Enchanted Rock (Texas) Questions

[Corncob]

Do any of your experience Texas hangers have any advice on hanging at Enchanted Rock? I'm going there with a group (almost entirely ground dwellers) mid-April and need to know if there are ample places to hang there. I think we're doing a car camping site as most people don't have backpacking equipment.

I've never been to this state park, so I have no idea what to expect. I've seen several posts on HF about visiting and hiking there, but only about one post suggesting that hanging was done there. Basically I want to make sure I don't end up having to go to ground, and I welcome any comments/suggestions about the locale in general.

[CapitalCop]

I love Enchanted Rock. Haven't been there in years now that I live in SC. Back then, I had a cheep net hammock to lounge in.

[cashkeith]

I was just there back in December. Sorta in my backyard (in Texas measurements that is!). There are ample hang spots. There is also a nice primitive site not far into the park that I have swung a hammock; just for day hiking. You will find trees all over the park, just not up on the rocks themselves obviously. This past December was my first stay in the car camping area. Here's a pic of what the car sites look like. ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/wckeith...57629421551569 ). They are all more of "walk-in" type sites. It's a pretty sweet little park.

[UncleMJM]

I was just there back in December. Sorta in my backyard (in Texas measurements that is!). There are ample hang spots. There is also a nice primitive site not far into the park that I have swung a hammock; just for day hiking. You will find trees all over the park, just not up on the rocks themselves obviously. This past December was my first stay in the car camping area. Here's a pic of what the car sites look like. ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/wckeith...57629421551569 ). They are all more of "walk-in" type sites. It's a pretty sweet little park.

+1

Ample is the operative word. If you arrive during the week you should be in good shape, if on the weekend, you may have limited options.

I've hung there and hiked there. Not all of the sites will work for hammocks, (walk-in car camp or hike-in primitive), and this is definitely not a place for a group hang, but if you are the only hanger the odds are in your favor that you'll find a spot to hang.

[Corncob]

Great, thanks for all the replies. Sounds like I should be okay, and I'm greatly looking forward to it.

[Corncob]

So apparently you have to book the walk-in (not primitive) sites over 1.5 months in advance. We are planning to go April 20-22 and all the Enchanted Rock sites are already taken.

I'm now trying to decide between Bastrop State Park and Hill Country State Natural Area. Has anyone been to either/both of these and can provide some guidance or recommendations? Thanks!

[UncleMJM]

I loved Bastrop before the fire. They have reopened but not completely from what I hear. Call and see what they have open.

Never been to SNA but have heard great things about it from Rat. You may want to pm him for tips and details in case he misses this thread.

[Corncob]

Thanks! Sent him a PM.

[rkuehner]

I hammock camped at Enchanted rock last fall, during the great "gas shortage" Night time temps were nice. I really didn't need a bug net, but brought one and my tarp. There'were plenty of trees for hanging my hammock. I was camping in the primitive area behind the rock. I was awoken twice during the night by a pack of roaming coyotes...they didn't bother me, but they make a loud ruckus as they wondered through my campsite (well within 25 yards or so). There was a nearby outhouse, but no potable water source other than a small pond. I don't remember what the camping fee was, but it seemed kind of high. Trekking poles come in handy when traversing through the rocks. I would imagine it would be very hot and buggy during the summer months.