Recent Equestrian Reviews in Houston

71 Reviews of 14 Houston Campgrounds

• 

  Stuart O.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 13, 2024

  Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

  Good late season option for the self-contained camper

  Was very thankful to find a place to overnight in mid-November. Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective. However, the park is situated on the valley bottom of the Yellow River Forest with beautiful tall trees, and there are fire rings. Fee was $12. First come first served basis from November through March.

• 

  Jarrett G.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 15, 2024

  Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

  Sweet place

  Very cool secluded walk in sites, pet friendly, awesome trails.

• S

  Steve S.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 11, 2024

  Maple Springs Campground

  WiFi intermittent

  WiFi intermittent At far end of campgrounds. Very clean showers and bathroom near office

• 

  Tori L.

  Scout

  

  May. 26, 2024

  Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

  Dream stay.

  Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.

• S

  Steph

  Guide

  

  Jul. 27, 2023

  Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

  Beautiful area and great Kickapoo access

  This is a smaller campground but makes up for it with all the access around it. Ice Cave trail was a neat, quick walk. The trails around have gorgeous views of the driftless area and Kickapoo river. I stayed at site 1. While it is right next to the campground road and a trail, trees block the views from people looking in and there was not that much traffic. It is a tent only site and can fit one tent. Was a good site for just me and would stay at this site again as most of the other sites are very explored.

• 

  Kristi D.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 5, 2023

  Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

  Lovely quiet park

  Nice campground, quiet would come back! It was our first time to WI so the scenery to the park was just beautiful.

  Our campsite was nice. Spaced out enough from neighbors that we were comfortable. Do not like the nickel and diming of WI state parks. Charge the site fee which is reasonable enough but then a $8 reservation fee that gets you to $40 and then another $11 to NR's for the vehicle pass. You can get an annual pass for $38 but when you are just passing through it's not worth it. Brought us to $51 for the stay and it was worth it since we needed a place to camp, but I've stayed in better places for less. This park was much better than Rocky Arbor.

  Bathrooms were super clean for a campground. Good shower with directions on wall, which was a nice touch. The cement in shower is stained so it looks dirty but it's really pretty clean. Enjoyed my hot shower here.

  Hiked the Old Settlers Trail. It was nice, some elevation changes that get you attention. It was muggy and hot as I hiked right after the rain, so temperature was miserable at times, but it is July! The entire trail was about 3 miles round trip from the campground. Definitely check out observation point! Beautiful view!!!

• 

  Jennifer O.

  Guide

  

  May. 29, 2023

  Maple Springs Campground

  Great Campground close to State Park

  Really nice campground. Well maintained and level sites. Had a river to walk along and playground and animals for kids to enjoy. Staff were really nice and helpful. They had (free) loaner electric cords and water hoses for the sites that had a longer distance to go to the box/spigot. The state park was just down the road with great hiking.

• 

  Brian O.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 13, 2023

  Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

  the best river for canoeing / kayaking in Wisconsin

  This was our second visit to this park. On both occasions we wanted to canoe the scenic Kickapoo river. Our first trip was five years ago and we got portage service for our canoe from Titanic Rentals in Ontario. We went from there (bridge 1) to bridge 12 Which took nearly all day, but we were able to have lunch at the park's Wildcat landing, the only real and equipped picnic site along the river. NOTE; Google maps makes it look like the campground and landing are near each other. They are not. It's three miles of very steep roads, so don't think you're going to fetch anything you left behind.
   The campground is on top of the ridge, which means in the morning you will look out over a fog shrouded valley through the trees. The views from the overlooks, which are a short hike, are worth checking out. Campsite 15 is the only one with a clear view.
  There are walk in sites and the paths are wide and clear. The park provides large carts for your stuff so you can really pack stuff in and get away from it all. But the family tent and RV sites generally well spaced, check the map as some are more private than others.
   Our second trip was in August, 2023 and we canoed from bridge 12 to LaFarge (bridge 21). It was later in the season than our previous trip, and in the slightly less scenic stretch of the river. As a result, we didn't see any other boaters.
  Campsites have basic fire ring, and there are pit toilets as well as one Full facility with running water and hot showers. Firewood is available at the Ranger station.
  There's also Equestrian camping elsewhere in the park and lots of trails for both hikers and horses.
   The town of Ontario has a good general store and a couple bars, but this is pretty much wilderness and small farms. Two unique places however are Wild Things Furrier near bridge twelve. Want a coonskin cap or some smoked trout? This is the place.
   More unique than that if you want to treat yourselves, go 34 miles south to the St. Frances Hermitage restaurant. It's run by a small order of French Monks and Nuns who raise their own animals and grow the vegetables they serve. Their bakery is also delicious. This is not fast food, this is a gastronomic experience.

• 

  Michael V.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 11, 2022

  Money Creek & Vinegar Ridge — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest

  Good hunting campground

  Stayed here multiple times throughout the years, not much to it. Put toilets, usually slow except during hunting season. Camp sites are decent but primative.

