Hill Country State Natural Area encompasses 5,400 acres of rugged terrain with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,000 feet above sea level. Located near Bandera, this park offers more than traditional horse camping with its diverse geological features including limestone hills and spring-fed creeks. The natural area serves as a popular destination for equestrian camping near Concan, Texas, with seasonal considerations affecting trail conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Trail running and hiking options: The park features multiple trail difficulty levels beyond the equestrian paths, with routes appropriate for various fitness capabilities. According to Megan E., Hill Country State Natural Area is "a hiker/trail runner paradise" where visitors can "disconnect (you won't get signal anyways) and hike, run or horseback ride through a plethora of trails."
Fossil hunting excursions: The limestone formations contain various marine fossils that visitors can observe along certain trails. Ronnie M. mentions that the area "seemed to boast lots of fossils according to some fellow hikers" while exploring the trail systems.
Scenic viewpoint access: Several trails lead to elevated lookouts offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. "Be sure to hike to the top of the hill and enjoy a coffee on the bench - amazing view of the hill country!" recommends Ronnie M. after visiting the park.
Fall foliage viewing: Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground offers spectacular seasonal color changes during autumn months. Skip C. notes it's "a great place to see the colors of Fall," while Mickie B. adds that "The fall colors are beautiful (not like Northeast colors, but very nice for Texas)."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: The designated camping areas provide ample room for setting up multiple tents and gear. Sarah D. describes the sites as "spacious, quiet & diverse" adding that they "set up two tents at one site, and had plenty of space for everyone."
Access to town amenities: Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort provides proximity to local services when supplies run low. Denise V. highlights that it's "walking distance to Main Street- bars, shops, food, entertainment, Visitor's center (Gunfights on Saturdays)."
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds feature water access for cooling off during hot weather. Brittney W. notes that Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort has a "large pool for kids and has river access" along with "beautiful sunsets!"
Trail variety: The diversity of trail difficulty levels accommodates various experience levels. Sarah D. appreciated that "the hiking was great with some challenging trails and some moderate ones, which allowed us to explore quite a bit of the park."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Most areas have minimal to no cell service or internet access. Matt S. at Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground warns it's "in a complete deadzone for cellular. I had absolutely zero service on my cellphone, antenna TV, or wifi/4g" though he adds "that's not always a bad thing."
Weather-dependent trail access: Recent rainfall can affect accessibility to certain areas of the parks. Megan E. recommends "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."
Advanced reservations required: Popular seasons book up quickly, particularly for fall color viewing. According to Mickie B., "in order to get a fall reservation, I booked nearly a year in advance!"
Water availability concerns: Campers should come prepared with adequate water supplies, especially during summer months. Megan E. cautions that "This area of Texas gets hot so bring plenty of water."
Tips for camping with families
Trail selection guidance: Choose appropriate routes based on children's ages and hiking experience. Chase S. mentions you'll "find all kinds of trailer with different levels" at Hill Country State Natural Area, allowing families to select routes matching their capabilities.
River activities planning: Pioneer River Resort offers family-friendly water access near town amenities. Denise V. notes "The Medina River runs along the edge of the park, Walk under Hwy173 to access City Park" providing multiple recreation options.
Morning scheduling: Schedule challenging hikes or rides for earlier hours to avoid afternoon heat. Matt S. suggests that during summer months at Lost Maples, early activities are preferable as the "river is crystal clear and very inviting on a hot summer day."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Keep cameras ready for various animal sightings throughout the parks. Denise V. reported seeing "Several ducks, squirrels, signs of deer" during her stay at Pioneer River Resort.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: Hill Country State Natural Area has limited full-hookup sites available. Red S. notes "it is basically an equestrian state park. You can camp there, but there's not electrical and water hook ups."
Level pad importance: Request information about specific site grading before booking. Denise V. mentioned her site at Pioneer River Resort "was very level side-to-side" with a "gravel" pad, which helps with setup ease.
Campground amenities comparison: Consider which facilities matter most for your specific needs. According to Denise V., Pioneer River Resort offers "Clean Restrooms, Showers, Laundry facility, Off-leash dog park, Store" while more primitive options have fewer services but more seclusion.
Weekend activity planning: Some campgrounds offer special events for guests during peak seasons. Denise V. mentions "Good breakfast in the Recreation Center for just $6.50 on Saturdays when snowbirds are there" at Pioneer River Resort.
