Best Campgrounds near Vanderpool, TX

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Campgrounds surrounding Vanderpool, Texas range from primitive hike-in sites to full-service RV parks with cabin options. Lost Maples State Natural Area offers both established campgrounds with water and electric hookups and remote primitive campsites along hiking trails. Several miles south, Garner State Park provides multiple campground areas including Rio Frio, Live Oak, Pecan Grove, and Oakmont, catering to both tent and RV campers with varying amenities and proximity to natural features.

The Texas Hill Country climate affects camping conditions year-round, with fall being the most popular season for visitors seeking colorful foliage displays. "The fall colors are beautiful (not like Northeast colors, but very nice for Texas). There are picnic areas and a nice 4 mile loop to take in the tree scenery too," noted one camper about Lost Maples. Reservation planning is essential, particularly for autumn visits when some campers report booking nearly a year in advance. Many campgrounds have limited or no cell service, with one visitor mentioning Lost Maples as "a complete deadzone for cellular" where they had "absolutely zero service on cellphone, antenna TV, or wifi/4g." Winter brings cooler temperatures while summer heat makes water access important for comfort.

Several public and private campgrounds in the area feature river access, with the Sabinal River running through Lost Maples and the Frio River near Garner State Park campgrounds. Visitors consistently rate water proximity as a highlight. The landscape includes rocky trails with elevation changes, making some hikes moderately challenging. A review described Lost Maples hiking as having "portions on the map that are marked steep are very accurate. There are loose rocks in the steep areas, so I'd suggest hiking with boots that have good ankle support/protection." Campground capacity varies significantly, with Lost Maples RV and Camping offering 25 sites while the state parks have multiple camping areas with different layouts. Reviews frequently mention the tradeoff between privacy and amenities, with primitive sites offering solitude while established campgrounds provide conveniences like showers, picnic tables, and hookups.

Best Camping Sites Near Vanderpool, Texas (118)

    1. Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground

    42 Reviews
    Vanderpool, TX
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 966-3413

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Lost Maples State Natural Area has some beautiful hiking trails and backpacking areas."

    "Lost Maples State Natural Area has some beautiful hiking trails and backpacking areas. There are basically two loops - an East Trail and a West Trail and each covers about 4-5 miles."

    2. Rio Frio — Garner State Park

    36 Reviews
    Concan, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 232-6132

    $15 - $26 / night

    "Garner state park has been one of my most favorite campgrounds in south texas."

    "This site was located 2 sites away from a wide road to the river. We took our kayak down this path on wheels (would’ve been a hassle without the kayak carrier)."

    3. Live Oak — Garner State Park

    15 Reviews
    Concan, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 232-6132

    $26 / night

    "A challenge to get into the park (hour and a half wait) and a challenge to hike the trails. Some of the steepest trails in Texas, but they are worth the views!"

    "It's quiet, spacious sites and if you get on the outside loop on the river then you have river access."

    4. Lost Maples RV and Camping

    5 Reviews
    Vanderpool, TX
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (830) 966-3912

    $10 - $170 / night

    "A walking distance from the campsite is an amazing trail that takes you through a small section of maple trees. Those maple trees were said to have made it from the ice age!"

    "Hiking trails."

    5. Pecan Grove — Garner State Park

    10 Reviews
    Concan, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 232-6132

    $20 - $35 / night

    "It was a huge spot and was within walking distance to.....everywhere!! We had a dried creek bed behind our site that led to the river and my kids loved it."

    "Great hiking trails. Must see in Texas."

    6. Oakmont — Garner State Park

    8 Reviews
    Concan, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 232-6132

    $26 - $150 / night

    "Bring your dancing boots, because they play amazing Texas county."

    "We were in walking distance of the park store and the river. The hiking here is fantastic. Must of the hikes include elevation changes and rocky ground, so I would call them moderately difficult."

