Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, centers its developed camping at the Walnut Springs Area, a drive-in campground with full hookups that sits close to the park's trail network and a small lake along the Canyon Rock Trail. Sites include electric, water, and sewer connections alongside picnic tables, showers, and fire rings, making this one of the more infrastructure-heavy options within the park. The Moss Lake Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area lies just northwest if you want a comparison point for the primitive side of the park.
Campers consistently flag two things about Walnut Springs: the walk-in sites sit close together and the campground fills fast on weekends. Crowds are a recurring theme in reviews, with day hikers adding pressure at the trailheads by mid-morning. Weekday visits see noticeably lighter use. As Candice C. notes, "most of the trails are in the sun so wear sunscreen and bring water," a reminder that shade is limited both on the rock and around the campground itself.
The granite dome is the primary draw. Hiking to the summit is steep and requires solid footwear, but the route to the top rewards early risers with open sightlines across the Hill Country before day-trippers arrive. Night hikes up the rock are also popular, particularly when skies are clear, since light pollution is minimal and the Milky Way is often visible. One practical note: hanging anything from trees is not permitted, so hammock campers should confirm their site has an awning before booking.
Summer heat is a real consideration. The granite retains warmth well into the night, and temperatures in June and July regularly reach the upper 90s during the day without cooling much after dark. Spring and fall are considerably more comfortable. The Walk-In Camping Area — Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers more seclusion for those willing to carry gear a mile or more, while campers looking for places to camp near Enchanted Rock State Natural Area have additional options across the surrounding Hill Country. Reservations are strongly recommended and often need to be made well in advance, especially for weekend dates.
Description
Moss Lake (eight sites) and Walnut Springs (12 sites) are a 1 to 3 mile hike over rugged terrain. We charge an excess vehicle fee of $6 per car, per night, for each vehicle over two per campsite. No ash-producing fires are permitted in this area. You may use containerized fuel stoves that can be turned off for cooking. Minors (under 17) who are not camping with a sponsored group must provide a written consent form to stay overnight. No hammocks allowed in primitive camping areas.
Magical, Mystical, Enchanted Climb the ancient dome for amazing Hill Country views.
The massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas has drawn people for thousands of years. But there’s more at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. The scenery, rock formations and legends are magical, too!
Things to Do You can hike, backpack, camp, rock climb, picnic, bird, study nature, geocache and stargaze. (You cannot swim here or ride bikes on the trails.)
Hiking Explore nearly 11 miles of hiking trails. Take a virtual tour with our Interactive Trails Map.
All trails close 30 minutes after sunset, except the Loop Trail. The Summit Trail may close in wet weather. Check our trail status here or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed. Rock Climbing Rock climbers must check in at park headquarters. You can pick up route maps there and read the climbing rules. Read through our Climbing Information before you come.
Pets To protect this Natural Area, pets are only allowed in the designated day-use picnic areas, the campgrounds, and on the Loop Trail (pets are not allowed on any other trail). Don't leave pets unattended, including in vehicles and at campsites, and keep them on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
Shopping Our park store carries some gift items. You can buy wood for campfires at the park. Please bring your own drinking water, as it is in short supply due to the ongoing drought.
Get involved Enchanted Rock needs your help! We will match your abilities to our many needs. You might guide a group to the summit, lead a tour of the loop trail, provide information to park visitors, or help maintain park facilities. Visit our Volunteer page to learn more.
Join or donate to the Friends of Enchanted Rock.
Outfitters and guide services The following guides lead rock climbing tours at Enchanted Rock:
Austin Ascents, austinascents@gmail.com Outpost Wilderness Adventure, info@owa.com Rock-About Climbing Adventures, Adam@Rock-About.com Texas Climbing Adventures, info@texasclimbingadventures.com Ranger Programs Enjoy a star party or a nature hike led by a park ranger, or contact the park for special tours for your group.
Check our Events page for upcoming programs. Become a Junior Ranger! Pick up a Junior Ranger Activity Guide and borrow an explorer pack. Email us to schedule a school or youth group tour. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Area Attractions Visit Fredericksburg for a taste of German culture in the Texas Hill Country. There you can shop, dine, visit museums and find outdoor activities. Stop by Llano, known as the “Deer Capital of Texas,” for museums, music and more.
President Lyndon B. Johnson was born near Johnson City. Learn about this colorful Texan at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Tour the Texas White House and Johnson’s boyhood home. The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site and the Sauer-Beckmann living history farm are nearby.
Drive the Peach Loop, one of TPWD’s Great Texas Wildlife Trails. It will lead you to some of the best wildlife observation points in this area.
Fee Info
Information and prices can change. Parks charge a daily entrance fee in addition to any facility fees, unless otherwise stated.
Purchase a Texas State Park Pass to enjoy free entry to more than 80 state parks for you and your guests for one year.
You may bring pets to most state parks, but they cannot enter Texas State Park buildings. Learn about rules for pets at state parks. For park-specific pet restrictions, contact the park.
Call the park or the Customer Service Center (512) 389-8900 for more information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWalnut Springs Area is located in Texas near Willow City
Directions
From Austin: Take Hwy 290 West to Fredericksburg. Turn right on Milam St. (RR 965). Travel 17 miles North to Enchanted Rock. From San Antonio: Take Hwy 281 North to Johnson City. Turn West on Hwy 290. Continue to Fredericksburg, and turn right on Milam St. (RR 965). Travel 17 miles north to Enchanted Rock.
Address
16710 RR 965
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Coordinates
30.506 N
98.829 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/24/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/24/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from San Antonio, TX
- 1 hr 31 min from Austin, TX
- 1 hr 41 min from Killeen, TX
- 2 hrs 13 min from San Angelo, TX







































