Contact Information
RR 1 Box 601
Bandera, TX 78003
830-796-4413
Hill Country State Natural Area is located in Bandera and Medina Counties, 45 miles northwest of San Antonio. The 5369.8-acre site was acquired by gift and purchase in 1976 and was opened to the public in1984. The bulk of the site was a donation from the Merrick Bar-O-Ranch with the stipulation that it "be kept far removed and untouched by modern civilization, where everything is preserved intact, yet put to a useful purpose." The regular opening schedule is March 1 through October 31 when the park is open 7 days a week. From November 1 through February 28, the park is open from Friday noon through Sunday at 10 p.m.
The Hill Country State Natural Area is a scenic mosaic of rocky hills, flowing springs, oak groves, grasslands, and canyons. The terrain ranges from flat, broad creek bottoms to steep, rocky canyons up to 1900 feet in elevation. The West Verde Creek has several spring-fed streams, and tanks in the park provide several swimming holes with limited fishing for catfish, perch, and largemouth bass. Spring water is available for horses, but people should bring their own drinking water.
Large numbers of birds live in the park. Deer, armadillos, raccoons, ringtail cats, rabbits and rodents as well as various reptiles can also be viewed. In addition, several different plant communities reside in the park.
The following facilities are on the Central Reservation System (CRS):
1. Three Walk-in, Developed (tent) Areas, are located along the creek. West Verde Creek Area (maximum 50 yards in), has 3 sites; 2 have a capacity of 8, and one is capacity 25. Comanche Bluff Area (maximum 25 yards in), has 3 sites; one site has a capacity of 12, 2 sites have a capacity of 8. Chaquita Falls Area (maximum 75 yards in), has 4 sites with a capacity of 8 each. Sites have fire rings, picnic tables, and West Verde Creek which offers swimming and moderate fishing opportunities; there are chemical toilets nearby.
2. Chapa's Camp is a group camp, has a capacity of 20 rigs. It is in a 2-acre, shaded area with a large barn with a concrete floor and electricity. There is water for horses, fire rings, picnic tables, a chemical toilet, 12 horse stalls and 3 picket lines. Reservations are required.
3.A Group Lodge, is available to equestrian or non-equestrian use (accommodates 12 persons), and has 4 bedrooms with bunk beds; one bathroom; a kitchen, with a stove and refrigerator; heating and air-conditioning; a separate screened cooking shack with a covered barbecue pit; stalls/corrals for equestrian use; no linens or cooking utensils. Visitors are not required to reserve both Friday and Saturday nights together.
4.6 Developed Equestrian Sites, with a capacity of 6 persons/horses combination, that has tables, fire rings, a chemical toilet in the area, corrals, picket lines, and water for horses. These have access to a 36-mile trail system. All 36 miles are jointly used by back packers, day hikers, and horseback riders; 32 miles may be used by mountain bike riders.
The following camping areas are not on the CRS
1. Three Backpack (Primitive, designated) Camping Areas have fire rings and are located 1.5 to 3.5 miles from the trail head parking - Butterfly Springs (capacity 8), Wilderness Camp (capacity 40), and Hermit's Shack (capacity 40). These are all first-come, first-served.
2. The Bar-O Developed Equestrian Area (also used as the day-use parking area, capacity 25 rigs), is located across from the park headquarters in a 6-acre shaded area with 14 (10' x 10') portable stalls, a water trough, a wash area, and fire rings, and have a primitive toilet, a public phone, and a security light. This is first-come, first-served.
3. Late arrivals may camp in the Backpack Trailhead Primitive Area; 2 sites can accommodate large groups, the capacity determined by the park manager.
Special Notes: Reservations are recommended for large groups. Fires are permitted in fire rings only, and dead wood can be collected off the ground. But park officials recommend bringing your own wood, because dead wood is scarce. Campers must pack out all trash for disposal, including all hay and animal byproducts. Be sure to bring drinking water. Potable water is not available; all water must be treated. All horses brought to the park must have proof of negative coggins test.
Nearby interests are Kerrville-Schreiner and Garner State Parks; Lost Maples State Natural Area; numerous dude ranches; kayak/tube rentals on the Medina River; regional rodeos; and other special events.
Camping and entrance fees vary. For reservations, call 512/389-8900. Current conditions including fire bans and water levels can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.
Recreational activity centers around 36 miles of 23 designated, multi-use trails open to backpacking, horseback riding, and mountain bicycling. Four miles are reserved strictly for horses and hikers. The park offers a backcountry setting for activities such as primitive camping, backpacking, limited swimming, fishing, mountain bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, equestrian camping, and flora and fauna observation.
Various adjacent ranches offer horse rentals, tours, and other accommodations through the Natural Area. Please contact the Bandera Convention and Visitors Bureau (1-800-364-3833) for more information on fees and schedules.
Hill Country State Natural Area is located at an elevation of 1900 feet. Temperatures within the park range from an average January minimum of 31 degrees and an average July maximum of 94 degrees. The park has an average annual rainfall of 35 inches. Current weather conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.
