Lake Somerville State Park offers dedicated equestrian camping facilities with multiple trails connecting the park's Birch Creek and Nails Creek units. The park sits at an elevation of approximately 250 feet and encompasses over 3,000 acres of Post Oak Savannah ecosystem. Horse camping areas feature individual corrals at designated sites and access to the 13-mile Lake Somerville Trailway system that runs through relatively flat terrain with double-track paths.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: At Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek Unit Campground, equestrians can access miles of trails. As one camper noted, "There are lots of trails in the park and between this and the Birch Creek Unit... Great trails for equestrians" with "Lots of coyotes and owls calling throughout the night."
Kayaking and canoeing: Water activities are popular in warmer months. A visitor to Nails Creek mentioned, "Went for a nice paddle on the lake until the winds came up" and another camper highlighted that "Kayaks and canoes are available for rent for a really low price."
Wildlife observation: The area is known for diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. At Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek Unit Campground, campers report seeing "Great Blue Heron, Cardinals, Chickadees, Deer, Squirrels" and note it's "Famous for birding. If you have a horse, bring it!"
What campers like
Spacious equestrian sites: The horse camping areas offer ample room. One camper at Nails Creek stated, "We stayed equestrian site 4 which is a fairly private site" and another mentioned each site having "1-2 corrals" for horses.
Natural setting with lake views: Live Oak Ridge offers "Pretty much all sites have trees above, very romantic setting and enough space between site that you dont feel on top of others." A Nails Creek camper appreciated that "Some sites even have corrals for horses! The best part is the proximity to the lake."
Night sky visibility: The area provides excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at Nails Creek noted, "Moon was nearly full and the coyotes were howling all night long" while another mentioned "Warm temperatures and clear nights. Lots of stars."
What you should know
Park connectivity: While the two units appear close, they require planning to travel between. A camper pointed out, "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."
Trail conditions: Some trails may be inaccessible at times. A visitor to Willis Creek noted that sites were "overgrown with tall grass/weeds" and others have mentioned trail closures: "Two bridges are out on the Trailway which limits options a bit."
Services and facilities: Plan for limited nearby services. A camper reported, "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
Playground access: Williamson County Berry Springs Park and Preserve offers "Lots and lots and lots of fields, walking trails. Perfect for dogs who like to run" and includes "Small, but very clean / new restrooms."
Educational opportunities: Lake areas offer learning experiences. One camper noted that Birch Creek has "Great wildlife on the trails with lots of educational displays and programs."
Water activities: Swimming areas are limited at some parks. A camper at Live Oak Ridge mentioned, "My review would have been 5 stars but there is no swimming area" though they did note there was "a boat launch."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on shade and amenities. At Heart of Texas Fair Complex, "These grounds are just for those participating in events at the center" but they "have put a lot into improving the grounds and made them really nice."
Utilities and hookups: Equestrian sites often include standard RV connections. At Nails Creek, sites include "Water, 20/30 amp, Fire Ring with grate" and "Site Pad: Asphalt, level, long enough for my camper and truck with room to spare."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies across parks. A Birch Creek visitor reported, "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."
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