Best Equestrian Camping near Dallas, TX

Isle du Bois Campsites at Ray Roberts Lake State Park features dedicated horse corrals for equestrian campers. Located approximately 50 miles north of Dallas, this campground provides water and electrical hookups at sites while accommodating both tent and RV camping. The park maintains multiple trails suitable for horseback riding and offers spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Many sites include shaded areas, helpful during hot Texas summers. The park typically has well-maintained facilities despite occasional tall grass noted by visitors. Lake access provides additional recreational opportunities beyond horseback riding.

The bridle trails at Ray Roberts Lake connect riders to scenic lakeside views and wooded areas. Horse owners can access multiple trail systems directly from the campground, with some trails featuring water crossings during wetter seasons. Trail difficulty varies from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes with moderate terrain changes. Trailer parking is available near the equestrian camping areas, providing convenient access to both corrals and trails. The park occasionally hosts organized trail rides and equestrian events throughout the year. Visitors recommend bringing additional water containers during summer months as water sources along trails can be limited. Some trail sections can become muddy after rain, requiring careful navigation with horses.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Dallas, Texas (19)

    1. Cedar Hill State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Cedar Hill, TX
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 291-3900

    $25 - $30 / night

    "They offer water access, electricity, are near facilities, have tables and fire pits. Many of the sites overlook the lake or have easy access to the lake."

    "We loved the location of this campsite. Right next to the water, just outside Dallas, and very secluded. Great hiking and biking trails. Park workers were very helpful and kind."

    2. Loyd Park

    24 Reviews
    Grand Prairie, TX
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 237-4120

    $17 / night

    "Five Star Park located just minutes from Dallas Fort Worth. The Park is extremely clean. Campsites are all level and great for the Big Rigs. Good Sams Park"

    "Loyd Park is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy the natural beauty of Texas.Β "

    3. East Fork Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Wylie, TX
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 442-3141

    $14 - $150 / night

    "We had a nice view of Lake Lavon. Grills and tables vary by site, some are very old, but many have been replaced."

    "Sure, the roads have some potholes… but I would rate the entire Dallas metroplex as WORSE. There is absolutely NO REASON not to camp here. The folks at the front gate were helpful."

    4. COE Lavon Lake Lavonia

    8 Reviews
    Wylie, TX
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 442-3141

    $14 - $30 / night

    "Nothing to knock you socks off, but it’s a great campsite close to home and nice for a quick getaway. Has the feel of being somewhat remote since it’s out by the lake."

    "Doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles but does have sewer, lake views, wide open spaces, and clean! Great food places nearby."

    5. Northside RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Waxahachie, TX
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 908-0040

    $50 - $60 / night

    "But it is convenient to heading up to Dallas or south to Waco. The park has a man made lake with jogging trails. We enjoyed our stay."

    "Each shower has its own toilet and vanity behind a lockable door. Our campsite (532) was a little awkward to get in because of the corner and the speed bumps, but not impossible."

    6. Isle du Bois Campsites β€” Ray Roberts Lake State Park

    35 Reviews
    Aubrey, TX
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (940) 686-2148

    $15 - $60 / night

    "Roberts Lake State Park has two main campgrounds, the Isle du Bois unit and Johnson unit. These are what I would call twins. They are very similar in layout, scenery and activities."

    "Bring your horses for a equestrian trail as well. Great beach for some sand castles and swimming. And don't forget to hit the Dam store and get the dam special. Good burgers there."

    7. Brockdale Park

    1 Review
    Lavon Lake, TX
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 442-3141

    8. Pilot Knoll Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Corinth, TX
    28 miles
    Website

    "This just may become our home away from home. I absolutely love this little park. We stayed in spot#5 right at the end of the cove."

    "Many spots are have direct access to the lake to launch a kayak or SUP, boat launch in the day use area."

    9. Johnson Branch Campsites β€” Ray Roberts Lake State Park

    16 Reviews
    Valley View, TX
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (940) 637-2294

    $15 - $60 / night

    "One of the more expensive Texas state parks. Standard electric at 25/night. Large bathrooms and lots of trash bins. Actual pay phones (who knew those still existed?)"

    "Several sites have covered picnic tables

    • Really nice beach area but water shoes are recommended because of Zebra Mussles
    • Bank Fishing - No license needed
    • Kite Boarding
    • Paved hiking/biking trail"

    10. High View

    5 Reviews
    Bardwell, TX
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 875-5711

    $28 - $50 / night

    "We stayed in campsite 29 which is kind of elevated a bit and we had a great view of the lake. Even tho it rained quite a bit we still enjoyed ourselves."

