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BanderaThings to DoParksHill Country State Natural Area
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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Hill Country State Natural Area

10600 Bandera Creek Road, Bandera TX 78003 Daily; office 8:15 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Address
10600 Bandera Creek Road, Bandera TX 78003
Hours
Daily; office 8:15 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Best For
Equestrians and primitive campers
Dogs
Six-foot leash required
Best time to visitAfter trails reopen, during mild spring or fall weather. Admission$6 ages 13+; ages 12 and under free Getting thereIn Bandera

Why people come here

  • Backcountry solitude
  • Equestrian infrastructure
  • Reservation-backed entry
  • Multiple camping styles
  • More than 5,000 acres

More than 5,000 acres of former ranchland offer primitive camping and rugged routes for hikers, mountain bikers, backpackers, and equestrians.

The natural area preserves canyons, plateaus, creek bottoms, grassland, and oak groves with limited development. Visitors can reserve primitive campsites, use multiuse routes, or bring horses with current Coggins documentation. TPWD recommends advance reservations because the property often reaches capacity.

Staying Overnight?

Bandera vacation rentals managed by Backroads Hill Country, in business since 2001.

Browse Rentals

What's Happening?

Markets, live music, and seasonal events around Bandera County. Updated as new dates are announced.

See Events

What You'll Experience

  • Rugged limestone canyons
  • Open grassland plateaus
  • Creek-bottom oak groves
  • Steep multiuse paths
  • Primitive tent sites

Directions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the trails currently open?

The TPWD alert reviewed July 24, 2026 said all trails and some trail-accessed campsites were closed. Conditions are time-sensitive, so check the alert again.

Can visitors bring horses?

Yes, when current conditions allow. Bring current Coggins documentation, use designated equestrian facilities, and call headquarters about the current animal-inspection requirements.

Are reservations recommended?

Yes. TPWD says the natural area often reaches capacity and strongly recommends reservations for both day use and camping.

More of the area About Bandera | Lakehills | Medina | Pipe Creek | Tarpley