Best Equestrian Camping near Bonham, TX

Platter Flats Campground offers 35 equestrian sites with hookups and 3 equestrian tent sites without hookups near Bonham, Texas. The campground features numerous trails specifically designed for horseback riding, including a long equestrian trail that connects to Lakeside Park across the lake. Water and electric hookups are available at the equestrian sites, with additional amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. The equestrian section has a separate camping area from the regular campsites, providing a dedicated space for those traveling with horses. Pit toilets are available in the equestrian area, with newer shower facilities recently added to this section of the campground.

The Lake Texoma equestrian trail system is well-marked with large map signs at trail endpoints and regular markers throughout the routes. Riders frequently note the beautiful rolling hills with mature trees providing excellent shade, particularly in the equestrian camping area. The trails accommodate various skill levels and offer scenic lake views with memorable sunsets. While the campground can experience weekend traffic, weekdays provide a quieter experience for riders seeking more solitude on the trails. Reservations for equestrian sites are required and can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. The campground layout includes dirt and gravel roads throughout the horse camping section, with convenient access to the lake for fishing and swimming after trail rides.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Bonham, Texas (12)

    1. Coffee Mill Lake Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Telephone, TX
    16 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "There was only one other camper, but there is access to the lake at this site with a few cars in the parking lot when we arrived, so you will see people even though it is secluded on the whole."

    "This is a nice campground on the shore of a small man made lake. The lake has a boat ramp and fishing pier."

    2. Bois D' Arc Trailhead Campground

    1 Review
    Telephone, TX
    15 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Would have stayed here, but opted for West Lake Crockett down the road due to stronger cell signal."

    3. Lazy Days

    1 Review
    Farmersville, TX
    20 miles
    +1 (214) 815-5488

    $75 / night

    4. Platter Flats

    5 Reviews
    Calera, TX
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 434-5864

    $16 - $50 / night

    "Half of the campground is an equestrian camp. There are great hiking trails and beautiful views. Good shady spots."

    "great place for fishing, and if you are looking for a wonderful sunset, you have found the best place for it. generic campsite but close to the lake."

    5. East Fork Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Wylie, TX
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 442-3141

    $14 - $150 / night

    "We had a nice view of Lake Lavon. Grills and tables vary by site, some are very old, but many have been replaced."

    "I avoided any rough spots in the road and arrived at a LONG and roomie site with a beautiful view of the lake."

    6. COE Lake Texoma Platter Flats

    2 Reviews
    Calera, OK
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 434-5864

    "Amazing and Great for trail riding 

    Sites: 26 family with electric and water 

              35 equestrian with hookups 

                3 equestrian tent sites no hook ups 

                1 day use shelter with"

    7. Deer Haven Campground — Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur Unit

    4 Reviews
    Cooper, TX
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 945-5256

    $25 - $50 / night

    "It’s under a 2 hour drive from the DFW area so, I find it’s a nice weekend getaway. I camped here on a Sunday to Monday and it was very quiet."

    "Cooper Lake feels secluded. Lots of trees with a beautiful lake and well maintained hiking trails. It’s close enough to the Dallas area to be convenient, but never feels crowded."

    8. Bright Star Campground — Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur Unit

    4 Reviews
    Cooper, TX
    36 miles
    +1 (903) 945-5256

    $30 - $60 / night

    "My only complaint is that access to the lake is limited to a few campsites and a day use area that could easily be overwhelmed on a busy day."

    "It was spacious and felt very private even though we knew there were other campsites close by. The site was also pretty level."

    9. COE Lavon Lake Lavonia

    8 Reviews
    Wylie, TX
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 442-3141

    $14 - $30 / night

    "Nothing to knock you socks off, but it’s a great campsite close to home and nice for a quick getaway. Has the feel of being somewhat remote since it’s out by the lake."

    "Doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles but does have sewer, lake views, wide open spaces, and clean! Great food places nearby."

    10. Rockin Bar B Ranch

    1 Review
    Commerce, TX
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 243-8773

    $40 - $105 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Bonham, TX

1 Photos of 12 Bonham Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Bonham, TX

44 Reviews of 12 Bonham Campgrounds


  • B
    Jun. 12, 2018

    COE Lake Texoma Platter Flats

    Weekend traffic but the hosts are great.

    The park hosts and volunteers are very friendly, responsive, and work hard with the resources available to them. They deserve 5 stars This 2 star review is on the park only.

    This campground is one part regular campground, one part equestrian campground. Having horses is not a requirement to camp in the equestrian area and that is hany when the "regular" area is filled. The sites are pretty close together and the entire park feels packed together when it comes to camping space.

