Hill Country State Natural Area provides primitive camping options for horseback riders exploring the Texas Hill Country near Vanderpool. The park features over 40 miles of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding, with terrain varying from rocky hills to creek beds. Trail systems accommodate riders of different skill levels, with some steep sections offering challenging experiences for experienced equestrians. The campground offers drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access with tent, RV, and cabin accommodation options. Most primitive camping areas provide ample space for setting up portable horse containment systems. Trails are well-marked with clear signage.
Located approximately 10 miles from Vanderpool, the natural area requires riders to bring all necessary horse supplies as no feed or equipment stores operate within the park boundaries. The park maintains several water crossings where horses can drink, though seasonal conditions affect water availability. Riders should check trail conditions before arrival, especially after rainfall when some trails may become temporarily impassable. Trail riders frequently comment on the diverse terrain and scenic views from the canyon walls above. Parking areas can accommodate horse trailers, though larger rigs should contact the park in advance to ensure suitable spaces. All horse waste must be properly managed according to park regulations, with specific disposal areas designated throughout the camping areas.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $20 / night
"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."
"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."
from $27 - $45 / night
"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."
"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."
"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)."
from $45 - $60 / night
from $35 / night
GuideI have stayed here 3 years in a row in either February or March. The weather is comfortably mild, and the campground can fill up, but it is still quiet. Dark skies and stars if it isn't overcast. The restrooms and showers are older, but clean. The trails are scenic. There is a creek across the road from the campground, which adds to the aural ambience, and also lots and lots of birds. Peaceful place.
LegendCamp was clean and the area is awesome. Our site didn’t have much buffer from the site next to us, which usually doesn’t bother me.
Being spring break, the campground was full of kids. It’s great to see them enjoying nature, having fun, and being kids…but several of them were pretty wild without parents doing much to rein them in. Definitely not the park’s fault.
It was well patrolled, but that didn’t stop some camps from lighting camp fires even though a burn ban was in place.
Nice hiking along the river. Would love to be back during the fall.
GuideThis is a wonderful park and campground! Hiking and biking trails galore. Deer were everywhere. It's along the Guadalupe River which still bears flood scars from last summer. Very few people this time of year.
LegendLarge 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.
TravelerTook the family and had a blast. Fishing, hiking, and geocaching was great. We will be back
RangerIf you don't want Wi-Fi service cell service or television signal. This is the place for you while I know most won't agree with me. That's okay to each his own. The staff was very unfriendly. I would not return. Besides doing stuff outside? When I go inside my camper, I would like to use Wi-Fi watch TV and surf the internet. The Wi-Fi signal that they claim that they have. You have to literally sit on a bench outside the door of the office and you get about one bar.
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.
ScoutVery friendly, close walk to the town and facilities very clean
GuideStayed 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.
Equestrian camping near Vanderpool, Texas offers access to diverse trail systems spanning from rocky canyons to wooded areas at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,100 feet. The region averages 33 inches of annual rainfall, creating seasonal creek crossings and varying trail conditions throughout the year. Fall camping brings temperatures ranging from 50°F nights to 75°F days, making it popular for overnight trail riding expeditions.
Trail riding at Lost Maples: The trail system includes both East and West loops covering about 12 miles total through changing elevations and terrain. "Perhaps the best time of the year to visit is in November when the weather is cool and the fall foliage take place. However, the park is very busy in November, so make a reservation six months in advance," advises Troy W. from Lost Maples State Natural Area.
Hiking to scenic overlooks: Many trails lead to elevated viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the Vanderpool region. "The hiking was great with some challenging trails and some moderate ones, which allowed us to explore quite a bit of the park. Seemed to boast lots of fossils according to some fellow hikers," notes Sarah D. from Hill Country State Natural Area.
River access for horses: Several locations provide water access points along established trails for horse watering. At Kerrville-Schreiner Park, which is about 35 miles east of Vanderpool, Kevin H. mentions "Kerrville park has great in town trails. Guadalupe River access & nice warm showers in the restrooms."
Primitive camping options: For riders seeking remote camping experiences away from facilities. "Super camping & hiking with our dog and friends. Set up two tents at one site, and had plenty of space for everyone," shares Sarah D. about her experience at Hill Country State Natural Area.
Fall foliage viewing: The maple trees and hardwoods create seasonal color displays usually peaking in November. Skip C. from Lost Maples State Natural Area states "Lost Maples is a great place to see the colors of Fall," while Alice R. adds "beautiful small RV park but great hiking and seasons color changes."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk offer prime times for spotting native species along trail edges. At Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort, Denise V. spotted "Several ducks, squirrels, signs of deer" during her stay, noting its proximity to other recreation: "Walking distance to Main Street- bars, shops, food, entertainment, Visitor's center."
Cell service limitations: Most equestrian camping areas have minimal to no connectivity. Matt S. from Lost Maples State Natural Area warns "The only drawback, is that its in a complete deadzone for cellular. I had absolutely zero service on my cellphone, antenna TV, or wifi/4g. Be prepared for emergencies if you hike the trails."
Reservation requirements: Many camping areas require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Troy W. notes "If no campsites are available you may visit for the day and find a private campground nearby to camp."
Water availability fluctuates: Creek crossings and water sources depend on recent rainfall patterns. Ronnie M. from Hill Country advises "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."
Choose trails by experience level: Select routes appropriate for younger or less experienced riders. As Megan E. recommends about Hill Country: "Located in the hills about 10 miles from Bandera, TX, this campground is the perfect place to disconnect and hike, run or horseback ride through a plethora of trails."
Pack extra water supplies: The terrain can be demanding and dehydration is common in less experienced riders. Megan adds "This area of Texas gets hot so bring plenty of water. Watch for wildlife."
Check trail conditions before arrival: Recent weather impacts trail safety and accessibility. "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," advises Megan E. from Hill Country State Natural Area.
Limited full hookup availability: RV sites with complete amenities are restricted in certain areas. Red S. notes about Hill Country: "I 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."
River access for RV camping: Some parks offer both horse facilities and riverside RV options. At Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort, Brittney W. shares: "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."
Dump station locations: Plan waste management as some equestrian sites lack full sanitation facilities. Denise V. describes one facility's amenities: "Water- knee height, wrapped with insulation due to cold weather; Sewer- threads a little stripped out; Clean Restrooms; Showers; Laundry facility."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Vanderpool, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Vanderpool, TX is Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Vanderpool, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Vanderpool, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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