Hill Country State Natural Area opened in 1984. The natural area has a lot of trails, and allows horseback riding.
Location
10600 Bandera Creek Road, Bandera, Texas 78003
Cost
The entry fee for the Hill Country State Natural Area is $6 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting the Hill Country State Natural Area, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans.
This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
Staying at the Hill Country State Natural Area
Campsites
Campsites may be closed after bad weather for environmental protection.
Hike-in primitive campsites are $10 per night. Fires are not allowed, but containerized fuel stoves are. The sites are a few miles from the closest parking area and require a hike. These are primitive campsites that have a picnic table, but do not have water or other amenities.
Walk-in primitive campsites are $12 per night. These campsites are much closer to the parking area, but still require a short walk. There is a picnic table, a fire ring, and water. There is a chemical toilet in the vicinity.
Equestrian primitive sites are $17 per night. The sites have a picnic table, fire ring, water, and a toilet in the vicinity. There are two horse pens.
Group Facilities
There is a group lodge that was a ranch house in the 1930’s. The lodge has beds for nine people, but twelve can stay inside if you bring your own cots. Tents and RV’s can be used outside the lodge. There are places for horses as well. You must bring your own linens and kitchen utensils. The lodge has electricity, air conditioning, a kitchen and a bathroom with a shower.
Equestrian group camp is available for groups traveling with horses. There is a barn with nine horse stalls and there are ten campsites with electric hookups, water, fire rings, and a toilet in the vicinity.
Restrooms in the Hill Country State Natural Area
Most of the bathrooms are vault toilets.
Hiking Trails
There are over forty miles of trails in the park. The trails are mixed use for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Wilderness Trail is 3.1 miles long and is the longest trail in the park. It is only moderate difficulty.
West Peak Overlook Trail is 1.2 miles long as is one of the most challenging trails in the park, it has steep inclines and good views.
Ice Cream Hill Trail is 1.5 miles and is also a challenging trail with steep inclines.
What is there to do at Hill Country State Natural Area?
Go hiking on one of the many trails.
Mountain biking is also allowed on all of the trails.
Horseback riding is allowed on all of the trails. Guided horseback rides are available through local outfitting companies.
Dogs at Hill Country State Natural Area
Hill Country State Natural Area allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, including cabins and bathrooms.
What to do near Hill Country State Natural Area
Bandera, Texas
Bandera, Texas is known as the cowboy capital of the world. The town is eleven miles from the park. The town has museums such as the Bandera Natural History Museum or the Frontier Times Museum. It also has shops, wineries and horseback riding.