T
Tami D.
Scout
ScoutWes Cooksey County Park
Nice park
It's not a resort but it's cheap and a great place to spend a day or two, quiet and serene right on the river. Will use again when passing through.
Best Campgrounds near Vanderpool, TX
Campgrounds surrounding Vanderpool, Texas range from primitive hike-in sites to full-service RV parks with cabin options. Lost Maples State Natural Area offers both established campgrounds with water and electric hookups and remote primitive campsites along hiking trails. Several miles south, Garner State Park provides multiple campground areas including Rio Frio, Live Oak, Pecan Grove, and Oakmont, catering to both tent and RV campers with varying amenities and proximity to natural features.
The Texas Hill Country climate affects camping conditions year-round, with fall being the most popular season for visitors seeking colorful foliage displays. "The fall colors are beautiful (not like Northeast colors, but very nice for Texas). There are picnic areas and a nice 4 mile loop to take in the tree scenery too," noted one camper about Lost Maples. Reservation planning is essential, particularly for autumn visits when some campers report booking nearly a year in advance. Many campgrounds have limited or no cell service, with one visitor mentioning Lost Maples as "a complete deadzone for cellular" where they had "absolutely zero service on cellphone, antenna TV, or wifi/4g." Winter brings cooler temperatures while summer heat makes water access important for comfort.
Several public and private campgrounds in the area feature river access, with the Sabinal River running through Lost Maples and the Frio River near Garner State Park campgrounds. Visitors consistently rate water proximity as a highlight. The landscape includes rocky trails with elevation changes, making some hikes moderately challenging. A review described Lost Maples hiking as having "portions on the map that are marked steep are very accurate. There are loose rocks in the steep areas, so I'd suggest hiking with boots that have good ankle support/protection." Campground capacity varies significantly, with Lost Maples RV and Camping offering 25 sites while the state parks have multiple camping areas with different layouts. Reviews frequently mention the tradeoff between privacy and amenities, with primitive sites offering solitude while established campgrounds provide conveniences like showers, picnic tables, and hookups.
Best Camping Sites Near Vanderpool, Texas (121)
1. Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground
43 ReviewsVanderpool, TX4 milesWebsite+1 (830) 966-3413$10 - $20 / night
"Lost Maples State Natural Area has some beautiful hiking trails and backpacking areas."
"Lost Maples State Natural Area has some beautiful hiking trails and backpacking areas. There are basically two loops - an East Trail and a West Trail and each covers about 4-5 miles."
2. Rio Frio — Garner State Park
36 ReviewsConcan, TX16 milesWebsite+1 (830) 232-6132$15 - $26 / night
"Garner state park has been one of my most favorite campgrounds in south texas."
"This site was located 2 sites away from a wide road to the river. We took our kayak down this path on wheels (would’ve been a hassle without the kayak carrier)."
3. Live Oak — Garner State Park
15 ReviewsConcan, TX15 milesWebsite+1 (830) 232-6132$26 / night
"A challenge to get into the park (hour and a half wait) and a challenge to hike the trails. Some of the steepest trails in Texas, but they are worth the views!"
"It's quiet, spacious sites and if you get on the outside loop on the river then you have river access."
4. Lost Maples RV and Camping
5 ReviewsVanderpool, TX1 mileWebsite+1 (830) 966-3912$10 - $170 / night
"A walking distance from the campsite is an amazing trail that takes you through a small section of maple trees. Those maple trees were said to have made it from the ice age!"
"Hiking trails."
5. Pecan Grove — Garner State Park
10 ReviewsConcan, TX16 milesWebsite+1 (830) 232-6132$20 - $35 / night
"It was a huge spot and was within walking distance to.....everywhere!! We had a dried creek bed behind our site that led to the river and my kids loved it."
"Great hiking trails. Must see in Texas."
6. Oakmont — Garner State Park
8 ReviewsConcan, TX15 milesWebsite+1 (830) 232-6132$26 - $150 / night
"Bring your dancing boots, because they play amazing Texas county."
