Equestrian camping near Cibolo, Texas offers proximity to the Guadalupe River watershed, which influences the region's terrain with gentle limestone hills and seasonal creeks. The area maintains moderate winter temperatures averaging 60°F while summer months frequently exceed 95°F. Most horseback riding trails in this region feature a mix of open pastures and cedar breaks characteristic of Texas Hill Country terrain.
What to do
Trail riding with water access: At Canyon Lake Canyon Park, campers can enjoy riding near the lake with "crystal clear" water access points. One visitor noted, "We love coming out here. It's a gorgeous view. The water is crystal clear and it's a great place to be one with nature."
Wildlife viewing on horseback: The natural areas surrounding San Marcos River Retreat provide opportunities for wildlife observation while riding. The campground borders a river where riders can spot local fauna. A camper reported, "This is a private campground managed by a super sweet family that really cares about the river and the community."
Seasonal night rides: Summer evening rides offer relief from daytime heat with temperatures dropping to the mid-70s after sunset. Winter morning rides provide optimal conditions with crisp air and greater visibility across open terrain. At Riverbend RV Park, a visitor mentioned, "San Marcos river in the back with a little place to fish, kids catch and release pond."
What campers like
Natural water features: The streams and rivers provide natural water features for horses and riders. One visitor to Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground commented, "The stream is beautiful." Another noted it was "full of nature and flowing water."
Trail quality and coverage: The region's trails feature significant tree coverage, providing shade during rides. A visitor to Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground shared, "It is a beautiful tucked away area. Nice trails, great tree cover and full of nature and flowing water."
Wildlife encounters: The natural areas attract diverse wildlife viewable from horseback. One camper stated, "We loved walking the trails and seeing deer and other wildlife. We absolutely loved it!"
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect availability: Some campgrounds in the region operate seasonally or may close temporarily. A visitor to Canyon Lake noted, "Canyon Park is CLOSED for the rest of 2020," while another reported, "Now day use only. No camping. No rvs allowed in for day use."
Facility maintenance varies between sites: Campground upkeep can differ significantly between locations and with ownership changes. A visitor to Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground commented, "We came here reluctantly after reading the reviews on here and Google and its an excellent example of not believing everything on the internet."
Weather preparedness essential: Summer heat regularly exceeds 95°F while winter cold fronts can bring sudden temperature drops below 40°F. Prepare accordingly with appropriate gear. A visitor noted, "We picked a weekend that was hot knowing not many would want to camp."
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly options: Some campgrounds offer military discounts and affordable rates. A visitor to Alamo River reported, "We were able to take advantage of their active duty special."
Look for campgrounds with store access: Having supplies available on-site helps with forgotten items. One camper noted, "The store had everything we needed that we didn't grab beforehand. (Fire wood and energy drinks, plus cow candy for the little one!)"
Water activities complement riding: San Marcos River Retreat offers river access for cooling off after rides. A visitor shared, "This campground is beautiful. There's a river right next to it for fishing, I stayed during the week and I was the only one camping."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: When choosing locations for horse trailers and RVs, note that some campgrounds have limited space between sites. One RVer at Riverbend RV Park mentioned, "Sites are extremely close. I did not like that."
Hookup availability for extended stays: For longer equestrian camping trips, full hookup access ensures comfort. A camper at San Marcos River Retreat noted, "I car camp and all of the camping spots have water and electrical outlets."
Maneuverability for trailers: Access roads and site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds. Some locations accommodate large rigs while others have limited turning radius for horse trailers. Plan accordingly and call ahead to confirm access for your specific trailer configuration.
