Equestrian camping near Childress, Texas offers access to red rock canyons, semi-arid landscapes, and primitive trails across the Texas Panhandle region. Located in a transition zone between the High Plains and Rolling Plains, these campgrounds sit at elevations ranging from 1,900 to 2,400 feet. Winter nights can drop to 10°F while summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, requiring campers to prepare for temperature extremes.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Copper Breaks State Park is designated as a Dark Sky site with exceptional night viewing conditions. "If you are looking for peace and quiet this is the place. It is a National Dark Sky site and perfect for star gazing. The sites are almost 70 feet apart," notes Kelly B. about Copper Breaks State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Observe free-roaming bison herds at Caprock Canyons. "We stayed in a roof top tent, so if you're not in a trailer, think about how you're going to stay cool... Also, cool fact- the Texas State Buffalo Herd lives here!" shares Michelle T. about Wild Horse Equestrian Area.
Fishing access: Both parks maintain small lakes stocked with game fish. "Both lakes looked really good, although the wind and cold temps kept me from fishing this time," reports Matt S. about Copper Breaks State Park.
Canyon hiking: Multiple trail systems offer routes ranging from easy to strenuous across varied terrain. "Hiking might just be the best way to see this park, but miles and miles of horse trails offer an unique experience from the saddle. Many trails crisscross the dry washes so pay attention to your trail markers," advises Shari G.
What campers like
Peaceful isolation: The equestrian areas typically have fewer campers than standard campgrounds. "We stayed at campsite 37 at the equestrian camping area. All other sites in this campground were empty so it was very quiet," notes Jim K. about Copper Breaks State Park.
Night sounds: The natural sounds of coyotes and wildlife create a memorable camping experience. "THEN came the birds at 4AM who were singing the song of their kind... The coyotes came in our site... Howling next to your tent is very... ominous," recounts Michelle T.
Geological features: Red rock formations and canyon views provide distinctive camping backdrops. "North Prong: There is a packed trail from the parking lot folks pull wagons and wheeled coolers on. BEAUTIFUL spot... Setting: In a juniper forest with beautiful geological features and sunrise," describes Roger W. about North Prong Primitive Campsite.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The region experiences extreme weather conditions. "We camped here over New Years. It got down to 10°, which was crazy cold... Bring a mallet and as thick of a mattress or pad as you can find - the campsites are rocky and the ground is very hard," warns Lindsey K. about Copper Breaks State Park.
Water access: Many primitive sites require carrying in water. "Great views, and the bison that was nearby didn't bother us in the slightest, wish there was a water spicket," notes Logan R. about North Prong Primitive Campsite.
Wildlife safety: Bison roam freely through camping areas. "Slept in a tent and woke up to buffalo within feet of my tent. They are simply amazing creatures. Take plenty of water and sunscreen," advises Danielle R. about Honey Flat Camping Area.
Limited services: The closest full-service grocery stores can be over 50 miles away. "The nearby town of Quitaque also has an ice/water kiosk and a convenience store which is less than 5 miles away. The closest town with a real grocery store and restaurants is Plainview, about 55 miles away," explains Shari G.
Tips for camping with families
Prairie dog viewing: Kids enjoy watching prairie dog colonies. "Prairie dogs town, bison walking around, gorgeous canyon views! The sites are so nicely set up with plantings obscuring your neighbor and a nice covered picnic table with shade/privacy slats on one side," notes Susan C. about Honey Flat.
Educational opportunities: Park museums provide local history. "The museum gave a great history of the area and we learned a lot. This was our first time with a Texas park and it was great!" shares Michael about Copper Breaks State Park.
Trail selection: Choose appropriate hiking routes based on children's abilities. "The park has a free roaming bison herd and a large prairie dog colony. They have hiking trails for all levels. Campsites are not stacked on top of one another, so there's a bit of privacy," explains Jenny S.
Heat safety: Prepare for extreme temperatures, especially in summer months. "Very pretty but dangerous. Lots of beautiful trails and mountains but BRING LOTS OF WATER," emphasizes Brody R. about North Prong Primitive Campsite.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request spots away from windmills in equestrian areas. "Spacious sites, corrals for horses at each site, and one very squeaky windmill that will keep you awake at night if it's windy, which it always is. Try to get a spot that is NOT right next to it!" recommends Shari G. about Wild Horse Equestrian Area.
Local services: Know where dump stations and water fill locations are. "Clean heated bathrooms. Tons of Bison and the views can't be beat. We stopped here on a whim and the campground was full. They were able to accommodate us for the night dry camping in the equestrian section," reports Jared about Wild Horse Equestrian Area.
Seasonal considerations: Fall and spring offer more moderate temperatures for equestrian camping. "Caprock Canyons is as good as it gets for equestrian sites in Texas. Stay away from summer temps, but go in late fall or early spring and plan to stay awhile," advises Gretchen N.
Overflow options: Ask about alternative sites when main campgrounds are full. "The designated tent places they have you have to walk into. Unless you want to be by all the RVs, which we don't like. They have an overflow camping space, which was perfect for us," shares Lim L. about Wild Horse Equestrian Area.
