Lost Maples is known for the fall colors on the trees.
Location
37221 FM 187, Venderpool, Texas 78885
Cost
The entry fee for Lost Maples 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 campsite.
To save money when visiting Lost Maples, 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.
The trees change colors in October and November, making it especially important to get a reservation then.
Staying at Lost Maples State Natural Area
Campsites
Hike-in primitive campsites are $10. Campsites are accessed by hiking from the parking area. Hiking is only allowed on the trail. There are some chemical toilets that can be accessed on the trail.
Campsites with electricity are $20 per night. Campsites have a picnic table, a fire ring, and a shade shelter. There are hookups for water and electric. Bathrooms with showers are in the vicinity.
Restrooms in Lost Maples State Natural Area
There are bathrooms provided throughout the park. The campsites with electricity have bathrooms with showers. There are also bathrooms near the picnic area. Along the hiking trails there are chemical toilets.
Hiking Trails
Trails ten miles of trails in the park that range in difficulty from easy to challenging.
East Trail is 3.1 miles long over a challenging terrain.
West Trail is 3.6 miles long with hills and rocks.
What is there to do at Lost Maples State Natural Area?
The main attraction at the park is the fall foliage. The Uvalde Bigtooth Maples are known for their beautiful fall colors.
You can fish in Can Creek or the Sabinal River. Fishing licenses are not required for fishing from the shores of a state park.
Go stargazing. There is very little light pollution in the area, providing for excellent stargazing.
Try you hand at nature photography or going birding. Armadillo, deer, and rabbits live in the park.
Dogs at Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples 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 bathrooms.
What to do near Lost Maples State Natural Area
Utopia, Texas
Utopia, Texas is 15 miles from Lost Maples. Have lunch as Lost Maples Cafe or enjoy the Utopia Park which is right on the Sabinal River.
Bandera, Texas
Bandera, Texas is 39 miles from Lost Maples. Bandera is the county seat of Bandera County, Texas. You can visit the Bandera Natural History Museum or the Frontier Times Museum.