    "Very pretty lake views and tons of grass. My dog loved going for runs through the grass (while on her leash). They had some showers and toilets working again when I went. Hot water was very nice!"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Dallas, TX

5 Photos of 19 Dallas Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Dallas, TX

203 Reviews of 19 Dallas Campgrounds


  • Debbie T.
    Jul. 11, 2020

    Loyd Park

    Camping near DFW

    Five Star Park located just minutes from Dallas Fort Worth. The Park is extremely clean. Campsites are all level and great for the Big Rigs. Good Sams Park

  • Vanessa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2018

    Cedar Hill State Park Campground

    Modern and quiet

    Campsites are modern and very well shaded. They offer water access, electricity, are near facilities, have tables and fire pits. Many of the sites overlook the lake or have easy access to the lake. The area is unique because it is within minutes from Dallas but offers the quiet and solitude that an area farther away from a major city would provide. The trails in this area are fantastic, great for mountain biking, trail running, hiking with small children, etc… It does get relatively dry and hot during the summer, and despite the abundance of trees the trails remain relatively exposed to the sun. There are swimming areas available. If you forget something you have easy and relatively quick access to shopping.

    This was our first camping trip as a family, we have learned a lot about camping since staying at this park a few years ago. We do regularly visit but don't camp here often.

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 21, 2016

    Isle du Bois Campsites β€” Ray Roberts Lake State Park

    Bring your horse to Isle du Bois unit - Roberts Lake State Park

    Roberts Lake State Park has two main campgrounds, the Isle du Bois unit and Johnson unit. These are what I would call twins. They are very similar in layout, scenery and activities. They are on opposite sides of the lake.

    Isle du Bois is a little different in that it has legitimate equestrian camp sites with horse pens built into each site. The park has several equestrian trails and is perfect if you like to ride and camp with your horse.

    The rest of the park has several walk-in camp sites and then a section for campers and RV's. It is a good park and I would normally rate this park as a three but I think that all of the equestrian activities and amenities for horses moves it up to a four.

  • Clari R.
    Oct. 29, 2020

    Johnson Branch Campsites β€” Ray Roberts Lake State Park

    Beautiful lake, OK campground

    We found Lake Ray Roberts as a nice swimming spot near Dallas to go cool down during the hot Texas summers and we LOVE it to go grill and hang out as a day long activity. So when my husband and I decide to start camping πŸ• we chose this park as our first trial, and we found it a bit inconvenient for Car camping since the spots are walk up and you gotta leave your car behind in a parking lot. Also, is very primitive style, so clean bathrooms and close-by water is not really part of the package. We loved the view from our spot and if you are up for a primitive experience within a park, then this is great. Just not for us and the type of camping we wanna do 😊

  • Greg C.
    Apr. 22, 2018

    Isle du Bois Campsites β€” Ray Roberts Lake State Park

    Just far enough

    This place is just far enough from DFW to not be to far. Great place to camp, fish and hike. Bring your horses for a equestrian trail as well. Great beach for some sand castles and swimming. And don't forget to hit the Dam store and get the dam special. Good burgers there.

  • Russ M.
    Jan. 6, 2015

    Cedar Hill State Park Campground

    Swimming hole close to Dallas

    Cedar Hill State Park, Cedar Hill, TX Site# 42

    Cedar Hill State Park is only 10 miles southwest of Dallas, but its topography will remind you of the Texas Hill Country. The park is situated on the shores of Joe Pool Lake and it features 30 primitive hike-in camp sites, over 300 wooded modern sites, and more than 1,200 acres of mountain bike terrain. The park also offers multiple boat ramps, kayak rentals, and a swimming beach.

  • Rachel C.
    Jan. 26, 2022

    Cedar Hill State Park Campground

    Escape from the City

    We loved the location of this campsite. Right next to the water, just outside Dallas, and very secluded. Great hiking and biking trails. Park workers were very helpful and kind. We would have preferred to stay here in warmer weather, but other than weather, it was great. Facilities were clean and well maintained. We got decent cell reception with T-Mobile

  • Amie M.
    Dec. 31, 2020

    Johnson Branch Campsites β€” Ray Roberts Lake State Park

    Expensive but almost worth it

    One of the more expensive Texas state parks. Standard electric at 25/night. Large bathrooms and lots of trash bins. Actual pay phones (who knew those still existed?) the trails are for DORBA (Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association) so maybe that explains the horrible lack of signage. Bicycle fix it station.

    Great security. I was with my 3 year old after dark, maybe 8PM at the playground on the water. No lights so I used our lamplight. I noticed a truck in the parking lot with its lights on. We were there maybe 90 minutes and the truck kept moving. When we left, they left. I spotted it down the road and saw they were camp rangers. Bodes well that they were keeping tabs on the facilities even if it was just a mom and kid.

