Davy Crockett National Forest offers several primitive horse camps near Crockett, Texas. White Rock Horse Camp and Piney Creek Horse Camp provide access to extensive equestrian trail systems throughout the forest. Both locations feature primitive camping areas with vault toilets and limited amenities specifically designed for equestrian use. The small covered pavilion at Piney Creek offers shade for riders and horses during hot weather. Sites are first-come, first-served with fees paid at the campground. Riders should be prepared for primitive conditions as neither location provides electric hookups, drinking water at campsites, or sewer connections. The camp areas accommodate both tent camping and smaller trailers, though RVs require levelers due to uneven terrain.
The trail system connecting these horse camps offers miles of scenic riding through east Texas pine forests. During hunting season, riders should exercise caution and wear high-visibility clothing as these areas are also used by hunters. The trails, while extensive, are not consistently well-marked, requiring riders to plan routes carefully or bring navigation tools. Sites remain accessible via car with good roads suitable for smaller trailers. The primitive nature of these equestrian camps means visitors should arrive self-sufficient with generators for electricity needs. Davy Crockett National Forest's equestrian trails connect multiple camping areas, allowing for extended riding trips between locations. For those seeking slightly more amenities, Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area nearby offers developed camping options but without dedicated horse facilities.
$15 - $35 / night
"Very well-maintained National Forest site just off Texas Highway 7 in the middle of the Davey Crockett National Forest. "
"The campground is located in the Davy Crockett National Forest, with spots located around the edges of a small lake."
"Great, well marked Trail system. Be careful during hunting season!"
"Entertains many hike trails. One even for handicap person to follow thru. Good for horses or bikes. You can go for miles even to a dispersed camping lookout point."
"Such a peaceful and beautiful area in the Piney Woods of East Texas. I wish we'd had more than 2 days here to explore."
$10 / night
"Great hiking / horse riding trails around. Would not recommend this area during hunting season. Accessible via car, good roads, smaller trailers. If RVing, will need levelers."
$15 - $60 / night
"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. "
$12 - $42 / night
"There is a loafing barn for horses. No bathrooms or water. Would be a 5 with just water. You need a Texas parks Limited use permit. It costs as little as $12 a year."
GuideThis is a small primitive camping area in the Davy Crockett National Forest. There’s a small covered pavilion and shady sites. Sites are first come and fees are paid at the campground. The camp is a great place to camp and ride the adjacent horse trails. The trails are nice but not well marked.
GuideI believe this is the same campground reviewed under 566 Piney Creek. This is a small primitive camping area in the Davy Crockett National Forest. There’s a small covered pavilion and shady sites. Sites are first come and fees are paid at the campground. The camp is a great place to camp and ride the adjacent horse trails. The trails are nice but not well marked.
TravelerWhat the campsites lacks in remoteness it makes up for with everything else.
Very well-maintained National Forest site just off Texas Highway 7 in the middle of the Davey Crockett National Forest.
Highlights for the site include:
very well-spaced apart offering more privacy than usually afforded
restrooms and showers were clean.
Access to hacking trails in the national forest
Easy access to food/fuel/firewood
A large variety of species for birdwatching
Small lake with deck for launching kayaks or SUPs
There was not water at every site, so bring a longer hose and be ready to fill your tanks or containers.
Road noise from highway was audible, but not too distracting.
ScoutThe campground is located in the Davy Crockett National Forest, with spots located around the edges of a small lake. Although we could occasionally hear noise from the highway, it was mostly peaceful and quiet. The campgrounds are spacious, with tent platforms, poles to hang trash, and large picnic tables. The bathrooms were amazingly clean and with camp hosts and park rangers on site, we always had help with anything we needed. We hiked and kayaked (with our own boats) and it was all just lovely. I would go back for sure!
ScoutNice campground area. In the Davey Crockett Nat forest. Nice little swimming area. Clean bathrooms.quiet
GuideAt least 14 sites with picnic tables on concrete slabs. Fire rings and Lantern poles. Very well kept and mowed. There is a loafing barn for horses. No bathrooms or water. Would be a 5 with just water. You need a Texas parks Limited use permit. It costs as little as $12 a year. If you want to fish or hunt the price goes up a little. Can be used to stay at any National Forest or Wild Management area.
