Looking for the best campgrounds near Vanderpool, TX? 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. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Vanderpool and user-submitted reviews.
$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."
$27 - $45 / 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."
"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."
$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)."
$35 / night
LegendLost Maples State Natural Area has some beautiful hiking trails and backpacking areas. If you need basic supplies you may find some at the general store in the small town nearby the park named Vanderpool.
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. If no campsites are available you may visit for the day and find a private campground nearby to camp.
There are basically two loops- an East Trail and a West Trail and each covers about 4-5 miles. It is completely possible to hike all the trails(about 12 miles) in a single day, but I prefer to hike and appreciate the natural features that can be found throughout the park.
This review is for the Primitive Area H on the West Trail. The campsite is a primitive or dispersed site so there are no amenities. There is no water, no electricity, no restrooms, just natural space. Leave No Trace and Pack In Pack Out principles should be practiced. The camping area is adjacent to the West Trail and close to the West Loop Trail. There is a open field in one area and a tree covered space in another area. So there are options for both tent and hammock backpackers.
This park has a number of peaks, creeks and ponds to view. In Texas State Parks fishing is allowed and no fishing license is required. Whether you're visiting to relax, fish or hike this park is enjoyable for all ages.
LegendLost 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. It is completely possible to hike all the trails (about 12 miles) in a single day, but I prefer to hike and appreciate the natural features that can be found throughout the park.
This review is for the Primitive Area E on the West Trail. The campsite is a primitive or dispersed site so there are no amenities. There is no water, no electricity, no restrooms, just natural space. Leave No Trace and Pack In Pack Out principles should be practiced. The camping area is adjacent to the East Trail. There is a open field in one area and a tree covered space in another area. So there are options for both tent and hammock backpackers.
I'd say that the hike to the campsite and away from the campsite is more scenic than the actual campsite. Perhaps the best time of the year to visit is in November when the weather is cool and the fall foliage take place. The park is very busy in November, so make a reservation very early or go when the weather is extremely cold and no one else wants to be outdoors.
If you need supplies you may find some basics at the general store in the small town nearby the park named Vanderpool.
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.
LegendLost Maples State Natural Area has some beautiful hiking trails and backpacking areas. If you need supplies you may find some basics at the general store in the small town nearby the park named Vanderpool.
There are basically two loops- an East Trail and a West Trail and each covers about 4-5 miles. It is completely possible to hike all the trails(about 12 miles) in a single day, but I prefer to hike and appreciate the natural features that can be found throughout the park.
This review is for the Primitive Area A on the West Trail. I'd say that the hike to the campsite and away from the campsite is more scenic than the actual campsite. The campsite is a primitive or dispersed site so there are no amenities. There is no water, no electricity, no restrooms, just natural space. There is a latrine near the campsite. Leave No Trace and Pack In Pack Out principles should be practiced. There are openings amongst the brush for tents or a number of closely spaced trees for hammock backpackers.
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 at least six months in advance. It is possible to just visit the park to day hike the trails as well, but even then a reservation is advisable.
If no campsites are available you may camp at a nearby private campground and visit for the day.
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.
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!
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.
TravelerShort trip for weekend stay for us. Close to the river. Nice spaces with covered tables and scattered trees. Hiking, pet friendly. Showers were clean and well kept. No sewer hook up but dump station is right off the road. Plenty of open space to see the Texas skies and right there at the Frio River. One of our go to spots.
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
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 42 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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