The best camping near Hill Country State Natural Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hill Country State Natural Area adventure.

100% (7 reviews)

Ride your horse into the sunset on land practically untouched by modern civilization!

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Hill Country State Natural Area

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Hill Country State Natural Area

Butterfly Springs Campground

2 sites In Hill Country State Natural Area

Chaquita Falls Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents In Hill Country State Natural Area

Comanche Bluff Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In Hill Country State Natural Area

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$10

/ night

Chapa’s Group Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Hill Country State Natural Area

West Verde Creek Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In Hill Country State Natural Area

from

$10

/ night

Hermit’s Shack Campground

22 sites In Hill Country State Natural Area

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$10

/ night

Trailhead Equestrian Campground

6 sites In Hill Country State Natural Area

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$15

/ night

Bar-O Developed Equestrian Area

25 sites In Hill Country State Natural Area

from

$15

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Hill Country State Natural Area

94%

(1333)

Lost Woods

43 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · San Antonio, TX

Welcome to our little piece of paradise! 55 acres of woods hidden near town. A network of trails criss-cross the creek and wind throughout the property under a peaceful canopy of large beautiful trees. Don't be surprised if you run into deer, squirrels, or roadrunners! Our property is home to a wide variety of hill-country wildlife. - Each of our campsites are private and surrounded by forest. - Each site has a fire ring for campfires - Our trees are our most precious natural resource and set this campground apart! Please don't do anything to harm them. - Port-o-john is available on site. - All of our campsites are primitive. No electric or water here. - When you camp with us you are welcome to explore and play on the entire property! We have 55 acres of trails and woods to explore! Please bring your bikes, trail shoes, or whatever helps you have fun in the wild! - Hammocks welcome! We have so many trees! All of our sites are hammock-friendly. - When you check-in, just text us, your host will help you find your campsite. - Some sites are drive-in where your vehicle can park right next to the fire. Others are walk-in and require a short hike of 100' or less from your parking space. You can indicate your preference during booking or at check-in. If you want to drive right into your site, Campsites 2, 3, 6, and 12 are the sites you want. Some of our campsites are more secluded than others and offer extreme privacy in the most beautiful settings we have to offer. If you're looking for a wilder campsite surrounded by huge old trees and all the peace the woods have to offer, just request Campsites 4, 5, 7, or 8. Each of these sites requires a walk of at least 50' from your vehicle to the fire ring. Site 13 is only for backpackers or people willing to hike about 500 yards to the campsite over rough terrain. There is no way to drive to it or even get close except on foot. But it is spectacular and beautiful! Only three sites can accommodate a smaller trailer or camper. Site 1, Site 2, and site 6. Please notify me in your booking if you intend to bring a camper and I can accommodate you. We practice leave-no-trace as much as possible. So please pack out anything you pack in. You are responsible for removing all trash. If any garbage is left behind in your site you will be billed for the cleanup. We have a dumpster located near the front gate. Please use it and put all your trash in there. Heads-up! We have a small farm on the property. Dogs are always welcome and we LOVE our furry friends! For their safety and the safety of our livestock please keep them leashed while on property.

99%

(117)

Laf ranch

34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1100 acres · Medina, TX

1100 acres of gorgeous natural land at the headwaters of the Medina River. Crystal clear and clean spring feed water. Fourth-generation family owners. Remote camping. Very private with plenty of varied terrain for hiking swimming, tubing, biking or just hanging out in a hammock enjoying the breeze and peace and quiet. About 2 miles as a crow flies from Lost Maples State Park. You drive through a 13,000-acre ranch to get to us. We are at the end of a dead-end road with one way in and one way out. NO FISHING Free firewood for use during your stay and can make a good deal if you want to take some home! As our topo map shows we have a wide variety of terrain ranging from steep cliffs with huge views to shady canyons. The river cuts through the middle of the place and is surrounded by four hills that each have their unique characteristics ranging from flat oak-covered to rocky steep ridges. I guarantee you will find beauty all around. We do have a couple of fun areas to try your 4-wheel drive out. Please dont make your own....stay on trails. There are plenty of places to swim. When the Ladder is reserved, you may not swim there. Please be respectful. We have 1.5 miles of both sides of the river so plenty of places to swim. It varies a lot in depth and width over the ranch. Every camp spot has access to all the swimming holes except the ladder when it is booked. The main swimming holes are-- 1. Below the Green Cabin 2. Another my brother likes that has a cypress tree submerged you can sit on he calls the 1000 waterfalls 3. big pond which has the beginnings of a zip line if i can re-engineer how i have it tied on the opposite bank..right now its not high enough on the opposite bank. The goal is to zip line from one bank to the opposite and drop into the water...about 150 ft. It may or may not stay once we try it out...dont anyone getting hurt...But I think zip lines are a blast and we need to do a few rope swings into the water too! Follow us on Instagram and FB for updates, events and discounts https://www.instagram.com/lafranchtx/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568080263642 If you would like to see a videos from camper see below https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://youtu.be/-cWUlU8l9yI?si=bvq3IBDWp4h_GrdZ__;!!P5FZM7ryyeY!WgQmrFG0RGV_QYIvXYcnQeiuYLpvkktJkpsJD7GwAk6mmI4_e1nNqrnsmUN6tko8QVwiAOJyOA8HymhlLP7b$ https://youtu.be/OydUiRVi8V8 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jH09fJLR0dE

