Are you planning a trip to Cameron with your horse? We've got you covered. Finding a place to stay in Texas while traveling with your horse is easy. At The Dyrt, you can find top-rated spots for horse camping, as reviewed by campers.
Live Oak Ridge Campground is located at Belton Lake, which provides some of the best fishing, camping and boating in Central Texas. This year-round campground accommodates both tents and RVs and has many amenities, such as a playground, showers, and a group meeting area.Belton Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction of Belton Dam in 1954. The 12,300-acre lake is located on the Leon River, just upstream of the confluence of the Leon River and the Little River.
With 136 miles of shoreline, Belton Lake offers a wide variety of recreation activities, including camping, water recreation, picnicking and nature trails. The facility has a multi-lane boat ramp, and hiking trails are available adjacent to the park at Miller Springs Nature Area. Hawks, great blue herons, ducks, geese, many species of songbirds, bobwhite quail, Rio Grande turkey and even an occasional bald eagle visit the lake area, offering year-round opportunities for birders.
Live Oak Ridge lives up to its name, with many large oak trees, a pleasant atmosphere and plenty of shade. The campsites are flat and grassy, and several overlook the lake (others are only a short walk away). Springtime brings an abundance of wildflowers that blanket areas of the park. There is a man-made wetland on the lake between White Flint and Winkler Parks, providing an additional 25 acres of wildlife habitat to the lake area.
For facility specific information, please call (254) 742-3050.
Belton Lake is located adjacent to the Fort Hood Army Base, which has several points of interest for the military buff. The mural painted on the spillway wall of Belton Dam depicts the history of the Bell County area.
$30 / night
This recreation area is part of Somerville Lake
Willis Creek is the ideal place for campers looking for a variety of accommodations. A group campground and five equestrian sites are available, in addition to a row of standard camping sites. Granger Lake is a popular recreational destination, especially for boating and fishing. In fact, it's one of the best lakes in the region for crappie and white bass fishing.
Boating and fishing are the most popular activities for campers. Horseback riders have six trails to explore in the Willis Creek Equestrian Area, ranging from 1 to 5.5 miles in length.
Boating and fishing are the most popular activities for campers. Horseback riders have six trails to explore in the Willis Creek Equestrian Area, ranging from 1 to 5.5 miles in length.
Granger Lake, formed by a dam completed in 1980, is fed by the San Gabriel River and Willis Creek. The campground sits on the Willis Creek arm of the lake. The maximum surface area of the lake is 11,000 acres and the shoreline is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Texas Blackland Prairie.
The Pecan Grove Wildlife Area, San Gabriel Wildlife Area, Sore Finger Wildlife Area, and Willis Creek Wildlife Area border the lake. Bring binoculars for birding opportunities.
$10 / night
This recreation area is part of Somerville Lake
This campground is for participants of the events that happen here. Not open to the public.
We are a Veteran-owned, nonprofit 501(c)(3) horse rescue based out of the Waco area in central Texas. We serve Veterans and their families and local community and people from all over the states through rehabilitation. We house a training program and offer horseback rides and lessons.
We currently have one RV space with hookups for $35 a night and host guests weekly. We also offer an Equestrian site and have room for 6 horses, 3 stalled, and 3 pastured. We offer layover facilities.
We have a petting zoo, free-range horses on-site, and a pet piggy that greets u upon arrival.
We would love to host you!
We also offer a single Suite 2-person stay onsite, booked through Airbnb.
Come visit and enjoy the sunsets here in TX.
$35 - $200 / night
Scout
Small, but very clean / new restrooms. Lots and lots and lots of fields, walking trails. Perfect for dogs who like to run. In January no one is here, all by myself. Great rates, they also offer primitive sites where you hike in just a little.
Guide
I’ve spent a lot of time in Belton, but never at this campsite. I was delayed by a day due to tornadoes in the area, so I was already frustrated when I arrived to find that no one mans the entry gate…ever. I also did not receive my confirmation email upon booking, which contains your code to enter the gate, but luckily enough they have a number posted you can call and camp hosts within sight of the gate who can help you get in. I was on loop 4, which has the best shade, but some of the sites can be a little crammed in (and it can become loud on the weekends which is to mostly be expected). No sewer hookups, but they do have a dump station on site. Another perk is the private boat ramp for campers along with covered picnic tables at the less shaded sites and a playground for kids. My favorite part was honestly the showers though—they were so fantastic! The bathroom is heated in the cooler months and the water pressure and hot water can’t be beat; it’s the best camp shower I’ve experienced! I also had good enough service with AT&T to work with my phone’s hotspot, but Verizon was pretty poor and even streaming videos was choppy, though you can call and text as usual.
Guide
Great spot, all the txpw amenities, friendly as can be staff, clean restrooms, well maintained campsites and nature. 14+ miles of equestrian trails! GREAT birdwatching, several different species this time of year. Leaf cutter ants all over the trails! Active wildlife at night with coyote hunts making a good bit of commotion. I would have given 5 stars but the fishing pier is still out of commission from flood damage.
Ranger
A nice, quiet fall camping weekend on Lake Somerville. It was a solo trip and since the weather was warm, I brought my kayak on this trip.