• 

  Michael V.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 11, 2022

  Oak Ridge / Wet Bark Recreation Area — R.J.D. Memorial Hardwood State Forest

  Horse trail campground

  Small campground, usually no one here except during hunting season. Not much to this place.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 28, 2022

  Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

  Nice smaller primitive CG along Big Paint

  Sites are primitive with tables, fire rings/grates, pit toilets, self registration, ice/wood available across road at visitors station. Cell service is possible at times .

• B

  Bridger

  Scout

  

  Jul. 27, 2022

  Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

  Great area for canoeing and kayaking

  Pretty cool state park. Campground is located on the top of the hill. Wish there were more hiking trails. You can also hike on the horse trails if you want. Would highly recommend canoeing or kayaking the Kickapoo River if you are spending a weekend there.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 27, 2022

  Creekside Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

  Equestrian CG along trout streams

  Clean, well kept sites with tie-ups, tables, fire rings, manure station and tools, multiuser trails including stream crossings. Trout fishing is good with seasonal stockings.

• 

  James M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 26, 2022

  Frontier Equestrian Campground — Yellow River State Forest

  Very nice equestrian CG near trout streams

  In Yellow River State Forest,-Very nice spacious sites for horses/riders including tie-ups, fire rings, tables at each site. Self registration, trails from/ camp including stream crossings in trout streams. Manure station with tools. Some trails are multiuser.

• 

  Daphne D.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 17, 2022

  Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

  Busy but beautiful

  We stayed at the Big Paint Campground and had a nice time. The sites there are pretty spacious and level, but they don't feel very private because this campground is essentially just an open field with line of sight to all other campsites. Still, it was a lovely place with nice trails and great river access. There are also some breathtaking lookout points to see the countryside.

  We drove through Little Paint Campground and many of those sites were pretty small and crowded, but again, the river access and the views made it a pleasant stay. Nearby Harper's Ferry is a neat little town, so be sure to visit there!

• K

  Kevin

  Guide

  

  Jun. 13, 2022

  Chester Woods Park

  Large sites

  Nice place but it is a campground not an rv park, 30 & 50 amp service but no water hookup (fill when you come in) and dump tanks when leaving,

• 

  Justin S.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 5, 2022

  Pietrek County Park

  Well maintained

  Nice big tent sites down by the river. Walking trails were nice but recommend pants as the grass was long in spots. Plenty of wildlife and could not hear the cars from the highway.

• 

  Nicholas H.

  Traveler

  

  May. 23, 2022

  Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

  Location

  The campground name is called big paint. The location is very nice, right next to the river. I wouldn't exactly call it a river though. It's nice and quiet, and very nice trail runs through it as well. The only thing is the sites are very close together

• 

  anne K.

  Guide

  

  May. 9, 2022

  Forestville Mystery Cave State Park Campground

  1st tent camp of the season

  Stayed here one night in early may and hiked the big spring trail. Site #42 was private with partial shade and a very nice and level gravel tent pad. The site was plenty big with plenty of room for activities. The shower facilities were very clean, same story for the latrines.

• 

  Anthony L.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 20, 2021

  Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

  Family Campsite #29

  A chilly weekend at Wildcat. Site 29 is nestled in between the family campground and the bathroom/shower facility. Electric is provided. Wood sales run until 5pm or 7pm depending on the day.

  The site is open and near two others on the corner, but with enough distance to keep relative privacy.

  Excellent hiking options with incredible overlooks.

• J

  JOSEPH M.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 19, 2021

  Maple Springs Campground

  Eden

  We stayed here for the month of august, and this place is awesome! Beautiful spaces of various size, a river runs next to it and they have duck races. Dog park, small general store, backs up to a national park, close to town, immaculately maintained, volley ball court, lots of shade trees, easy access, and Andy(owner/operator) is the nicest person you’ll ever want to meet. For those so inclined there’s church service on Sunday in an old (cool looking!) barn! Fire pits at every spot. There is WiFi there, but little to no phone service unless you have a cell booster. 5/5 will definitely be back!

• M

  Michelle A.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 18, 2021

  Whippoorwill Ranch Kampground

  Mature crowd and tons of fun!

  We had a fabulous experience at BJ's this weekend. Mark, Sheri and the staff are good people who work hard to make sure you have a great time. The food is excellent and comes out SO FAST; bravo to the kitchen staff! Bartenders are very attentive; Tasha took excellent care of us! The campsites are well kept and spacious. There are no picnic tables in the sites, but we got along just fine without. We can't wait to go back!

• j

  joleen

  Scout

  

  Oct. 18, 2021

  Maple Springs Campground

  Clean, friendly, with a trout stream running past

  Well maintained trails, lovely hosts & amenities. Not like any other campground.

