Best Equestrian Camping near Amarillo, TX

Equestrian Campground at Palo Duro Canyon State Park features horse corrals and accommodates tent, RV, and cabin camping with electric hookups, water access, and generator use. Located 30 minutes south of Amarillo in Canyon, Texas, this secluded camping area provides essential amenities for riders while maintaining a natural setting. The campground includes a water trough for horses and offers both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical connections. Sites are spacious enough for horse trailers, though campsites lack clearly defined boundaries according to visitors.

Direct access to Palo Duro Canyon's extensive trail system makes this location ideal for horseback riding enthusiasts. The park, often called the "Grand Canyon of Texas," offers miles of scenic riding routes through colorful canyon landscapes with red sand and distinctive rock formations. Plum Creek at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area provides a free alternative for equestrian camping about 40 miles north of Amarillo near Fritch. This area includes horse pens constructed by local Eagle Scouts and access to miles of trails. The steep, gravel entrance road at Plum Creek requires careful navigation with horse trailers, but the secluded location offers complete silence and peaceful camping experiences for riders seeking solitude.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Amarillo, Texas (5)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Amarillo, TX

95 Reviews of 5 Amarillo Campgrounds


  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2024

    Equestrian Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Horses and Trails

    Equestrian: at Paul Duro, State, Park (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 3.5 this is a nice secluded area campsites do not seem that well defined to me. I don’t believe there are any restrooms here. A nice looking equestrian area (see pictures below) with water available for horses. Since I’m not an equestrian guy, check with visitor center for specifics. Looks pretty god, but I’d wish for bathrooms on site. Security: at park entrance Usage during visit: empty Site Privacy: no Site surface: dirt Reservations: Yes Outside Road Noise: not noticeable Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: available down the road Potable Water Available: yes Bathroom: no down the road Showers: down the road Pull Throughs: yes Cell Service (AT&T): one bar Setting: open in Area West Canyon walls on both Recent Weather: 30 to 70s Solar: definitely Insects: none Host: not on site Rig Size: large rigs can fit Sites: there are no site numbers

  • Sherrill W.
    Aug. 28, 2018

    Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    The beautiful Llano Estacado, 2nd largest Canyon in the United States..

    Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Amarillo Texas boosts where the Comanche Indians lived Where Coronado traveled and where John Goodnight brought in Cattle ...full of history and great views, Including Observation Point Los Cedros Ranch and ofcourse the famous play "TEXAS"..a must see for history buffs. Plenty of campsites and you can call ahead for reservations Check out their web site..you won't be sorry!

  • Brian F.
    Nov. 20, 2021

    Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Favorite Texas State Campground!

    I first visited Palo Duro State Park in January of 1980. My wife, dog and I were driving from Virginia to California and planned on spending the night in Amarillo ,TX. We happened upon Palo Duro SP and drove through the park. It was fantastic and I've always wanted to go back and spend some time there. Well, it finally happened in October 2021. I spent 4 nights in the park and had beautiful weather, opportunities for many photos and reconnected with nature. The campsites are very nice- spaced out, large and mine as did most have many trees for shade. I was in the Hackberry loop. The park employees were very helpful and friendly. The bathroom facilities were extremely clean and have been updated. Plenty of trails for hiking and bike riding and the photo ops were fantastic. So far, my favorite Texas State Park.

  • Alex M.
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Grand Canyon's little brother

    What a surprise this place is! The land around Amarillo is flat as a pancake. But head a few miles south and Palo Duro Canyon opens up vistas that rival the Grand Canyon in Arizona. There are many foot and horse trails that offer a close look at the multicolored canyon walls.

    There are several campgrounds on the canyon floor. I stayed at Fortress Cliff Camp Area. Each site has a paved picnic table space with an awning - very important here. It gets hot and the sun is relentless. The spaces are of generous size. I could have easily pitched four or five more tents. The ground is great for driving stakes, too. They go in easy but they hold fast.

