D
Donna T.
Ranger
RangerDavy Crockett National Forest Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
Quiet pretty, trails
Quiet, pretty National forest with lots of trails, lake and privacy. Cell signal poor.
Equestrian Camping near Alto, TX
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Piney Creek Horse Camp offers primitive camping in the Davy Crockett National Forest near Kennard, Texas, approximately 20 miles from Alto. The campground provides tent and RV sites with vault toilets and trash collection, though no drinking water, electric hookups, or shower facilities are available. Campground reviews note the well-marked trail system suitable for horseback riding with miles of accessible routes. The camping area remains remote and quiet, making it ideal for equestrians seeking a more natural experience away from developed facilities.
Direct access to numerous forest trails begins at the campground, allowing riders to explore extensive paths throughout the national forest. White Rock Horse Camp, located south of Kennard, offers an additional equestrian camping option with basic facilities including toilets. The trails accommodate both horses and bikes, with some extending for miles to dispersed camping areas and lookout points. Horse owners should bring all necessary supplies, including water for themselves and their animals, as amenities are limited. During hunting seasons, riders should wear appropriate high-visibility clothing and be aware of hunting activities in the area. The campground maintains a laid-back atmosphere with ample space for horse trailers and equipment.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Alto (6)
1. Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
"Very well-maintained National Forest site just off Texas Highway 7 in the middle of the Davey Crockett National Forest. "
"East Texas weather is so unpredictable. When we arrived at camp it was nice and sunny, so my friend and I decided to walk our dogs. On our walk we got caught in the middle of a down pour!"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $35 / night
2. Davy Crockett National Forest Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
"Entertains many hike trails. One even for handicap person to follow thru. Good for horses or bikes. You can go for miles even to a dispersed camping lookout point."
"Such a peaceful and beautiful area in the Piney Woods of East Texas. I wish we'd had more than 2 days here to explore."
3. 566 Piney Creek Horse Camp
"Great, well marked Trail system. Be careful during hunting season!"
4. Alazan Bayou
"There is a loafing barn for horses. No bathrooms or water. Would be a 5 with just water. You need a Texas parks Limited use permit. It costs as little as $12 a year."
Check Availabilityfrom $12 - $42 / night
5. White Rock Horse Camp
"Great hiking / horse riding trails around. Would not recommend this area during hunting season. Accessible via car, good roads, smaller trailers. If RVing, will need levelers."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
6. The Boulders at Lake Tyler
"Great view of Lake Tyler. Also very clean. There is a store, great boat dock, and a vendor selling very good bbq. We will definitely come back if in the area."
8 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $55 - $195 / night
Drive Time
- 56 min from Tyler, TX
- 1 hr 12 min from Longview, TX
- 1 hr 49 min from College Station, TX
- 1 hr 49 min from Shreveport, LA
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Alto, TX
36 Reviews of 6 Alto Campgrounds
Alana B.
TravelerRatcliff Lake Recreation Area
Magical
Beautiful little gem. The upkeep is outstanding, you can tell it’s really looked after. The camp sites are close to each other but since it wasn’t busy it felt like we had our own private area. There is a small swim area that you should utilize because there are alligators in the lake so it’s not safe to swim by the campground. The rangers drive around a few times a day. We didn’t do the trail this time around but will try it out next time. It’s great for big groups because of all the space. They have bathrooms with a shower and plenty of toilet paper in case you forget to bring your own. It gets pretty dark at night because there are no lights except what you pack with you. There is also a water spigot and a fire pit.
Heather S.TravelerRatcliff Lake Recreation Area
Convenient. Clean enough. But underwhelmed.
We came to tent camp and wanted to be on a lake shoreline. We stayed at #11 on Lakeside Loop.
The positive:
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The tent pad was nice and level and the site was very roomy (we had a tent & canopy) with tons more room to stretch out.
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We were about 200 yards from the bathroom facilities and about 30 feet from potable water for washing up.
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The traffic was minimal because it’s off the main road, and would have been peaceful if the group of campers at #9 had been courteous and acknowledged quiet hours.
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We had incredible weather with a wonderful steady breeze.
Negatives:
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We did have a lake view, but the shoreline is so incredibly overgrown making it difficult to fish. Lots of rotted wood and brush blocks a great deal of the view and access.
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The burn circle had a grate welded at an angle to the top, so it couldn’t really be used for building up a big fire or cooking.
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No one drove around/checked to make sure visitors are keeping to the quiet hours, which meant we were kept awake until about 12:30 am from yelling and loud music.
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The restrooms, while near, had not been cleaned before we arrived—toilet paper on the floors and in the shower area with lots of dead june bugs and spiders on the floor the whole weekend.
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Jim P.RangerRatcliff Lake Recreation Area
Very peaceful park
Great camping area, sites are a little unlevel, but not too bad. Water is a little bit of a stretch, may need to make sure you have plenty of hose.
Remnants of old sawmill is really cool, lots of wildlife and well maintained and marked trails to explore.
Good fishing, and swim area is very refreshing as well!
