Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area, located 37 miles northwest of Hallsville, offers primitive camping in a 3,500-acre natural setting. The conservation area features rolling terrain with oak-hickory forest and grasslands, with elevations ranging from 750 to 900 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s with high humidity, creating challenging conditions for both horses and riders.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area features a 48-acre lake stocked with multiple fish species. "Great for fishing and horseback riding... has boat ramp and fishing docks," notes camper Ron R., who stayed for over a week at this Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area.
Trail riding: Equestrian enthusiasts can explore over 20 miles of trails through forests and fields. "Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses," explains Linda H., who enjoyed the heavily forested surroundings at Rudolf Bennitt.
Target practice: Visit the shooting range located at Whetstone Conservation Area. The range is part of this "super well maintained conservation area" with "5 camp sites with fire pits and picnic tables," according to Kayla W., who camped at Whetstone Conservation Area.
Water activities: Finger Lakes State Park offers multiple water recreation options beyond horseback riding. "This park is one of my favorite nearby spots to take the kayak out and just float. Paddling through these channels is such a dreamy experience," writes Ashley F. about Finger Lakes State Park.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Frank Russell Campground provides peaceful surroundings for overnight stays. "Most impressed by how perfectly level our paved parking pad was... peaceful & quiet evening. Shady site with picnic table and fire ring," reports Jan K. about her experience at Frank Russell Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around Hallsville support diverse wildlife populations. Curtis M. recommends Dry Fork Recreation Area, noting the "old homestead foundation along the trail" and calling it a "perfect stop during you back packing trekk" at Dry Fork Recreation Area.
Lake access: Several horse campgrounds near Hallsville provide direct water access. Josh S. describes Scrivner Road Conservation Area as "a Swiss Army knife of rugged of the path camping. Rivers, Lakes, Gun range, Horses and hiking can all be enjoyed here... Getting too hot paddle on the lake located on the left Forck after entering."
Natural features: The region offers varied landscapes from forests to water features. Indian Creek Campground has "lots of hiking and amazing trails," according to Josh S., though he warns it's "very much a mosquito paradise" and recommends bringing plenty of repellent.
What you should know
Ticks are prevalent: The wooded areas near Hallsville harbor abundant ticks, especially in warm months. Meghan B. cautions about Dry Fork: "We encountered A LOT of ticks on the overgrown trail. BEWARE of ticks and check yourselves and your pets if staying here."
Limited amenities: Most horse-friendly campgrounds offer basic facilities. Linda H. notes Rudolf Bennitt provides "vault toilet and the only one provided" with camping areas that are "open gravel or grass."
Weather considerations: Summer camping can be challenging due to heat and humidity. Cedar Creek Resort visitor Rick G. mentions: "Due to a family issue we needed to make the drive home (about 1,100 miles) in a few days... arrived to a fairly unlevel gravel pad" at Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region. Meghan B. reports "No cell service" at Dry Fork Recreation Area, while Amie M. found better options at Indian Creek: "There is a paid wifi option that's $20/week but I just used Sprint roaming as a hotspot for my laptop and it was perfect."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas suitable for children. Kayla S. appreciates that Indian Creek Campground "has it's own beach that you can only get to by boat or if your camping in the campground. Felt more private that way."
Educational opportunities: Explore historical sites within conservation areas. Charlotte B. recommends Dry Fork Recreation Area: "We love hiking this area. There are fields and wooded areas along with a beautiful creek. It's fun to search for mushrooms and you are guaranteed to see deer and turkey."
Activity variety: Choose campgrounds with multiple recreation options. Jason R. enthusiastically describes Cedar Creek Resort: "This campground has everything for a perfect long weekend! The cabins are spectacular and right on the water... Free rentals on pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddle boats."
Safety considerations: Be prepared for wildlife encounters and insect protection. Zannie P. warns about Indian Creek Campground: "Ticks galore so prepare for that" while noting it has "lots of hiking trails and greenery between campsites" with "many established trees."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites require equipment for proper RV setup. Robert R. notes about Finger Lakes State Park: "Most sites looked level, but some are a bit wacky. We had a wacky one, and the host was nice, and quick to reposition us to a better spot."
Road conditions: Access roads to horse campgrounds may present challenges. Amy E. mentions Cedar Creek Resort: "The only thing I didn't love was the gravel road all the way in. Our truck and camper was covered with gravel dust. So if you had anything exposed, it'll get a bit dusty."
Hookup availability: RV services vary widely between equestrian and standard campgrounds. Doug W. comments on Frank Russell: "At $20/night ($10 for seniors) with electricity it's a bargain... We spent on night during the week in mid May and there were only 5 campers in the whole park."
Site spacing: Campgrounds offer varying degrees of privacy between sites. Beyond All describes Frank Russell as having "nice new concrete sites with fire pit, full hookup. Great trails and fishing lake, with concrete sidewalk and benches around it to make fishing easily accessible."
