One of my favorite tx state parks. Beautiful place, looking more like Big Bend area every year…read more Lots of Pinyon Pines. Only open Friday to Monday I guess because of remoteness. 5 or 6 full hookup rv sites and lots of other camp sites with community water. A bath/shower house. You can get cell service if you take one of the hilltop trails. The bats come April thru October and are spectacular. Went down into a different cave a few years back. They lead the tour and give you a helmet but you need to bring your own lights. Make reserves for this. Lots of trails and great western birds. Pack all your trash out, no dumpsters. Not sure how much longer they will be open because their water well is scrapping the bottom. Wish our gov $$ would help the parks a little more. Saving some of our precious water rather than letting all the crypto and ai data centers use it all up. What a waste. Better hurry and enjoy this gem before it is gone.

What used to be a ranch between 1920s to the 1980s, a rancher by the name of Seagram donated his…read moreland to the state of Texas creating the Kickapoo natural area. It wasn't until 2010, that it became a state park. The state park is unique from the others; whereas the CCC didn't take part in building certain areas. As you walk on different trails you will find a water trove I used to feed the animals that lived on the land. There's a loud creaky windmill that moves when the wind blows; you would think that a spaceship is landing because of his loud screeching noise. If you are a birdwatcher, you are in for treat since there is a variety of birds that live in the park. Stop by the headquarters to pick up birds of the park booklet. If you like strenuous long hikes, there are two trails: Arroyo Camino and Barbados. Both lookout trails, a rocky and rugged with a incline going upward. It is best to bring trekking poles to keep your balance. If you rock hounder like me, you would absolutely need to go on the cave tour. I would suggest that you are regular hiker and somewhat fit to keep up the endurance of the tour. There are some loose rocks that can hinder your balance if you step on them and incorrectly. You don't have to be super physically fit, but it is recommended that you are active in your daily life to be able to handle the cave tour. I would even suggest healthy elderly folks; there was a couple in their 70s that hiked for four hours in the hot and humid climate of the cave. I wore my Columbia hiking boots and felt secure when climbing over the thick rocks. The tour was delightful and very cool! The website will tell you to bring a headlamp but is recommended that you bring a flashlight. The headlamps are good when you're going into the smaller holes. If you are up for the challenge! Don't forget your flashlight! Because you will not be able to see where you are stepping without it. You will see scorpions crickets daddy long leg spiders, you will hear the barking frog and pitch blackness of nothing. This was the coolest cave tour that I've been on outside of the caverns of Sonora. I will even have to say that it tops natural bridge and inner Space Caverns. And the reason why is because you will see graffiti dating all the way back from 1887 from people like you and me who got to explore during their time. Another fun thing about the park, is that they have a bat cave that at around 7:45 p.m. the bats fly out of the cave. That's pretty gnarly rad!! If you're wondering well where do I sleep, I love the campsites here because some are secluded. Unlike at Blanco State Park, you'll enjoy peace and relaxation knowing that you could kick back in your chair read a nice book and listen to the birds sing without anyone watching you. Of course there's only a few campsites that have that option. Some campsite come with the picnic table covered which is an added bonus if you ever have to go through the extreme rainstorm that we had yesterday evening. Don't expect to roast more over the fire, because there's a burn ban. However they do allow propane grills and other options for you to cook. Desert terrain with its dryness, driftwood, dry heat, you got to love West Texas. With all of that in mind, Kickapoo Caverns State Park is still considered the least visited state park in the state of Texas. Unfortunately it is underrated, come visit this bomb.com ass park!

A West Texas hidden gem for sure! My brother and I camped overnight at Kickapoo Caverns and the…read morepark ranger, Ashley gave us suggestions on the scenic route to Devils River. When we got closer to the natural area, we had to take a dusty dirt road off of the main highway. It was very remote with a few houses along the path. Cell reception was non-existent so make sure you download Google maps prior to coming out here. At the "state park", the headquarters was pristine, modern, sleek, and brand new. They finished building it/January 2025. The first week of May, they didn't have any park gear such as magnets, car decals, stickers, but only had the option to stamp "State Park passport book". Also, if you want to check in from this location on Yelp, it won't let you since you're outside of Del Rio. Now at the river, there is a small restroom without air conditioning. The toilets look like ones from a camper or airplane. It was hard to tell if it was clean or not. The restroom smelt like an unclean musty outside world. There's plenty of parking alongside the river. When you get to the river, there's no benches or anywhere to store your belongings. The main part of the river is rocky and the water is icy cold. So cold, but it feels so refreshing in the summer heat. The water is translucent and there's fishes swimming in it too. The fishes will slightly nip at you, but they don't bite. I was a bit fearful of flesh eating amoeba tapping into my brain causing me to be brain dead, but thankfully that didn't happen to me. The water was so clear that I was able open my eyes inside. My brother and I stayed for two hours and had the whole river to ourselves. It was not the slightest crowded. The area is so beautiful. I love West Texas natural beauty. This natural area is the most underrated of the Texas state parks.