99%

(1168)

Seco Ridge Campgrounds

14 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · Utopia, TX

EXPERIENCE UTOPIA Private, family-friendly campgrounds in the Texas Hill Country. Great views, and just minutes from Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Natural Area. We offer 3 different types of camping experiences, so be sure to check out all of our listings. Message us if you have any questions regarding bookings during the Texas 2'clipse dates: 10/14/23 (annular eclipse) and 4/8/24 (total solar eclipse). We will be in the path of total darkness for both! -PRIMITIVE TENT CAMPING SITES- Want to get back to nature? Our secluded primitive tent camping sites are for you. Includes tent pad, fire ring, access to Community Kitchen & our Shower Haus (aka bathrooms & showers). 14-day maximum per month. -Ridge Site- Maybe you'd like to get back to nature in style? Enjoy our Ridge Site with Cargo Tent - complete with a fire ring, table and chairs, and swings. This site does not include a bed. -THE BUNKHAUS- Looking to get back to nature with all the creature comforts? Check out our Bunkhaus that sleeps 4, including a queen size bed and a set of bunk beds. The Bunkhaus has electricity, A/C and Wifi. ALL OF OUR CAMPING EXPERIENCES INCLUDE ACCESS TO: • Communal Kitchen (sinks, fridge, grills, etc.) • The Shower Haus (flushing toilets, sinks, and hot showers) • The Tree House Play Area AROUND UTOPIA • Experience driving on the 'The Twisted Sisters' (Ranch Roads, 335. 336, and 337). • Garner State Park • Lost Maples State Natural Area • Tubing the Frio River • Sabinal River • Horseback Riding • Sabinal County Museum • Frio Bat Flight • Utopia Community Park - picnic, swim & fish under the enormous cypress trees. • Dine at Lost Maples Café, The Lunchbox, or take the 20 min drive to Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery in Tarpley, Tx (featured on Food Network)

95%

(147)

Everfree Shire Ranch

52 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Devine, TX

Everfree Shire Ranch is an 11 acre estate nestled between quiet country houses and a very active horse ranch next door to the east. Rescue horses are also kept on the property in rotation. Much of the camping here is still a work in progress! So for now, a very private economical choice for campers! The central building has indoor lodging available and the side bathroom with indoor toilet / washer / dryer may be used by campers as well. A new outdoor shower is 95% complete and usable but swimwear is required because we have not finished filling in the slots between the wood fence panels. The RV Dump station is also ready for use as well as the new outhouse! If you forgot to dump on the way out or need to before arriving, please use the free dump stations on I-35 near Natalia on either side of the highway.

100%

(38)

