Recommendations for hammock camping near San Antonio?

**sparkygeek** · 08-09-2013, 15:22

Originally Posted by jofish

As for hunting; that's a good call. I have no idea what the hunting seasons are in Texas; I'll have to look that up. And make sure to bring plenty of bright orange.
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I was just looking at hiking the Lone Star Trail through Sam Houston State Park during the winter. They restrict camping sites to designated areas from September 15 to February 1st because of all the various hunting seasons. Haven't hiked it yet, so I can't say how the designated areas are for hanging.

**matthew2000tx** · 08-10-2013, 23:05

Originally Posted by packdaddy

Sounds Like BS... Lost Maple is designated a State Natural Area also and they have no problems. I feel like running it up the ladder and checking on it with someone at Headquarters. However it could just stir the pot and we end up screwing it up for the rest of the Texas SNAs

Agreed...best just to leave things the way they are.

**packdaddy** · 08-11-2013, 20:35

RE: Governmet Canyon SNA: I took a look at there site they say they are a "highly sensitive ecosystem" and have some endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler. So they may have different rules than other SNAs. They also do not allow domestic animals in the backcountry, which is different than other SNAs.

**sargevining** · 08-11-2013, 21:26

Originally Posted by sparkygeek

I was just looking at hiking the Lone Star Trail through Sam Houston State Park during the winter. They restrict camping sites to designated areas from September 15 to February 1st because of all the various hunting seasons. Haven't hiked it yet, so I can't say how the designated areas are for hanging.

Might want to double check IIRC they have changed it from Sept 15 to Sept 1. But the whole hunting season thing has been FUBAR for a while now

**Wisp** · 08-11-2013, 22:16

Guadalupe River SP turned off all of its water and plumbing this week until ?? due to drought conditions in the state. They may bring in portable toilets, but no showers or restrooms are functioning at this time. Again, this probably isn't the best park for trails anyway.

Busy season for Lost Maples begins in October per the website. I've hung a hammock there and never been asked to take it down.......but things may have changed. That was 2 years ago.

**matthew2000tx** · 08-12-2013, 02:16

Originally Posted by packdaddy

RE: Governmet Canyon SNA: I took a look at there site they say they are a "highly sensitive ecosystem" and have some endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler. So they may have different rules than other SNAs. They also do not allow domestic animals in the backcountry, which is different than other SNAs.

Good info! Thanks.

Originally Posted by Wisp

Busy season for Lost Maples begins in October per the website. I've hung a hammock there and never been asked to take it down.......but things may have changed. That was 2 years ago.

Perhaps a hang in Lost Maples in Late September early October should be scheduled... anyone up for that?

I know a few non HF members that just ordered the Yukon/Woot.com Hammocks that want to get out. The fall might be a nice time to hit up Lost Maples for a hike into a primitive site for a night or two.

**anvil440** · 08-12-2013, 07:48

Originally Posted by jofish

Thanks for the recommendations at Lost Maples. Any other recommendations? Has anyone been to Bastrop state park, Garner state park, Palmetto state park, Guadalupe River state park, or Goose Island state park? Those all seem drivable from San Antonio and they have camping, but I have no idea how good/bad they are for hammocking. I'd probably only be able to hit up one or two of them in addition to Lost Maples so let me know any must-sees!

In the Houston area, does anyone have any insight on Village Creek state park, Lake Livingston state park, Brazos Bend state park, or any of the National Forests in the area? I think I'd only be there for a weekend so I'd only be able to check out one of these places.

All great parks. Never been to Goose Island. Lost Maples is a favorite for hiking/camping/fishing. Palmetto is almost always full. Garner is great, but a little too developed for my tastes. Garner is great for family camping though.

**packdaddy** · 08-12-2013, 12:37

Originally Posted by matthew2000tx

Good info! Thanks.

Perhaps a hang in Lost Maples in Late September early October should be scheduled... anyone up for that?

I know a few non HF members that just ordered the Yukon/Woot.com Hammocks that want to get out. The fall might be a nice time to hit up Lost Maples for a hike into a primitive site for a night or two.

I would be interested. I have never been to a hang. Maybe start as new thread on the subject and see how it goes.

**hertzogg** · 08-28-2013, 06:43

I'm heading to Lost Maples this weekend (Labor Day). Spoke with one of the park folks yesterday and was told that camp area C is the only one with water. area A's water has "gone underground". I'll post a report in a new thread when I return.

Colorado Bend is one of our favorite parks, tho it's been several years since we've been. Good hiking and splashing up Spicewood Springs with all the falls and pools.

**packdaddy** · 08-28-2013, 08:02

I would do some scouting for yourself once you get there. The Sabinal River runs pretty close to Site A. It's low but should still be accessible. There is also a spring near site G. Hard to believe it is not running. Its small but can be dammed up enough to provide a cleaner supply of scoopable water.

If your up for a little adventure there is a real nice area just north of camp site A on the river. It's less than half a mile from site A and about .25 miles past the Monkey Rock. It's outside the park boundary and on Private property but is a really sweet spot. Just follow the river until you see the openings on the left. I left a couple of carine rock piles on the left to mark a hidden trail that will get you off the river sooner. If you miss it you will still find the spots you just have to follow the river longer.