Lost Maples State Natural Area
00 review37221 FM 187, VANDERPOOL, Texas, 78885, United States
Lost Maples State Natural Area
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Day Use Fee is $6 per day, per person aged 13 and older. This applies to entry to the park.
About this campground
Nestled in the rugged limestone canyons of the Texas Hill Country, Lost Maples State Natural Area transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of crimson, gold, and amber each autumn. While the Sabinal River meanders gently through the park as a serene backdrop for hikers and nature lovers, the true magic unfolds along the scenic trails that wind through stands of rare Uvalde bigtooth maples. October and November bring waves of leaf-peepers eager to witness one of Texas's most spectacular fall displays, making early reservations essential for those seeking to experience this natural phenomenon.
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 SeasonsLost Maples offers its most enchanting camping experiences under crystal-clear autumn skies, when moderate temperatures create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. While the famous fall foliage season draws the largest crowds in October and November, savvy campers discover that the park's beauty extends throughout the year, with wildflower blooms in spring and peaceful summer mornings along the river. The area typically enjoys minimal rainfall during peak camping weeks, ensuring your outdoor plans stay on track.
Natural Features and SceneryThe park's crown jewels are its winding trails that lead adventurers through dramatic limestone canyons to panoramic overlooks, where the full majesty of the Texas Hill Country unfolds before your eyes. The shallow, spring-fed Sabinal River creates tranquil pools perfect for cooling off after a hike, while towering cypress trees provide shaded respites along its banks. Every turn of the trail reveals new vistas, from hidden groves of ancient maples to sun-drenched meadows where deer graze in the golden hour light.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features is available.
Sites SizeNo details about campsite sizes are provided.
Sites PrivacyNo information about campsite privacy is mentioned.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No information about group sites is available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Cancellation PolicyIf plans change, visitors are encouraged to modify or cancel reservations as soon as possible to allow others to enjoy the park.
Amenities available
Showers
Dump station
Camp Store
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
Extensive hiking trails are available on-site, including routes with scenic overlooks. User reviews describe the hiking as plentiful and recommend exploring trails like the 'stairway to heaven.'Fishing
Fishing is mentioned as an activity within the facilities, but no specific details about fish types or fishing conditions are provided.Winter Activities
No information about winter activities is provided.Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports is available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention the need for maintenance, including leveling and paving RV sites and cleaning restroom facilities. No explicit natural hazards like wildlife are noted.
Active alertsPrevious alerts included closures of Hwy 337 due to bridge replacement.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger Station is available at the park. Contact 830-966-3413 for any immediate concerns.
Good to know
Peak season datesOctober and November are noted as peak seasons when the park is crowded, especially on weekends.
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresSabinal River runs through the park, but its shallow nature limits water activities.
Common complaints"In need of maintenance... power steam cleaning bathrooms Toilets and showers." - User review. "RV sites in need of leveling and paving." - User review.
Campground Map
37221 FM 187, VANDERPOOL, Texas, 78885, United States
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.Nearby supplies
Park Store within the park offers some essential items. Additional supplies may require travel to nearby towns.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Lost Maples State Natural Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
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.'
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.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No specific tips or recommendations were provided in the user 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.
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...
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Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers or detailed descriptions of individual sites were mentioned in user reviews.
Accessibility Features
No reviews explicitly addressing accessibility features were found.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews explicitly addressing pet policies or experiences were provided.
Last updated August 10, 2025