Lost Maples Contact Us

Lost Maples RV and Camping
Vanderpool, Texas
October Eclipse FAQs

• What is an annular solar eclipse?

During an annular solar eclipse, the apparent size of the Moon’s disk is slightly smaller than the apparent size of the Sun’s disk. Therefore, only the outer edge of the Sun remains visible and the Sun appears as a brilliant ring if you are inside the path of annular solar eclipse. This is an otherworldly sight often called a “ring of fire”.

• What time is the eclipse?

• Where is Lost Maples RV and Camping? 

Lost Maples RV and Camping is located in Vanderpool, Texas.  Vanderpool, known today as the "Crossroads of Western Bandera County", is located along the Sabinal River in the Sabinal Canyon.[4] It is in western Bandera County at the intersection of Texas State Highway 187 and Farm to Market Road 337, 30 miles (48 km) west of Bandera, 10 mi (16 km) north of Utopia,[3] 19 mi (31 km) north of Sabinal, 17 mi (27 km) east of Leakey, 43 mi (69 km) southwest of Kerrville, and 80 mi (130 km) west of San Antonio.

• What to plan for and how to prepare? 
• To ensure that you and your family have the proper protective eyewear for viewing the eclipse, we will provide ISO Certified Eclipse Glasses at no charge.  (equipment such as iPhones, cameras etc. can be damaged from the rays)
• Ensure vehicles are filled with gasoline or charged (only one gas station and one charging station in Vanderpool). Gas station could run out of fuel.
• Make sure you have plenty of propane. (20 lb exchanges only in Vanderpool)
• Make sure you have plenty of food, water and ice for a few days (only one convenience store in Vanderpool). 
• Make sure you have prescriptions filled to cover the week of the eclipse (may be hard to get out and fill prescriptions)
• Have first aid supplies with you (the EMS and other emergency services will be limited on manpower and vehicles) If you require an EPIPEN, bring it with you!!! 
• Make sure you have cash on hand (ATM's may not work)
• We provide free limited WIFI.  We could potentially lose service due to high demand.  AT&T is the only cellular service provider in the area.  Other providers such as T-Mobile and Verizon are very spotty.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to your viewing spot (as a rural community and a few major highways running in and around the hill country, its important you time your trip accordingly).

What is there to do in the area?

The Lost Maples State Natural Area is 3.9 miles to the north of us.  You will not be able to enter the park without an advance day pass during the dates surrounding the eclipse.  Here is the link: Lost Maples State Natural Area Day Passes.

Garner State Park – You will also need an advance day pass if you plan to visit this park.  They are located about 25 miles from us.  Garner State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

Lone Star Motorcycle Museum – 3 miles to the north.

• Are there restaurants nearby? 

There are no restaurants in Vanderpool, Texas.  We plan to have a BBQ food truck on-site Saturday ONLY. 
Restaurants Nearby:

Leakey, Texas – 16 Miles
Mill Creek Café, Leakey
Mama Chole’s Mexican Restaurant, Leakey
Bent Rim Grill, Leakey
Vinnys Italian, Leakey

Utopia, Texas – 10 Miles
Lost Maples Cafe: Utopia ,Texas
Postal Brews Utopia, Texas
Taqueria Utopia, Texas
MJs Coney Island Food Truck Utopia, Texas
The Laurel Tree Utopia, Texas -  Reservations only, open Saturday

Concan, Texas – 31 Miles
House Pasture Restaurant and Live Music Venue, Concan
Neal’s Café, Concan
Texas Cannon Brewing Co. Frio River

• In addition to viewing the eclipse, what other activities will be available?

Places hosting events during the October "Ring of Fire"
Bandera Brewery is hosting a "Brews and Views", The Bandera Natural History Museum is hosting "DinoSolar Eclipse", Pipe Creek Dancehall is hosting "Celebrate the Sun", The Core Coffee House Ministries will be hosting a "Creation Celebration" and Four Sister Ranch in Utopia will be hosting a " Eclipse Utopia".
Things to Do in Bandera County provides an overview of activities.

If you have additional questions, please call 830-966-3912 or send an email to lostmaplesrvandcamping@gmail.com.