- Yasmin S.Ranger
Davy Crockett National Forest Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
Ratcliff - Natl. Forest
Has great camping. Entertains many hike trails. One even for handicap person to follow thru. Good for horses or bikes. You can go for miles even to a dispersed camping lookout point.
- Yasmin S.Ranger
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
Ratcliff
This is another Great in deep e. Texas. They have really clean it up over the years. Even thin out more by the swimming area and boat ramps. Has a boat ramp but no electric motors. Also a dump station. They upgraded a RV spot that also has a playground too. You will find remants of the old sawmill here.
Gloria W.
ScoutThe Boulders at Lake Tyler
Food Truck and Park host!
The food truck food is not good. I got sick from eating food from there. Ted stores food in freezer without covering it up with lids. One of the park host was showing pictures. I saw the pictures and he also showed other park host. He is not a good park host. Do not ever let him borrow any money because you will never see it back. Do not put a bad review on Facebook because you will get blocked off there page. It's sad that's how they run a business.
- SSeeking NarniaTraveler
White Rock Horse Camp
Nice dispersed camping
Nice area for dispersed camping. Several level areas. Great hiking / horse riding trails around. Would not recommend this area during hunting season. Accessible via car, good roads, smaller trailers. If RVing, will need levelers.
- RRose M.Traveler
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
Pretty Solid
If you're someone who camps to get away from everyone, this is not the spot for you. It should come to no surprise that it isn't secluded as it does have several sites available. There's bathrooms and showers, a swim area, fishing, and a selection of trails to do while staying here. At the primitive sites you get a fire pit and a picnic table. Great place overall.
Guide to Alto
Equestrian camping in Davy Crockett National Forest provides access to extensive trail systems through East Texas pine forests. The forest maintains several horse campgrounds near Alto, Texas, approximately 20-30 miles from the town. These primitive camping areas accommodate trailers and offer basic facilities with direct trail access.
What to do
Trail riding conditions: Most equestrian trails at Piney Creek Horse Camp connect to forest service roads, creating extensive riding options. A camper noted, "Quiet national forest hunting camp with vault toilet and water, but no amenities at the individual campsites. Great, well marked Trail system."
Swimming areas: Ratcliff Lake features designated swimming spots separate from the main waterways. According to a visitor at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, "There is a small swim area that you should utilize because there are alligators in the lake so it's not safe to swim by the campground."
Historical exploration: The forest contains remnants of old industrial structures. One camper shared their experience: "Remnants of old sawmill is really cool, lots of wildlife and well maintained and marked trails to explore."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The forest supports diverse wildlife populations visible from trails and campsites. A visitor mentioned, "Good for horses or bikes. You can go for miles even to a dispersed camping lookout point."
Accessible trails: Davy Crockett National Forest maintains trails for various skill levels including accessible routes. As one camper noted, "Entertains many hike trails. One even for handicap person to follow thru."
Natural swimming: The designated swimming areas provide refreshment during hot months. A camper shared: "Good fishing, and swim area is very refreshing as well!"
Primitive experience: Horse camps maintain minimal facilities to preserve natural surroundings. A visitor described White Rock Horse Camp as having "Nice area for dispersed camping. Several level areas. Great hiking / horse riding trails around."
What you should know
Hunting season awareness: Several forest areas permit hunting during designated seasons. A camper advised, "Be careful during hunting season!" Another specifically cautioned, "Would not recommend this area during hunting season."
Water requirements: No potable water exists at most horse camps. Campers must bring sufficient water for themselves and their animals. One cyclist noted, "About a mile west of this camping area there is a pipe coming out of the ground on the north side of the road. Spewing cold potable water."
Trailer access: Most horse campgrounds can accommodate small to medium-sized horse trailers with limited turning space. A visitor at Alazan Bayou mentioned, "At least 14 sites with picnic tables on concrete slabs. Fire rings and Lantern poles. Very well kept and mowed. There is a loafing barn for horses."
Permit requirements: Some areas require Texas Parks Limited Use permits. A camper explained, "You need a Texas parks Limited use permit. It costs as little as $12 a year."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety: Use only designated swimming areas due to potential wildlife hazards. A family camper recommended, "The swim area is very refreshing as well!"
Facility preparation: Most horse camps have vault toilets without running water. One camper advised, "They have bathrooms with a shower and plenty of toilet paper in case you forget to bring your own."
After-dark conditions: Limited lighting exists at most campgrounds. A camper at The Boulders at Lake Tyler noted, "It gets pretty dark at night because there are no lights except what you pack with you."
Tips from RVers
Generator requirements: Horse campgrounds require campers to bring generators for power. One RVer advised, "Bring your own generator and dry camp."
Leveling needs: Most sites require levelers. A camper mentioned, "Accessible via car, good roads, smaller trailers. If RVing, will need levelers."
Dump station access: No dump stations exist at horse camps. RVers must plan accordingly for waste management during extended stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Alto, TX?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Alto, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Alto, TX is Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Alto, TX?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Alto, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Alto, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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