Tarleton State EECU Center - elysian

Where to Stay Near Tarleton State University

From boutique suites steps from campus to spacious family homes — the best Stephenville lodging for every Tarleton visit, managed by Elysian Vacation Rentals.

Stephenville's Best Lodging for Tarleton Visitors

Every year, thousands of families, friends, and visitors travel to Stephenville TX for Tarleton State University events — graduation weekends, Family Weekend, football games, rodeo competitions, and more. Finding the right place to stay close to campus can make the difference between a stressful trip and a genuinely memorable one.

Elysian Vacation Rentals manages a collection of properties within walking distance of Tarleton State — ranging from boutique hotel suites half a block from campus to spacious family homes that sleep up to 9 guests. Every property offers more space, more character, and better value than a standard chain hotel room.

Book direct through Elysian and skip the Airbnb and VRBO fees entirely.

Key Tarleton Events — Book These Weekends Early

Properties near campus fill up fast. Here's what to plan around.

Graduation Weekends — Tarleton holds commencement ceremonies in May, August, and December at the EECU Center on campus. Each graduate receives twelve guest tickets, meaning large families arrive in Stephenville all at once. May graduation is the largest and most competitive for lodging — book 6 to 8 weeks in advance.

Family Weekend — Held each September, Family Weekend brings parents and families to campus for a full weekend of events including ring ceremonies, football, volleyball, and social gatherings. It falls right in the heart of football season, making it one of the busiest weekends of the year.

Tarleton Football Home Games — The Texans compete at the Division I level in the WAC and home games draw significant crowds to Memorial Stadium on campus. Game-day weekends are among the most popular booking periods for all Stephenville properties.

EECU Center Events — The brand new EECU Center hosts Tarleton basketball games, major concerts, and comedy shows throughout the year. As one of Stephenville's newest and most exciting venues, it draws visitors from across the region — check the schedule before your visit and book early if your trip coincides with a major event.

Rodeo Events — Tarleton has one of the premier college rodeo programs in the country and hosts competitions throughout the year that draw fans from across Texas.

Campus Tours & Move-In Weekends — Prospective student visit days and move-in weekend at the start of each semester bring families to campus for one and two-night stays.

Gallery House by Tarleton

Gallery House Boutique Hotel

Best Overall — Half a Block from Tarleton State

The closest and most unique lodging to Tarleton State University in Stephenville. A beautifully restored 1895 Victorian home offering four private boutique suites — each with its own ensuite bathroom, smart lock entry, and one-of-a-kind character you won't find at any chain hotel.

Walk to the campus entrance. Walk to downtown. Walk to the EECU Center. No parking headaches, no shuttle, no compromise.

Location — Half a block from Tarleton State University

Suites — 4 private suites, each with ensuite bathroom

Shared spaces — Wraparound porch, east courtyard, rock patio, shared kitchen

Parking — 9 dedicated on-site spaces (rare this close to campus)

Starting from — $90/night

Choose Your Gallery House Suite

Four unique suites. Each one a completely different experience.

Keller's Suite — The Premier Suite — Private exterior entrance, antique clawfoot soaking tub, separate walk-in shower, fireplace in the bathroom, king bed, and 12-foot ceilings. ADA accessible. The most private and luxurious suite in the house. Book Keller's Suite

Keaton's Lodge — The Design Suite — California king bed, 12-foot salvaged tin ceilings, hand-forged copper double vanity, and a working fireplace. Gallery House's darkest, coziest suite. Our most requested room. Book Keaton's Lodge

Kason's Cove — The Personality Suite — King suite with mosaic tile walk-in shower, 12-foot stamped tin ceiling with lion's head details, curated pop art collection, and a decorative fireplace. Light, airy, and genuinely one of a kind. Book Kason's Cove

The Attic Loft — The Best Value — Cathedral ceilings, shiplap walls, hand-scraped hardwood floors, and treetop views of Tarleton. Sleeps up to 3 guests. Gallery House's most affordable suite — perfect for a parent staying close to their student. Book The Attic Loft

Arial 1130 Frey football stadium

The Howdy House

Best for Families — 0.3 Miles from Tarleton, Game Room & Huge Yard

Literally a short walk from Tarleton's campus — and an even shorter walk to the football stadium and EECU Center. The Howdy House is one of the most fun and memorable stays near campus, with a dedicated game room, themed bedrooms, and one of the largest fenced yards near Tarleton State.

Sleeps — Up to 7 guests

Distance — 0.3 miles from Tarleton State

Game Room — Pool table, ping pong, air hockey, dart board, Jenga

Yard — Huge fenced backyard with gas fire pit and outdoor games

Bedrooms — Cowboy Room, Tarleton Room, Alien Room

Pet Friendly — Yes

Round up -Tarleton map

The Round Up

Best for Large Groups — 0.4 Miles from Tarleton, Sleeps 9

A brand new, fully remodeled 4-bedroom home just 0.4 miles from Tarleton State — walkable to campus, the stadium, and Starbucks. The Round Up is the best-value large group option closest to campus, with Smart TVs in every room and a fenced backyard with a Pellet Traeger grill and fire pit.

