Equestrian camping near Buchanan Dam, Texas offers access to Lake Travis shorelines and Texas Hill Country terrain. The area sits at approximately 1,020 feet elevation with limestone formations creating diverse riding conditions. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, requiring early morning or evening rides when camping with horses during peak season.
What to do
Trail riding access: At Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, equestrians can enjoy over 20 miles of hiking trails suitable for day rides. "Lots of hiking trails here. Good swimming. The falls are pretty. You can walk upriver from the falls, bouldering for quite a long way. Classic hill country terrain," notes Emily M.
Water activities: Lake Travis shorelines at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area provide opportunities for horses to cool off after rides. "Set on the lake, muleshoe recreation area is run by the LCRA. Clean camp sights dotted a long the lake offer access to the water. With 10 miles of hacking/biking trails that are mostly under tree cover, the park offers a nice amount of day hiking," shares Tim W.
Wildlife viewing: Bring binoculars for bird and deer spotting during rides. "This beautiful park is just miles away from my home. Camping, river play and over 20 geocaching sites make it a great place to wind down," says James G. about Pedernales Falls State Park.
What campers like
Open camping areas: Krause Springs provides spacious camping with room for horse trailers. "We loved it. It was our first time EVER tent camping on our own, and we really enjoyed our time at Krause Springs. There were tons of camp spots, but it didn't feel crowded at all," explains Rachel W.
Equestrian-friendly sites: At Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, the layout accommodates horses and equipment. "The campsite is good for equestrians. If you're a kayaker you can put in here and travel down and take out elsewhere. The lower Colorado River Authority has plenty of places along the Colorado to facilitate this," notes Kyle G.
Natural swimming areas: Cooling off with horses is possible at several locations. "This is a great little place on Lake Travis. Going in the spring time is the best because of all the wildflowers. Trails are easy. Campsites are clean with a fire pit and a grill. There is easy access to the lake to go swim or paddle," says Candice C. about Shaffer Bend.
What you should know
Facility limitations: Most horse camping areas have minimal amenities. "There are no showers or bath houses. There are Porta-Johns located throughout the campground. Texas in summer can be unforgiving," warns Kyle G. about Shaffer Bend Recreation Area.
Water level fluctuations: Arkansas Bend and other lake sites can have changing shorelines affecting water access. "Be mindful that Lake Travis is not a constant level lake and this is a narrow and shallow part of the lake. There is a chance of low water levels," cautions Candice C.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for native Texas wildlife when camping with horses. "Also it's Texas and there is wildlife. We saw about a 5 ft rattlesnake," reports Candice C. about Shaffer Bend. Always carry snake bite kits and keep camp areas clean.
Tips for camping with families
Safe swimming areas: Look for designated swimming zones where children and horses can cool off separately. "The camp sites are situated next to or a short walk to the water. The camps are clean. Most are equipped with a picnic table and fire ring," shares Erik F. about Shaffer Bend.
Weather awareness: Flash flooding can occur rapidly in this region. "Great river, view. Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here. Respect weather warnings!" advises Faith S. about Pedernales Falls State Park.
Site selection: At Fort Mason City Park, families find amenities for both children and horses. "There is a rundown playground in the main park and there is a newer playground in the middle of the baseball fields. We were here for a week with a 3 year old and we stayed mostly on the property," notes Amie M.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Carefully research RV routes to horse camping areas. "Cars/trucks coming and going all day/night kicking up tons of dust because they're too lazy to just walk to the bathroom or set up their own bathroom. That's not what I call camping," warns Darrin R. about conditions at Krause Springs.
Hookup availability: Many equestrian sites lack full RV connections. "Dry camping works well for both small RVs and tents," with limitations on large rigs at most sites. "My only warning is low hanging trees everywhere. I couldn't imagine trying to navigate the campground in a 5th wheel or class A. You could do some rooftop damage," cautions Brandi W. about Krause Springs.
Site spacing: Select sites with adequate room for both RV and horse equipment. "Sites 1-13 closer together and more in site of each other but still ok," notes Robin about Shaffer Bend, indicating some areas may be too tight for larger rigs with horse trailers.
