Doobage
12-28-2005, 11:58 AM
Enchanted Rock is a very large singular rock that is ~1700 ft. high. The indians believed the place was enchanted because the rock makes strange sounds from time to time. This is caused mostly during the summer when the rock heats up during the day and then (on occasion) cools rapidly during the evening, which causes stress fractures to groan. So smoke some peyote and I'm pretty sure that you'll think your great grandpa is after you.
Fee: Can't remember, but it's a standard ~$15-20 camping fee.
Camping:
The camping is split between the front campsites (very accessible - 100 yards from the asphalt parking lot) or the primitive camping which is a mile or two hike around the "big" rocks. The front campsites are close to the facilities which apparently have showers. But I was there when it was 20 degrees, so I skipped the shower for the day - so I can't officially rate the showers. The accessible campsites are frequently reserved, so if you want to be close to the good facilities, you MUST make reservations. The front campsites also allow for you to have an open pit fire (unless conditions prevent it). And there is a small ravine that winds its way amongst some of the camp sites up front. So while there is a parking lot, it has some of the creature comforts that make it more desireable...and you can always face away from the parking lot. Note: This is also a popular place for college students, so it is likely the front camp sites will occassionally be more loud (music, beer, etc...).
If you are planning on going primitive, there are 3 groups of campsites on the back side of the rocks. All of which are similar and have an outhouse within a 100 yards of the camp area. The primitive area does not have designated plots so you can throw down pretty much anywhere. There is some mosquite in the area (very long thorns of hard wood) so make sure you and your tent are safe when picking your spot. The trails leading back there are descent, but you might need a flash light if traversing it in the dark (especially if you take the trail going between the rocks rather than around). The primitive camping is very quiet, higher chance to spot wildlife. However no fires are allowed back there and primitive toilets are....welll....primitive.
Facilities:
As mentioned, it has showers and restrooms at the front camp area, but primitive out back. There is a play ground for kids, but I don't remember any other significant structures.
Attractions: The rock is a must climb. Simply because it's unusual. It's not that difficult of a climb (unless it's really hot during the mid summer months (June, July, August). The closest town is Fredricksburg (20 minutes), which contains a winery, German food restaraunts, and lots of antique/boutique shops - I think there is also a Walmart incase you need some additional camping gear. Great place to bring a Significant Other. I believe there are Bed and Breakfast places as well, so you could pamper your SO (or yourself) and camp one night and B & B another.
Roads: Plenty of roads worth riding in all directions. Close enough to I-10 incase you need to make-up some time, but otherwise, simply pick a direction and enjoy the road (watch for tar snakes). The parking lot at the campsite is asphalt, so riding in is not a problem.
The best time of year to attend is October, but it's also the most crowded....so make your reservations months in advance (unless you go primitive).
Fee: Can't remember, but it's a standard ~$15-20 camping fee.
Camping:
The camping is split between the front campsites (very accessible - 100 yards from the asphalt parking lot) or the primitive camping which is a mile or two hike around the "big" rocks. The front campsites are close to the facilities which apparently have showers. But I was there when it was 20 degrees, so I skipped the shower for the day - so I can't officially rate the showers. The accessible campsites are frequently reserved, so if you want to be close to the good facilities, you MUST make reservations. The front campsites also allow for you to have an open pit fire (unless conditions prevent it). And there is a small ravine that winds its way amongst some of the camp sites up front. So while there is a parking lot, it has some of the creature comforts that make it more desireable...and you can always face away from the parking lot. Note: This is also a popular place for college students, so it is likely the front camp sites will occassionally be more loud (music, beer, etc...).
If you are planning on going primitive, there are 3 groups of campsites on the back side of the rocks. All of which are similar and have an outhouse within a 100 yards of the camp area. The primitive area does not have designated plots so you can throw down pretty much anywhere. There is some mosquite in the area (very long thorns of hard wood) so make sure you and your tent are safe when picking your spot. The trails leading back there are descent, but you might need a flash light if traversing it in the dark (especially if you take the trail going between the rocks rather than around). The primitive camping is very quiet, higher chance to spot wildlife. However no fires are allowed back there and primitive toilets are....welll....primitive.
Facilities:
As mentioned, it has showers and restrooms at the front camp area, but primitive out back. There is a play ground for kids, but I don't remember any other significant structures.
Attractions: The rock is a must climb. Simply because it's unusual. It's not that difficult of a climb (unless it's really hot during the mid summer months (June, July, August). The closest town is Fredricksburg (20 minutes), which contains a winery, German food restaraunts, and lots of antique/boutique shops - I think there is also a Walmart incase you need some additional camping gear. Great place to bring a Significant Other. I believe there are Bed and Breakfast places as well, so you could pamper your SO (or yourself) and camp one night and B & B another.
Roads: Plenty of roads worth riding in all directions. Close enough to I-10 incase you need to make-up some time, but otherwise, simply pick a direction and enjoy the road (watch for tar snakes). The parking lot at the campsite is asphalt, so riding in is not a problem.
The best time of year to attend is October, but it's also the most crowded....so make your reservations months in advance (unless you go primitive).