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Turn Key · 12-07-2003, 09:33 AM

Garner & Lost Maples SP’s
Spring, 2003

While we are camping at one park, we often take the time to check out other parks in the area. Our last trip to Guadalupe River SP was no exception. We had one day that promised to be a bit cloudy and misty so we felt that this was the time to do a bit of touring. I had heard and read a lot about Garner and Lost Maples SP's but had not checked them out as yet. The following is what we found about these two parks.

Garner SP is located about 70 mile west and a little north of San Antonio. It is at the northern extreme of Uvalde County, near the town of Leaky. We found it to be a very large park with much to do, the main recreation appearing to revolve around the Frio River. There is a lot of interest in tubing and canoeing. Even though the river was nice enough, I must say that I have seen prettier in Texas. There is also other types of activities, two of them being miniature golf and bike rental. Park has a large number of camping sites set into 7 loops. All appears well cared for and clean. Camping is very "open" which is not something we like. Also, shade is at a premium.

We only spent about 30 minutes at this park. Driving in you will notice a very large and extensive "check-in" area. This will give you a clue what this park must be like during the warmer parts of the year and on weekends. Even though I can find nothing wrong with this park, it is not the type of place DW and I are likely to return to. It just does not fit our idea of camping.

On the same day we took a drive through Lost Maples SP. This park is about 20 miles northeast of Garner, near the town of Vanderpool in Bandera County. It is set in the valley of a couple of mountains (big hills?) and better fits our idea of what we like in a state park. This parks "claim to fame" appears to be about 13-14 miles of what looks like great hiking trails. I understand that these trails are well known and take you to and through some beautiful areas. According to "Mr. Ranger", this park gets a large contingent of out-of-state and even out-of-country visitors who take part in some excellent "birding". Being as we had not planned for it, DW and I were ill equipped to do much more then take a quick look. What I saw just left me wanting more.

Camping in this park is on a very small scale. There are only 30 "power & water" sites in one loop. Camping area is very "open" with little privacy and not much shade except for the covered picnic table. Best sites by our judgment were numbers 16, 17 & 30 (limited privacy due to distance from other sites) and sites 5 & 19 (limited shade). Shower house is modern and clean. There is also a very nice Interpretive Center at the main entrance.

DW and I both liked this park and are considering a "fall" trip. Most likely we will return here for a full day of hiking the next time we take one of our "long" trips to South Llano River SP.
That about raps it up for these two parks. Hope you find this info of some help.

Happy Camping!

12-07-2003, 09:33 AM	#10
Turn Key Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: North Central Texas Posts: 535	Review of Garner & Lost Mapels Garner & Lost Maples SP’s Spring, 2003 While we are camping at one park, we often take the time to check out other parks in the area. Our last trip to Guadalupe River SP was no exception. We had one day that promised to be a bit cloudy and misty so we felt that this was the time to do a bit of touring. I had heard and read a lot about Garner and Lost Maples SP's but had not checked them out as yet. The following is what we found about these two parks. Garner SP is located about 70 mile west and a little north of San Antonio. It is at the northern extreme of Uvalde County, near the town of Leaky. We found it to be a very large park with much to do, the main recreation appearing to revolve around the Frio River. There is a lot of interest in tubing and canoeing. Even though the river was nice enough, I must say that I have seen prettier in Texas. There is also other types of activities, two of them being miniature golf and bike rental. Park has a large number of camping sites set into 7 loops. All appears well cared for and clean. Camping is very "open" which is not something we like. Also, shade is at a premium. We only spent about 30 minutes at this park. Driving in you will notice a very large and extensive "check-in" area. This will give you a clue what this park must be like during the warmer parts of the year and on weekends. Even though I can find nothing wrong with this park, it is not the type of place DW and I are likely to return to. It just does not fit our idea of camping. On the same day we took a drive through Lost Maples SP. This park is about 20 miles northeast of Garner, near the town of Vanderpool in Bandera County. It is set in the valley of a couple of mountains (big hills?) and better fits our idea of what we like in a state park. This parks "claim to fame" appears to be about 13-14 miles of what looks like great hiking trails. I understand that these trails are well known and take you to and through some beautiful areas. According to "Mr. Ranger", this park gets a large contingent of out-of-state and even out-of-country visitors who take part in some excellent "birding". Being as we had not planned for it, DW and I were ill equipped to do much more then take a quick look. What I saw just left me wanting more. Camping in this park is on a very small scale. There are only 30 "power & water" sites in one loop. Camping area is very "open" with little privacy and not much shade except for the covered picnic table. Best sites by our judgment were numbers 16, 17 & 30 (limited privacy due to distance from other sites) and sites 5 & 19 (limited shade). Shower house is modern and clean. There is also a very nice Interpretive Center at the main entrance. DW and I both liked this park and are considering a "fall" trip. Most likely we will return here for a full day of hiking the next time we take one of our "long" trips to South Llano River SP. That about raps it up for these two parks. Hope you find this info of some help. Happy Camping! __________________ Turn Key, DW and Pepsi & Cherry, The Camping Boston Terriers '03 Chevy 2500HD, 4X4, X-Cab, Long Bed '04 K-Z "Durango", 275RK ("Sunday Haus II") Twin Kayaks, "The Ride" by Wilderness Systems North Central Texas, Where The West Begins!