TravelerNice area for dispersed camping. Several level areas. Great hiking / horse riding trails around. Would not recommend this area during hunting season. Accessible via car, good roads, smaller trailers. If RVing, will need levelers.
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.
GuideHas great camping. Entertains many hike trails. One even for handicap person to follow thru. Good for horses or bikes. You can go for miles even to a dispersed camping lookout point.
Davy Crockett National Forest encompasses over 160,000 acres of east Texas pineland with camping areas situated within dense pine and hardwood forests. The equestrian camping options near Crockett feature access to an extensive network of trails connecting multiple camping areas across the forest. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights frequently drop below freezing.
Trail riding connections: Trails between White Rock Horse Camp and other equestrian sites allow for multi-day rides through diverse forest terrain. "Nice area for dispersed camping. Several level areas. Great hiking/horse riding trails around," notes reviewer Seeking Narnia.
Fishing access: The small lake at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area provides fishing opportunities with species including perch and bass. "Good fishing, and swim area is very refreshing as well," writes Jim P., while Heather B. confirms, "We fished off of one of the docks in the evening and caught a little few perch."
Historical sites exploration: Remnants of early logging operations can be discovered throughout the forest. "Remnants of old sawmill is really cool, lots of wildlife and well maintained and marked trails to explore," mentions Jim P. about the historical features found in Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area.
Diverse terrain: Piney Creek and White Rock areas provide access to varied landscapes within the national forest. As reviewer Tartan C. notes about Piney Creek Horse Camp: "Great, well marked Trail system" available for exploration.
Water activities: Ratcliff Lake offers swimming and non-motorized boating options. Sydney L. shares: "We took an inflatable kayak out on the lake. Decent little lake. People were in the swimming area."
Shaded campsites: The dense forest canopy provides natural cooling during hot Texas months. Michelle G. describes the environment as "Breathtaking tall trees. Well kept clean campsites with a fire pit," noting the surprising feeling that "I can't believe I'm in Texas."
Hunting season awareness: Davy Crockett National Forest allows hunting in designated areas during season. Tartan C. cautions, "Be careful during hunting season!" when using the trail systems.
Limited facilities: Most horse camps have minimal amenities requiring self-sufficiency. Charlie C. mentions at Piney Creek: "Small shelter I set up my tent under as there was rain in the area," highlighting the basic nature of the facilities.
Wildlife considerations: Local wildlife includes alligators in some water bodies. As Alana B. warns, "There is a small swim area that you should utilize because there are alligators in the lake so it's not safe to swim by the campground."
Water sources: Natural springs can be found in some areas, though not officially maintained. Charlie C. provides this tip: "About a mile west of this camping area there is a pipe coming out of the ground on the north side of the road. Spewing cold potable water. Great place to fill water bottles if you can find it."
Accessibility options: Trails accommodate various skill and mobility levels. Yasmin S. notes that Ratcliff "entertains many hike trails. One even for handicap person to follow thru."
Swimming safety: Use designated swim areas with children for safety from wildlife. Alana B. mentions that "The camp sites are close to each other but since it wasn't busy it felt like we had our own private area," which can be advantageous for families needing space.
Pavilion usage: Alazan Bayou offers concrete sites with picnic tables for easier family setup. David T. describes: "At least 14 sites with picnic tables on concrete slabs. Fire rings and Lantern poles. Very well kept and mowed. There is a loafing barn for horses."
Weather preparation: East Texas experiences rapid weather changes requiring flexible planning. Sydney L. recounts: "When we arrived at camp it was nice and sunny, so my friend and I decided to walk our dogs. On our walk we got caught in the middle of a down pour!"
Leveling requirements: Uneven terrain at horse camps requires proper equipment. Seeking Narnia advises: "If RVing, will need levelers" when staying at dispersed camping areas like White Rock.
Water connections: Some hookup sites require extended hoses to reach utilities. Heather B. suggests: "Do bring an extra long hose for the water connection as other reviews have stated" when staying at developed campgrounds in the area.
Size limitations: Smaller trailers navigate forest roads better than large RVs. Seeking Narnia notes the horse camps are "Accessible via car, good roads, smaller trailers" but may not accommodate larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Crockett, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Crockett, TX is Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Crockett, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Crockett, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