    There are water spigots at Fortress Cliff, but only porta potties (reasonably clean when I visited). For a real bathroom with flushing toilets, showers, and hot and cold running water that can run continuously, head down the road to Mesquite Camp Area. This campground is geared for RVs, which typically have their own bathroom facilities. Wonder why they built a nice bathroom here and not at Fortress Cliff? Hmmm.

    Aside from the heat (about 104 °F when I arrived in June), the main downside here is the flies. They bite. Through clothing. Hard to stay in one place very long when the flies are after you.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2021

    Plum Creek — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    Ride em Cowboy

    FCFS

    FREE 

    Boat ramp is closed No drinking water but there is a pit toilet, trash containers, pedestal grill, and picnic tables. You will find equestrian camping with nice corrals. The area has some nice shade and a large grass area. The grass has been bush hogged so it is not very high. There is a water trough but I did not check for water. 

    The road in is very steep going down and it is gravel. The lake has receded some distance from the shore so you do not have immediate access. This is another great location to totally unwind. There wasn't anyone else there when we were. Total silence. Very peaceful. In the spring when everything is green and wildflowers are blooming I am sure it is beautiful.  Make sure you bring your supplies with you.  No shopping on the corner.

    LNT

    BTWYFI

    Trvel Safe

  • Ruth  P.
    Jun. 13, 2018

    Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Red Sand Everywhere

    Red sand everywhere! The color is truly amazing! The wind storms in the spring are something truly amazing in a whole different way. lol You will find sand in places you did not know existed! The hiking trails are well maintained and are very enjoyable to walk along. The campsites are nicely spaced and have big picnic tables.

    Canyon, the small town right outside of the Canyon, is a lovely town with some cool bars and restaurants. It also has Walmart, so if you end up needing anything you can take a quick 20 minute drive into town.

    I've been twice now and every time is better then the last! The location is great for visiting near by towns/cities in the pan handle of Texas.

    I look forward to going back and camping there!

  • Amy & Stu B.
    Jun. 20, 2022

    Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Take me back!!

    Love love love this park. So very stunning from every angle.

    Great campsite. We had some major trails running directly behind our specific site which made late nights and early morning walkabouts so easy! We also had wild turkey walk throughout our site and found a snake skin beside the RV. Sites also had grill, and a picnic table with a cover for sun.

    Electric and water hookup, fine bathrooms with showers that had hot water. ATT was spotty but kind of worked-Verizon was nonexistent.

    The park is STUNNING. Every hike is worth it. Every vista every viewpoint.. incredible. Lots of mountain bikers and a few horse riders.

    Literally only minus was that the water was really chlorine-y. But hey, I’ll take any potable water over no hookup!

  • Jennifer J.
    Sep. 23, 2016

    Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Horse, bike, and walking trails

    This is a pretty big state Park located in the Panhandle of Texas. It is sometimes referred to as a mini Grand Canyon.

    There are plenty of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. You should check out the Lighthouse Trail while you are there.

    The "primitive" campsites include a picnic table, running water, and fire pit. If you want to get away from others I highly suggest backcountry camping.

    There is a guided tour of the Old West Stables, that is perfect for the whole family. Also, the Pioneer Amphitheater host the play TEXAS, which is a must see if you are in the area.

    I would also recommend going to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum just 15 minutes West of the park.


Guide to Amarillo

Horse camping in Texas offers a unique blend of scenic landscapes and outdoor adventure, perfect for equestrians looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Horseback riding trails abound in the stunning landscapes of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, providing breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.
  • The area surrounding Hackberry Campground is perfect for hiking and exploring, with trails that cater to both equestrians and hikers alike.
  • Wildlife watching is a highlight at Fortress Cliff Primitive, where you might spot roadrunners and other native species while riding through the park.

Tips for equestrian camping near Amarillo, Texas

  • Make reservations well in advance, especially for popular spots like Hackberry Campground, as sites can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Be prepared for basic facilities at places like Equestrian Campground - Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which lacks restrooms but offers a secluded atmosphere for horse camping.
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife and insects, particularly at Fortress Cliff Primitive, where the natural setting enhances the camping experience but may also attract bugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Amarillo, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Amarillo, TX is Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 50 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Amarillo, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Amarillo, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.