Hill Country/Cowboy Country/Bandera/Park/Hill Country State Natural Area
Park · Bandera
Hill Country State Natural Area
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.
Why people come here
Before you go
Open daily; office hours are 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended for day use and camping because capacity is often reached. As of August 27, 2026, all trails were open and a burn ban was in effect; check current alerts before arrival.
Good to know
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.
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