Received a sincere apology from TPW. Felt heard and understood. Appreciated a credit for our visit…read moreand the personalized call. Thanks TPW!

The first time Thing One came to this camp, he lasted less than two days here. This wasn't because…read morehe was homesick nor because he hadn't been to any camp before. This was because this camp and staff (in my experience) deal poorly with those with mental health issues. Thing One has Asperger's Syndrome and has difficulty making new friends, and has social issues in environments where bullying is prevalent. During Thing One's only stay at this camp, he was bullied by other campers and became distant and disenchanted with the staff here. The director of this camp called me and asked me to retrieve Thing One via a voicemail. My frustration with Thing One's experience here stems from the manner in which the situation was handled. My son was asked to leave, but the children who bullied him were allowed to stay for the remainder of the camp session. Thing Two has come here for the past two summers and has had a mediocre experience here at best. While she is pleased with her counselors she has gotten, she is less pleased with the vernacular and behavior of the children who attend the camp (e.g., lots of cursing and not following the word of Christ). While the camp staff can't control what occurs in one's home outside of the camp, they can certainly control how the children behave when at camp. Each review of this establishment will be unique to those who attend this camp/retreat. Overall, my children's experiences have been less than stellar here. If anyone intends to send their child here, it is advisable that they carefully review the policies of the camp. Further, if the child being sent here suffers from anxiety or other mental health issues, this may not be the best place to send this type of camper because of the staff's inability to work with youth who fit into this category. Other camp attributes No technology is allowed during the camp session. There is no cell service here as the camp is remote. Campers must bring their own Bible for devotional. Digital camper mail may be purchased for a camper at an additional cost (aside from camp fees). As the camp is remote and the terrain is rough, it is advisable to use a truck or SUV to transport campers to the camp site.

Kids always had a great time Beautiful setting ! Clean . Lots to see and do always nice people …read more Clean camps , lofts and tons of excitement .

I love this community and I love this park. The park is a great place to take a break under some…read morestately oak trees, go for a swim or wet a hook. I wish the bathrooms were maintained a little better, but that is more the fault of the patrons than the staff. The park recently significantly raised admission fees. I initially objected to this, but in hindsight I think it was a smart move. It seems to have displaced some of the sketchier clientele that would show up.

One of the highlights of my trip to the deep hill country. (Utopia is far better than Leakey!!!) No…read morecrowds, friendly people, deep water for swimming, even when other areas were practically dry! Don't miss the little town of Utopia too. Great food and shops.

I stopped by South Llano State Park on a roadtrip I took last year. What drew me to this park was…read morethe promise of enjoying the clear water in the river. When I went, it was near the end of day, but the park rangers still admitted me in as the park's gate doesn't close until 10pm. There didn't seem to be many people that day, though I believe it was because I went in the middle of July in very warm temps. However, I was rewarded by the cold and refreshing South Llano River which I enjoyed mostly by myself. Standing in the river near the shore, small fish came up to my feet and ankles and started feeding off of my dead skin. It felt like I was getting a pedicure, except in a natural environment. There were a few places to access the river and plenty of parking around. I saw that they had several miles of trails to explore though I didn't get the chance to hike any of them. It is important to consider that the park is susceptible to flooding as its on low ground, so time your visit accordingly. Personally, I really enjoyed this park and I hope to be able to return during the cooler months to see stars in the dark sky!

This is one of my top three favorite state parks because it was so quiet which allowed for full…read morerelaxation. The trails are well kept and I appreciated being able to do some birdwatching because they have designated areas for this. Additionally the river adds another perk to the park, you can go tubing, fishing, swim, etc. As far as the staff members, overall everybody was nice during check-in but on the night that there was a cold front and hail storm I was seeking help and no one was to be found. The hosts were off duty, the ranger we asked for help at the front that was sitting in his truck was dismissive, and the operator didn't answer. The good thing was that the park is about 15 minutes from the nearby town so I was able to get help there but in a case of emergency, I think somebody should be accessible. Overall, I really love the park. The sites good but beware of the cacti! Depending on which site you select, you may have more or less room for tents in the grassy area. I recommended the sites in the 40s for larger groups. Go to the observatory if you can, the hike is worth the beautiful view! Oh also there's plethora of animals! On this trip I saw deer, a roadrunner, a hog, armadillos, canaries, and hummingbirds.

