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Campsites with 30 amp electricity and water hookup: 30 sites, 8 people per site allowed. Includes picnic table with shade shelter, fire ring, back-in RV parking, restrooms with showers nearby. Primitive Campsites (Hike-in): 50 sites. 6 people per site. Backpacking equipment is required. Fires are prohibited; you can use containerized fuel stoves for cooking. Carry out all trash and dispose of it responsibly. A maximum of six people can camp at each site; each primitive area has numerous sites. Off-trail hiking and rock climbing are not allowed. Pets are allowed on leash; pick up and dispose of pet waste properly. Please practice Leave No Trace principles, as the park has sensitive natural and cultural resources. Area C is closed to camping.
Located on the beautiful Medina River we have 130 RV sites: 68 pull thru's and 62 back-ins. We also offer rentals: One Caboose (1 bedroom/1 bath - can sleep 2) and Two Tiny Homes (sleep 4 each). Swim in our large pool, relax in the hot tub or enjoy swimming and fishing in our private river access. The Rec Center has clean bathrooms and a full kitchen. We also have a great laundry facility. Come stay in our family and pet friendly park and take advantage of the walking distance to local attractions, events, and activities in downtown Bandera.
$45 - $60 / night
The Lightning Ranch RV park is in Pipe Creek, Texas. It is centrally located between Bandera, Boerne, Lake Medina, and San Antonio and allows the residents multiple choices of local attractions, restaurants, and activities. You can enjoy the rodeo in Bandera, while your wife enjoys the La Cantera mall in San Antonio which is about 25 minutes away. Although we are not located by a lake or river, we are located on high-level ground with a pleasant breeze to help tame the Texas heat. The sunsets are great, and the wildlife is abundant on our 76-acre property. The front of the property is where the park is located, and the rear of the property is available for hiking and wildlife viewing. We also can cater to the horse community as we have horse stables and pasture available for your horses to graze and rest from a long day of riding in the area Texas Parks and Wildlife Hill Country State Natural Area or the area rodeos. If your horse trailer is equipped with only a bed, don’t let that deter you. You can use our showers and restroom facilities during your stay for all the comforts of home. Our spaces are 90’ long and 30’ wide so even the largest of trailers will fit with ease. We have plenty of room for storage of ancillary vehicles and/or trailers if needed.
$35 / night
Scout
Very friendly, close walk to the town and facilities very clean
Guide
Stayed on the 'hill side' and really enjoyed the park. Most sites you pull in paralllel to the road which is nice. Had deer through our site every day. Really good hiking but some of the trails were closed due to race events. Close to town and not too far of a drive to Fredericksburg and went to the Nat'l Pacific War Museum and that was well worth the drive. Here in October so park was about 1/8 full if even that.
TravelerThe tent sites are huge and spread apart. Picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Flush toilets and showers. A highway run through the camp so there is some noise from that, mainly during the day. Town is 2 miles away.
RangerGreat park near the Guadalupe River, amenities were as nice or better than most TX State Parks. Great trail along the River can be accessed from park.
Guide
PROS. The park is a must during autumn. The leaves change color and great weather. Wonderful hiking trails.
CONS. Park ranger(lady) was very rudely and racist towards us made the trip to be okay. I hope others don’t get the same treatment.
Lastly, I will say it’s a beautiful park go and enjoy.
GuideThe area is in a small valley so the spots are cramped together. The park itself, is beautiful. I was here on a Spring break night, so it was very busy. I’m not sure if I should complain about the following since it’s not the park’s fault. My neighbor kept using my electrical outlets (and water). This wouldn’t be a problem if I didn’t need to use it myself. I tried to ask them, but they didn’t speak English. I know they are not mine, but it’s aggravating. The park host was not answering their door. Then, later, they started their charcoal with diesel fuel which was right next to my truck RV window. This was the charcoal they used for cooking! SMH. There is no cell signal, there is wifi right at the visitor center.
Traveler
You will find all kinds of trailer with different levels. Enjoy
Guide2 different entrances - you must check in at the big station and get a gate code to get to your 30 amp site, water and electric only. Grab the map, you will definitely need it. There are almost no signs to direct you. The map is badly done, but it's al you will have. Do not arrive after dark, or you will never find your site. There is no one around to ask if you do go astray, so be prepared to turn around, and watch for 1 weathered gray wooden sign about 18 inches above the grass, letters carved into the wood in matching gray weathered letters and numbers. The site is gravel pull thru with some shade. 30 amp and a faucet. Fire ring/grill unused due to burn ban. Concrete picnic table, and on site occupied armadillo nest hole under on of the oaks. Dumpster down the road about 50 yards, trailhead for teal hiking trail the other direction about 50 yards.
TravelerClean campground and restrooms. Beautiful hikes, some steep and rugged.
RangerOn the weekend we visited the campground was primarily tent campers mostly because a large scout troop was taking up a good third of the campground. That made it a bit loud and chaotic with children running everywhere, but the campground is quite lovely with shaded picnic tables and smaller sites that only fit small RVs. The park itself has many miles of trails both for people who only want a leisurely hike and those who like strenuous hikes with elevation. There's even a winery down the street a few miles if you want to take a break from camping for a bit. There is no cell service unless you have hiked up to the top of the ridge.
GuideOn a motorcycle road trip with my dad and we decided to spend a night here. It was a weeknight so there were available sites upon arrival. I’d recommend reserving in advance just in case. The water was a little low when we visited but the park is nice. Was able to catch some fish and swim a little.
RangerThis is a beautiful park in a great part of the Texas Hill country. Great hiking trails in this park as well.
RangerNot my first trip here. 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).