    Very clean and moist spots are secluded. Lots of REALLY great primitive spots if that's your thing.

  • Maxwell C.
    Jan. 27, 2023

    Holiday Park Campground

    Surprising Off-Highway Park

    I chose this campground for its proximity to Fort Worth, and the lake. Just far enough off the highway to diminish all noise, surrounded by hiking trails, is the well maintained Holiday Park. Offering both water and electric hookups for RVs, some with a cabin included, alongside standard campsites right at the lake shore. Bathrooms are simple, fully functional, and never too far from any site. Sites are all a good size and not too close to neighbors. Nature/Horse trails line the park, and it's fairly quiet. There's some occasional aircraft noise, but no noise from the highway. The ranger station is well staffed and by the book, all the sites are visibly well maintained, cleaned regularly.


Guide to Dallas

Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers equestrian camping options approximately 50 miles north of Dallas. The park's campsites provide water and electrical connections in a natural setting that connects directly to bridle trails. Camping areas feature multiple loops with 15-20 sites each, creating minimal traffic near individual spots for a quieter experience. The terrain includes shaded areas with views of the lake, particularly helpful during hot summer months.

What to do

Kayaking and paddling: At Loyd Park, visitors can enjoy direct lake access for water activities. "We stayed in site 115 great spot close to the water," notes Tammie L., who appreciates the proximity to Joe Pool Lake for easy launching.

Bank fishing: The primitive camping area at Isle du Bois Campsites offers lakefront sites with fishing opportunities. Christopher L. explains, "Sites 119-122 (maybe 123) are right on the lake so you can see ducks and do some bank fishing without needing to go anywhere."

Hiking and biking: Cedar Hill State Park provides varied terrain for land-based activities. According to Brody R., the park has a "good trail system" despite its compact size, making it suitable for day hikes and mountain biking excursions through Texas wildlife habitats.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Johnson Branch Campsites receives praise for its layout. Joyce L. notes, "The sites are fairly close together but the grass makes it feel like you have your own little oasis," creating a summer camp atmosphere with shared respect among campers.

Covered picnic areas: The amenities at High View Park include practical features for comfort. Derrick A. mentions, "We stayed in campsite 29 which is kind of elevated a bit and we had a great view of the lake," appreciating the covered tables that provide shade during meals.

Clean facilities: East Fork Park Campground maintains good bathroom conditions despite its aging infrastructure. Christina H. points out, "Overall, we had a lovely Memorial Day weekend at this campground... overall the campground was clean and quiet," noting the park has showers in one of its bathroom facilities.

What you should know

Seasonal flooding: Water levels can affect campsite availability at certain times. At Cedar Hill State Park, Mendy S. reported the park being "partially closed due to flooding," indicating visitors should check conditions before arrival, especially after heavy rains.

Gate hours: Some parks restrict overnight entry. Ray & Terri F. warn that East Fork Park locks its "entry gate from 10PM to 6AM, so plan accordingly if leaving the park, lest you park outside and walk back to your site."

Insect preparation: Texas parks can harbor various insects depending on season. Jill C. cautions about Cedar Hill having "fire ants and chiggers all over our campsite," suggesting campers bring appropriate repellents and protective clothing when visiting during warmer months.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Johnson Branch includes recreational areas for children. Chris H. mentions, "we were about 1/4 mile from a little playground for the kids. The playground wasn't anything grand, but it broke up the days for the kids some, which as all parents know is a gift."

Beach swimming: Designated swimming areas provide safer water access. Matt S. notes that Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers "a fantastic beach swim area for day use or to visit while your camping. Nice sand and roped off swimming areas with large playgrounds."

Wildlife viewing: Joshua M. at Pilot Knoll Park appreciates that "the grounds were well kept" with "open space between sites and the water, giving lots of space for the kids to play" while watching for local wildlife.

Tips from RVers

Level pads and hookups: Northside RV Resort provides well-maintained infrastructure. Angela R. reports, "The park itself is gated and secure. Each shower has its own toilet and vanity behind a lockable door," indicating the attention to detail in facilities.

Dump station locations: Not all parks offer full hookups. Cactus A. notes about Loyd Park: "Would rate it a 5 star if it had full hookups but we had to use the dump station. But apparently they are creating some full hookup sites so we will be back."

Weather considerations: Sites can become problematic during rain. At East Fork Park, Melanie and Doug G. caution, "It looks like there could be a lot of water pooled on and behind our site with a heavy rain. The pad has definitely broken up over time and isn't level."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dallas, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dallas, TX is Cedar Hill State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 62 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dallas, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Dallas, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.