    7. Parkview Riverside RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Concan, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 232-4006

    "Let's start off with the positives:

    • Awesome friendly staff.
    • Old Pickleball court to practice on.
    • The Rio Frio...you can't beat it.
    • Friendly staff.
    • Quiet on the weekdays.
    • Dog friendly"

    "There are two river access points fairly close to each other. One is a dirt ramp and the other is a steep set of metal stairs."

    8. Shady Meadows — Garner State Park

    7 Reviews
    Concan, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 232-6132

    $22 - $35 / night

    "The park was clean, people were friendly, and the area I camped at wasn't in Garner (the sites right across the river) but it was still a great spot next to the river."

    "I like that it is in “Old Garner”, so it is close to more of the trails, the main swimming area, the store, etc. but it is far enough away to be free of the noise and other activities that go with Old"

    9. River Crossing — Garner State Park

    6 Reviews
    Concan, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 232-6132

    $22 - $30 / night

    "Had to drive to Park Headquarters to get Wi-Fi and that was spotty. Park store had plenty to offer but as you can imagine prices were a much inflated."

    "There are plenty of stores, a food truck, kayak and paddleboat rentals, mini golf, a laundromat, and great challenging hiking trails."

    10. Persimmon Hill — Garner State Park

    5 Reviews
    Concan, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 232-6132

    $15 / night

    "At the pavilion around 830pm on the weekends they have a dance. A hike up Old Baldy is a must. It’s a workout but the views are well worth it. The RV sites are mostly level."

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Recent Reviews near Vanderpool, TX

386 Reviews of 118 Vanderpool Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2025

    Old River Road RV Resort

    Great place anytime of year!

    This is a great park for a few days weeks, or a season. The sites are a decent size whether back in or pull through. All have full hookups with level sites and a picnic table. There are two dog parks, a bouncy feature, playground, basketball court, I door and outdoor pools with hot tubs as well as laundromats, exercise room, clean bathrooms with showers. They also have very nice cabins. There is a huge community/rally room with a full kitchen as well as a game room. The park has planned activities. The staff is friendly and helpful. They even have golf cars for rent. The park is located next to a river for fishing.

  • Kyle
    Nov. 20, 2025

    Camp Riverview

    Beautiful & private hill country river to swim, RV, camp & cabins

    I visited Camp Riverview in late October.  What a gorgeous place!  This is such a special place with private access to the Frio River in the Texas Hill country 

    The signage is great out at the highway and on the county Road.  Easy to find, and easy for large rigs to navigate and park. 

    Someone worked very hard to build up the RV sites.  They are giant, level, and raised, bordered by railroad ties. They look great. I like the decks hanging off the back. I like that the sites are all bordered with the railroad ties. It defines them and keeps the grass from growing over it.

    The cabins in pastel themes look matching and cute. Good use of the same color throughout the property.

    The bathhouse signage is cute. Pink and blue bathroom signs with guys and girls symbols.

    Golf carts to rent.  Well stocked camp store.  Ice.  So much river frontage. It's incredible! And absolutely beautiful.

  • T
    Nov. 15, 2025

    Bandera Star Riverfront Camping and RV

    Not bad for the price

    We stayed several weeks. Overall the rv park is mostly quiet and the full time residents are many and they are friendly. There is a large natural area down by the river that makes for a pleasant walk and fishing. You can also walk to downtown and the city park which is lovely. It is the least expensive Rv park in town so just basic amenities: FHU, table, laundry. No fire rings. No showers or restrooms. Gravel roads. The street coming in on Potts Road is full of huge pot holes so enter through the strip mall to the right of Cricket store. Strip mall has three restaurants, thrift store, donut shop among others. The website says it’s a new park, but it obviously is not. It may be under new management. It may have a new office. The electric posts seem fairly new, however, the picnic tables are weathered but functional. For the price it was fine for what we were looking for.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Old River Road RV Resort

    Great park with wonderful amenities

    I have stayed at this park several times including rallies. It's nicely laid out with well kept facilities. The community room is huge with a nice kitchen. The indoor swimming pool and hot tub are a real bonus during inclement weather.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Guadalupe River Rentals RV Campground

    Concrete slabs

    There are approximately 4 sites across the street from the river. They’re concrete slabs. No vegetation. Couldn’t find anyone to try to reserve with then realized they’re just concrete slabs so we left.

