About a 30 minute drive from Boerne tucked away on the outskirts of Center Point, the Camp Verde General Store & Restaurant is one of those rare Hill Country gems that feels like stepping back in time. The drive alone is gorgeous, winding through ranch land until you arrive at a property steeped in history and charm. It’s a great day trip idea!
Sponsored by Bechants
Location: 194 S Main St
This article is made possible by our sponsors at Bechants, which incidentally houses one of the Texas Hill Country’s more unique treasures. An old bank vault still lives inside near the front of of the building — and yes, you can walk right inside it. In fact, you can shop in it!
Today, the old vault houses an elegant display of kitchenware and appliances, blending historic charm with modern style. It’s a fun, unexpected stop while exploring the Hill Country Mile.
While you’re there, take time to explore the rest of Bechants, a beautifully curated, two-story store offering everything from women’s fashion and fine jewelry to home décor and children’s gifts. This old vault isn’t just a photo op, it’s part of a truly memorable shopping experience in downtown Boerne.
The store’s roots go all the way back to 1857, when it first served soldiers at nearby Fort Verde. The current two-story stone structure was built around 1900 after a flood swept away the original building, and it has stood strong ever since. Over the decades, the general store became a gathering place for pioneer ranchers and remains a community hub today.
One of the most fascinating pieces of history tied to Camp Verde is the U.S. Army Camel Experiment, which tested the use of camels as pack animals in the 1850s. Though the effort ended after the Civil War, the story still lives on at Camp Verde, adding a quirky layer to the already rich past.
The property itself invites you to slow down: shade trees, a wide front porch, and a sprawling patio make it the perfect spot to linger. Inside, you’ll find carefully curated goods, gifts, and specialty foods from all over the world. And don’t miss the hats, as local cowboys have a tradition of retiring their hats at the store, leaving their mark in a way that’s uniquely Texan.
Of course, the restaurant is just as much of a draw, if not more! On our visit, we had the chicken fried steak, onion rings, and one of their specialty sandwiches—all hearty, flavorful, and made without seed oils. It’s comfort food done right, and the kind of meal that makes you want to sit a spell before heading back out.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a beautiful drive, Camp Verde is worth the trip. It’s a little piece of Texas heritage, still thriving after more than 150 years.
Address: 285 Camp Verde Road East, Camp Verde, TX 78010
Hours: Open daily 8 am – 5 pm (Restaurant until 4 pm)
Phone: (830) 634-7722
Website: campverdegeneralstore.com
Watch Our Trip Here
Want to see what it’ s like inside? Watch our trip below!