tessa

Hi all, glad to have found this site! :cool:

I'm looking for parks to tent camp in, ideally within 3-4 hours of San Antonio - or closer, to start with, though I don't mind driving a ways for nice scenery and a little solitude.

I haven't been camping in a long time and am hoping to get back into it. Since I'm out of shape and out of practice (and trying out some new, budget equipment), I'd like to start by tent camping near the car and day-hiking my way around until I'm in shape enough to backpack out to a more remote site.

My ideal site would be close to the car (ideally a driveup camp site), but shaded, quiet, and at least a little private, with trees between camp sites. Water isn't necessary because I can bring my own, but I don't mind paying extra for water/electric hookups if they happen to be there and the site is nice. I can bring a stove so a fire isn't essential.

I would prefer a park that is relatively quiet, with enough scenic hiking trails to keep me busy for at least a day or so. Water sports aren't important to me, unless by some miracle I'm allowed to let my dog swim too.
(I know there are people out there who don't like dogs in the parks, but she is quiet, obedience trained, CGC certified, and I always pick up after her and keep her leashed.)

I can camp during the week, so if a park is crowded on weekends but quiet during the week, that would still work, so long as I know it's better to schedule that park for weeknights.

I've been considering Lost Maples - I've been there for a day trip & loved it, but I don't know anything about their developed camp sites. The primitive ones will be ideal once I'm in better shape. I'm also considering Bastrop, for something different - how's the camping & hiking there? Any other park ideas?

Input is greatly appreciated, thank you!

4everfrio

Welcome to the site! I'm sure you will find alot of input here.
Lost Maples is a great place. Not too much solitude in the water/elec. area.
Garner has alot to offer and they don't mind the dog taking a swim.
Buescher and Bastrop are close and give you the east Texas feel.
Pedernales Falls isn't too far and is hiker friendly.
If you want to stay close to the car and explore, any of the above should be good. Personally, Garner in the spring time is my pick. Try to camp in new garner at persimmon hill (water only). It is a large park with varying terrain.
Which ever direction you go, I hope you have a terrific time. Good Camping, 4everfrio.

copuswalker

Hill Country Sate Natural Area has some nice sites by the creek. Even a small waterfall. There is a small group of maybe six sites in this area and you can drive up to them. Really nice little sites?
And of course as mentioned...Lost Maples

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There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

thorn

Have you even been to Enchanted rock? they have some really nice camp site and if you dare you can climb that big ### rock too. I did it WOW what a sight when you get to the top. If your not into going to the top you can walk around the base of it. thats nice and shady. :cool:

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out on the trail hunting for gold and the sound of silence.