Lost Maples State Natural Area, near Vanderpool, Texas, is a stunning spot for those who love the great outdoors. This campground is known for its beautiful hiking trails and vibrant fall foliage, making it a must-visit during autumn when the leaves transform into a breathtaking display of colors.

The campground offers clean facilities, including restrooms and showers, which visitors appreciate after a long day of exploring. Many campers have enjoyed the shaded picnic tables and the chance to unwind by the Sabinal River, where you can cool off in the clear waters. As one visitor noted, “Incredible hikes, views, and colors” make this place special.

For those who want to stretch their legs, the area boasts a variety of trails that cater to both leisurely walkers and those seeking a more challenging hike. Some campers have even mentioned the nearby winery, perfect for a little break from camping. While the sites can be a bit close together, the overall atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, making it a great choice for families and groups looking to enjoy nature together.

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.

Lost Maples State Natural Area

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.

Vanderpool

The Best Camping Near Vanderpool, Texas

I camped here with my wife, dad, and younger brother for 3 days. We used the primitive hiking zones, and really enjoyed them. The trails we encountered were a good mix of more well-maintained routes to main areas, with more adventurous trails going out from their. The part was small enough that you could access any point on any given day, but felt large enough that it took us all three days to see every area. 
Overall, the park is a great mix of beautiful trees that produce nice fall colors not typically seen in Texas with great views from the canyon walls above. We really enjoyed our time there, and we definitely recommend it as a great camping destination that can accommodate many different levels of hikers and campers.  

Great for Fall Camping

I have camped at Lost Maples many times. The camp site area is kind of small and the sites are all close together.  

The tables all have shelters, which is great as there are few trees to give shade.  Each site also has a fire ring and water.

When hiking, you are in a great forest.  The East Trail goes up onto a ridge with a great view.  The West Trail goes through a forest, up a hill and then into a canyon.

On the trails, there are a few composting toilets. They are well marked on the map.

There is a point in a river that widens for people to swim.  It's a bit of a hike in, but the only place to swim on hot days.

When hiking, be sure to stay on the trails. If you wander off and a Ranger sees you, they will give you a talking to about it.

Cute and Compact

Considering it was summer in central Texas, lost maples was beautiful. Great scenery, tons to look at and discover and several places to enjoy the water. The only thing that wasn't the best was that there wasn't a lot of trail to hike, I made it to the furthest campsite in less than 2 hours.

Primitive camping

The leafers come out in the fall and this park can get as crowded as Garner. Camping assures that you can make it in. I prefer the west loop for hiking through the canyons. There's a hidden waterfall to the right of the trail near the pond. Also backcountry camping at the pond, which can be good for a swim in the right conditions.

Fall color

Great place for families and dog families! The only thing is the pond. There was only one that was clean enough to go into. Other then that had a great Labor Day Weekend!

LOST MAPLES 

The camp grounds are simple amazing but the true beauty is in the hiking trails. And the view from the top is spectacular at sunset. Waking in the morning on the top in the primative sites is so refreshing. The climb on the east trail is difficult fruit those more experienced hikers.

This is an awesome camp grounds with a plethora of activities and hiking .

Great trails and pitstops! Awesome place for a quick getaway.

Peaceful

Went here on a short backpacking trip with about 10 other ladies and primitive camped about a mile or into the area. It was a GREAT area for all of our tents and a great area for commrodity! We had a blast and will return! The hike out to the primitive camping area was moderate and fairly flat. You do cross a creek bed so be prepared to get wet if the flow is good. Plenty of flat spaces for tents and plenty of space away from your neighbors. Star gazing was good!

Awesome place for a Girls Trip AND fall foliage!

The campsite was peaceful, views amazing, trails were easy to hard and all views worth it. A nice drive in. Felt relaxed at day one.

Beautiful

beautiful small RV park but great hiking and seasons color changes

fall colors

By far one of my favorite parks in TX, beautiful year around (even sweltering August) but the best time is Fall to see the leaves fall. Primitive camping only so expect at least a mile trek in, campsite C is nearest the deep pond (excellent swimming hole with adequate cliff jumping for the extra adventurous) I prefer to stay at Site B though it can be a challenging 2 mile, steep uphill climb but well worth the view at sunset. BRING WATER OR WATER PURIFICATION there are a few natural springs but they are far and in between. 

A+++

The sites are a little close-in, but otherwise perfect. There are so few of them (30 total), so book early- in order to get a fall reservation, I booked nearly a year in advance!

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.

Sites have covered picnic tables, water spigots, and fire pits.

Beautiful fall colors

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.

Beautiful exploring 

Sites a bit close and unshaded, but nice enough.

Nice park with beautiful hiking

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. 

Love it

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 

Amazing place

Everyone 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.

Lost Maples + Fall Foliage 

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. 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.

Lost Maples State Natural Area Primitive Area E

Lost 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.

Lost Maples State Natural Area Primitive Campsite A

Lost 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.

Lost Maples State Natural Area Primitive Campsite  H

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

Wonderful fall colors

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. 

Fall Colors

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&amp;T Signal, not a lot of RV sites, small park.￼
June 17 to June 20  2020

Great hiking 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! 



Small but gorgeous park

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.

Beautiful Park, but complete dead zone for wireless

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!

Beautiful!!

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.  

Fall Wonder in the Texas Hill Country

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 

9/12/20 Camping 

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. 

Primitive Campsite B

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. 

Primitive Campsite G 

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. 

Primitive Campsite H

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

Primitive Campsite E

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.

Extra Loop Trail

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. 

Best Fall Spot in Texas

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.

One of my fav primitive camping places 

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

Beautiful state natural area, great hill country hiking

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. 

Fun little park

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. 

Small campground with sites that fit only smaller RVs.  Amazing hiking. 

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

Lost Maples SNA

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. 

Campground is small and spots are close together

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. 

Photos of Lost Maples State Natural Area

Real photos from real campers