Hill country and Lost Maples - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

copuswalker · 10-31-2003, 07:00 AM

Will be heading off to Hill Country State Natural Area and Lost Maples. Will do 3-4 nights with the bulk at Hill Country. I have been to both in the spring and will be hiking with a friend who has not been. We are leaving Sat the 8th and staying two nights at Hill country and at least one at Lost Maples, If it is not busy.
If anyone is interested in joining or meeting up with us give a yell. I am 46 year old Male and the old fart I hike with is 52. This way I'm faster!

11-17-2003, 09:58 PM

Quote:

I am 46 year old Male and the old fart I hike with is 52. This way I'm faster!

LOL!

How busy is Lost Maples? A friend told me "good luck" when I asked him about camping there.

copuswalker · 11-18-2003, 05:46 AM

I called them when I was going to Big Bend. Thought we may swing in on the way back. The lady told me to expect over 1000 people per day during the week! When I said I thought the foliage was minimal she said the weather alone brings the crowds. They suggested the primitive sites as a way to get away, They unfortunately are not to scenic. Good luck!

ploddinTod · 11-19-2003, 09:35 AM

So, Crockett Man, you're saying none of the primitive sites at Lost Maples is very scenic.

Which would be your choice if you had your pick of any of them? Same question for the primitive sites at Hill Country SNA.

I'm already planning for next year. Thanks.

Shannon · 11-19-2003, 02:19 PM

So far, I've only seen Wilderness Camp at Hill Country State Natural Area. I got a good look at the campsite during my solo trip to HCSNA in May (see link; includes a photo & details).

Summary: "Wilderness" is a nice, varied campsite -- dense oak trees with a picnic table and tent-able area underneath (similar to the walk-in campsites along West Verde Creek), and a small meadow and rise across from the site where a hay shelter (for horses) and large fire ring are located. Tall, forested bluff rises behind the site and a handful of trails run near or begin at its "doorstep".

The Hill Country State Natural Area Partners (HC-SNAP) club may have more info for ya -- great bunch o' folks who spend a lot more time at the park than is rightly fair! (that's sarcasm, actually; everyone's welcome to join, from hikers to mountain bikers and equestrians. Right now, they're mostly equestrian folk and would welcome some more hiking representation!)

Someone else here had a recommendation on primitive sites at Lost Maples.

copuswalker · 11-19-2003, 05:42 PM

I was not impressed with any sites other than the lake ones. I beleive that is "c" You may call and ask which is the second most popular. Perhaps the crowds are down? I would call and ask they have been nice in the past.
Hill Country,,,, I liked wilderness camp the best. The one (jacobs something) just got back from Houston, I did not like. Thick grass at the time and enclosed. The ones Shannon mentioned by the creek were not bad either. Go throught the week and you have your choice. Last time I called and asked if they were crowded he said we would not be alone at the sites? I will try and get accurate names and info if you request it. Sorry drove over 400 miles with a load of stops today.

ploddinTod · 11-21-2003, 10:50 AM

Hill Country SNA sounds like my kind of place--little development and lots of space. The wilderness campsite that was described probably would be my first choice, depending how close the water source was (for filtering). Actually after thinking about it more, a scenic campsite is not all that important as long as its fairly flat, close to water, and removed somewhat from your neighbor. I can always hike to the scenery.

The same would apply to Lost Maples, as I would try to visit both areas on the same trip. Is the road leading to Hill Country SNA navigable by a smaller vehicle (Sunfire)

copuswalker · 11-22-2003, 07:04 AM

Should b no problem with a smaller vehicle. Most is tar and the end is maintained dirt. No water source near Wilderness site. It is only a 2 mile hike from the aprking area though. Can tank water then hike around if you choose.
I look forward to getting back to the area.
As for crowds??? You may call and ask. 3 weeks ago they said we would have neighbors? Weekdays probably not. Can't go wrong with those two choices.