Real County, Texas - Land for Sale

If you’re on the hunt for Real County land for sale, you’re probably looking at one of the most picturesque counties in Texas’ famous Hill Country region. This is where the spring-fed rivers start, canyons cut through limestone, and the ranchland still sets the pace. Real County sits on the Edwards Plateau and is famous for being the headwaters of both the Frio and Nueces Rivers.

So what are you waiting for? View Real County land for sale

Real County Land for Sale

Real County Quick Facts

  • County Seat: Leakey
  • Population (est.): Around 2,772 as of July 2024
  • Named after: Julius Real - the county was formed in 1913
  • Landscape: Nueces/Frio canyon country on the Edwards Plateau
  • Elevation range (approx.): From 1,500 ft to 2,400 ft (valleys to the northern plateau edge)

Why Buy Land in Real County?

Real County consistently attracts buyers who want water-driven fun, Hill Country hunting, and legacy ranch ownership without the pressure of knowing that Austin or San Antonio are just around the corner.

Common buyer goals include:

  • Ranches for hunting with terrain, cover, and wildlife movement corridors
  • River or creek access (where available) for swimming, fishing, and tubing
  • Working ranch potential tied to the long-standing livestock traditions in the area
  • Privacy and views in some of the most stunning canyon-and-ridge country you can imagine

Talk to a TXLB Land Specialist

Where is Real County? Access & Nearby Hubs

Real County is in southwest Texas, roughly a 100-mile drive northwest of San Antonio. It’s bordered by Edwards (north and west), Kerr and Bandera (east), and Uvalde (south).

Leakey sits on the Frio River where US-83 and several ranch roads cross over, making it a practical base for landowners and weekend buyers alike.

Land & Terrain: Frio Canyon vs. Nueces Canyon

Real County’s land character is defined by two iconic systems:

Frio River Country (the East Side)

This is the region where the Frio River starts and where you’ll find crystal clear, spring-fed water as well as summer fun downstream. The Frio River is where the East, West, and Dry Frio come together.

Nueces Canyon Country (the West Side)

The Nueces River rises from northwestern Real County and helps form part of the Real-Edwards county boundary in some areas, producing steeper, more rugged canyon terrain.

What this means for land buyers: You can find tracts ranging from gentler Frio Canyon landscapes to more rugged Nueces Canyon edges, often with dramatic elevation changes, great building sites, and strong wildlife habitat.

Real County Hill Country Terrain

Water & Outdoor Lifestyle: Frio Recreation

Even if your tract isn’t right on the river, Real County’s proximity to the Frio experience is a huge plus for your lifestyle.

Garner State Park (Just Minutes from Leakey)

Garner State Park is just south of Leakey on the Frio River and is one of the best-known Hill Country destinations - offering swimming, tubing, paddling, camping, and miles of trails.

This nearby access makes Real County especially appealing to:

  • Families that want a weekend home
  • Buyers who want a ranch that doubles as a summer destination
  • Owners who want Texas vacation country right on their doorstep

Ranching Roots & Today’s Buyer Use-Cases

Real County has a long history of ranching. Ranching has historically dominated the county economy and agricultural receipts have been heavily tied to livestock like cattle, sheep, and Angora goats, with tourism supporting a significant share of local jobs.

Real County is a natural fit for mixed-use ownership - grazing, wildlife management, and recreation - especially on larger tracts.

Hunting & Wildlife: A Strong Hill Country Hunting County

Real County is managed under Texas Parks & Wildlife county regulations by species and season.

Most buyers interested in hunting here are looking for:

  • Diverse cover (cedar and oak mix, brush)
  • Water influence (creeks, draws, springs, tanks)
  • Terrain that creates natural travel corridors

We can help you evaluate a tract specifically for hunting - access, topography, blind and feeder setup potential, and habitat improvement opportunities.

Local Flavor

  • Founded in 1913, Real County is named after Julius Real, who was the only Republican in the Texas Senate when the county was established
  • The Frio Water Hole near the source of the Frio River has connections to really old travel routes and the area’s early history

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Real County famous for?

Real County is known for its magnificent canyon terrain on the Edwards Plateau and for being the headwaters of both the Frio and Nueces rivers.

Where is the county seat of Real County?

Leakey is the county seat of Real County.

How close is Garner State Park to Real County?

Garner State Park is nine miles south of Leakey, right on the Frio River.

Is Real County good for hunting land?

Yes - the Hill Country terrain in Real County makes it a popular place to find private hunting property. We can help you find the latest county-by-county rules and seasons from Texas Parks & Wildlife.

When was Real County formed and who is it named after?

Real County was formed in 1913 and is named after Julius Real.

Time to Get Rolling on Your Real County Land Search

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River & Views

We can show you places close to the water or in the scenic areas where you want to be.

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Hunting Priority

We'll focus on what you need - great habitat, good terrain, and the right setup for hunting.

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Long-Term Hold

We'll help you figure out what the land is worth to you in the long run.