"We were in walking distance of the park store and the river. The hiking here is fantastic. Must of the hikes include elevation changes and rocky ground, so I would call them moderately difficult."
7. Parkview Riverside RV Park
7 ReviewsConcan, TX15 milesWebsite+1 (830) 232-4006"Let's start off with the positives:
- Awesome friendly staff.
- Old Pickleball court to practice on.
- The Rio Frio...you can't beat it.
- Friendly staff.
- Quiet on the weekdays.
- Dog friendly"
"There are two river access points fairly close to each other. One is a dirt ramp and the other is a steep set of metal stairs."
8. Shady Meadows — Garner State Park
7 ReviewsConcan, TX16 milesWebsite+1 (830) 232-6132$22 - $35 / night
"The park was clean, people were friendly, and the area I camped at wasn't in Garner (the sites right across the river) but it was still a great spot next to the river."
"I like that it is in “Old Garner”, so it is close to more of the trails, the main swimming area, the store, etc. but it is far enough away to be free of the noise and other activities that go with Old"
9. River Crossing — Garner State Park
6 ReviewsConcan, TX15 milesWebsite+1 (830) 232-6132$22 - $30 / night
"Had to drive to Park Headquarters to get Wi-Fi and that was spotty. Park store had plenty to offer but as you can imagine prices were a much inflated."
"There are plenty of stores, a food truck, kayak and paddleboat rentals, mini golf, a laundromat, and great challenging hiking trails."
10. Persimmon Hill — Garner State Park
5 ReviewsConcan, TX15 milesWebsite+1 (830) 232-6132$15 / night
"At the pavilion around 830pm on the weekends they have a dance. A hike up Old Baldy is a must. It’s a workout but the views are well worth it. The RV sites are mostly level."
Recent Camping Photos near Vanderpool, TX
134 Photos of 121 Vanderpool Campgrounds
Ronny B.
Lost Maples RV and Camping
The Dyrt
A Peace Of Heaven Cabins and RV Park, LLC
Rhonda F.
A Peace of Heaven Cabins &RV
Brian V.
Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground
Whitney R.
Nana's RV Park on the Frio
Chad L.
Live Oak — Garner State Park
Katelyn R.
Persimmon Hill — Garner State Park
Taylor A.
Parkview Riverside RV Park
Deborah C.
River Crossing — Garner State Park
Chris H.
Pecan Grove — Garner State Park
John R.
Camp Riverview
Barbara R.
Rio Frio — Garner State Park
Recent Reviews near Vanderpool, TX
393 Reviews of 121 Vanderpool Campgrounds
Todd B.
GuideHidden View RV Park
Great Park. Very reasonable.
Owners are very friendly and helpful! Rates are great. Not a resort but the price is right and the spots accommodate rigs of any size. Mostly long term people. Very friendly and quiet. I don't even look elsewhere when in the area.
- Neil T.
LegendLost Maples State Natural Area Campground
Camp was great - spring break crowd not so much
Camp was clean and the area is awesome. Our site didn’t have much buffer from the site next to us, which usually doesn’t bother me.
Being spring break, the campground was full of kids. It’s great to see them enjoying nature, having fun, and being kids…but several of them were pretty wild without parents doing much to rein them in. Definitely not the park’s fault.
It was well patrolled, but that didn’t stop some camps from lighting camp fires even though a burn ban was in place.
Nice hiking along the river. Would love to be back during the fall.
- Neil T.Legend
Memmie’s Farm
Perfect Stop for Us
Our route got changed when our plans changed and we needed a last minute stop for a quick overnight stay. We arrived about an hour before sundown and had to leave at sunup, so we didn’t get to explore the river.
But our spot was perfect for our rooftop tent setup. Usually last minute stops put us in an RV park and this spot was so much better than that. Still felt like camping and not just a spot to park.
We could hear turkeys and coyotes and owls. We enjoyed the stars and felt safe and secure.