Sleeps — Up to 9 guests

Distance — 0.4 miles from Tarleton State

Bedrooms — 4 bedrooms, king, two queens, two twins plus sofa sleeper

Yard — Fenced backyard with Traeger grill and fire pit

Pet Friendly — Yes

The Hive Hero

The Hive

Best for Downtown Access — 1 Mile from Tarleton, 1 Block from the Square

One mile from Tarleton State and one block from the downtown Stephenville square. The Hive backs directly to the Bosque River Trail and puts you within easy reach of both campus and the city's best restaurants, coffee shops, and live music venues.

Sleeps — Up to 7 guests

Distance — 1 mile from Tarleton State

Location — 1 block from downtown square, backs to Bosque River Trail

Yard — Fenced backyard with fire pit and gas grill

Pet Friendly — Yes

Main Photo purple house

The Purple House

Best for Smaller Groups — 1.2 Miles from Tarleton, Sleeps 6

A spacious 1,800-square-foot home 1.2 miles from Tarleton State with three queen bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a fully fenced backyard, and a full kitchen. One of the most comfortable mid-size options near campus — ideal for smaller families or friend groups staying for a Tarleton event.

Sleeps — Up to 6 guests

Distance — 1.2 miles from Tarleton State

Size — 1,800 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Yard — Fully fenced backyard

Pet Friendly — Yes

The EECU Center — Stephenville's Newest Attraction

Basketball, concerts, comedy shows, and more — right on the Tarleton State campus.

The brand new EECU Center has transformed Stephenville into a destination for more than just Tarleton sporting events. This state-of-the-art venue on the Tarleton campus now hosts Tarleton Texans basketball games, major concerts, comedy shows, and large-scale events that draw visitors from across North Texas.

If your visit to Stephenville coincides with an EECU Center event, staying close to campus puts you within walking distance of the venue — no rideshare, no parking battle, no stress. Every Elysian property near Tarleton State is within a short walk or quick drive of the EECU Center.

Check the EECU Center event schedule before booking your stay — major event weekends fill up fast and properties near campus book out weeks in advance.

575 Private Rd 1324 (113 of 157)

Celebrating a Graduate? Consider 10 Star Ranch

A private ranch estate just 15 minutes from Tarleton — perfect for graduation parties with more guests

For families who want to do more than dinner after graduation, 10 Star Ranch offers something no restaurant or hotel in Stephenville can match — a private 8,600-square-foot estate with a pool, fishing lake, and open-air patio just 5 minutes from the Tarleton campus.

Book the ranch for an afternoon or evening celebration after the ceremony. Families can arrive from the EECU Center, gather poolside, and enjoy a fully private event that feels worthy of the occasion — without the noise of a crowded restaurant or the limitations of a hotel ballroom.

Capacity — Sleeps 16 overnight, hosts up to 40 for events

Distance — 15 minutes from Tarleton State University

Features — Private pool, fishing lake, open-air patio, 8,600 sq ft estate

Day-use events — Available, no overnight stay required

Why Stephenville Families Choose Elysian Vacation Rentals

More space. More character. Better value than any chain hotel near campus.

Location That Can't Be Beaten — Every Elysian property near Tarleton is within 1.2 miles of campus. The Gallery House sits half a block from the front gate. No chain hotel in Stephenville comes close to this location for campus visits, game days, and graduation weekends.

Space for the Whole Family — Instead of booking three separate hotel rooms and spending twice as much, one Elysian vacation rental keeps your entire group together under one roof — with a full kitchen, living room, and outdoor space to gather.

Book Direct and Save — When you book directly through Elysian Vacation Rentals you skip the Airbnb and VRBO service fees that can add 15 to 20 percent to your total. Same great property, better price, direct communication with our local team.

Genuine Local Hospitality — We're not a front desk. We're a locally run Stephenville team that personally manages every property, responds to every message, and genuinely wants your stay to be exceptional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before booking near Tarleton State.

What is the closest hotel or rental to Tarleton State University?

The Gallery House Boutique Hotel is half a block from the Tarleton State campus entrance — the closest lodging of any kind to the university. The Howdy House (0.3 miles) and The Round Up (0.4 miles) are the closest vacation homes.

How far in advance should I book for Tarleton graduation weekend?

For May graduation — the largest of the year — book 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Properties within walking distance of the EECU Center fill fastest. August and December ceremonies are less competitive but still worth booking 3 to 4 weeks ahead.

Is there parking near Tarleton State for visitors?

All Elysian properties near Tarleton have on-site parking — a significant advantage during event weekends when street parking fills quickly. The Gallery House has 9 dedicated spaces, which is rare for a property this close to campus.

What is the EECU Center and what events does it host?

The EECU Center is a brand new arena on the Tarleton State campus that hosts Texans basketball games, major concerts, comedy shows, and large events. It has quickly become one of Stephenville's top attractions and draws visitors from across North Texas throughout the year.

Can large groups celebrate graduation at a private venue near Tarleton?

Yes. 10 Star Ranch is a private estate just 5 minutes from Tarleton State that can host up to 40 guests for day-use events with a pool, fishing lake, and open-air patio. Contact Elysian directly to discuss graduation celebration availability and pricing.

Plan Your Tarleton Visit with Elysian Vacation Rentals

Whether you're coming for graduation, Family Weekend, a football game, an EECU Center event, or your first campus tour, staying close to Tarleton makes everything easier. Book direct with Elysian Vacation Rentals and skip the platform fees entirely.