The local folklore ascribes magical and spiritual powers to the dome-shaped mountain in Texas called Enchanted Rock. The mountain is made of pink granite which adds to its mystical quality and mesmerizing beauty.
You'll be happy to know this location is open to the public. It is perfect for the adventurous, nature-loving hikers and backpackers out there. It's also great for those who want to go rock climbing, stargazing, and geocaching.
Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? If you are looking for more information about how to visit this magical location and get enchanted yourself then read on to find out about Enchanted Rock camping in Texas.
How to Visit
Enchanted Rock is located 18 miles north of Fredericksburg on RR 965 or south from Llano on S. State Hwy 16 for 14 miles, then west on R.R. 965 for eight miles.
The park is open seven days a week and all the trails close at sunset except the Loop Trail. It is advisable to have advanced reservations for day passes and overnight stays.
The park usually reaches peak capacity every day, especially during weekends and holidays. The passes can be booked online or by calling the customer service center in advance.
The entry for the park is $8 per person while children under the age of 12 are allowed free entry. There are currently COVID restrictions in place, so make sure the guidelines are adhered to while visiting the park.
Camping Options at Enchanted Rock
The park is famous for camping. There are over 50 campsites at the park which can easily accommodate small and large groups of people. The campsites are divided into the following three categories.
Campsites with Water
These campsites are perfect for day-cation or a relaxed overnight stay with your friends and family. Each site can accommodate 8 people per site and there are 35 such sites available.
Individuals looking to stay overnight will have to pay $18 per night for a camping spot and $10 extra for each additional person. That's all on top of the park's regular entrance fee.
People in groups can enjoy a scenic view of the rock under the night sky at these campsites. The sites provide a picnic table, outdoor grill, fire ring, and restrooms with showers nearby.
These sites are, however, reserved for tent camping only and tents will need to be brought along. The good news is that you can bring your furry companions along to these campsites.
Primitive Campsites
To reach these campsites, you will need to hike 1 to 3 miles over rugged terrain. There are twelve sites at Walnut Springs and eight at Moss lake with each site accommodating four people.
These sites truly transport people to the primitive ages as there are basically no modern-day amenities available here. There’s no water, no picnic tables, and no ground fires allowed at these places.
To cook, campers must bring their own food and a containerized fuel stove. Similarly, tents need to be brought individually. These sites, too, allow pets. The charges for primitive campsites is $14 in addition to the entrance fee.
Group Camp
These campsites are perfect for groups of adventurers, hikers, and nature-lovers. To reach the campsite, you need to hike for 1.5 miles.
There are no tents or picnic tables, but the campsite has dedicated parking, a private entrance, and a private camping area.
This primitive group campground is in the Buzzards Roost area and holds a maximum of 75 people. The fee for the group camp is $100 per night plus the daily entrance fee.
Things To Do at Enchanted Rock
The main attraction at Enchanted Rock is the massive pink granite dome overlooking the region. However, there’s more to the place than that. The site provides the perfect topography to carry out various fun, adventurous, and mesmerizing activities.
Rock Climbing
Enchanted Rock is a popular and premier location for rock climbing. The place is best-suited to learn and use traditional rock-climbing techniques.
Climbers need to check-in at the headquarters, sign the climbing release form before they can embark on their journey. They are also required to follow the rules and guidelines outlined for rock-climbers.
Hiking & Star-Gazing
Enchanted Rock has nearly 11 miles of hiking trails spread across different areas of the park. Pets are allowed on the Loop Trail. All trails close thirty minutes after sunset except the Loop Trail.
The place is the perfect place for astrophile as individuals can have a clear view of the night sky due to the naturally dark sky away from the city lights.
Conclusion
Sure, we love fancy resort vacations about there is something about natural destinations that just reigns supreme. Humans have been visiting this Enchanted Rock for 12,000 years according to archeologists.
And it's no surprise that people before were as enthralled with this mountain as they are now. Get set to enjoy pristine nature at its finest at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
