Lake Somerville State Park offers equestrian camping opportunities across two main units, with a total of 14+ miles of designated riding trails. The park sits at an elevation of approximately 250 feet, bordering the 11,000-acre Lake Somerville. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, while winters remain mild with occasional freezing temperatures. The park's terrain features a mix of post oak savannah and blackland prairie ecosystems typical of east-central Texas.
What to do
Trail riding: Access extensive equestrian trails at Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek Unit. "There are trails you can access in the park, with many more miles a short drive away. 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," notes Laura F. in her review of Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek Unit Campground.
Kayaking: Rent kayaks at reasonable rates directly from the park. "Kayaks and canoes are available for rent for a really low price," shares Ashley C. about her experience at Nails Creek. Tucker B. adds, "Went for a nice paddle on the lake until the winds came up."
Wildlife viewing: Explore the park's diverse ecosystems for bird watching opportunities. "We saw many birds this spring," reports Laura F. Denise V. observed "Great Blue Heron, Cardinals, Chickadees" during her stay at Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek Unit Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the well-spaced camping areas. "The sites have nice paved spots, many have views of the lake, and are spacious," says Laura F. about Nails Creek Unit. Justin R. notes about Birch Creek, "We stayed in old hickory loop. Lots of trees and plenty of shade."
Night sky viewing: Clear skies offer excellent stargazing opportunities. Denise V. enjoyed "Warm temperatures and clear nights. Lots of stars" during her fall visit to the park.
Wildlife sounds: The natural setting provides an immersive experience. Ty C. R. shares from his stay at Wolf Pond Group Camp, "Moon was nearly full and the coyotes were howling all night long." Hannah B. also noted, "Lots of coyotes and owls calling throughout the night."
What you should know
Facility conditions: Some areas of the park continue to recover from past weather events. Jeff mentions in his review, "Like a lot of east-Texas camping areas, LSSP was also devastated by Hurricane Harvey and is still recovering, but don't let that stop you, but instead level-set your expectations."
Site features: Campsites include standard amenities with varying features. "Water, 20/30 amp, Fire Ring with grate, Picnic Table: wood with metal legs, concrete base, Site Pad: Asphalt, level, long enough for my camper and truck with room to spare," details Denise V.
Access to stores: The park is relatively remote. Red S. notes about University RV Park, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Trail activities: The park offers educational opportunities along its trails. Lynn G. mentions, "Great wildlife on the trails with lots of educational displays and programs. Famous for birding."
Water access: Multiple points allow for lake activities. Caitlin H. shares, "This spot had easy access to the bathrooms and to the trail to the lake," while Elijah A. notes, "We had a small trail right behind our site that went down to the water."
Fishing options: Try fishing in various locations throughout the park. "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," says Margaret P. about her experience at Happy Campers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on expected weather. Denise V. advises, "The table and fire ring are on the non-camping side so it was a little strange. Very dark at night on that side."
Pad conditions: Some sites may need maintenance. Red S. notes, "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."
Connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the park. Red S. 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."
Guide
