Lost Maples State Natural Area RV & Campground Guide
Texas
Lost Maples State Natural Area
was created in 1979 after the land was purchased from private owners to protect a special stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples. About 200,000 people annually come to this state park near Vanderpool, Texas, to enjoy the beautiful fall colors that occur in mid-to-late October annually. This park, located 30 miles west of Bandera, Texas, offers year-round opportunities, including birding, hiking, fishing, and biking. Others come to this state's natural area, which is also located about 90 miles west of San Antonio, Texas, to join in the stargazing parties because this state park is known to have some of the darkest skies in Texas.
Spring 50 – 79 F
Summer 68 – 92 F
Fall 57 – 84 F
Winter 33 – 63 F
Vanderpool, Texas
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lost Maples State Natural Area
With fun activities happening at this state's natural area from early morning to late night, you will not want to miss a moment of the action, and bringing your RV allows you to stay close to the action. If you do not have one, then consider renting one on RVshare.com.
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
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.
Outside Lost Maples State Natural Area
Nearby Bandera is known as the Cowboy Capital of the World, and you can find many fun activities related to the western way of life to participate in. Vanderpool is a sleepy farming community surrounded by numerous scenic drives that have been rated as some of the best in the state. Utopia and other communities are also nearby and welcome you to come to visit them.
Restaurants
Lost Maples Café
Set inside a building that was constructed in 1904, this Utopia restaurant is a great place to start your day a hearty breakfast, or come back later for chicken fried steaks, lamb sliders, fish baskets, or hamburgers.
Type: American
Location: 384 Main Street, Utopia, Texas 78884
Laurel Tree Restaurant
This special-occasion restaurant that is only open on Saturday features a fixed-course menu with guests being able to choose between two main entrees.
Type: French
Location: 384 Main Street, Utopia, Texas 78884
OST Restaurant
Since 1921, diners have been stopping at this restaurant on the Old Spanish Trail for outstanding food and to soak in the atmosphere, and you can choose between about four lunch and dinner specials daily at this restaurant where you can sit on saddles at the bar.
Type: American
Location: 305 Main Street, Bandera, Texas 76003
Brick’s River Café
Sandwiches, steaks, and country-fried meats are served at this restaurant located on the banks of the Medina River.
Type: American
Location: 1205 Main Street, Bandera, Texas 76003
TJ's at the Old Forge
This two-story sports bar offers a wide range of food from steaks to hamburgers that you can enjoy inside or on the patio while watching the game on television.
Type: American
Location: 807 Main Street, Bandera, Texas 76003
Shopping
Lost Maples General Store
Stock up on forgotten camping supplies or get food for your rented RV at this small grocery store.
Location: 33533 RM 187, Vanderpool, Texas 78885
Main Street Utopia
Find French antiques shipped straight from France along with books, cards, jewelry, ladies' clothing, home decor, crafts, quilts, gifts, and collectibles at this store.
Location: 282 Main Street, Utopia, Texas 78884
Branding Iron Western Gift Shop
Discover all types of Western souvenirs and memorabilia at this gift shop that also sells tees.
Location: 319 Main Street, Bandera, Texas 78003
American Indian Jewelry Store
Shop for bracelets, rings, necklaces, and more at this store that sells authentic jewelry from the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes.
Location: 323 Main Street, Bandera, Texas 78003
Bandera General Store
Select from over 500 pairs of gently worn cowboy boots at this store where you can also find Western-inspired gifts and get ice cream.
Location: 06 Main Street, Bandera, Texas 78003
Sightseeing
Bandera Natural History Museum
See over 100 full-body animal mounts positioned in hand-painted dioramas portraying dinosaurs and ice age animals in their natural habitats. Children can pretend to be paleontologists as they solve interactive puzzles.
Location: 267 Old San Antonio Road, Bandera, Texas 78003
Frontier Times Museum
View a fantastic collection of curiosities from Texas frontier times, learn about the construction of Medina Lake, and see artwork by early and current Western artists from Texas at this museum.
Location: 510 13th Street, Bandera, Texas 78003
Lone Star Motorcycle Museum
Located less than 1 mile from Lost Maples State Natural Area, this motorcycle museum that is open from March to November features many different vintage motorcycles.
Location: 36517 RM 187, Vanderpool, Texas 78885
Town Mountain Miniatures Museum
See an extensive collection of miniatures, including dolls, dollhouses, and holiday décor. You can even sign up to take one of their one-day courses to learn to make miniatures.
Location: 1010 Hackberry Street, Bandera, Texas 78003
Trails End Ranch
Discover dinosaur footprints in the river and observe exotic animals from around the world at this ranch setting.
Location: 622 American Way, Medina, Texas, 78055
How to Get to
Lost Maples State Natural Area
If you are coming to Lost Maples State Natural Area from San Antonio, you will have at least two choices. You can take US 90 West to Sabinal, Texas. Then, turn right on RM187 and drive until you reach the park in about 37 miles. You can also take Interstate 10 West to Exit 556A. Follow Texas 16 N to Medina. Then, turn left on Ranch Road 337 to reach Vanderpool, where you will turn right on RM 187 to reach the park.
If you are coming to the park from Austin, take Interstate 35 South to Exit 172 at Universal City, Texas. Take the Texas 1604 loop and exit on TX 16 North. Drive to Medina, where you will take a left on Ranch Road 337 to reach Vanderpool. You will need to turn right on RM 187 to enter the park.
Entering Lost Maples State Natural Area
The natural area is open daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Per person : $6
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]