This 2,200-acre preserve protects a unique ecosystem where ancient bigtooth maples thrive in limestone canyons. The park offers both developed car camping and primitive backpacking sites along the Sabinal River. Limestone pools fed by clear springs provide swimming holes, while 10 miles of hiking trails wind through juniper-oak woodlands and maple groves that explode in color each November.
The primitive sites require a short hike but offer more solitude than the main campground. Water levels in the river fluctuate seasonally — spring and fall typically offer the best flow. Fall weekends book solid for the maple display, so plan accordingly.
Hill Country maples and spring-fed swimming holes
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | 37221 FM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885 Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Vanderpool, TX |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 30 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $7.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes — Reservation site |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | October-May |
| Land manager | State Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Showers, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |