Bandera is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Texas camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Bandera, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Quitchurbichen
18 min away
Trailhead Equestrian Campground — Hill Country State Natural Area
23 min away
$27 - $45 / night
"It was quiet aside from Bandera Rd. noice. It is noticeable, though it didn’t bother us for the short time we were there. Camp sites are spread out but not very private."
"We stayed in the Fox Run Loop towards the back of the park away from the highway and it was nice and quiet. The showers and restrooms were decent, again reflecting other Texas SP facilities."
$45 - $60 / night
"Right in the action of Bandera, Texas. Park your RV and within walking distance of Main Street. Very friendly staff and patrons and the area is clean. Large pool for kids and has river access."
"This park is handy if you want to walk to events, restaurants, bars, shopping on Main Street or to City Park. Friendly staff (and they're dog friendly too)."
"Located in the hills about 10 miles from Bandera, TX, this campground is the perfect place to disconnect (you won’t get signal anyways) and hike, run or horseback ride through a plethora of trails."
"There were quite a few trail systems closed that day due to the weather, but even with the limitations we were able to hike a good variety of trail."
$10 - $20 / night
"Near some of the backcountry campsites there are latrines.
The park has well maintained hiking trails that will lead you by pastures, through forest, alongside creeks and up some hills."
"Lost Maples State Natural Area has some beautiful hiking trails and backpacking areas."
$35 / night
"I have camped here both in the Texas winter (Nov) and recently Texas Summers (July). It is a beautiful tucked away area. Nice trails, great tree cover and full of nature and flowing water."
"It's a good place to go with family but too much horse excrement for next family to stay"
RangerLocated in the hills about 10 miles from Bandera, TX, this campground is the perfect place to disconnect (you won’t get signal anyways) and hike, run or horseback ride through a plethora of trails.
Hookups are available for campers or a 2-3 mile hike can get you to a primitive site. Group sites are available to rent. This area of Texas gets hot so bring plenty of water. Watch for wildlife.
I would recommend checking their Facebook page if it has recently rained to see the status of the park and trails. Occasionally the park or some trails will close if the risk of damage to the natural area is high.
TravelerWe were I. Town visiting family and stayed on the river side - sit 201. Didn’t get a chance to explore the other side. It was quiet aside from Bandera Rd. noice. It is noticeable, though it didn’t bother us for the short time we were there. Camp sites are spread out but not very private. We chose this side to be near the river. Good fishing spots. The swim/floating area is a bit deep in parts. I wouldn’t want to take little kids swimming there without a life jacket. Definitely bring some tubes (or you can rent). On a Tuesday afternoon the swimming area was very quiet and it was easy to stay distanced from others. I wouldn’t say this is a destination park but it’s perfectly fine place for home base if you’re visiting the area. And it has some nice bonuses for the price: pull through sites and campsite sewage. Also, cabin 6 had two unique features: rope swing and waterside stone picnic table tucked away.
TravelerRight in the action of Bandera, Texas. Park your RV and within walking distance of Main Street. Very friendly staff and patrons and the area is clean. Large pool for kids and has river access.
LegendThis is an X-State Park that the City of Kerrville assumed operation in 2004. Very popular, nice park, but it’s really beginning to show its heavy use. Bandera Highway splits this park with check-in on the Guadalupe riverside of Bandera Highway. FHU sites in Deer Field Loop, which require a gate access code for access, are a good distance from the next site, with the site across the road are closer. Asphalt parking pad fairly level. Wooden picnic table, metal fire pit with cooking grate. Utility hook-ups in good condition at our campsite. The picnic table is at least 50 feet from the camper parking pad, which is chained to the concrete pad it sits on. Noise from Highway 173 and the approach pattern for the Kerrville Municipal Airport, so lots of low flying aircraft. Otherwise, campers were quiet and respectful. Deer came very close to us while sitting at the fire pit. Toilet/shower facility clean; women had 2 sinks, 2 toilets and 3 showers. There are two washers and two dryers on the backside of the Deer Field Loop toilet/shower facility, but the washer lids were ripped off, but lying there. Easy day trips to Hill Country towns from this park to include Fredericksburg, Austin, New Braunfels and San Antonio. In Kerrville, don’t miss Grape Juice Restaurant, brand new HEB open November 2020, Belks and Gibson’s Store. Camp Verde General Store and Restaurant is only a 20-minute drive.
LegendEveryone loves Lost Maples State Natural Area, whether you are a RV camper, car camper, backcountry camper or just visiting for the day and day hiking. There's a little something for everyone.
Perhaps the best time of the year to visit Lost Maples is in the Autumn when the fall foliage is occurring - it is often during the first three weeks of November. However, during fall foliage it can be very difficult to reserve a campsite, so I recommend booking a campsite 6 months in advance. Or do what I did and show up on a really cold weekday when no one else is interested in being outside in 25 degree weather and there will be plenty of space to car camp or backcountry camp.
If you camp at the established drive-up campground there are assigned campsites with space for cars, vans and RVs. At each campsite there is a sunshade shelter, picnic table, lantern pole, water, electricity and campfire pit with a grill. There is also a restroom nearby with sinks, toilets, showers and a water fountain. There is even a little free library where you can take a book to read or leave a book to share.
If you camp in the backcountry there are designated and marked zones where you just set up your tent. There are no facilities in the backcountry campsites so leave no trace practices should be applied. Near some of the backcountry campsites there are latrines.
The park has well maintained hiking trails that will lead you by pastures, through forest, alongside creeks and up some hills. It is possible to hike the 8 to 10 miles of trails in one day, but it is more fun to go slow and enjoy the sights. There is an East Trail Loop and a West Trail Loop and some spur trails. Pick up a map at the Ranger Station and enjoy the trails. Some of the trails have steep rock ascents which are indicated on the park map.
If you need supplies there is a small store with basics in the nearby town of Vanderpool.
While you are in the area, you may as well stop by Bandera, Texas known as the cowboy capital of the world. It is a small Texas town and every weekend they celebrate cowboy culture with some performances and events.
ScoutDon't be fooled, this city park originated as a State park and has all the amenities!
We stayed in the Fox Run Loop towards the back of the park away from the highway and it was nice and quiet. The showers and restrooms were decent, again reflecting other Texas SP facilities.
The trails varied in terrain and were well maintained as were the rest of the grounds. We didn't check out the river side of the park, however this June we are returning to and will be on the river side and will provide an update afterwards.
UPDATE:
Just got back from a weekend trip on the river side. Like the other reviews stated, it was a bit louder being so close to the highway. Additionally, there are street lamps by the ranger station that illuminate the tent sites which were annoying. It was nice however to be within short walking distance of the river, but if I were to go again, I'd stay on the other side of the park like my first time.
RangerI was planning on staying there, but it is basically an equestrian state park. You can camp there, but there's not electrical and water hook ups. It's mostly tent camping. The staff was very friendly. I went to visit there just to see what it was about. If you're a hiker, there's hiking trails, so you'll enjoy that.
ScoutI have camped here both in the Texas winter (Nov) and recently Texas Summers (July). It is a beautiful tucked away area. Nice trails, great tree cover and full of nature and flowing water.
GuideThe campsites were spacious and there were quite a few options. There were quite a few trail systems closed that day due to the weather, but even with the limitations we were able to hike a good variety of trail. Be sure to get the info packet on the trails so that you don't find yourself hiking the equestrian trails as they can be a little rough for hikers. Be sure to hike to the top of the hill and enjoy a coffee on the bench - amazing view of the hill country!
Horse camping in Texas offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bandera, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bandera, TX is Kerrville-Schreiner Park with a 4.2-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bandera, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Bandera, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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