How much does camping cost at Lost Maples State Natural Area?

Camping fees at Lost Maples State Natural Area range from $6/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lost Maples State Natural Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Lost Maples State Natural Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lost Maples State Natural Area before I book?

Yes! Lost Maples State Natural Area has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Lost Maples State Natural Area?

Lost Maples State Natural Area is open October and November are noted as peak seasons when the park is crowded, especially on weekends.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lost Maples State Natural Area?

Yes, Lost Maples State Natural Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Lost Maples State Natural Area?

Pets are not allowed at Lost Maples State Natural Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lost Maples State Natural Area?

Lost Maples State Natural Area offers: Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lost Maples State Natural Area?

Popular activities at Lost Maples State Natural Area include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lost Maples State Natural Area

4.63

8 reviews

37221 FM 187, VANDERPOOL, Texas, 78885, United States

Top 4% in TXFall

Scenic Views

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Texas

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,804 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,804 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Lost Maples State Natural Area

$6.00 - $6.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$20 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee $120 Weekly Non-peak $10 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee A weekly rate is available from December through...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Reserve America

Provider

8309663413

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

37221 FM 187, VANDERPOOL, Texas, 78885, United States

Lost Maples State Natural Area

37221 FM 187, VANDERPOOL, Texas, 78885, United States

Nearby supplies

Park Store within the park offers some essential items. Additional supplies may require travel to nearby towns.

Driving directionsFrom San Antonio: Take Hwy 16 North to Medina. Take a left on FM 337 to Vanderpool. Take a right on HWY 187. Continue 5 miles to the Natural Area entrance. OR Take HWY 90 West to Sabinal. Take a right on HWY 187 and travel through Utopia to Vanderpool. Continue 5 miles to the Natural Area entrance. From Austin: Take I-35 South to New Braunfels. Take a right on HWY 46. Take a right on HWY 16. Travel through Bandera to Medina. Take a left on FM 337. Take a right on FM 187. Continue 5 miles to the Natural Area entrance. OR Take Hwy 290 West to US 281 North. Turn right and continue to follow US 281 North/Hwy 290 West to Johnson City. Take a left and continue on HWY290 West. Take a left at Friendship Lane in Fredericksburg. Take a left onto US-87 South. Take a right on Ranch to Market 473 in Comfort. Take a right onto TX-27 West. Take a left at FM 480 North in Centerpoint. Take a right onto TX 173 South. Take a right onto FM 2828. Take a right onto TX-16 North. Take a left onto FM 337 in Medina. Take a right onto FM 187. Continue 5 miles to the Natural Area's entrance.

Key routes to the park include FM 337 and HWY 187, which are paved and accessible year-round. A temporary closure of Hwy 337 was noted for bridge replacement from November 9, 2020, to April 2021, requiring detours to CR470 and alternate roads.

Weather at Lost Maples State Natural Area

Current alert: Previous alerts included closures of Hwy 337 due to bridge replacement.

Best Time to Camp at Lost Maples State Natural Area

Fall brings the park's signature color show, with daytime temperatures typically in the 60s–80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F during October and November. These months offer stable weather and clear skies for hiking and photography, though crowds pack the trails on weekends. Spring delivers wildflower blooms. Summer mornings along the river are quiet, and the pools offer relief from heat.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 4% in TX

Signature vivid fall display of Uvalde bigtooth maples; peak season and a destination for leaf-peepers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: October and November are noted as peak seasons when the park is crowded, especially on weekends.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Lost Maples State Natural Area

Lost Maples State Natural Area sits in the limestone canyons of the Texas Hill Country near Vanderpool, where rare Uvalde bigtooth maples put on one of Texas's most vivid fall displays. The park offers tent and RV sites at $6 per night, with the Sabinal River running through the property. Reservations are essential for October and November weekends when leaf-peepers arrive in force.

The campground appears to support multiple camping styles, including RV and tent camping, but lacks specific details about primitive, group, or cabin accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the park's signature color show, with daytime temperatures typically in the 60s–80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F during October and November. These months offer stable weather and clear skies for hiking and photography, though crowds pack the trails on weekends. Spring delivers wildflower blooms. Summer mornings along the river are quiet, and the pools offer relief from heat.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Sabinal River creates shallow pools and runs beneath towering cypress trees, winding through dramatic limestone canyons at 1,804 feet elevation. Groves of Uvalde bigtooth maples cluster in protected areas throughout the park, turning crimson and gold in fall. Trails climb to canyon rim overlooks and pass through meadows where deer graze. One trail includes a section locals call the 'stairway to heaven.'

Scenic ViewsSeveral scenic overlooks provide sweeping views, making the park ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information is provided about lodging accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs is provided.

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Fires prohibited; containerized fuel stoves ok for cooking only

Showers

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Dump station

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Lost Maples State Natural Area offers a range of recreational activities, with a strong emphasis on hiking. Scenic overlooks and fishing opportunities are also highlighted. Some reviewers have praised specific trails, such as the 'stairway to heaven.'

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention the need for maintenance, including leveling and paving RV sites and cleaning restroom facilities. No explicit natural hazards like wildlife are noted.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station is available at the park. Contact 830-966-3413 for any immediate concerns.

Water FeaturesSabinal River runs through the park, but its shallow nature limits water activities.

Cell CoverageA user review mentions 'pretty good Wifi available at the office, on the highway entrance to the park side, not by the doors,' but no specific details about cell phone service coverage are provided.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

8 reviews

Top-Rated

Lost Maples State Natural Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Lost Maples State Natural Area highlight its natural beauty, extensive hiking opportunities, and some maintenance issues with facilities like showers and RV sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the natural beauty of the park, the extensive hiking trails, and specific landmarks like the 'stairway to heaven.' One reviewer mentioned it was a 'beautiful place to go camping.'

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviews pointed out maintenance issues, including "power steam cleaning bathrooms, toilets, and showers" and the need for leveling and paving RV sites.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is noted to be very crowded during October and November weekends. Visitors are encouraged to come on weekdays to avoid congestion.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful place to go camping also love the stairway to heaven.' 2. 'In need of maintenance....power steam cleaning bathrooms Toilets and showers.' 3. 'Beautiful park, just arrived, camping...

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews explicitly addressing accessibility features were found.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews explicitly addressing pet policies or experiences were provided.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall hikers and photographers who can snag a reservation early. October and November weekends fill fast under the 250-vehicle cap, and the maple-lined canyon trails, including the 'stairway to heaven' climb, are the main event.

Skip if

RV campers who care about site condition: reviewers flag unlevel, unpaved sites and bathrooms overdue for a deep clean. The river's too shallow for kayaking or tubing, so water-sport expectations need adjusting before arrival.

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