7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Sam Houston National Forest offers several camping options with equestrian access near Cleveland, Texas. Double Lake Recreation Area provides campsites with gravel pads suitable for visitors with horses and horse trailers. The campground features water and electric hookups at some sites, with primitive options also available. Campsites include picnic tables, lantern posts, and fire rings. The forest area surrounding the campgrounds provides access to equestrian trails through the pine forests of East Texas. The sites are well-spaced, offering privacy while accommodating larger vehicles needed for horse transport.
Trails in Sam Houston National Forest connect to multiple camping areas, allowing riders to explore the 163,000-acre forest. Water access points are available for horses at various locations throughout the trail system. The forest maintains multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding year-round, though trail conditions may vary seasonally. Whites County Park Campground offers free camping with restroom facilities and shower access near the forest area. Most equestrian-friendly sites in the region require reservations, particularly during busy seasons. Trail riders benefit from the mix of wooded terrain and occasional stream crossings that characterize the Sam Houston trail system, with ample shade from the East Texas pines making this area suitable for riding even during warmer months.
"Walking trail around like is near. Not to many fire ant poles. Near by groceries store and town playground close by."
"Deep in the woods and on a nice shallow lake. Fantastic for walks around the lake, playing in the park, and fun trails. Camp grounds are spacious and we'll thought out."
"Located on the west edge of the east Texas piney woods, this state park features excellent RV and tent camping facilities, and a beautiful network of heavily forested trails."
"The sites are spacious as in most Texas state parks, and there are many shaded sites. The waterfront sites are tiered. The upper tier is where you park your rig. "
from $15 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Have 3 little boys who enjoy fishing and they have plenty of creeks and ponds near campsites; it isn’t the most luxurious parks but if your looking for a state park feel this place is a home run!"
from $39 / night
Check Availability"Campgrounds have a variety of amenities to choose from, including screened shelters, which are great if you get caught in a Texas sized downpour or if the mosquitoes are particularly aggressive, a pond"
"Nice free camp, we found a spot to drive back a little bit so we could set up camp tucked away."
"I got the camping permit just by calling the phone number at the entrance, they provide me an email to sent my driver license and car type. That’s it, they sent me back the permit."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability
TravelerLocated on the west edge of the east Texas piney woods, this state park features excellent RV and tent camping facilities, and a beautiful network of heavily forested trails. The lake offers canoeing, kayaking, swimming and fishing, and affords visitors an occasional glimpse of alligators. We love this place.
GuideGreat RV campsite #36. Pull thru and has great privacy. Walking trail around like is near. Not to many fire ant poles. Near by groceries store and town playground close by.
LegendI like Huntsville State Park campground for a long weekend getaway. It is about an hour north of Houston not far off Interstate 45, so very easily accessible. They have a large campground section which is only campsites, and also another section on the other side of a cove that is more of a recreational section which has a swimming beach, cabins, screened shelters, etc. This state park gets very crowded in the summertime, with campers as well as lots of day use folks enjoying the water. It is hard to get a campsite reservation, so plan ahead!
The sites are spacious as in most Texas state parks, and there are many shaded sites. The waterfront sites are tiered. The upper tier is where you park your rig. Then there is a retaining wall and steps to walk down to the lower tier where the picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, etc.. are located. We really didn't ever go down to the lower part of our site because it was inconvenient. It was a good place to walk the dogs though. The campground does slope slightly and the sites are not all real level, so be sure to bring your "legos" if you don't have a leveling system on your rig. The grounds did not seem to be as well maintained as some other state parks I've been to. We couldn't use the picnic table because it was surrounded by tall weeds and had a lot of spider webs under it. Bath house was not well maintained and kind of dingy. It was also not ventilated well and felt like a sauna as it was so humid in July.
There is a nice fishing pier and several places to fish off the bank. A ranger told me there are alligators in the lake, so be careful.
GuideI was totally surprised at the beauty of this park. I stayed in a screened shelter site with a view of the lake. The weather was cold, but I came prepared and setup my tent in the shelter. The park has many trails and view points. The staff at check-in were extremely helpful and you could tell they love their job. Ended up purchasing a Texas Parks Pass because I am quickly learning that Texas has some of the best camping in the country.
LegendWe took our family here on a Texas state park camping trip. The park rangers explain basics of camping. It was a great experience for our family. The park is very family friendly and tent friendly. It is on a lake that has fishing, kayaking and paddle boats. The facilities were nice and clean.
RangerLots of sites, but still need to make reservations way in advance, suppose due to its proximity to Houston. Very well kept park with clean facilities, and partial as well as full hookups. Close to Huntsville, so if you are needing supplies or just want to go into town and not cook you are golden. Small lake with paddle boats and good fishing. Fairly flat terrain and trails are well maintained, but not terribly scenic.