    The facilities are extremely outdated but there are new bath/shower combos coming online very shortly in the equestrian section. In the meantime there are 2 shower stalls available for men and 2 for women in the entire camp. There are pit toilets in the equestrian area and only 1 flush toilet for men located in the "regular" area until the new ones come up in the equestrian area. Possibly only 2 for women available.

    The worst thing was the traffic. People would drive to swim, fish, use the restroom, visit others in adjacent campsites or just cruise around with no aim from 8 AM to 10PM Thursday thru Sunday afternoon. The outer gates close at 10 PM but some drove around inside the park after that anyway. The equestrian camp area has dirt/gravel road and all the traffic creates a dusty environment. The Main road to the entrance which runs along the south side of the equestrian area also leads to the Platter Flats Recreation area which has no gates nor closing time so there is activity on the road all day and night.

    There is a long equestrian trail that goes over to Lakeside Park across the lake that can also be hiked pretty easily that has a couple secluded spots to swim along the way. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. There are large map signs on each end of the trail and markers along the way.

    I would not recommend visiting this park on a weekend unless traffic doesn't bother you. It should be noted there is a rail freight line and siding not far from the camp and once the vehicle traffic slows down, the trains seem to start. The train horns at crossings may be a bother to some.

  • B
    Jun. 12, 2018

    Platter Flats

    Great hosts

    The park hosts and volunteers are very friendly, responsive, and work hard with the resources available to them. They deserve 5 stars This 2 star review is on the park only.

    This campground is one part regular campground, one part equestrian campground. Having horses is not a requirement to camp in the equestrian area and that is hany when the "regular" area is filled. The sites are pretty close together and the entire park feels packed together when it comes to camping space.

    The facilities are extremely outdated but there are new bath/shower combos coming online very shortly in the equestrian section. In the meantime there are 2 shower stalls available for men and 2 for women in the entire camp. There are pit toilets in the equestrian area and only 1 flush toilet for men located in the "regular" area until the new ones come up in the equestrian area. Possibly only 2 for women available.

    The worst thing was the traffic. People would drive to swim, fish, use the restroom, visit others in adjacent campsites or just cruise around with no aim from 8 AM to 10PM Thursday thru Sunday afternoon. The outer gates close at 10 PM but some drove around inside the park after that anyway. The equestrian camp area has dirt/gravel road and all the traffic creates a dusty environment. The Main road to the entrance which runs along the south side of the equestrian area also leads to the Platter Flats Recreation area which has no gates nor closing time so there is activity on the road all day and night.

    There is a long equestrian trail that goes over to Lakeside Park across the lake that can also be hiked pretty easily that has a couple secluded spots to swim along the way. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. There are large map signs on each end of the trail and markers along the way.

    I would not recommend visiting this park on a weekend unless traffic doesn't bother you. It should be noted there is a rail freight line and siding not far from the camp and once the vehicle traffic slows down, the trains seem to start. The train horns at crossings may be a bother to some.

  • R
    May. 11, 2021

    Platter Flats

    Love! So fun for kids!

    Half of the campground is an equestrian camp. There are great hiking trails and beautiful views. Good shady spots.

    We had two kids with us and we loved walking around the campground and seeing all the horses! But remember it will also smell like them so camp on that side at your own risk.

    Also there was no attendant and we switched sites for the weekend with no issue 🤷‍♀️🤫

  • D
    Aug. 23, 2019

    Brockdale Park

    Not a campsite

    Equestrian trail and boat launch. This is big parking lot for a boat launch on Lake Lavon and a large Equestrian trail. No camping sites but we have done a picnic here. It’s a few minutes from our home.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2021

    COE Lake Texoma Platter Flats

    Trail Ride Anyone

    Amazing and Great for trail riding 

    Sites: 26 family with electric and water 

              35 equestrian with hookups 

                3 equestrian tent sites no hook ups 

                1 day use shelter with electric 

    Reservations only: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov 

    No camp host Flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, trash, picnic table, dump station, boat ramp, dock 

    Great for horseback riding, fishing, hiking, fishing, hunting, and boating. Beautiful rolling hills with mature trees. Great shade especially in the equestrian area. Well maintained. Wonderful lake views with amazing sunsets. 

    LNT 

    BTYFI 

    Travel safe.

  • Brian
    Sep. 18, 2020

    COE Lavon Lake Lavonia

    Great for something close by

    Nothing to knock you socks off, but it’s a great campsite close to home and nice for a quick getaway. Has the feel of being somewhat remote since it’s out by the lake.

