Hill Country State Natural Area
Bandera, Texas

Download a Park Map (PDF) - courtesy of TPWD

Located in Bandera, the "Cowboy Capital of the World," 5,369-acre Hill Country State Natural Area is Texas' largest state park open to equestrians. The natural area draws a decidedly different type of outdoor enthusiast since it is undeveloped, lacking paved roads, potable water, restrooms, or other amenities. Those who do venture to the park find 36 miles of mixed-use trails ideal for horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, primitive camping, and offroad bicycling. Several trail sections are closed to offroad cyclists, but the available trails consist of challenging rocky sections as well as less technical runs.

Swimming and fishing opportunities are also available in the area's spring-fed West Verde Creek; anglers may hook catfish, perch, and largemouth bass. Observation opportunities exist for wildlife such as white-tail deer, various lizards, rabbits, red-tailed hawks, and songbirds. A group lodge is available by reservation; primitive campsites are available for equestrians, backpackers, and walk-in (tent) campers.

Park Rating Explanation of Symbols
Campsites/Overnight Facilities
Leashed Pets Permitted?	YES
Picnic Areas/Playgrounds
Solitude
Trail System
Water Recreation	0
Wildlife
Ratings are based on a scale of 0 to 4.

Shannon's Notebook

Terrain at Hill Country SNA

Copyright © Justin W. Moore
See more photos at OutdoorPhoto.com

Characterized by steep, rocky hills, wooded groves, and scenic views, Hill Country State Natural Area is one of my favorite parks. Justin and I have hiked many of the trails in the park and have never been disappointed. There are 9 primary trails and 12 connecting trails to choose from, making it easy to select a route that meets your desires and abilities. Some of the most scenic views we have found thus far are from West Peak (Trail 5B) as well as Cougar Canyon (Trail 4) which has an overlook (Trail 4A) in the vicinity of the Hermit's Shack camping area. If you're not up to camping overnight within the natural area, numerous dude ranches and resorts are nestled in the hills throughout Bandera County. For more information on neighboring facilities, contact the Bandera Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-364-3833.
For more information, read our trip reports:

Shannon Camps Solo
Sultry Hill Country SNA

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Location

Hill Country State Natural Area is located 45 miles northwest of San Antonio. From San Antonio, take Texas Highway 16 to Bandera, proceed south on Texas Highway 173 for one mile, then follow FM 1077 for 10 miles to the park.
Map of Park's Location

For GPS Users: N 29° 37.86' W 099° 11.21' (WGS84/NAD83)
Convert to another coordinate sytem or map datum (Courtesy of Jeeep.com)

Hours

Open 7 days a week from February through November; day use hours are 8 AM to 10 PM daily. Winter hours (December through January) are limited to Fridays at noon through Sundays at 10:30 PM due to scheduled hunts.

Check for restricted park access before any trip. When controlled public hunts are in progress, general access is not permitted.

Fees

A park entrance fee is charged per day -- $3 per person for adults 13 years of age and older. (Texas residents age 65 or older pay only $2 per person.)

Campsite and other facility fees are in addition to the park entrance fee.

Note: Learn about the $60 Texas State Parks Pass which exempts passholders, and the passengers in their vehicle, from the entrance fees at all Texas State Parks.

Reservations

Reserve Now for campsites and other park facilities.

Reservations can also be made by calling TPWD's Central Reservation System at (512)389-8900 from 9 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday, 9 AM to noon on Saturdays.

No information available.