ScoutCampgrounds have a variety of amenities to choose from, including screened shelters, which are great if you get caught in a Texas sized downpour or if the mosquitoes are particularly aggressive, a pond with optional row boat rentals, and swimming spot. There isn't much variation in the trail terrain, though they may cross a stream here and there and have a good deal of tree cover from that hot TX sun. Overall, a great spot that is not too far out of the city to make a nice weekend getaway in the forest.
RangerI stayed here for my second week after camping in Sam Houston forest for almost a week. The place was slightly better than camping in sam houston. We managed to get a site right next to the water. The site was a little bigger than camping in sam Houston. There was a lot of people swimming in the water but not close to our campsite. They were swimming further down. The locals said there were a lot of catfish but we were not able to catch any after trying for some time. The fee to enter the park was 5 dollars as we were leaving because we did not enter through the main entrance to the park.
ScoutOkay okay so I live in Huntsville Texas which means I have been to Huntsville State Park more times than I can count. There's a fee to get in but it's not too bad. We like to go fishing with our day pass however you will not ever catch anything. I don't know why but the fishing sucks. Also there's crocodiles. However the campsite overall is really pretty we haven't stayed overnight here so I don't know about that.
Sam Houston National Forest provides multiple equestrian camping options within its 163,000 acres of East Texas pine forest. Double Lake NF Campground features well-spaced campsites with gravel pads suitable for vehicles with horse trailers. The forest maintains dedicated horse trails that connect various camping areas, allowing riders extended access to the woodland terrain. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with water access points available throughout the trail system for horses.
Trail riding through pine forests: Sam Houston National Forest contains miles of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding through typical East Texas woodland. Double Lake NF Campground provides access to nearby trails. As one visitor notes, "Very quiet, sites not on top of each other, gravel pads for rv, tent, table, lantern post and campfire ring. Water & electric or primitive sites both available."
Fishing at nearby lakes: Anglers can access fishing spots near several horse campgrounds near Cleveland, Texas. The Preserve RV Resort offers "plenty of creeks and ponds near campsites" according to camper Zachery S., who adds, "Have 3 little boys who enjoy fishing... if you're looking for a state park feel this place is a home run!"
Swimming in forest lakes: After trail rides, cool off in designated swimming areas. One camper at SAM HOUSTON noted the area has "a pond with optional row boat rentals, and swimming spot," making it ideal for hot weather recreation when not on horseback.
Privacy between sites: Equestrian campers appreciate the space between campsites at many forest campgrounds. A Double Lake visitor commented, "Campground not full. Very quiet, sites not on top of each other, some more private than others," which provides better accommodation for those with horses and equipment.
Easy lake access: Whites County Park Campground offers water access with "a small doc" for fishing according to Star L. The proximity to water makes it convenient for campers who want to combine horseback riding with water activities.
Proximity to Houston: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds are within easy driving distance from major urban areas. As Devin P. notes about Double Lake, it's "only an hour from Houston!" making it convenient for weekend trail riding trips without extensive travel time.
Permit requirements: Some campgrounds require permits even for free camping. At Whites County Park, one camper explained: "You do need a permit for 3 day stay limit. You can obtain one by going on the website and calling and talk to Brandy she will email you one."
Seasonal considerations: East Texas experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Most equestrian trails remain open year-round, but summer riders should plan for early morning or evening rides to avoid peak heat.
Insect preparation: Pack protection against mosquitoes, particularly in wooded areas near water. A camper at SAM HOUSTON advised: "Bring a fly swatter for the mosquitoes. A couple got into my home on wheels and when I killed them they left a big bloodstain."
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Choose campgrounds with accessible fishing areas for children. At The Preserve RV Resort, one camper shared: "We have enjoyed our stay at the preserve! Have 3 little boys who enjoy fishing and they have plenty of creeks and ponds near campsites."
Screened shelter options: For families with younger children, consider sites with screened structures. As Jessica V. explains about SAM HOUSTON: "Campgrounds have a variety of amenities to choose from, including screened shelters, which are great if you get caught in a Texas sized downpour or if the mosquitoes are particularly aggressive."
Shaded trails: When planning horseback rides with children, utilize the forest's shaded paths. SAM HOUSTON trails "have a good deal of tree cover from that hot TX sun," making them more comfortable for younger riders during warmer months.
RV site selection: Choose pull-through sites when available for easier access with horse trailers. A visitor to Double Lake recommended: "Great RV campsite #36. Pull thru and has great privacy. Walking trail around like is near."
Solar considerations: For RVers using solar power, note that heavily wooded sites may limit charging capability. At Whites County Park, camper Serena R. observed: "I love all the trees although it's not great if you're trying to charge up your solar panel."
Dump station availability: Plan waste management accordingly as not all equestrian-friendly campgrounds have sanitary dump facilities. Check campground amenities in advance, as some sites offer water hookups but no sewer connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cleveland, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cleveland, TX is Double Lake NF Campground with a 5-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cleveland, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Cleveland, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