Type of Park: Private
Check In: 1p Check Out: 12p
Length of Stay: 3 Nights
Regular cost per night $38, Discounts: Good Sam $11.40
My Total Cost 💲102.60
📋 Site#133 Notes:
Back In, lower level, site was very level side-to-side
Site Pad: gravel
💧 Water- knee height, wrapped with insulation due to cold weather
⚡ Max amp: 30- all green lights
💩 Sewer- threads a little stripped out
📶 Wifi available, but I didn't use it
Picnic Table: wooden
Was a little farther from the highway than my last stay. A little quieter on this end.
👎🏻 Not available:
Grill Fire
Ring w/Grate
📺 Cable available on upper pull-thru spots only
📝 Park Notes:
🚻 Clean Restrooms
🚿 Showers
🧺 Laundry facility
🐕 Off-leash dog park
🛒 Store
🚶🏻♀️ Trails- walking trail along the river, wide enough for golf carts
🌊 The Medina River runs along the edge of the park, Walk under Hwy173 to access City Park.
🤿 Pool
.🏚 Cabins
Boondocking area available
🥞 Good breakfast in the Recreation Center for just$6.50 on Saturdays when snowbirds are there. Pancakes, eggs, toast or roll, sausage patties, coffee, orange juice and all the condiments.(Should have done this on my last trip)
Many of the snowbirds have flown out, but the park was still pretty full
👍🏻 Walking distance to Main Street- bars, shops, food, entertainment, Visitor's center (Gunfights on Saturdays)
🦌 Wildlife: Several ducks, squirrels, signs of deer
GuideStacy was wonderful to work with and we really enjoyed our stay. Large wide RV spaces with full hookups with great views of the river. This park also offers cabins as well as vintage trailers for your stay. There is a lovely walking/biking trail that also has picnic tables and BBQ grills.
GuideBeen here several times over the years and it’s perfect for primitive camping! The staff lets you switch places if you want and are pretty friendly/easygoing. I have camps in the farthest campsite out campsite S, and really enjoyed it, although it is a little bit of a hike. The best spots on the trail is the south west corner kind of and also the north east area. The southwest area is kind of a bald on the top of a mountain. The north east part is where the cliffs faces and ponds are. Along the trail you will also find a few little clear faces here and there and a few kind of nasty springs which are full of dead leaves and even swimming leeches! I have seen snakes, tarantulas, lots of turtles, and some very visible fish along the stream. Overall this is one of the best primitive camping places that you will find in Texas to be honest! Highly recommend.
TravelerThe sabinal river casually rolls through the park. No tubing or kayaking, but great way to cool off in the clear waters. Incredible hikes, views, and colors. No cellular or WiFi at all.
GuideWe have stayed here many times. The park is separated into two sections by a busy road. The office and the River section of the park is on one side. The other side has a lot of great hiking/biking trails. They only have 10 50Amp sites, in Sycamore loop. All other sites are 30Amp. Most RV sites have Sewer, but there are a few that don’t, so watch closely as booking. We prefer the hill side of the park, Deerfield loop to be exact. It is further away from the road and you feel like you are in the country.
TravelerWe were about a week too early to catch the changing leaves, but thoroughly enjoyed our hike. We hiked the outer loop counter clockwise and hit all the points of interest on the very accurate complementary map.
The 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.
My dog enjoyed the trail and was able to lead the way and find the trail whenever I lost it for a second. There were also plenty of places to stop for fresh cold water for him to drink. The springs looked so clear that they also enticed me.
RangerLocated near a few other sites and a restroom! A long hike out - start early. Some pretty sights along the way
RangerThis is the most remote campsite in the park. A very far hike out but likely the most private site. Not many views once you’re on the loop on the way there, but the terrain is nice and rocky.
RangerOne of the furthest out campsites in the park. A great hike on the way there but make sure you start early. Quite a ways away from the restroom.
RangerAmazing campsite, stayed at one of the very private sites. Do not take the word “steep” on the trail maps lightly. It is steep on the way here. The view of the night sky was incredible, and there was a gorgeous scenic overlook nearby. Bathrooms are a ways away... make a pit stop on your way up.
TravelerPulled into our site a little before dinner time. All sites seem to be pull through, so that’s nice but if you get an even number site in the pecan loop be aware of the proximity to a bust county road with a lot of road noise.
The pecan loop has the most shade, important in Texas in the summer.
Electrical box is old, rusting and the breakers are loose with wires visible. Use your surge protector here - well, always use a surge protector but especially here.
Water pressure is low so be prettier that too.
TravelerThis former state park now owned by the city is a great hidden gem on the Guadalupe. It’s also about an hour away from many other state parks you can make as a day trip. Most site have full hookups and the sites are very spacious.
RangerThey have many pull through sites with full hook-ups that are spacious and fairly spaced out. The park has river front, nice access to multiple trails including the paved river trail, and a big playground. Be careful where you book your site though, we selected one on a loop north of the road and it was so close to the road that the noise made it hard to hear each other when outside and the early morning traffic was not pleasant to wake up to.
ScoutStayed here for a week in February. People were very friendly and helpful. Clean and quiet. Will definitely go back to this place
GuideThis park use to be a State Park, so you have the nice big sites and lots of hiking trails. The park is split up into two sides, with a Hwy that runs between them. The riverside of the park has a fishing dock and a beach area for swimming. They also rent kayaks and paddle boards. They also have a playground, Sand Volleyball area and a Butterfly garden. The RV sites do not have a river view, and the play ground and Volleyball is a pretty good walk. They do have mini cabins that are available right on the river with nice stairs down to the water.
Horse camping in Texas offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly facilities, making it a perfect getaway for horse enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Vanderpool, TX is Lost Maples State Natural Area with a 4.6-star rating from 41 reviews.
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