The Charmadillo: Glamping Resort

29 sites · Lodging, Tents44 acres · Center Point, TX

A getaway tucked deep into 44 magical acres of rolling hills. 10 minutes outside of Center Point, Texas. Tucked into the top of a beautiful valley, where hills rule supreme! While on the property spend your time enjoying the rugged trails, bird watching, dark night skies, and the quiet. Don't forget to take advantage of our communal amenities including stock tank pools, sauna and outdoor shower! Currently we have 7 A-frame cabins to rent as well as dispersed camping sites! If you're interested in booking the whole property for your group shoot us a message! We have many communal spaces that are available for all guests to use! *We ask that guests clean up after themselves in the communal spaces during their stay. Allowing all guests to have access to a clean and welcoming space!* SHOWER HOUSE -4 private stalls: Shower + Toilet + Vanity *Dr.Bronner’s body wash will be provided in each shower KITCHEN: -Equipment: 4 burner range + convection oven + refrigerator + freezer + toaster + kettle + pour over cones -Tools: pots and pans + bakeware + measuring tools +cooking utensils + colander + can opener + wine opener -Pantry: olive oil + butter + salt + pepper -Breakfast: Birch Benders pancake mix (gluten free available) + syrup + oatmeal STOCK TANK POOLS -2 8 foot stock tank pools open 24/7 -Get your soak on and take in the views! SAUNA + OUTDOOR SHOWER -Sauna hours will be listed in checkin details. -The outdoor shower is not heated. It is intended for a quick refreshing rinse off, whether to cool down after the sauna or kick off your day with a rejuvenating start! THE DEN** A communal indoor space with Wifi, tables and couches. Think of a hotel lobby sort of vibe. You can also find games as well as books on plant ID and history of the area. (Found in the first bay of the garage) THE DUGOUT** A covered open air space appointed with twinkle lights and picnic tables. Intended for shaded outdoor hang space. We ask that tent campers cook there if they choose to use their own camp stoves. (Found in the open bay of the garage) The Charmadillo is a great base to explore the area! About an hour from Lost Maples, Garner State Park and Enchanted Rock. About 35 minutes to Hill Country State Natural Area. Various access points to the Guadalupe river via Center Point and Kerrville. With the addition of wineries, honkytonks, and charming bars and restaurants throughout the region.

96%

(1058)

Sparrow Bend River Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Pipe Creek, TX

Sparrow Bend River Retreat is a beautiful 8 acre multi-site vacation rental property with camping, RV sites and 2 vacation homes.With a private 300yard stretch of the crystal-clear, spring fed MEDINA RIVER your party will spend the day exploring its majestic cliffs and coves, paddling/floating the river (tubes and kayaks for rent), splashing in the shallows, playing yard games on the lawn or sunbathing on a massive bolder.Enjoy a delicious and memorable dinner in Lakehills (15min), Bandera (20min) or Boerne (25min). Or stay in and grill out over the fire, or at the provided grill.Camp sites each have a customized picnic table for you convenience.Spend you evening sharing laughs around the provided firepit as you take in the dazzling canopy of stars. (Firewood available for sale)Our family has always dreamed of hosting a place for families and friends to come enjoy nature however we would have never dreamed of finding a property as unique and beautiful as this. A lake when the water is high, a beautiful river when the waters low. All crowned by a majestic limestone bluff, complete with boulders, coves and endless room for adventures.This land was once a part of a wagon trail along the river and, if you're lucky, you can still find arrowheads along the paths.The property is gated with a high privacy fence along the neighboring borders for security.

98%

(553)

Boulderdash Cabin & Camping

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Bandera, TX

Hi Hip Campers! Spend some time in the beautiful Texas Hill Country at Boulderdash. Located along the serene Medina River, you can enjoy riverfront access and the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. Boulderdash hosts a variety of accommodations for every type of camper. Enjoy a cozy rustic three-bedroom cabin, primitive tent camping, full hookup RV sites, riverfront tent sites, and more! Play in the river,(please check lake levels) unplug, reconnect with friends and family, and enjoy the views of this beautiful country setting! Enjoy feeding the deer and watching the many varieties of birds, foxes, armadillos, squirrels and others! Our place is just 9 miles from Bandera, TX, the "Cowboy Capital of the World," where you can get a taste of the cowboy lifestyle with horseback riding, ranch tours, rodeos, museums, and more! This is one Texas destination you don't want to miss!

97%

(35)

HipCamp@RoosterRidgeKerrvilleTexas

9 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Kerrville, TX

16 dry 8 wet acres on Guadalupe river. Next to Dog Park and Close to town but still secluded from public. Hunting and Fishing Guide available . Guide available for kayak tour along river. Great place to star gaze. Small field divided by wet weather creek leading into Damned portion of River. Kayaking, Bird watching, Horse shoes and washers available. Bring your own tent, small rv or camper to the beautiful hill country. Roads have been graded recently. Pitch your tent or park your small camper trailer/rv next to the Guadalupe River. Small Lake with Lily Pads and fishing. Kayak, canoe and paddle boats on location for rent or bring your own. Running water and Electricity are not available at this time. Area is surrounded by cedar, mesquite, cypress oak and a small field. Creek bed that feeds lake. Many types of birds, butterflies and spiders to observe. Deer, fox and turkey have been seen. Grocery Store and dump station is a few miles down road. Community area near water allows access for water vessels. Public boat ramp near by on next property. Experienced Motor cycle Groups welcome. Site 4 is currently under construction for a sail boat shelter. Great fishing and kayaking river access on location. Sites 1,2,3, will have a table and fire ring with flat surface. Sites 5 and 6 are in the sticks and setting is raw land with no grooming. This is not the Ritz! This is raw land with no electricity and no running water. There are torches and solar lights at three sites. Seclusion, privacy, and peace can be found here.

