Best Equestrian Camping near Canyon, TX

Equestrian Campground at Palo Duro Canyon State Park features horse corrals directly at campsites with water and electric hookups for RVs and tent camping areas. Located at the canyon floor, the campground provides direct access to riding trails throughout the 120-mile canyon system. Sites include picnic tables with covers and fire rings at each location. The campground maintains toilet and shower facilities within walking distance of the equestrian sites. Generators are permitted for horse owners requiring additional power options. Sites accommodate both horses and camping vehicles in the same area, eliminating the need to separate animals from camping equipment.

Palo Duro Canyon offers extensive trail networks accessible from the equestrian camping area, with paths winding through diverse terrain including juniper and mesquite trees. Riders frequently encounter wildlife such as deer and wild turkey along the canyon trails. The 10% grade entrance road requires careful navigation when trailering horses into the campground. Reservations are essential as the equestrian sites fill quickly, particularly during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Winter camping provides exceptional stargazing opportunities and more solitude for riders, though temperatures can drop significantly at night. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making early morning rides advisable during hot months. The park recommends carrying additional water on longer trail rides as natural water sources may be unreliable.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Canyon, Texas (5)

    1. Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    50 Reviews
    Canyon, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (806) 488-2227

    $16 / night

    "The hiking trails are well maintained and are very enjoyable to walk along. The campsites are nicely spaced and have big picnic tables."

    "This is a pretty big state Park located in the Panhandle of Texas. It is sometimes referred to as a mini Grand Canyon.

    There are plenty of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking."

    2. Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    35 Reviews
    Canyon, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (806) 488-2227

    $26 / night

    "What an incredible entrance! We unhooked our toad before heading into the canyon, and I'm glad we did. The drive was stunning, especially for us Floridians not used to such drops."

    "For most people, it is a long drive to this park. The Palo Euro Canyon State Park is located in the Texas Panhandle. From Central Texas it is a 8-9 hour drive. The long drive is worth it."

    3. Equestrian Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    4 Reviews
    Canyon, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (806) 488-2227

    $1000 / night

    "Hackberry Campground near Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers."

    "Horseback riding, hiking, bike trails, glancing and more."

    4. Palo Duro Glamping

    Be the first to review!
    Canyon, TX
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (806) 488-2821

    5. Plum Creek — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Fritch, TX
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (806) 857-3151

    "You will find equestrian camping with nice corrals. The area has some nice shade and a large grass area. The grass has been bush hogged so it is not very high."

    "It has plenty of trees and miles upon miles of trails. There is definitely water for the horses (courtesy of local Eagle Scouts) and pens as well."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Canyon, TX

95 Reviews of 5 Canyon Campgrounds


  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2024

    Equestrian Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Horses and Trails

    Equestrian: at Paul Duro, State, Park (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 3.5 this is a nice secluded area campsites do not seem that well defined to me. I don’t believe there are any restrooms here. A nice looking equestrian area (see pictures below) with water available for horses. Since I’m not an equestrian guy, check with visitor center for specifics. Looks pretty god, but I’d wish for bathrooms on site. Security: at park entrance Usage during visit: empty Site Privacy: no Site surface: dirt Reservations: Yes Outside Road Noise: not noticeable Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: available down the road Potable Water Available: yes Bathroom: no down the road Showers: down the road Pull Throughs: yes Cell Service (AT&T): one bar Setting: open in Area West Canyon walls on both Recent Weather: 30 to 70s Solar: definitely Insects: none Host: not on site Rig Size: large rigs can fit Sites: there are no site numbers

  • Ruth  P.
    Jun. 13, 2018

    Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Red Sand Everywhere

    Red sand everywhere! The color is truly amazing! The wind storms in the spring are something truly amazing in a whole different way. lol You will find sand in places you did not know existed! The hiking trails are well maintained and are very enjoyable to walk along. The campsites are nicely spaced and have big picnic tables.

    Canyon, the small town right outside of the Canyon, is a lovely town with some cool bars and restaurants. It also has Walmart, so if you end up needing anything you can take a quick 20 minute drive into town.

    I've been twice now and every time is better then the last! The location is great for visiting near by towns/cities in the pan handle of Texas.

    I look forward to going back and camping there!

  • Griffin C.
    May. 13, 2025

    Equestrian Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Great

    Hackberry Campground near Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. The campground offers a perfect balance between rustic charm and modern comfort, with well-maintained tent sites, RV hookups, and cozy cabins. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, including showers and drinking water, and the serene, wooded surroundings that offer both beauty and privacy. The location is ideal for exploring the stunning canyon trails nearby, which many say are the highlight of their stay. Whether you're hiking, relaxing by your campsite, and playing horror games or visiting the nearby camp store, Hackberry Campground delivers a peaceful and enjoyable escape in the heart of the Texas panhandle.

