Lost Maples State Natural Area

If 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.

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.

The 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.

Clean campground and restrooms. Beautiful hikes, some steep and rugged.

On 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.

On 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.

This is a beautiful park in a great part of the Texas Hill country.  Great hiking trails in this park as well.

Been 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.

The 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.

We 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.

Located near a few other sites and a restroom! A long hike out - start early. Some pretty sights along the way

This 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.

One 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.

Amazing 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.

We stayed at electric campsite 003, it was great!

• drive in/parking spot for 2 large trucks
• covered cements tables at each site
• all within walking distance to facilities
• facilities were cleaned daily, restrooms and showers
• park rangers drove through 3/4 times a day
• weather at this time is pretty hot, but tolerable in the shade
• recent rains made swimming possible, lots of small rivers and places to fish/sight see
• campsites are spaced out but there is few trees so no privacy
• small campground, probably only 24 or so electric sites available
• we use a rooftop tent on our truck but our friends used a ground tent

I camped here in early September and while the leaves hadn’t started changing yet the trails were packed with maple trees. It is very easy to see how in just a few months the place will be packed with beautiful colors.

The elective/water camp grounds are very open and pretty close to each other. Not my favorite, but definitely not the worst either. They were lacking the trees and shade that the trails provide. The primitive campgrounds were a good hike to get to, but not anything too strenuous.

The hikes are amazing. A really great climb in elevation for not having mountains. There are tones of creeks that are crossed as well to cool yourself or your pup off in.

First time visiting mistakes were definitely made. We planned for camping but didn’t realize just how far a mile and a quarter hike to the campsite felt like. I recommend packing very light if you are camping unless you are a fit highly seasoned hiker/camper. Also, although most of the East Trail is shaded and beautiful, it is still sweltering in 100°+ weather. So may want to reserve this spot for cooler temperatures! Besides the personal bad decisions we made, this was still a breath taking hike and truly enjoyable experience. With Love, Your everyday big girl!

Spent a couple night here in July. Beautiful park! The river is crystal clear and very inviting on a hot summer day. The Rv spots were well kept, the bathrooms/showers were clean, and the park was pretty quite in the evenings. There are Lots of hiking trails to explore, but they can only be taken on bicycle for 1 mile, per the rules. Overall, its a great park with beautiful scenery. I would love to see the trees turn in the fall. 

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. (Altho, thats not always a bad thing)

Be prepared for emergencies if you hike the trails tho.

There is a general store about 4 miles up the road from the park entrance that has free wifi, if you need to download/update offline maps for your gps, and just get some work done before you go back to relax in the park.

By far one of my favorite state parks to date. Haven’t been during the fall, but beautiful any rime of year. The hiking trails here have been some of my favorite. The park is relatively small as far as number of RV sites. It is clean and well maintained. Medina is a 30 minute or so drive if you need to run into town for anything (we had to hit up a hardware store for a quick fix on the camper). The drive to Medina is stunning - I recommend taking that drive whether you need anything from town or not. There’s a fantastic winery just up the street (Lost Maples Winery). Their Pinot noir is fantastic! My only minor complaint was that the park host who was working at the time we were there was militant. Not a deal breaker though. Hope to visit here again this year some time!

This Is a very nice park, little river a lot of hiking trail, some climbing, some flat trail, you are hidden in between mountains, once you hike to the top you will get an AT&T Signal, not a lot of RV sites, small park. June 17 to June 20 2020

We missed the fall leaves color this past fall but there is always this coming fall. The day we were there it was practically empty as it was freezing but there were several hikers. There was a small RV park but we were staying at Garner that time.

Lost Maples is a great place to see the colors of Fall.

Spent the weekend here with my family. Awesome swimming and hiking adventures. Will definitely be back in the fall for the changing of the leaves

Short 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.

Sites a bit close and unshaded, but nice enough.

Campgrounds are clean, beautiful and well-kept. RV and tent campers can use designated gravel sites with covered picnic tables. There are eight separate primitive camping areas ranging from 1-5 miles of hiking into the parks trail system. This is a great location to try out backpacking gear. There are multiple water and creek crossings for fishing and cooling off in the summer.