    We’ve camped in the site with the horse stables and put the tents with questionable rain flys in the horse stable.

  • Tom K.
    Jun. 9, 2018

    Coffee Mill Lake Recreation Area

    Grasslands lake camping in North Texas.

    We stayed here by happenstance. This campground isn't really near anything and is a 30 minute drive from even the smallest town so come prepared for all your needs. There is a vault toilet and the grounds weren't in terrible shape. This would be my choice for a campground in the National Grasslands. There is lake access here and you could tell that this is a equestrian meet up area. The camps pots weren't leveled and you just throw your tent wherever you want. We didn't have any neighbors so it was quiet. The spot we got had a fire ring and a table. This is basic no frills car camping here if you are interested. We didn't have time to research so we don't know if there are any trails or anything in this area as we couldn't find any.

  • Cheryl D.
    Jul. 12, 2021

    East Fork Park Campground

    Not a favorite

    I found this park to be maintained poorly. The sites are close together with little shade and are all in a big, level circle with limited to no view of the lake itself. When we were there the grass was at least a foot high, creating no play space for the kids in the ample open areas.  There is an area with equestrian sites. Overall, it seems more of a day-use, non-appealing area.

  • M
    Sep. 19, 2016

    Coffee Mill Lake Recreation Area

    Coffee Mill Lake

    I am always pleasantly surprised with 'national' organizations' campgrounds. Whether a national forest or like this one, national grasslands, they are always pretty good, and this one is no exception. The campground is small, maybe 12 sites, vault toilets decently cleaned, and multiple water spigots. There was only one other camper, but there is access to the lake at this site with a few cars in the parking lot when we arrived, so you will see people even though it is secluded on the whole. We also saw a lot of horse riders. The sites have picnic tables, fire pits and are well spaced. You basically have your pick of sites so you can choose wooded areas or open without trees.


Guide to Bonham

Campgrounds near Bonham, Texas offer diverse options within a 45-mile radius of this North Texas city. The area features a mix of Corps of Engineers properties, state parks, and national grasslands with elevations ranging from 500-700 feet. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, making water access and shade important considerations when selecting campsites during peak season.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Coffee Mill Lake Recreation Area provides access to quality bass fishing in a secluded setting. One visitor noted, "Great bass fishing. Very Quiet" while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of this small campground in the National Grasslands.

Hiking trails: Cooper Lake State Park's Deer Haven Campground features well-maintained hiking trails with diverse wildlife viewing. A visitor mentioned, "There are a lot of great hiking trails with wildlife including deer, coyotes, armadillos, and butterflies" making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Swimming after rides: At Platter Flats Campground, equestrian campers can cool off with a swim after trail rides. "There is a long equestrian trail that goes over to Lakeside Park across the lake that can also be hiked pretty easily that has a couple secluded spots to swim along the way," notes one reviewer who enjoyed the well-marked trails.

Boating access: East Fork Park Campground provides lake access for various watercraft. As one camper observed, "The location is nice on the lake with lots of sail boats sailing by," making it a good option for those who want to combine camping with water activities.

What campers like

Secluded atmosphere: At Coffee Mill Lake Recreation Area, campers appreciate the quiet environment. A reviewer shared, "The campground is small, maybe 12 sites, vault toilets decently cleaned, and multiple water spigots. There was only one other camper, but there is access to the lake at this site."

Spacious sites: Campers at COE Lavon Lake Lavonia enjoy the generous spacing between sites. One review mentioned, "The sites are far apart and lots of green space," providing more privacy than many public campgrounds.

Wildlife viewing: Deer Haven Campground at Cooper Lake State Park lives up to its name with frequent wildlife sightings. "I stayed for four nights and really enjoyed it. The sites are large and fairly private," noted one camper who observed deer, coyotes, and armadillos during their stay.

Reasonable pricing: Several horse campgrounds near Bonham, Texas offer affordable camping options. One visitor to Coffee Mill Lake noted, "Was a great experience if you want better... go to places that charge more than $6 a night," highlighting the value of these more rustic camping options.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many campgrounds in the area have maintenance issues with access roads. At East Fork Park, one camper warned, "The roads are in need of repair, with numerous potholes, some very large," which can be challenging for larger vehicles or trailers.

Site levelness: Uneven sites are common at several area campgrounds. At Dove Hill RV Park, a reviewer cautioned, "It appeared that the campground doesn't have any sites that approach level. It is covered solidly with rocks, not gravel and some were quite large. A few of the campers had to have their back wheels off the ground in order to get level!"

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bonham, TX is Coffee Mill Lake Recreation Area with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Bonham, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.