a tour of Dead Cat Ranch, our family getaway nestled in the beautiful landscape near Palestine, Texas — and we promise, it's bigger and more breathtaking than words on a page can hold. We'll paint you a picture of what stretches across all this land: rolling pastures where the horses graze, quiet fishing spots, ATV trails winding through the trees, and those wide-open skies where the sunsets are best enjoyed from a rocking chair. We'll talk about the spaces where folks come to relax, play, and stay — from the bunkhouse that sleeps 20 to our Airstream lodging, the pool, the hot tub, and everything in between. Whether you're dreaming up a corporate retreat, a family reunion, a romantic getaway, or a commercial photography shoot, this episode will help you imagine how a place this size can hold every kind of gathering. Along the way, we'll share a little about why this land means so much to our family, and how we hope every guest leaves with a renewed perspective and a real sense of connection. This is a place built on exceptional hospitality, respect, and the simple joy of escaping the everyday together. When you're ready to see all 1,200 acres for yourself, come out and relax, play, stay at Dead Cat Ranch. Visit us at deadcatranchtx.com or give us a call at 903-372-0728. The trails are waiting. Thank you for your time, sincerely — y'all come see us.

Why "No" Is the Most Powerful Word at Dead Cat Ranch

Stacy Betts — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:21:18 -0500

Hey y'all, I'm Stacy Betts, and my family proudly operates Dead Cat Ranch — a 1,200-acre getaway nestled in the beautiful landscape of East Texas, right here in Palestine. In this episode, I'm getting honest about a little word that carries a whole lot of weight: "No." For years I thought saying no meant letting people down. But I've learned that "no" is actually how you protect the things that matter most — your guests, your team, your land, and your peace of mind. I'll share why setting boundaries has made Dead Cat Ranch a better place to relax, play, and stay. We'll talk about the guests I've had to turn away — the ones who showed disrespect or a lack of manners toward my employees, my property, and this land my father built. I'll be honest with y'all: standing up for fairness and respect is one of my non-negotiables, and saying no to the wrong fit is how I say yes to exceptional hospitality for everyone else. Whether you're planning a corporate retreat to boost morale, a family reunion, or a romantic getaway, this conversation is about the integrity, kindness, and accountability behind everything we do out here in East Texas. If you're a business owner, a parent, or just someone who struggles to draw a line, I think you'll walk away feeling a little more empowered to protect what you love. Ready to escape to nature and style? Come on out and relax, play, and stay with us. Visit deadcatranchtx.com or give us a call at (903) 372-0728. Thank you for your time — sincerely, looking forward to hearing from you. The trails are waiting.