Check In: 2p Check Out: 12p
⛺ Site#26- Back-In
💲20 per night+$4/person/day Parks Pass Discount saved$18.00
• 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
• Corrals for horses
👍🏻 Pros:
• Extra parking places across the street
• Can see the lake from this spot
👎🏻 Cons:
• There's not a direct trail to the lake shore other than animal trails through some of the tall grass
• The table and fire ring are on the non-camping side so it was a little strange. Very dark at night on that side.
📝 Park Notes:
• Dump Station
• Restrooms/ Showers- clean. The Bent Tree area has a portable trailer for the restrooms and showers. The main building is closed.
• There are Munzees and Geocaches here
• Lots of trails in the park and between this and the Birch Creek Unit
• Great trails for equestrians
• Enclosed Group shelter for events (no kitchen)
• Family Fishing Pond (small)
• The open style pavilion doesn't appear to be open. Looks like it's is structurally unsound
🐦 Wildlife:
• Birds: Great Blue Heron, Cardinals, Chickadees
• Deer
• Squirrels
💜 Highlights of this trip:
•🔥 Campfires and breakfast over the fire
•🐕 My brother came for a short visit to walk the dog
•🛶 Kayaking and there was only ONE other boat on the lake
•🍂 Nice fall colors
•🚫 Some of the trails and areas of the park were closed this weekend due to public hunts
•🌟 Warm temperatures and clear nights. Lots of stars.
•💚 Found a couple geocaches and put out a few Munzees
More info at https://www.denisevajdak.com/2021/12/fall-camping-at-lake-somerville.html
GuideI’m reviewing the hike in site on the Lake Somerville trail way, entering at the Birch Creek Unit (northern side of the lake). It’s around a three mile hike to the campground area. The hike has a few nice views of the lake and a few nice fields here and there. Once you make it to the camping area, you’ll find an outhouse, some benches, a fire pit and even a little well. Footsteps and a few coyotes can be heard in the evening. The campsite is close to a little meandering river if you’re willing to do a little bit of bushwhacking , just be careful as it’s easy to get turned around. Plus there are probably some crocodiles around, who knows. Anyway, I’d recommend this trail/campground, I didn’t see anyone once I got a few miles in and really enjoyed being close to a little river, plus the wildlife.
Ranger• Water
• 20/30 amp(had 50 amp outlet, but only 20& 30 breakers)
• Grill
• Fire Ring with adjustable height grate
• Picnic Table
• Site Pad: asphalt. Site was just long enough for my 24' camper and my truck and not much room between.
👍🏻 Pros:
• Near the water with a trail to get there
• Green space between the site and neighbors
• Good kayaking area
👎🏻 Cons:
• The spot is tight getting in. My 10' high camper had low hanging branches on it(but they were soft, not stiff). Lots of vines/shrubs across from the site, so no extra room there.
📝 Park Notes:
• Park does not have a gate, so it doesn't close
• Dump Station for each camping loop
• Restrooms/ Bath House
• Boat ramp
• Fishing jetty (pier is closed)
• This campground is better for winter camping. Great buffer from wind and neighbors. Only a handful of sites have direct access to the water.
• Lots of trails
• There are Munzees and Geocaches here
• Group pavilion/kitchen available
• 2 group shelters available
🐦 Wildlife:• Birds: Shore birds, egrets, herons, cardinals, mockingbirds
• Deer
• Raccoons(I saw their tracks, but not the critters)
More info an video at https://www.denisevajdak.com/2021/08/my-birthday-weekend-2021.html
Site 23 was better (stayed in this one twice). Wider, nice view of lake. Not very long, but easier to get into.
TravelerStopped in here for a place to stay while on a hunting trip. Service was phenomenal and they answered any questions on the spot. Good space between locations. Far enough from town to feel out in nature but close enough to make a run if needed.
ScoutGreat campsite and volunteer hosts.
ScoutWell maintained and plenty of trails around the lake. Enjoyed two night here. Site 108
GuideThis was our first time here at lake Somerville birch creek. It was a great one. We stayed in old hickory loop. Lots of trees and plenty of shade. Short trip from Houston so we will definitely be going back!
GuideLive Oak Ridge COE Campground is excellently maintain and is a very low-key, restful place to land. Large sites with ample vehicle parking that offer substantial distance from the neighboring sites give room to bring multiple vehicles or a boat along with the RV. The sites are well maintained by the hosts who are not obtrusive and just keep a low profile to ensure things are clean and go well. The restroom area is also clean and has showers and toilets. A better-than-typical playground is set in a great interior place for all to enjoy. Water access is through the boat ramp, so don't expect to launch from your RV site since they are elevated far above the water. We stayed in Site 7 (and later extended it to Site 6). Both were easy to back into and fairly level with nice concrete pads, grills, and wonderful covered picnic tables. Both had tree coverage on one side. There are nature trails across the main road and access to Belton and their small but awesome riverwalk area, historic Salado, Still Hollow Lake, the Belton dam (we could see the mural from both sites), Chalk Ridge Waterfalls and Temple, TX within a few minutes. This is a great landing spot for many nearby activities EXCELLENT National Park pricing for 50 amp and water hookups with dump site available.