There was some road noise from a nearby highway, but it died down at bedtime and dust disturb our sleep.
The best part was the communication from the camp host. She gave great directions and checked on us to make sure we were good with everything. Close to Bandera for a quick breakfast before we continued our journey.
- Susan W.Guide
Kerrville-Schreiner Park
Road to the coast
This is a wonderful park and campground! Hiking and biking trails galore. Deer were everywhere. It's along the Guadalupe River which still bears flood scars from last summer. Very few people this time of year.
- DDawn D.Guide
Johnson Creek RV Resort & Park
Johnson creek
So far so good. Good T-mobile. Decent price with passport America. Concrete pads not super level. The birds are really loud
melissa R.ScoutNueces River RV and Cabin Resort
Uvalde Texas
Very nice campground. Very clean restrooms and showers. Laundry room in camp
- CColleen P.Guide
Old River Road RV Resort
Great place anytime of year!
This is a great park for a few days weeks, or a season. The sites are a decent size whether back in or pull through. All have full hookups with level sites and a picnic table. There are two dog parks, a bouncy feature, playground, basketball court, I door and outdoor pools with hot tubs as well as laundromats, exercise room, clean bathrooms with showers. They also have very nice cabins. There is a huge community/rally room with a full kitchen as well as a game room. The park has planned activities. The staff is friendly and helpful. They even have golf cars for rent. The park is located next to a river for fishing.
Kyle
TravelerCamp Riverview
Beautiful & private hill country river to swim, RV, camp & cabins
I visited Camp Riverview in late October. What a gorgeous place! This is such a special place with private access to the Frio River in the Texas Hill country
The signage is great out at the highway and on the county Road. Easy to find, and easy for large rigs to navigate and park.
Someone worked very hard to build up the RV sites. They are giant, level, and raised, bordered by railroad ties. They look great. I like the decks hanging off the back. I like that the sites are all bordered with the railroad ties. It defines them and keeps the grass from growing over it.
The cabins in pastel themes look matching and cute. Good use of the same color throughout the property.
The bathhouse signage is cute. Pink and blue bathroom signs with guys and girls symbols.
Golf carts to rent. Well stocked camp store. Ice. So much river frontage. It's incredible! And absolutely beautiful.
Guide to Vanderpool
Vanderpool, Texas serves as a gateway to multiple established campgrounds where visitors can experience the Texas Hill Country's natural beauty. Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground offers both developed sites with amenities and primitive backcountry camping options, while Lost Maples RV and Camping provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. The region includes several campgrounds within Garner State Park approximately 20 miles southwest in Concan, creating a network of camping opportunities throughout the Frio River valley area. Most locations support both tent and RV camping, with several offering electric hookups, water connections, and shower facilities.
Road access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with fall being particularly popular due to the maple foliage displays at Lost Maples. Reservations become essential during this period, often requiring booking 6 months in advance. "Perhaps the best time of the year to visit is in November when the weather is cool and the fall foliage takes place," notes one visitor to Lost Maples. Summer brings higher temperatures with daytime averages in the 90s, though swimming opportunities exist at various water features. Most campgrounds require advance reservations through Texas Parks and Wildlife or private operators. Cell service can be limited or non-existent in canyons and remote areas, improving only at higher elevations along hiking trails.
Campers consistently highlight the hiking opportunities as a primary draw, particularly at Lost Maples State Natural Area where trail systems connect camping areas with scenic overlooks and water features. The East and West Loop trails receive special mention for their diversity of terrain and vegetation. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "The hikes are amazing. A really great climb in elevation for not having mountains. There are tons of creeks that are crossed as well to cool yourself or your pup off in." Though developed campgrounds can feel exposed with limited shade and privacy between sites, the surrounding trails and swimming areas compensate for this drawback. Several private campgrounds complement the state park options, providing alternative accommodations when public lands reach capacity during popular weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Vanderpool, TX?
Which is the most popular campground near Vanderpool, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Vanderpool, TX is Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 43 reviews.
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