98%

(304)

Overalls and Bird Calls

12 sites · Tents45 acres · Timberwood Park, TX

Welcome to the Cibolo Gardens Nature Preserve! Just 22 miles from downtown San Antonio, not far off of US 281, our educational homestead is an excellent place to camp. We’ve transformed 45 acres of what was once an active rock quarry just 15 years ago, into a healthy, regenerative, green space as well as an event and training venue. Our venue is nestled in the middle of the rapidly growing suburban landscape around us in north San Antonio. We purchased the property five years ago from good friends who had already started the mission of revitalizing the land. Today, 39 of the acres are in “preservation” status, which means that we are letting the natural micro-ecosystems that have developed from what remained of the quarrying activities 15 years ago to develop on their own. We hope to always keep this acreage in that status for generations to enjoy. The remaining 6 acres is wooded, where we live, have gardens, farm animals and where we interface equitably with our environment. Feel free to simply relax in the shade of the persimmon and juniper trees. Or, to add some activity to your stay, hike the varying terrain on our 45 acres, hunt for fossils in the dry creek bed, break out your tree / plant id books, or watch the wildlife (even if it’s just the chickens). Refresh by taking a dip in the above ground pool, or wash off in the outdoor cob shower. [Please be advised that besides campers, we also host homesteading, wilderness survival and herbal medicine classes on our site. So, you might have company, but you'll definitely have room for privacy. ] If you want to explore more Hill Country, nearby attractions for outdoor fun include the Guadalupe River State Park (16mi), Guadalupe Canoe Livery where you can rent tubes and kayaks on the river (16 mi) or Natural Bridge Cavern (17mi).

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(35)

We Are Groot

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Lakehills, TX

After a lifetime of travels, we are now (since 2019) settled down in the Texas Hill Country. We started out with 5 of us in a travel trailer in the woods, and have slowly carved out the Groot’s home. Living in an area that was once subdivided to provide camp sites for people coming to enjoy Medina lake, it only seems right to make our land available for people to do just that. Enjoy. Learn more about this land: Peace, quiet, and nature are just 30 minutes from San Antonio loop 1604. You will find our back yard travel trailer and surrounding camp site tucked away in a little forest of Elm trees. Surrounded by scrub brush and with our container workshop as a privacy wall you will enjoy the feeling of having your own space as you enjoy some relaxation around a camp fire or in the hammock. The trees offer shade and draw in nature, while the surrounding Texas Hill country and nearby Medina Lake offer plenty of additional sights and opportunities to explore.

85%

(78)