• 

  Anthony L.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 1, 2021

  Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

  Amazing Cart-In Experience

  My son and I stayed at site 106. Carts for hauling gear are in great condition. Clean restroom/shower facilities. Water available on trail next to the site. Access to the parks trail system is right by the parking area as well.

  Will head back again before winter.

• 

  Mark N.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 25, 2021

  Chester Woods Park

  Nice County Park

  Nice park for everyone’s type from tents, cabins and all size RV’s. Electric only at the camp sites but have water and dump station on site. Clean bathrooms and showers. Best value I’ve seen for fire wood. Has many walking trails that you can take your dog on and just a couple that you can’t.

• 

  Josh F.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 7, 2021

  Wildcat Mountain State Park Campground

  I love this small but mighty state park

  This is a small state park in terms of overall number of campsites, but its network of hiking and horseback riding trails is extensive. What makes this state park particularly interesting from a camping perspective are the walk-in(or cart in) sites. There are 12 sites you can't drive to, and the park provides very nice carts for each site(unlike other state parks where there is one or two carts for all of the sites or none at all(Blue Mounds and Gov. Dodge State Parks respectively). 

  Walk-In Sites

  If you are looking for privacy, cart-in site 119 is quite a ways off the trail and far from the parking lot, but it's a bit small. It has some nice midday sun but is otherwise obscured by a lot of foliage which gives it a nice amount of privacy. Number 103 is in a heavily-wooded area and doesn't get a lot of sun but is nicely situated off the main path providing it quite a bit of privacy, but not too far from the parking area. On the other hand, number 104 directly across the gravel path from 103 is situated with a east-facing view of a very nice prairie, providing ample morning sunshine. However, a grove of trees on its western side provides very nice afternoon shade. 

  s 103 and 104 are also a very easy walk to some of the cleanest vault toilets you'll ever find, or just a little farther to the very nice shower and running water toilet building. I think 103 and 104 are my two favorite walk-in sites. 105 is on the same side of the road as 103, and is also nestled into a grove of pine trees. It is a bit smaller than 103 and if you have a large tent or a couple of small tents you might want 103 instead. If you're looking for wide open big sky prairie overlooks, sites 106 and 107 are just for you. They are probably some of the furthest walk-in sites from the parking lot, but afford a lot of privacy and lots of sunlight. 

  Car Camping Sites

  Now for the "car camping" sites. All of the electric sites are in a wide open in a large grassy area, and do not provide any privacy between sites or from the road. On the other hand, the non-electric sites afford a bit more privacy on their loop. The sites on the right hand side of the one-way street have far more privacy than the ones on the other side of the road. I would not like sites 1 through 5 because they are located between the main road and the campsite loop road, which would mean lots of car traffic and headlights in your tent all night long. On the left hand side of the road site 6, 9 and 11 are decent. 

  I would like to add a special note about sites 13 through 16. Three of these are on the outside of a small cul-de-sac loop, and are nicely situated in the woods, though they are close to the main road and would experience a fair amount of traffic noise. However, if you have a choice I would highly recommend avoiding site 16, it's in the middle of the loop has no privacy and isn't very pleasant except that it is completely shaded. 

  About the Park Itself

  This state park has an extensive system of horseback riding and hiking trails. The nice thing is that the horseback trails are shared by hikers. This state park also has one of the most beautiful and well-maintained overlooks, peering down into and across the Kickapoo River Valley. 

  I highly recommend visiting this overlook in the morning, at sunset, and even in pure darkness. We saw a wide array of stars and the Milky Way thanks to low light pollution. I'm not saying there is no light pollution, but it's pretty darn dark. I fell in love with this state park. It has fewer than 50 campsites, well maintained shower and vault toilet blocks, and a beautiful selection of walking trails. It also has a very accurate map of the walking trails, so you can hike confidently. 

  The park office sells firewood for$5 a bundle, which is about the same kind and quantity as they sell for$7.50 at the gas station 7 miles down the road in Ontario, Wisconsin. If you need a groceries or gasoline, the Cenex gas station has a small but sufficient grocery supply if you you need something. We forgot to bring eggs and pancake mix and they had both.

  Kayaking the Kickapoo

  This is a great place to start your Kickapoo River kayaking adventure. We booked two kayaks with one of the Ontario-based outfitters and spend a glorious September day paddling and floating the absolutely beautiful river. I HIGHLY recommend taking a day to explore the beautiful scenery from the silence of a river kayak.

• 

  ANDY C.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 7, 2021

  Maple Springs Campground

  Pretty good.

  Overall a nice place. It was very wet, standing water in the grass from lots of rain. Spot 105. Not much room between sites there and had to back turn around and back down the road to park. Memorial wknd, they had a very nice pot luck lunch and pork chops on a stick, all free and great food. Shower house is a quaint old farm house, it was very nice. General store and firewood. Dump station was in odd spot, if it were busy it wouldn't be good. Overall a nice time.