Do you ever feel like you’ve discovered all the hidden gems the Lone Star State has to offer? If so, allow me to introduce you to your new favorite escape: Hill Country State Natural Area. Tucked away in the tiny town of Bandera, this pristine, relatively untouched oasis features towering canyons, lush greenery, and a sense of peace and quiet that will soothe your soul. This Bandera state park is one of the best state parks in Texas, yet many people aren’t even aware it exists! Come with us as we explore this beautiful, little-known state park in Texas. 

Tucked away in the tiny town of Bandera (population 863), Hill Country State Natural Area is a little-known oasis that's the perfect place to commune with nature and reinvigorate your spirit.
Hill Country State Natural Area, 10600 Bandera Creek Rd, Bandera, TX 78003, USA
Texas Parks & Wildlife
The park is located on a former ranch (which is very befitting, as Bandera is known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World") and offers over 5,000 acres of rugged, mostly-undeveloped canyonlands to explore.
Bandera state park
Google/Natalia Harrison
A staggering 40 miles of trails weave through the park, all shared by hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Trails range from easy, one-mile jaunts to challenging, multi-hour treks, so there is an adventure for everyone here.
Texas Parks & Wildlife
Perhaps you'll embark on the Heritage Loop to marvel at remnants of the old ranch. The West Peak Overlook is another popular hike, featuring a difficult climb that ends with sweeping, panoramic views of the lush Hill Country landscape.
Bandera state park
Google/Jonathan Tringali

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No matter how you choose to experience Hill Country State Natural Area, you'll feel like you've entered a whole new world - one in which time stands still and the only things that exist are you and nature.
Facebook/Hill Country State Natural Area - Texas Parks and Wildlife
A favorite among equestrians, the park offers a day-use equestrian area with a water trough, hitching posts, and a flush toilet. There are also equestrian campsites and an equestrian arena (available by reservation only).
Texas Parks & Wildlife
Please note: all horseback riders must present proof of current Coggins.
If you don't have a horse, you can still camp out here! Both primitive and hike-in campsites are available, both with vault toilets nearby (but no showers). There is also a lodge that sleeps up to nine guests and has a kitchen and bathroom.
TripAdvisor/geotrekk5
Be on the lookout for a vast array of plant and animal life during your visit. Many different birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles call the park home, and the ground is always ablaze with eye-popping, seasonal blooms.
TripAdvisor/Aubrey C

Visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website for more information about Hill Country State Natural Area.

Have you ever visited this little-known Bandera state park in Texas? If so, do you think it’s one of the best state parks in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a great restaurant to try while you’re in Bandera. OST Restaurant first opened in 1921, and not much has changed about it over the years (including the delicious food that has kept locals and tourists alike, including myself, coming back time after time).

The Very First Diner In Texas, OST Restaurant Has Been Delighting Guests Since 1921

For more outdoor adventure, check out this out-of-this-world, glow in the dark kayaking tour on the San Marcos River. 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

State Parks In Texas

Melanie J. | April 05, 2024

What are some more beautiful state parks in Texas?

To be honest, all the state parks in Texas have something to offer and are uniquely beautiful in their own way. However, these are several of the most beautiful state parks in Texas that will blow you away. 

  • Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City
  • Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis
  • Franklin Mountains State Park, El Paso
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon
  • Caprock Canyons State Park, Quitaque
  • Big Bend Ranch State Park, Presidio
  • Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Fredericksburg
  • Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site, Comstock
  • Monahans Sandhills State Park, Monahans
  • Garner State Park, Concan
  • Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose
  • Colorado Bend State Park, Bend

Read our previous article to discover more about these beautiful state parks in Texas.

What are some other lesser-known state parks in Texas that you recommend?

Here are some of the lesser-known state parks in Texas that are perfect for an escape. 

  • Tyler State Park, Tyler
  • Fort Richardson State Park, Jacksboro
  • South Llano River State Park, Junction
  • Big Spring State Park, Big Spring
  • San Angelo State Park, San Angelo
  • Resaca de la Palma State Park, Brownsville
  • Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Pilot Point
  • Purtis Creek State Park, Eustace
  • Atlanta State Park, Atlanta
  • Palmetto State Park, Gonzales
  • Mother Neff State Park, Moody
  • Stephen F. Austin State Park, San Felipe

We recommend that you read our article to discover more about these lesser-known state parks in Texas.  

What are some more hidden gems in Texas?

There is no shortage of hidden gems in Texas, and these are the ones that belong on your list:

  • Cattail Marsh Wetlands Education Center, Beaumont
  • Blue Hole at River Riding Ranch, Leakey
  • Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Washington
  • Cave Without A Name, Boerne
  • Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Orange
  • Blue Lagoon, Huntsville
  • Love's Lookout, Jacksonville
  • Big Thicket National Preserve, Kountze
  • Tonkawa Falls, Crawford
  • Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, Round Mountain
  • Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, Marble Falls

Be sure to check out our article telling you more about these incredible hidden gems in Texas.

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Hill Country State Natural Area, 10600 Bandera Creek Rd, Bandera, TX 78003, USA