  • Mia J.
    May. 29, 2024

    Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    incredible entrance

    What an incredible entrance! We unhooked our toad before heading into the canyon, and I'm glad we did. The drive was stunning, especially for us Floridians not used to such drops. Our site was beautifully wooded, though cell service was minimal down in the canyon love tester online. Definitely a must-visit if you're in the Texas panhandle.

  • Jennifer J.
    Sep. 23, 2016

    Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Horse, bike, and walking trails

    This is a pretty big state Park located in the Panhandle of Texas. It is sometimes referred to as a mini Grand Canyon.

    There are plenty of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. You should check out the Lighthouse Trail while you are there.

    The "primitive" campsites include a picnic table, running water, and fire pit. If you want to get away from others I highly suggest backcountry camping.

    There is a guided tour of the Old West Stables, that is perfect for the whole family. Also, the Pioneer Amphitheater host the play TEXAS, which is a must see if you are in the area.

    I would also recommend going to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum just 15 minutes West of the park.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2018

    Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Palo Duro Canyon State Park + Rock Formations

    For most people, it is a long drive to this park. The Palo Euro Canyon State Park is located in the Texas Panhandle. From Central Texas it is a 8-9 hour drive. The long drive is worth it. When you arrive at the park you feel like you’ve arrived to someplace special. The park is a typical Texas State Park with a number of reservable developed campsites with a table, water, electricity and restrooms nearby. There are also some basic sites without water and electricity. And of course there is primitive camping. Since we had a long drive we stayed one of the developed campsites for the first night. For the remaining days we hiked into the canyon and camped primitive. While there is a small creek that runs through the canyon, we did not use the water. There is cattle grazing throughout the park and it is rumored that the creek is both a water hole for the cattle and a toilet. We were planning an in and out hike, so we carried a couple extra gallons of water in, stashed them near a tree, then relocated and used them on the way out. The park has some really cool rock formations, cliffs and orange soil. This weather can by dry and hot in the summer, so early spring and late fall are probably the preferable time to visit.

  • Debi R.
    Apr. 24, 2020

    Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Scenic desert camping in a canyon

    We love camping at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This is the second largest canyon in the U.S. It’s 120 miles long and 600 to 800 feet deep. It’s so beautiful that you swear you are on a Disney Wild West set and this is make believe.  It’s awesome cause you can camp at the bottom of the canyons near all these great red cliffs.  There are some epic mountain bike trails here thru Juniper and Mesquite trees.  If you’re looking for other entertainment besides just camping or bike riding there was also a Texas Hoe-Down BBQ, a Texas musical and an interpretive night hike along the canyon floor with flashlights.  Flush toilets and showers are available.

  • Leah Katie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2018

    Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    "Little Grand Canyon"

    The Fortress Cliff Camp Area is a great location to camp because of its convenience to many of the best hiking trails in the park. It's a popular campground, and there's no tree coverage but most sites have a covered picnic table to hide from the sun.

    Palo Duro Canyon is a fantastic place to hike, mountain bike, and ride horses. Horse rentals are available in the park, or you can bring your own. Some of the trails are challenging physically, but the views are a great reward. Also, depending on the time of day, the sun can be brutal and plenty of water as well as sunscreen and protective clothing are necessary.

    The Lighthouse Trail is a wonderful hike to do at sunset, but be sure to bring a headlamp and a trail map.

  • Mark D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 3, 2024

    Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    WOW, WHAT AN ENTRANCE

    Read some reviews where they stated they didn't unhook their toad upon heading to the canyon. Well I'm glad we did, being from Florida we don't have drops like this. What a drive. Loved our site, very wooded. Not much if any cell service as you are down in a canyon. This is a must stay if you're in the panhandle of Texas.


Guide to Canyon

Horse camping in Texas offers a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty, especially in areas like Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where equestrian enthusiasts can enjoy stunning landscapes and well-equipped facilities.

Tips for equestrian camping near Canyon, Texas

  • The Equestrian Campground - Palo Duro Canyon State Park provides a secluded atmosphere with basic amenities, perfect for horse lovers looking for a rustic experience.
  • Make reservations in advance at the Hackberry Campground to secure a spot, as it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Ensure your horse has access to water, as the equestrian area offers water facilities specifically for horses.

Equestrian campgrounds include Hackberry and Fortress Cliff

  • At Hackberry Campground, you’ll find spacious sites with electric hookups and clean restrooms, making it a comfortable choice for both riders and their horses.
  • The Fortress Cliff Primitive site offers a more primitive experience with ample shade and scenic views, ideal for those who appreciate a back-to-nature vibe.
  • Both campgrounds allow pets, so you can bring along your four-legged friends to enjoy the great outdoors together.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Explore the extensive trails at Hackberry Campground, which are perfect for horseback riding and hiking amidst breathtaking canyon views.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting native species while camping at Fortress Cliff Primitive, where you might encounter roadrunners and hear coyotes at night.
  • The stunning entrance to Palo Duro Canyon, accessible from both campgrounds, offers a dramatic backdrop for unforgettable rides and outdoor adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Canyon, TX is Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 50 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Canyon, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.