  • Maegen N.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Old River Road RV Resort

    Reasonable prices friendly staff

    Clean and very well maintained park on the Guadalupe River. Sites are spacious and beautiful trees have been planted everywhere. This park has amenities for the whole family. Two pools, including a heated indoor pool and hot tub. Two play grounds and one of them is covered and located next to a jump pad. The bathrooms were always clean and even have private showers. They also have very nice cabins for those who don’t have r.vs. The staff are some of the friendliest and are very helpful. They go above and beyond for their guests. We cannot wait to return for our next camping trip.

  • Sheila C.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Old River Road RV Resort

    Beautiful and very clean

    This is a beautiful park next to the Guadalupe River. They have river access for swimming and fishing as well as 2 swimming pools. One out door pool with a splash pad for the little ones. Then they have an indoor pool and hot tub that is heated. They also have a great playground for kids as well as a covered basketball court. The basketball court also has a net that can be used for tennis or pickle ball. We have visited this park several times and always have a great experience!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Kerrville KOA

    Stayed on short notice, friendly staff

    Stayed on short notice just a few days before the flooding in Kerrville on the 4th of July. Arrived when it was dark and left before the shop was open. Worked for us and similar to other KOA's. Unsure if this location was impacted by the flooding

  • M
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Kerrville-Schreiner Park

    Large city-run RV park, safe

    Large city-run park that straddles hwy. This site had water, 30 amp service, no sewer but dump near by the restrooms. Restrooms were run down, but clean enough, very hot shower water. LOTS of trees, birds, sites mostly level. Quiet. As noted, by other review, it is large and you'll need to take a map with you if you leave and return at night. There is a gate code to get back in, after hours. Some reviews noted a lot of road noise from hwy, but we were not anywhere near hwy, so NO noise. However, the south side of park is directly below airport approach and landing and pvt. jets and general aviation aircraft could be noisy and quite low over campground.


Guide to Vanderpool

Vanderpool, Texas serves as a gateway to multiple established campgrounds where visitors can experience the Texas Hill Country's natural beauty. Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground offers both developed sites with amenities and primitive backcountry camping options, while Lost Maples RV and Camping provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. The region includes several campgrounds within Garner State Park approximately 20 miles southwest in Concan, creating a network of camping opportunities throughout the Frio River valley area. Most locations support both tent and RV camping, with several offering electric hookups, water connections, and shower facilities.

Road access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with fall being particularly popular due to the maple foliage displays at Lost Maples. Reservations become essential during this period, often requiring booking 6 months in advance. "Perhaps the best time of the year to visit is in November when the weather is cool and the fall foliage takes place," notes one visitor to Lost Maples. Summer brings higher temperatures with daytime averages in the 90s, though swimming opportunities exist at various water features. Most campgrounds require advance reservations through Texas Parks and Wildlife or private operators. Cell service can be limited or non-existent in canyons and remote areas, improving only at higher elevations along hiking trails.

Campers consistently highlight the hiking opportunities as a primary draw, particularly at Lost Maples State Natural Area where trail systems connect camping areas with scenic overlooks and water features. The East and West Loop trails receive special mention for their diversity of terrain and vegetation. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "The hikes are amazing. A really great climb in elevation for not having mountains. There are tons of creeks that are crossed as well to cool yourself or your pup off in." Though developed campgrounds can feel exposed with limited shade and privacy between sites, the surrounding trails and swimming areas compensate for this drawback. Several private campgrounds complement the state park options, providing alternative accommodations when public lands reach capacity during popular weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Vanderpool, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Vanderpool, TX is Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 42 reviews.