Lost Maples State Natural Area RV & Campground Guide
Texas
Lost Maples State Natural Area near Vanderpool, Texas, contains many large maple trees that put on a glorious display in the fall. This park, covering more than 2,714 acres on the Sabrina River's shore in Real and Bandera counties, was opened to the public in 1979. The remoteness of this area makes it a wonderful place to go stargazing. Consider extending your visit to this area by swimming and boating on Medina Lake, seeing wildlife along the Rio Frio Loop, and hiking at Garner State Park.
Nearby Cities
Vanderpool, TX
Bandera, TX
Converse, TX
Leakey, TX
Spring 50 – 79 F
Summer 68 – 92 F
Fall 57 – 84 F
Winter 33 – 63 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lost Maples State Natural Area
Campground Accommodations
Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 67 feet
Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, showers, grills
Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground
Stay under some of the darkest skies in the state and dine at covered picnic tables at this natural area. Rates start at $20 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Picnic table, fire ring
A Peace of Heaven Log Cabins and RV Park
Fish in the stock pond, play volleyball or ping pong, or relax around the campfire at this campground that is convenient to all that Bandera County has to offer. Rates start at $30 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Stocked fishing pond, ping pong, volleyball
Antler Oaks Lodge and RV Resort
You can watch movies in the lodge, play Gaga ball, go on hayrides, play in the pool, and more at this Bandera campground that's located on the Medina River. Rates start at about $45 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Covered RV spots
State Park Campground
Garner State Park is the most visited state park in Texas, and you will love all you can do there, including their dances, playing on the Frio River, and hiking the scenic trails. Rates start at $15 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Pool, playground, satellite TV
What to Do at
Lost Maples State Natural Area
While most people will come to this park to see the beautiful fall foliage, this park is also a good place to fish in the Sabinal River or Can Creek. On clear nights, this can be a fantastic place to go stargazing. Outdoor enthusiasts will also love this park's diverse hiking trails.
Camping at Lost Maples State Natural Area is a great idea because of the various activities available. Go hiking, fishing, and nature viewing during your visit.
Inside Lost Maples State Natural Area
Hike the path to the clifftop to see amazing views of the entire area or hike along any of the other 15 miles of hiking trails. Bring along your fishing gear to fish in the Medina Lake for bass and catfish. Participate in the stargazing programs where a large telescope is often available to see the Milky Way and other stars. See a variety of birds, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. Cool off on a hot day with a swim in Medina Lake.
Fishing
Catch-and-release bass fishing in the Sabinal River can be terrific at Lost Maples State Natural Area, especially near areas where the water dips to a lower level. Anglers can also catch catfish and other panfish, which they can keep up to the state limit. There is no fishing license required.
Geocaching
There is an EarthCache at Lost Maples State Natural Area. There are three stops along the cache, and they are along the Maple Trail. Complete the cache by answering three questions about the natural ecosystems that you see.
Nature Watching
Gray foxes, white-tailed deer, armadillos, raccoons, bobcats, rock squirrels, and javelinas live at this park. You may also see various birds, including golden-cheeked warblers that often nest in this park in the late spring and early summer.
Stargazing
Stargazing events happen occasionally at Lost Maples State Natural Area. Even when there are no organized events, this park has exceptionally dark skies, making it an awesome place to go stargazing. Head to the top of the cliffs to get the best views, as trees may block your view at lower elevations.
Flora and Fauna
Fall is a popular time to visit Lost Maples State Natural Area to see the Uvalde bigtooth maples. Unique to this region of Texas, these trees are more deeply lobed and smaller than most bigtooth maple species, which may be an adaptation because of the ecosystem. The best time to see them put on their fall display is during the last two weeks of October and the first two weeks of November. In addition, visitors can see oak, American sycamore, escarpment black cherry, Texas ash, yellow-flowered red buckeye, mesquite, Texas persimmon, and Texas mountain laurel trees.
Hiking
There are over 10 miles of hiking trails at Lost Maples State Natural Area. The 5.2-mile-long East Trail loop is a favorite of many hikers. This trail runs by Monkey Rock, a monkey-shaped rock with plants growing out of the mouth, which gets water from an underground water source. This trail starts near the river and has many sections that are almost straight uphill. Higher elevations along this trail offer stunning panoramic views of the park below.
Biking
Biking is restricted to park roads at Lost Maples State Natural Area. Despite this, you can still enjoy amazing views of the park's diverse landscapes.
How to Get to
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Head northwest on FM 187 from Vanderpool, TX, to get to Lost Maples State Natural Area. When you have driven about 4.9 miles, turn left into the park. Parking for all types of vehicles is available near this park's trailheads, the park's headquarters, and the Interpretative Center.
By Car
Entering Lost Maples State Natural Area
People age 13 and over visiting the park for the day will need to pay $6 per person, while those age 12 and under are free. Staying overnight in the campground will cost you $20 per night.
Lost Maples State Natural Area Per Person : $6.0
12 and under free
Many people have enjoyed gazing at the stars through a telescope at Lost Maples State Natural Area since it opened in 1979. Others come for the fishing in the lake or hiking on the trails under the protected maple trees. If you are one of them, then share your memories on your social media feed and tag RVshare.com in them. We would love to hear what you have to say about your visit to this state's natural area and the small towns that surround it. You can also send your photos and experiences to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions About Lost Maples State Natural Area
The best time of year to go to Lost Maples State Natural Area is in the fall when the leaves change colors. Remember that the amount of rain throughout the year can significantly affect fall colors because abundant rain in the spring and summer gives the leaves the nutrients they need to put on more colorful displays.
Lost Maples State Natural Area is part of the Edwards Plateau. You can see various wildlife, including gray foxes, white-tailed deer, armadillos, raccoons, bobcats, rock squirrels, and javelinas. Birders can look forward to spotting various species of waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds.
There are many RV camping spots. Each site comes with water and electric hookups. In addition, they have fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby bathrooms.
Reservations are not always required at Lost Maples State Natural Area. The campground is open throughout the year, but campers will want to make reservations in October and November to secure a spot. Daily camping cost is $20.
Pets are allowed at Lost Maples State Natural Area. Many people find it a great location to hike with their dogs. However, your four-legged companions must be on a leash, and you are responsible for picking up after them.
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