Lost Maples State Park is known for its bigtooth maple trees with leaves that turn from green to golden yellow to vibrant red in the autumn months. But the public park, whose proper name is actually Lost Maples State Natural Area, attracts visitors all year round for the plethora of hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and camping options. 

Located about 70 miles northwest of San Antonio, Lost Maples State Park is a great place to plan some outdoor adventures on your next RV camping trip. With plenty of RV parks near Lost Maples State Park, there are lots of options to choose from, whether you prefer a campground with tricked-out amenities or a more rustic, secluded scene.

Read on to get the full scoop on visiting this pretty natural area in Texas — from Lost Maples State Park facts to the best time to visit and things to do in Lost Maples State Park!

Lost Maples State Park Facts

• Lost Maples State Park is actually a “state natural area,” so designated because the focus on this area is its environmental preservation. So while you’ll find helpful amenities and services in the park, its stewards also work hard to maintain its pristine natural state. 
• The natural area covers nearly 3,000 acres and is located five miles north of Vanderpool, Texas.
• Wildlife that make their home in the park include white-tailed deer, armadillo, raccoon, bobcat, wild turkey, and gray fox. Visiting birdwatchers keep their eyes peeled for the rare green kingfisher, as well as the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo.
• Spanish explorers set foot on this land in the Texas Hill Country in the 17th century, and there is also evidence prehistoric peoples lived here. 

Best Lost Maples State Park RV Parks and Campgrounds

This area is a popular place for camping, especially in the summer and fall months. You’ll want to start researching RV parks near Lost Maples State Park well before you plan to hit the road. Here are a few of the most popular spots for RV camping near Lost Maples State Park.

Lost Maples State Natural Area Campsites

Amenities: Lost Maples State Park RV sites are located just as you enter the park from the south. Each site has 30 amp and water hookups, fire ring, picnic table, and shade shelter. There are restrooms with showers as well. This is a basic campground but a good bet if you want to be right in the park, with easy access to hiking trails and other park activities.
Capacity: 28 RV sites
More information: Lost Maples State Natural Area 

Lost Maples RV & Camping

Amenities: Lost Maples State RV & Camping is one of the RV parks near Lost Maples State Park. Sites have 30/50 amp and full sewer and water hookups. Public restrooms are on site. Lost Maples Country Store is well stocked with any provision you might need, from camping supplies to beer and wine to ice cream treats! 
Capacity: 19 RV sites
More information: Lost Maples RV & Camping 

Frio River RV Park

Amenities: Frio River RV Park is located on the banks of the Frio River  — go tubing, kayaking, or swimming just steps from your camper! Sites have 30/50 amp plus water and sewer hookups. Note that the published minimum stay is three nights during peak season, two nights in the off season. Golf cart rentals are available here. 
Capacity: 23 RV sites
More information: Frio River RV Park

Hill Country Resort & Event Center

Amenities: If you’d like to camp at an RV park near Lost Maples State Park with lots of bells and whistles, check out the Hill Country Resort & Event Center. You can play foosball, ping pong, or air hockey in the rec center, which is also home to some fitness equipment. There’s a swimming pool that’s shaped like Texas with a separate shallow area for little ones. You’re welcome to use the shared barbecue pits and smokers, and shower facilities are on-site as well. This RV park is set in a pretty natural area next to the Medina River, and there are walking nature trails nearby. RV sites have water and sewer hookups with 20/30/50 amp electric. 
Capacity: 75 RV sites
More information: Hill Country Resort & Event Center

Medina Highpoint Resort

Amenities: Each spacious RV camping spot at Medina High Point Resort has a fire pit, picnic table, and 20/30/50 amp, water, and sewer hookups. Each site also has a dedicated space for your tow or chase vehicle. Amenities include a modern infinity pool, playground, fishing pond, and dog park. If you’re looking for some competitive fun, challenge fellow campers to a game of cornhole, shuffleboard, or billiards. 
Capacity: 50 RV sites
More information: Medina Highpoint Resort 

Best Time to Visit Lost Maples State Park for RV Camping

Visitors flock to Lost Maples State Park in the autumn months, since the trees’ colors are especially dazzling then — so most folks would say the fall is the best time to visit Lost Maples State Park. That said, there are compelling reasons to visit in any season. Here’s the scoop: 

Winter

Fewer crowds mean it may feel you’ll have Lost Maples State Park to yourself in the winter months — you certainly won’t bump elbows with too many people on the hiking trails. Stargazing may be especially impressive in the crisp, cool winter air. 

