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4.5
1,639 votes

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Campground

16385 Ranch to Market 965, Willow City, Texas 78675 USA

$
Budget
Closed Now
Opens Fri 6:30a
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • Not Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
  • No Wifi
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“One of the largest batholiths in the US”

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area consists of 1,643.5 acres on Big Sandy Creek, north of Fredericksburg, on the border between Gillespie and Llano counties. It was acquired by warranty deed in 1978 by the Nature Conservancy of Texas, Inc., from the Moss family. The state acquired it in 1984, added facilities, and re-opened the park in March 1984, but humans have visited here for over 11,000 years. Enchanted Rock was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1970 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The Rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome, that rises 425 feet above ground, 1,825 feet above sea level, and covers 640 acres. It is one of the largest batholiths (underground rock formation uncovered by erosion) in the United States. Tonkawa Indians believed ghost fires flickered at the top, and they heard weird creaking and groaning, which geologists now say resulted from the rock's heating by day and contracting in the cool night. A conquistador captured by the Tonkawa described how he escaped by losing himself in the rock area, giving rise to an Indian legend of a "pale man swallowed by a rock and reborn as one of their own." The Indians believed he wove enchantments on the area, but he explained that the rock wove the spells. "When I was swallowed by the rock, I joined the many spirits who enchant this place." The first well-documented explorations of this area did not begin until 1723, when the Spanish intensified their efforts to colonize Texas. During the mid-1700s, the Spaniards made several trips to the north and northwest of San Antonio, establishing a mission and presidio on the San Saba River and carrying out limited mining on Honey Creek near the Llano River.

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Reviews of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Campground

16 people have reviewed this location

Ratings Summary

4.0 Access
5.0 Location
3.5 Cleanliness
3.0 Site Quality
4.5 Noise

Cell Coverage

AT&T 4G

Confirmed by 1 users | Last reported on March 02, 2020
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Reviewed by
Jei

  • 29 Reviews
  • 54 Helpful
September 08, 2014
Rated 5.0

Great place for a getaway. My first time was with a youth group, last trip was with my friends. I went primitive camping and it was such a challenge but the trails were nice :) There are so many kinds and its one of the Texas treasures not many people know about. I highly recommend this place but be sure to prepare yourself for the heat and pack your essential needs. This location is a bit far out from any town, so always be prepared! :)

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Greek_nomad

  • Road Warrior
  • 401 Reviews
  • 296 Helpful
August 16, 2014
Rated 5.0

Are you into mountain/cliff climbing and you are close to Fredericksburg ?

Then do not miss out the opportunity to climb the enormous pink rock dome that is located above a small stream in Enchanted Rock State Park.

This rock rises about 325 feet above the ground and is suitable for both amateur (including children above 10) and professional climbers, depending on which side of it you will decide to climb. My advise is to visit this beautiful place during spring or autumn, because we did the mistake to get there in mid June and the temperatures at that period can get very high. The most important thing to have with you, except all the necessary equipment for climbing, is plenty of water. You cannot even imagine how thirsty you can get almost from the mid of your climbing.

Also, if you like primitive kind of camping then there are some beautiful spots where you can camp. Don't forget to take a camera, because you will have plenty of opportunities for great photos

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
nikki.toughill

  • 8 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
November 20, 2015
Rated 5.0

My husband & I went here while visiting his mom in Kerrville. It's a lot of fun, and thankfully the day we went (in November) was not hot - about 60 degrees - and overcast, with some rain sprinkles. If you are not an experienced climber, you can still go straight up the rock on the Summit Trail, but it is very difficult. I had to stop multiple times to catch my breath - which was fine because I was able to take in the amazing sights. Once at the top of the rock, the 360 degree views are unbelievable. We already plan on going back again on our next trip out to Texas, and we'll be taking one of the easier trails.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Katie

  • 16 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
July 21, 2015
Rated 5.0

So much fun, so beautiful. Great place to camp or visit for the day with your friends or kids, but is insanely hectic in the spring and summer, especially on weekends. If you're going to camp, book in advance because it gets filled up quick. Also, the best campsites (closest to the rock) don't have electricity. All in all, the positives outweigh the negatives and you should go sometime.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
mattclary

  • 20 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
February 27, 2020
Rated

While we were in central TX we checked Enchanted Rock State National Area off the bucket list. Hiked the #looptrail (only one you can take your furry babies on) that wraps around the enchanted rock. Amazing rock formations and views of the region. Met a great couple on the trail, Don and Michelle Dowd who are winter Texans from upstate NY it’s fun to swap stories and camping ideas with other trailer enthusiasts.
Stopped by Luckenbach,TX on the way back to the Spring Branch RV Park for a cold beer. You have to go there at least once, usually live music and always a cold one.

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Reviewed by
Campendium

March 02, 2020
Rated

Beautiful and interesting spot to spend the day. The top of Enchanted Rock has vernal pools with fairy shrimp in them!

If you aren’t tent camping, plan to stay elsewhere, even if you have a camper van or smaller rig — they only allow tents.

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Nightly Rate: -

Days Stayed: 0

Site Number: -

3 Access
5 Location
2 Cleanliness
1 Site Quality
5 Noise

Cell Coverage Rating

AT&T 4G

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Reviewed by
Campendium

April 17, 2021
Rated

I can’t speak highly enough about Enchanted Rock! Incredible hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Awesome to fall asleep to the sound of packs howling coyotes

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This reviewer would stay here again

Nightly Rate: -

Days Stayed: 1

Site Number: -

5 Access
5 Location
5 Cleanliness
5 Site Quality
4 Noise

Reviewed by
katieduke

  • 7 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
April 10, 2021
Rated 4.0

So so beautiful! We hiked with our 5 and 1 year old. My husband (who’s in shape) was able to carry the 1 year old in a backpack carrier. I workout but still struggled. Our 5 year old was good. I would have a rated 5 stars but the water bottle fillers and bathrooms were turned off. Only had portable bathrooms. We brought water bottles so were good but saw others with refillable water bottles that couldn’t refill. There was a Kona Ice at the bottom of the summit trail. Total thirst trap but appreciated it.

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Reviewed by
nhoward4

  • 12 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
October 08, 2019
Rated 5.0

What an important piece of history! We climbed Summit Trail as a family. I'm not in the greatest physical shape so we took our time, which made it more memorable. We really took in the sights at each level. Total climbing time was about 2 hours round trip, plus the time we spent at the summit. Bring plenty of water and a snack, and don't forget your camera. My kids enjoyed sitting at the top with their nature journals, sketching and absorbing everything.

We went in September, was probably in the 80s that morning. Try to get there early (make a reservation online if possible) to avoid being in the heat. The rock itself is hot, there's very little to no shade as you're climbing. Sunscreen!

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Reviewed by
toshamcintyre

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
February 18, 2018
Rated 5.0

Awesome place to visit. Great for the family. Bring water

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Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Campground

16385 Ranch to Market 965
Willow City, Texas
78675 USA
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Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun - Sat: 6:30 am - 10:00 pm

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    Parking
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    Pets Allowed
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    Wifi
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    Wheelchair Accessible
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    Credit Cards Accepted
Affiliation
State park or forest
Longest Vehicle Length Reported
25.0
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    Swimming Pool
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    Fifty Amp
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    Full Hookup
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    Pull Through
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    Tent Sites
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    Dump Station
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    Big Rigs
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    Open Seasonally
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    Age Restricted
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    Permit Required
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