Camp Bankersmith

21 sites · RVs, Tents85 acres · Fredericksburg, TX

Don't come for the WiFi. Conveniently located 8 miles from downtown Fredericksburg, Texas and across the street from the world famous Bankersmith Dance Hall and Saloon (live music, great drinks and food Wed-Sun). Also 3 miles from the Old Bat Cave and Tunnel. Come meet our goats, longhorns, donkeys, bison and more (from a distance)!The camping/parking area is located in a large field off of the famous and beautiful Old Highway 9 (Old San Antonio Road), an historic Native American Trading Trail dating back over a thousand years. The entrance is just a short drive south of the Bankersmith Saloon on the right hand side. Look for the Grapetown Vineyard sign and head on up the asphalt road. Please confirm your stay by web or email, no calls. Just email us and stop on by. Check in during OPEN saloon hours only (check Facebook for most up to date hours of Bankersmith TX). Very casual. Guests can enjoy this Texas Original with concerts, festivals most Saturdays (google The Best of Texas Festivals) or even just by stopping by for live music (played Wed-Sun), GREAT FOOD and a cold drink. The Saloon and Restaurant is open Wed-Sun (Cowboy Church on Sundays)! Campers are of course allowed to bring in food or drink on the campgrounds but it may be easier to enjoy the food from Bankersmith’s Restaurant and Full Bar literally across the street! Voted the Best Hamburgers in Town, Steaks, Ribs, Pork Chops, Salads, Chicken Wings and more! A fun Steak Night on Friday nights. Porky Thursdays with fresh off the pit Ribs and BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches. A Dance Hall, Ghost Sightings and whole lot more (even Fried Bull Testicles)! This Bankersmith Texas Campground is primitive on site but guests are welcome to use both the restrooms and water sources across the street, in the Saloon, when open. Porta John in field of camp site as well. Again, no need to call us. Just email us and stop on by.Welcome Home! Farm rules: You are in Texas. Fences and Gates are God's way of saying, 'Respect Private Property'. You do not want to go over, under, through one of our fences without our permission or open a gate without our explicit permission. EVER. Do not enter animal pens or put your hand or arms through fences. Do NOT allow dogs to go in, or to bark at animals. We have animals on the other side of these fences that will kill both man and beast. We keep our gates locked for everyone's safety. Never open a gate without a certified employee. (Petting through the fence is NOT allowed!) Do not feed anything to our furry friends. We welcome ya'll like family, but that means respecting our property and animals like they are your own. Be smart and courteous and keep all gates locked and everyone stays happy.If there is anything that would make your stay more comfortable please feel free to ask for Bobby or Kayla at the Saloon. We'd put our numbers here so ya'll could text but HipCamp does not allow it. We are here to serve!Please remember that check out is at 12 PM. If you need longer just inform us! Population: you {for the duration of your stay} PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: Maintaining 85 acres etc is NOT cheap. Plus, the added admin of bookings, cancellations, folks on property is an expense of time and $. THE ONLY THING WE ASK: If you have a good time here PLEASE leave a review and a few photos on YELP AND GOOGLE for GRAPETOWN VINEYARD or BANKERSMITH TX. The reviews on this site, here, are great, but they do little to get the word out to our larger audience. Just check in with us. Closed Mon-Tue. Contact the Host by email for information and reservations. Safari Wine Tours and Farm Tours available on site. We have a great gift shop in the Bankersmith Dance Hall and Saloon. We also have festivals and concerts most Saturdays. The restaurant and bar at Bankersmith is open 5 days a week!

92%

(168)

HomeAway Ranch & Wildlife Preserve

62 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Boerne, TX

We're happily retired partners loving life in this wonderful oasis... And working hard to make it a bit better for our animals and guests, every single day. Mickey's recently retired from 21 years traveling the world with International Joint Special Forces and Vicky's a Cordon Bleu Chef who also recently retired. We are living our dream "retirement" in this gorgeous wooded Texas Hill-Country, caring for and playing with all sorts of fun animals and welcoming lovely people to our ranch/wildlife preserve/nature- resort, personally ensuring everyone has a memorable experience, from customized horseback-riding experiences (everything from trail rides, to horseback riding lessons to weddings and vows-renewals on horseback), to serving as concierge to preparing that special "made to order" fresh country breakfasts, champagne brunches and romantic or fun meals and treats like chocolate covered strawberries for any special occasion, including anniversaries and birthdays.

The best camping near Hill Country State Natural Area guide

Overview

About

Close to San Antonio, you can skip the dude ranches and visit this state park. You can ride across the flat prairies or venture up into the rocky canyons.

Throughout the park, there are water troughs to keep your horse hydrated. Trails crisscross the park, and you can hike on foot if you didn't bring a horse.

The Heritage Loop is a trail with great views. You wander past what's left of a ranch. Looking for something a little more challenging? With a steep climb, the West Peak Overlook pays off with stunning views in every direction.

Numerous primitive campsites dot this state park with vault toilets nearby. Prefer to camp with your horse? The park offers primitive and group equestrian campsites with a barn and corral to keep your horse comfy.

If you prefer a few modern comforts, the group lodge is for you. This 1930s ranch house has a kitchen and modern bathrooms.

Notable campgrounds

Primitive walk-in campsites provide an authentic back-to-nature experience with vault toilets nearby.
Equestrian campsites cater to horseback riders, complete with nearby water and vault toilets.
The group camp features a barn and nine stalls, ideal for larger gatherings amid the wilderness.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, as the park often reaches capacity, especially during the busy spring and fall seasons.
Reserve passes online or by phone to guarantee your spot before arriving at the park.
Consider visiting during weekdays or non-peak times for better availability.
Explore nearby camping options if the park's campsites are fully booked.

When to go

The ideal times to visit Hill Country State Natural Area are during the spring and fall when the weather is most favorable. Summer brings heat, with July averaging highs of 94°F, while winter can dip to an average low of 31°F in January.

Know before you go

Check trail and campsite availability in advance, as closures can occur due to weather conditions.
Bring all necessary supplies, including water and firewood, as there is no park store.
Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times to preserve the natural habitat.
Stay informed of fire danger conditions and burn bans by contacting the park before your visit.
Office hours are from 8:15am to 4:45pm, and reservations are highly recommended for both camping and day use.