Recommendations for hammock camping near San Antonio?

**jofish** · 08-07-2013, 13:03

So, it looks like I'll be heading back to Texas for work! I'll be in San Antonio from around Sept. 7th until Oct. 18th. I'll be quite busy during the week with work, but I'll have a couple weekends where I'd like to do some more hammock camping.

The last time I was in San Antonio I was able to camp at Pedernales Falls & Mustang Island state parks. I was wondering if any Texan hangers could give me some advice on good places to hand within a 3-4 hour drive of San Antonio. Right now I'm thinking Enchanted Rock would be cool (I was able to visit there, but not enough time to camp) and possibly Lost Maples.

I will also be visiting someone in Houston, so something within a couple hours of there would also be a possibility if he's still up for camping (which I think he might be).

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

**Caveman** · 08-07-2013, 13:23

We did Lost Maples in Jan (I think) and it's a pretty nice park. Are you planning on hiking or just camping?

**jofish** · 08-07-2013, 13:57

Ideally some hiking and camping. I could do one night backpacking trips, but that's probably the limit due to my work schedule.

**Caveman** · 08-07-2013, 14:05

I'm sure some others will chime in, but if you get around to it, check out Lost Maples. Primative site "C" is about a mile hike in and it's right next to a river (pond) that's spring fed and supposed to be cool year round. Lots of trees as well. There's about 6 miles of hiking, but some pretty good elevation changes for texas. Did a trip report here:

**mattyg** · 08-07-2013, 17:40

if you go to enchanted rock call ahead they close when they fill up and that happens fairly early in the morning this time of year

**packdaddy** · 08-07-2013, 18:02

Just got back from there. Did not like Site C... too many people. Site B is the best by far when it comes to nice trees for hanging. You could hang a hundred hammocks up there. Big Maples all over and not easy to get to. So you will have the area to your self. You will also have the best breezes and easy access to the best views. One draw back is no water on the top. You can fill up at the ponds before you head up and you should be OK.

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

**packdaddy** · 08-07-2013, 18:12

Hill Country State Natural Area has a lot of trail. Never been there but here it's nice for Hiking and camping.

**jofish** · 08-08-2013, 10:10

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.

**sargevining** · 08-08-2013, 10:39

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.

Brazos Bend is a nice park with good trails, but the campsites are not exactly hammock friendly. I've hiked and hung there, but its not optimum. Problem is mainly with tree spacing and availability. No on trail camping is allowed.