Not real relatable…read more Got a very good recommendation so I made a trip out here. It was open both times I was up here. It is actually a hill as the name imply to everybody. There were staff on site both times I have made the trip out here. My first visit here I was unable to stay for the tour. The gift shop was open though and the lady let me use their bathroom since I really had to pee. The second time I visited, a man was there. He said he worked here. He helped me get on the tour. I liked it. He even offered me some water. I think there was a sign-in book since I was visiting. I wasn't sure if I should sign it but he let me sign itanyway. He let me browse the gift shop even though I was mostly here for a free visit. He taught about the display and I tried to tip him I think. It's been a while since I visited in the summer time. Would visit with friends and Neighbours. And I really think it's welcome to all Neighbours that want to drop-in. (2023)

We discovered Eaton Hill when looking for new hiking trails for our trip to Eldorado. Enjoyed the…read moretrail - lots of flora and fauna. It was nice to see benches at different points along the trail to rest and enjoy the views. Only disappointment was its closeness to I10 - the sound of the traffic distracts a bit from the tranquility of the hike.

I loved lost maples, it is a beautiful state park/natural area. I went for the first time in…read moreNovember with my mom hoping to catch some foliage and we definitely did see plenty both on the way and at the park! The trail isn't too hard; I did the east loop going clockwise since the volunteers told me there was probably a little better foliage along this loop than the west loop. I was able to do the whole thing and return to where I started in a little under 2 hours. It was a relatively warm day; I was grateful i bought my personal fan when going up the steep part because I was definitely starting to sweat! After that though it was mostly flat and then back downhill so no issues with getting hot. I got several lovely photos along the way and was certainly reminded how gorgeous and colorful Texas can be! Only note: be sure to make a timed entry reservation if you go during the peak season (fall) because it absolutely sells out! I tried going with a friend last year and we didn't have a res and we were turned away - we ended up going to Garner state park which is also gorgeous and fun, about 30 mins drive away from lost maples. This year we got entry for the 11a-1p entry time, and by the week or so prior to going, everything was sold out for that Saturday we were going. So bear that in mind!

Lost Maples State Park will truly hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life…read more My now fiancé proposed to me on Saturday February 1st, 2025, here at Lost Maples State Park. Going through the East to West trail was the best way to finish the hike and get in the full view. From moderate to easy, all the way to the car. It's no wonder people come here. It's so beautiful and truly underrated. Through the streams of water, to the rock formations, and the beautiful views, you'll wish you went sooner. Put away your phones, other than using it to take photos, because there's no signal. Enjoy nature.

We've been going to Dos Rios for years! We have stayed in our RV, cabins, and tiny homes. We love…read morethe scenery, the river, and the location. If you enjoy kayaking, tubing, swimming, and being outdoors, this place is great. This is camping!! So be ready for no internet, basic amenities, and - yes- bugs. The most fun is outdoors. We've camped throughout central Texas and keep coming back.

Very well thought out, they have something for everyone. My dog had a blast and my boyfriend…read moreenjoyed fishing. I had a great time looking at all the beautiful rocks and scenery! Colin is a thoughtful owner. Cute family and dog friendly place!

I've been coming here since I was a kid. Now i take my kids. I've stayed in both the old primitive…read moretent sites, shelters, RV site, and the newer tint sites at the top. This is a family tradition at this point. My Kids and I love the dance and the hiking and the river. It used to be a yearly thing, but since it's gotten so busy and the kids have gotten bigger, we go about every other year now. I now have a daughter that is an adult herself and she still plans on coming.

Nice place to disconnect for a weekend. The grounds are clean and well maintained. There are lots…read moreof hiking options around the camping grounds. The camping sites are clean and spacious. The screened shelters are nice if you want to make a room inside or just to store things. Surprisingly enough, the bathrooms always seem to be clean and well stocked. They are also cold which is nice when it's hot out. The store offers lots of basic essentials in case you forgot anything and the gift shop is stocked with merch. There is currently some construction which can cause some headaches, but it's pretty minimal.