Lake Somerville State Park offers equestrian camping options across both its Birch Creek and Nails Creek units, each providing distinct experiences for horse enthusiasts near Bastrop, Texas. Located about 45 miles northeast of Bastrop, these parks feature extensive trail systems connecting the two units with terrain suitable for riders of all skill levels. Fall camping is particularly popular when temperatures moderate and wildlife viewing opportunities increase, especially for birders.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Somerville: Tucker B. from Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek Unit reports, "Went for a nice paddle on the lake until the winds came up." The lake offers calm waters perfect for paddling with minimal motorized boat traffic, particularly during weekdays.
Fishing opportunities: Sites near the water provide good access for anglers. At Lake Somerville Birch Creek Unit, visitors have observed substantial catches: "My husband went fishing for a bit. He didn't catch anything, but he witnessed another gentleman catch a 20" fish, so we know there are fish in the lake," notes Margaret P.
Wildlife viewing: The parks are known for diverse wildlife. Jeff from Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek Unit reports, "Great kayaking and very little motorized boat traffic, but likely due to current situation. Trails are numerous, but not well marked. We didn't see a lot of hog damage on the trails, so maybe the staff has been working on that. Good amount of wildlife."
Cliff jumping at Lake Travis: For those seeking more adventure, Aaron S. from Pace Bend Park states, "My favorite part about this campsite is the ability to cliff jump into a lake. I love the water and this campsite was perfect for me."
What campers like
Spacious equestrian sites: Ty C.R. from Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek Unit shares, "We stayed equestrian site 4 which is a fairly private site. Moon was nearly full and the coyotes were howling all night long. All in all it was a nice small state park with great views of Lake Somerville."
Level parking areas: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained sites. Laura F. notes, "The sites have nice paved spots, many have views of the lake, and are spacious."
Night sky viewing: The rural setting provides excellent stargazing conditions. Denise V. highlights this in her experience: "Warm temperatures and clear nights. Lots of stars." The dark skies away from major city light pollution make this area ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Trail access: Pace Bend Park offers multiple trail options. Kadyn D. describes it as a "Wonderful summer time spot, plenty of drive-up tent sites (don't settle for the first you see unless it's a busy weekend) great cliff jumping and deep-water soloing opportunities for the seeking. Also great swimming/fishing holes. Hiking is short but nice."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Lake levels and trail conditions can vary seasonally. Some trails may be closed due to flooding, as Kevin M. from Lake Somerville reports: "Sommerville has been wrought with flooding and hogs...both running a 'could be' beautiful landscape. Many of the rails were unusable and those available were ruined with hog wallers."
Trail maintenance status: Before planning a long ride, check on current trail conditions. Laura F. mentions, "Two bridges are out on the Trailway which limits options a bit. The hiking and biking is all well defined double track with little elevation change."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. Red S. from Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek Unit reports, "I have T-Mobile cell service and it fluctuates between 4G and 5G. I'm able to use the internet send and receive text messages and call out and receive calls. Also I have an antenna for air tv channels. TV signal is good and clear."
Reservation systems: Some parks require advance planning. At Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park, Troy W. explains, "There is not a park office on the grounds to accept reservations or fees for camping. To reserve a campsite, call the City Recreation Center at 512-237-3282x7 Mon-Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Multiple parks offer facilities designed for children. Lauren Z. from Arkansas Bend shares, "We have enjoyed the hiking trails down by the water and the playground for our kids."
Educational opportunities: Parks often provide learning experiences. Lynn G. notes about Lake Somerville, "Great wildlife on the trails with lots of educational displays and programs. Famous for birding. If you have a horse, bring it!"
Clean facilities: Families appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. Elijah A. comments, "Bathrooms were nicely maintained." This practical consideration makes extended stays more comfortable for families with young children.
Emergency preparedness: Medical facilities may be distant from some campgrounds. Lisa G. from Iron Horse RV Resort shares a personal experience: "We had a medical emergency that forced us to leave the RV an additional night and they worked with us and checked in with us just like FAMILY."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on your specific needs. Caitlin H. suggests, "This spot had easy access to the bathrooms and to the trail to the lake." Proximity to facilities can significantly impact your camping experience, especially for those with mobility concerns.
Utility hookup quality: Red S. notes, "Well, the only thing I think that they could improve would be the pads where you park your trailer on. Some of them need to be redone."
Leveling considerations: Some parks feature well-leveled sites that simplify setup. Lauren Z. shares, "We were very surprised at how level our gravel campsite was. It made setup a breeze. The loop makes backing into your spot easy."
Distance to supplies: Be aware of proximity to necessary stores. Red S. advises, "The closest gas station is 10 miles. There is a Dollar General store for basic stuff. If you need something, that's about 5 miles."
