Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy Bastrop. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Finding a place to camp in Texas with your horse is easier than ever. These scenic and easy-to-reach Texas campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.
Look no further for camping near Austin - Pace Bend Park is popular for camping on the cliffs overlooking Lake Travis, swimming on a beach, boating, and exploring the Hill Country beauty with miles of hike, bike, and equestrian trails. Primitive Camping Primitive campsites with picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire rings, and plenty of trees for shade and privacy are scattered along the cliffs and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The east and north sides of Pace Bend offer more gentle, sloping shorelines with sandy and gravel beaches, providing easy access to the lake for families with young children and people with disabilities. Numerous primitive campsites can be found among the oak and mesquite trees and all are within a short walk to the lake. Camping on the beach is also permitted. Please note that primitive camping permits do not include shower privileges. Waterless toilets are available. Improved Camping Pace Bend offers 20 improved campsites, with water and electrical hook-ups, showers and restrooms. These sites are all located on the east side of the park just above Levi Cove, within easy walking distance to the lake. They feature plenty of shade trees and flat, grassy areas for tent camping. All sites are back-ins only. Reservations are highly recommended. Parking is available on site. A maximum of two vehicles may occupy a site.
$15 - $30 / night
$20 - $25 / night
This recreation area is part of Somerville Lake
This recreation area is part of Somerville Lake
$20 - $30 / night
A private campground serving youth groups and church groups. Not open to the general public.
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
RiverBend RV Park & Campground is a scenic 20 acre gated park located on the banks of the San Marcos River. With pool and river access, plenty of space to walk the pets and enjoy the beauty of nature, RiverBend RV park offers a relaxing get-away. Exploring the area within an hour of the park creates interesting possibilities for historic, nature, museum or amusement activities as well as early Texas history, nature trails, ornate painted churches, caves and scenic drives around the area. Luling is home to world famous barbecue, and is the first stop on the Texas Barbecue Trail. There are also a good variety of other restaurants, grocery, gift and antique stores, hospitals, pharmacies, library with genealogical wing, oil museum, bowling alley, golf course, skydiving, airport, hang gliding, and parks. Zedler Mill park offers a slice of life from the early 20th century, and provides canoe rentals and shuttle service for the first inland river paddling trail established by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Brand new RV Resort conveniently located off Highway 10, halfway between San Antonio and Houston, we offer the perfect base camp to explore Texas. Amenities as big as Texas, the Iron Horse RV Resort is born out of the vision of the native Texas owners. We offer guests unique amenities, beautiful weather and a friendly atmosphere. Among the Amenities we have a Lazy River, Event Pavilion, an Adult Pool and Hot Tub, Children's play area, Dog Park, Buddy Sites, Drive thru Sites, Horseshoes, Corn Hole, Darts, Entertainment on High Holidays, Fire Pits, BarBQ Pits, a really Nice Boutique, and Fishing Ponds.
$59 / night
Traveler
Was absolutely stunning, it’s on a cliff top so your “backyard” is a small trail to a gorgeous overlook of the lake and adjacent cliffs. I didn’t expect to be given this view. The campsite itself is also fairly shaded and there are some cacti but it’s the best spot I’ve stayed at while being there!
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.
GuideFantastic short stay in Pace Bend on Lake Travis. We paid for the improved tent camping site but ended up switching to a site North Gracy Cove which had way better views of the river and more privacy. We still went back to use the showers and running water at the improved site though.
Gracy Cove was a great spot for a swim to cool off on a hot day. No boats allowed.
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.
Guide
We stayed here for a few days in late January. The campground is new, everything is in pristine shape, the sites are huge, and they keep it nice and clean. The lake is pretty decent, there are a few small trails around the area, and you are close to a small town. Biggest issue? 30 bucks a night, plus 5 dollars per person for a day use fee. That works out to 40 bucks a day for two people. Steep. Why on earth they have campers paying the daily use fee is ridiculous. That should be included in the campground cost! I guess they are trying to recoup the cost for all their modifications. Other problem are the luke warm showers and horrible shower heads. It’s like taking a shower under a pressure washer with a button you have to press every minute. Please provide NORMAL showers for your campers! Other than those two gripes, this place is really nice and clean.
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.
Traveler
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. I car camp and all of the camping spots have water and electrical outlets. The bathroom is old, but it is clean. Enjoyed it! And it was only $10!
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.
GuideFavorite campsite rear Austin! Great drive on beach area where you can swim or lay out. If you are feeling adventurous you can go cliff jumping and rock climbing.
Campsite amenities could be better.
Scout
First time at Iron Horse RV resort, won't be our last! The grounds are clean and the spaces are wide. They have a beautiful pavilion and a lazy river. Saturday night (for the Labor Day weekend) they brought in a band - they were wonderful. There is a cute boutique on site with adorable clothes, boots and accessories. Don't miss that! We had a medical emergency that forced us to leave the RV an additional night and they worked with us and checked in with us just like FAMILY.
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!
GuidePace bend is a great little spot if you’re wanting to get out of the city for the weekend. Full of hiking, fishing, cliff jumping (at your own risk), and kayaking. They have reserved sites and first come first serve.
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
GuideWe have a pull behind. We were very surprised at how level our gravel campsite was. It made setup a breeze. The loop makes backing into your spot easy. The wifi is decent. We have enjoyed the hiking trails down by the water and the playground for our kids.
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.
TravelerWas previously closed for renovations. RV and tents sites on very well manicured gravel pads. Facilities are super clean and very nice. Great playground fir the kids and several miles of hiking trails.
GuideWe've been coming out here for years and it never disappoints. The best part about this park is the seclusiveness. We love the stars at night and if you get lucky enough to have quiet nearby campers the evenings are amazing with beautiful lake views. Out favorite sites in the RV loop are 5, 6, 8, and 11. The bathrooms are not amazing and it's hit or miss on getting nice park staff. They also close the gate on one side of the loop which is annoying when having to get out after hours.
TravelerStayed here on Monday, December 21( winter solstice) 2020. There were only four other campsites taken. It was very quiet. We went mountain biking in shorts the first day and a backpack training hike the next. Nice trails. Flush toilets and shower are locked and you get the access number when you register.
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.
TravelerGreat camping spots, views and hiking
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.
Horse camping in Texas offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bastrop, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bastrop, TX is Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis with a 4.4-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bastrop, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Bastrop, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
