amysuehere

Planning a camping trip to Lost Maples next month (hopefully just ahead of the crowds but still a bit cooler). Can anyone tell me which of the remote campsites we should try to get? We were thinking campsite "C", but it's right at the fork of two trails. "A" looks to be on water, but is also a very short hike (therefore more people). All the others don't look to be on water, but if it's just a short hike to water, we'd be willing to go more remote to avoid the yahoos.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publicat...p4507_074b.pdf

riverrat

H, we've camped at LM several times but never primitive. We have however, hiked all of the trails and at least looked at the primitive sites. The most popoular one is the one right next to The Ponds. I tried looking at the maps online and I just can't make sense of what they show in terms of which site is what. I would recommend the first area on the East Trail that is near the outhouse. These are more secluded because of the trees and all seem to be nice and level with few rocks and should be grassy.There is a seasonal watersource nearby (do purify). You might see a lot of foot traffic because of the location but you can still be "alone" under the trees. This is probably about a mile, mile and a half hike in. Not bad and fairly shady with an interesting rock cliff and the above mentioned spring near the sites. If we were to ever go primitive, this would be our pick. The sites next to the Ponds will be very busy because it is the one of the very few places to swim in the park. Shady and another easy hike in, about a mile or so. If you don't care about being close to the water, I think Area D on the West trail would be okay. Very shady on kind of on a hill side from what I remember.

As far as exact site designations, I'd call the park and ask. If I can find our paper map of the park, I'll be able to post more accurate info.


Hope this helps. Lost Maples is our favorite place to camp. You will love it!

riverrat

I found our map of Lost Maples and the primitive site A would be my recommendation if you want water but not be in the middle of things, so to speak. Area C is The Ponds. Very nice but very popular area. If you want to go further, areas E and F off the West Trail should provide great night sky views and be a fairly easy hike carrying your gear. Area B probably has great night sky too but it is a much more strenuous hike up from either direction. IF you do head "up", hit the East Trail from the Maple Trail parking area. The Maple Trail is nice and, for the most part, level. Ask at the headquarters how the colors are on it. You may want to go that way for the color. East Trail going up from the Ponds is a challenge due to the loose rocks. From the Maple Trail, it can still be tough once you get past area A. It is more like climbing some really large stairs going that way.

Do check out the overlook closest to area B. This one overlooks the Ponds. I wasn't impressed at the other one.

It is a very easy hike in to the Ponds. I've seen people with rolling coolers go that way. You will have to carry the cooler in some areas though. I wouldn't do it, but it is doable.

Hope this helps!