One of the five best state parks in Texas. No sewer outlet but there is a dump station. Quiet, beautiful and serene. Hiking through the maples is great as they are turning early in 2009. Friendly park rangers who watch over you and are ready to assist in any way. We just wish it were closer to Houston. The sites can accommodate bigger rigs with ease. The state web site does not tell you that. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This is our second time to this park. By State Park standards, we give it a 7. There just aren't a lot of extra amenities other than hiking and the views. The sites are well spaced, and we were there early enough in the day to get a site that accommodated our larger RV. The park is well maintained and clean. There is no litter, no cigarette butts, etc. The rangers and park police are beyond friendly and are a tremendous resource of information. The drawback to this park is the unlevel dump station, which is also difficult to get into due to tree growth. I didn't even bother stopping, and had to pay extra to dump at an RV park closer to home. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
What a pretty park! The hills covered in Maple trees are just the perfect backdrop. The park policeman (very friendly) said that there are over 11 miles of hiking trails! Some of the trails are very steep and strenuous so make sure that you read the signs before you start. There is a beautiful pond for fishing. Our 10 year old daughter caught 18 fish in two hours! She used turkey for bait. The showers and restrooms were squeaky clean! Site #15 looks fabulous. We were unable to stay in it because it was already taken. We will be back! We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Review Rating
[ 10 / 10 ]
April 2009
$15
A small park in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, this one is worth the visit. Plan to hike and enjoy the trails, which wind back and forth across the Sabinal River. The sites are spacious, with a covered picnic shelter for each one. Site #15 is my favorite. Climb to the top of the canyon on a hiking trail or leave the park to get cell phone coverage. Better yet, just enjoy the maples and the river! We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
This is a nice, secluded campground with State Natural Area. We were too early in the season to see the changing of the leaves, but had a great time in this beautiful park. There were several hiking trails, the shortest of which was great even for three 4 year olds. And, the entire park (trails included) was immaculately clean. We never saw trash of any kind. A few of the trees were a little low getting to the RV area of the park, but once you get to the RV loop, it was clear, recently mowed, and easily accessible. Sites were nicely spaced. I was able to maneuver our 38 foot toy hauler with little hassle. The dump station was tight to get into because of the trees. The roads to the park from Bandera were steep and had many curves. Just make sure you take your time. We will definitely return. The bathhouse was clean in the mornings, but sure was warm in the afternoons. Each site has a nice cover over the picnic table, and also has a fire pit/grill. It would have been nice if the ranger station sold ice and firewood, but there is a little store about 4 miles down the road. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
This is a lovely, small state natural area, away from highways and population centers. There are a few restaurants in nearby towns, but each site has a covered picnic table and there are also picnic tables along the river (in a different area than the campground). Peace and quiet and nature prevail -- nature hikes and wildlife. Very friendly and helpful staff, very nice nature exhibit, small gift shop. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
This park is located in a beautiful part of Texas, the Hill Country. The surrounding area
has not been disturbed, yet, with weekend homes. Much of the private land in the area has been fenced with "high" fences to hold exotic animals from all over the world. The major attraction at Lost Maples State Natural Area is the colorful leaves during October and November. Most roads to this park are very crooked and
steep in places. There is an entry fee per person into the park. Adult - $5, Senior - $3. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.