Spring

Spring means warmer temperatures at Lost Maples State Park. In fact, in May, the average daily high temperature is 85°F. This is when the wildflowers will start blooming, and it’s a great time for bird watching here. 

Summer

The summer months bring the heat in Texas! In the Vanderpool area in July and August, daily highs may reach 93°F or more. That means you’ll want to plan your hikes or other outdoor fun for the morning before the sun reaches its peak, then take time for a siesta in your air-conditioned RV. Or, head over to nearby Medina Lake for a swim!

Fall

The autumn is when Lost Maples State Park really shines. The fall foliage — with colors ranging from golden yellow to fiery orange to vibrant red — is spectacular. The park’s website updates a fall foliage report weekly from the beginning of October through the third week of November; peak viewing times are probably October 15 to November 15. 

This is the park’s busiest time, so be prepared for congestion on the trails and park roads, and plan to book your Lost Maples State Park RV campground early!

Things to Do in Lost Maples State Park 

You’ve figured out when you’ll plan your trip to the area, and you’ve booked your campground — now, you’ll want to know how you might spend your days. Here are few key things to do in Lost Maples State Park:

• Head out for a hike: Trails here range from an easy .4-mile nature walk to a stand of bigtooth maples to a challenging 3.6-mile trek along steep terrain.
• Check out Monkey Rock and the Grotto: There are two neat natural formations along the challenging 3-mile East Trail. Monkey Rock is an unusual limestone outcropping, and the Grotto is a fern-covered cave-like area with drip springs, where you’ll likely find the temperature a few degrees cooler.
• Admire the stars. Lost Maples State Park is a wonderful place to gaze at the stars with little light pollution once the sun goes down. There’s an entire page on the natural area’s website about stargazing with tools to help you best spot constellations. 
• Go fishing. You can toss a line in the Sabinal River or Can Creek, both of which wind their way through the park. No fishing license is required! 

Tips on Visiting Lost Maples State Park 

We’ve shared loads of great info for planning your trip to this Texas state park. But there’s still more to learn before hitting the wild west. Here are a few more tips on visiting Lost Maples State Park.

• Note that some visitors have reported sketchy cell service here. Before your trip, you’ll want to download or print any maps or info, like this handy trail map if you find yourself with no bars in the park (though you should be able to pick up printed materials at the park entrance). 
• When you’re hiking or otherwise exploring Lost Maples State Park, be sure to pack out your trash, don’t feed the wild animals, and walk on designated trails only. 
• Especially in the hot summer months, be sure to bring along plenty of water on your adventures in the park. 
• If you plan on visiting many state parks and state natural areas in Texas, consider buying the Texas State Parks Pass to avoid having to pay daily entrance fees, which can add up!

RV Rentals for Vacationing at Lost Maples State Park

Photo Credit: Instagram User  @timwhybrow_

Now that you’re armed with plenty of information about Lost Maples State Park RV camping, we bet you’re ready to hit the road to discover all this natural area in Texas has to offer! 

Consider a Lost Maples State Park RV rental from Cruise America. After all, with more than 130 RV rental centers across the United States and Canada, there’s surely a convenient spot to pick up and return your Cruise America RV rental. 

Plus, Cruise America offers RV rentals in multiple sizes for all budget ranges. From a truck camper to a large RV, each vehicle is equipped with key comforts of home, such as a shower, toilet, cooktop, refrigerator, and microwave — all you need to make your Lost Maples State Park RV camping adventure comfortable, convenient, and fun.

Contact Cruise America to learn more about RV rentals for Lost Maples State Park. Then you’ll be well on your way to a fabulous RV camping trip!