Traveler
We arrived late Friday evening after hours. The gates are still open but overwhelming with skeeters everywhere. All sites were overgrown with tall grass/weeds. Walmart/ HEB grocery just under 9 miles away. Bathrooms had toilet paper and free hot showers. The lake ramp is perfect for paddle boat or any large boat( platoons, etc) Spacious pavilion at every spot Water and electric connectors working perfectly. Fire ring and grill at all sites The stars are awesome for stargazing We stayed at site 16, but site 17 offers shade and ADA accessible. All back in sites have plenty of grass and are in level pavement
TravelerThe campgrounds are very clean and quiet. Everyone has been so friendly. Bathrooms are spacious and well kept. We were in spot 11. There is a nice amount of trees and greenery, but zero view of the water. Unless you go 6 or more sites down to the boat ramp and circle back down the ramp, there is no real “”access.” There is a well worn path directly behind our site with some thorny vines we cut down and a bit of poison oaky looking foliage. We managed to get kayaks down that way over a few boulders to the water and back up again. There is a play ground in the center of the park in a field of beautiful yellow flowers. If you don’t mind not having a view of the water, this is a nice spot.
LegendStopped into here on the way from Austin down to the coast.
Snagged site #4 and I was the only one in the primitive camp area.
Bathrooms at entrance station stayed unlocked overnight for my use.
AT&T cell service was good enough for me to do some work on my hotspot.
Went for a nice paddle on the lake until the winds came up.
Only bummer was losing my kayak straps off the top of my truck on my way out!
RangerThe sites have nice paved spots, many have views of the lake, and are spacious. We stayed in the equestrian area since the other area for non equestrian sites is currently closed. 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. We saw many birds this spring.
ScoutWe 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.
ScoutThis is the second time we have stayed here. This time was from Christmas Eve until the Sunday after. This place doesn’t disappoint. There are nice hiking trails. The lake views are beautiful. All the campsites appear to be very well kept. 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. We stayed in campsite 28, which is a great space...unless it’s windy. Had great internet service, which is unusual for us in a state park.
TravelerThese grounds are just for those participating in events at the center. Lots of equestrian and ag show events. In the last 10 years or so they have put a lot into improving the grounds and made them really nice. Though, to be fair, I have never had to stay over night on the grounds. Only visited.
GuideWell spaced spots. Fairly level pads with table, fire ring, 30/50 amp electrical, water. We didn't see any covered tables, but all usable spots had concrete pads for tables. 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. Sites are well dispersed, but some appear to be no longer in use. In July 2020, there were very few folks in the park, partly, I'm sure due to Covid-19 and well, its July in Texas! Typically, and as expected, gnats were really bad at night, but mosquitos were tolerable. Just be prepared and you'll be fine. 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 Equestrian area looked like it was restored and back-in-business. Will be returning. While the Birch Creek and Nails Creek sections are visible across the lake from each other, there is a long drive (15 minutes in a vehicle around the lake) to get between them, so plan your time accordingly.
RangerWe stayed in the Old Hickory loop. Each site had trees surrounding it and they are decently spaced out. The park has trails within it, as well as the Trailway for long hikes and mountain biking. The day use area is nice for swimming in the lake.
ScoutVery peaceful, clean, spots are pretty spread out with covered picnic tables, fire pit and grill. Site 4 looked the best but 13 was beautiful. Can’t get to the water from sites, but the views were amazing and the walk short!
Traveler$24 a night, Site 31, very clean camp. Sites that we really like with lots of shade 40, 41. Booked 41 for early October.
ScoutLots of shaded coverage, amazing trails, amazing views.
TravelerWe camped at the horse spot. These camping spots are mostly spacious and private - plenty of shade trees. We walked some trails, but they were mostly flattened/destroyed by Hurricane Harvey. Hopefully by now they have been rebuilt and are just as beautiful as I imagined them. If I were still local to the area, I would definitely go back, and definitely recommend others to go as well.
ScoutWe loved our campsite. We were lucky to get one that already had a shelter over the table. There was plenty of room between campsites, we couldn’t even see our neighbors. We had a small trail right behind our site that went down to the water. I was so pleased that they stayed open during the “Shelter in Place”, so we could actually get some fresh air.
Trails were great! We went on several long hikes. Lake was great...but pretty chilly most of the time we were there.
Bathrooms were nicely maintained
TravelerWe stayed at site 77 and I really liked the privacy of most campsites. This spot had easy access to the bathrooms and to the trail to the lake. My husband and friend attempted to fish on the lakeshore but were unsuccessful. The trail system is apparently expansive, but had been closed while were there due to some flooding. We did explore the Wilderness Run and Sunset trails, both of which we enjoyed. The greenery is very odd here - stark contrast between bald (dead?) trees and bright green grasses and shrubs. Either way, we had a great time camping here over a weekend.
ScoutSommerville 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. Hope the State can get it up and beautiful again soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cameron, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cameron, TX is Live Oak Ridge with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cameron, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Cameron, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
