A unique stand of trees known as Uvalde bigtooth maples draws thousands of visitors to this 
park every year to get a glimpse of the changing fall colors—a seasonal show not often seen 
in Texas. But at other times of year, Lost Maples also provides scenery with its steep canyon 
walls and views of the Sabinal River, plus 11 miles of hiking trails that wind from the valley floor
all the way to the top of a 2,200-foot ridge. The natural area and its pet-friendly campground 
are set two hours northwest of San Antonio and 30 minutes from Rio Frio, another popular 
spot in this part of Texas.Campers can choose from primitive campsites and sites with water 
and electricity.

• Best for hikers: Hike-in campsites provide primitive camping with one to three miles of hiking required and composting toilets nearby.
• Best for river lovers: Campsites with electricity offer great views of the Sabinal River.

1. Hipcampers can snag a reservation over at the Texas State Parks reservation website up to five months in advance. Check online for last-minute cancellations
2. Primitive sites and weekday stays are generally your best bets if other sites are booked.

Naturally, Lost Maples is swarmed with visitors in October and November, all seeking a peek at those fall leaves. Timing can be tricky with peak fall color varying from year to year and only lasting a brief period of time before the leaves fall to the ground. The park staff provides weekly foliage reports to help visitors time their stays. March, April, and May also tend to see more visitors than other times of year. Make your reservations well in advance, and try to get here during a weekday as opposed to the weekend.

• Cell phone service is unreliable or unavailable.
• Hipcampers can swim in the river, but it’s too shallow for tubing or kayaking.
• No fishing license is required for fishing from the banks of the Sabinal River or Can Creek.