Lost Maples State Natural Area Campground

This is a VERY popular small park in Texas. This was a park we had wanted to visit for years but could never get reservations to match our plans. We were in the area and had to scramble to make some last minute changes and were able to get 3 nights, but not all in the same site... in the middle of the week.

If you are not camping here but want to visit, you will need reservations for day use in Oct., Nov., and near any holidays. Not sure where all the day use visitors come from, but they do come.

The trail are one of the big draws. They are very well marked and maintained.

The area is in a small valley so the spots are cramped together. The park itself, is beautiful. I was here on a Spring break night, so it was very busy. I’m not sure if I should complain about the following since it’s not the park’s fault. My neighbor kept using my electrical outlets (and water). This wouldn’t be a problem if I didn’t need to use it myself. I tried to ask them, but they didn’t speak English. I know they are not mine, but it’s aggravating. The park host was not answering their door. Then, later, they started their charcoal with diesel fuel which was right next to my truck RV window. This was the charcoal they used for cooking! SMH. There is no cell signal, there is wifi right at the visitor center.

We reserved in advance and I'd highly recommend it for others as it was busy during the weekend We stayed.

We arrived about 30 minutes early but encountered no issues getting checked in and settled. The facilities were clean and well maintained. Ample sized spaces with sun shelters over the picnic tables, fire rings, and well placed water/electric hookup posts made getting settled quick and easy.
The park host was quick to help when I asked a question and just down to earth friendly kinda folk.
Nice trails and gorgeous surroundings made this a very nice stay.

Camped 1/23-1/25/22 (Mon-Wed). Elec & Water site. With TX State Parks pass, we didn't pay the $6 per person per day fee (for 2 people, it would have come to $36!). Also when we reserved, we were discounted $10 on a use fee, so our nightly rate actually came to $16.67/night. With per person-per day entrance fees, if you are spending any time in TX state parks within a year, it's worth it to buy the pass.

This park is kind of in the middle of nowhere, so come prepared. No cell service, and the WiFi at the entrance station didn't work during our stay. It's a really nice park, with great hiking. Notes:

- Our pad was level and was asphalt not gravel. Road thru CG is paved.
- Our site was level, as were most except sites 29 & 30.
- Camp host was on site, but stayed over by the maintenance building. They did a great job cleaning the bathrooms, and cleaned sites as soon as people left.
- Not much privacy in the campground. There are also primitive sites you can hike to on the trails.
- Gas and some conveniences in the small general store 4 miles south down the road. WiFi there too.
- Very quiet during our stay and super dark at night.
- Showers were great - good water stream and hot.
- Water bottle fill station at the bathroom/shower house.
- Doggie poop bags provided.
- If coming in winter again, we'd take a site on the other side of the road (east side) that gets sun longer into the afternoon.

Had a great visit to the park to see the leaves changing. The camp area was nice but I would avoid site 30. It is very small compared to others. The asphalt pad was very uneven and sloped. We had water and electricity but no sewer hookup or cell service. The hikes were easy to challenging. Be sure to take note. My favorite was the trail around the pond.

Beautiful park! There are 2 showers at the bath house & it can get busy in there so plan accordingly. There is NO CELL SERVICE at the park (which is actually nice to enjoy nature)! The park entrance station has public wifi so you can drive up there if you need to check your email or make an internet call on WhatsApp. $20 per night with water & electricity.