10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
566 Piney Creek Horse Camp occupies a small area within Davy Crockett National Forest with camping sites adjacent to horseback riding trails. The primitive campground features a small covered pavilion and shady sites for horses and riders. Sites are first-come, first-served with fees collected on-site. Vault toilets are available, though no water hookups exist at individual campsites. The campground layout accommodates both tent camping and smaller RVs with adequate room for horse trailers. The trails interconnecting with the camp are excellent for riders, though trail markings can be inconsistent in some sections. Sites include fire rings for evening campfires, with firewood available seasonally.
The horse trail system at Piney Creek extends through the Davy Crockett National Forest, offering well-maintained but sometimes poorly marked routes. Trails wind through the East Texas Pineywoods, characterized by tall loblolly pines and diverse forest vegetation. Riders should exercise caution during hunting season as the area serves as a hunting camp during designated periods. A loafing barn provides shelter for horses during inclement weather. The remote location creates a laid-back atmosphere for equestrians seeking quiet forest trails. For longer stays, visitors should prepare for dry camping conditions by bringing generators if electrical needs exist. The Texas Parks Limited Use Permit, which costs as little as $12 annually, allows access to this and other National Forest or Wildlife Management Areas for horse camping near Diboll and throughout the region. Riders looking for additional horse campsites near Diboll will find that the surrounding Pineywoods region offers several equestrian campgrounds with comparable trail access and primitive facilities.
"Very well-maintained National Forest site just off Texas Highway 7 in the middle of the Davey Crockett National Forest. "
"East Texas weather is so unpredictable. 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!"
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 - $42 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Great, well marked Trail system. Be careful during hunting season!"
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"If looking to be near a campground but still out on your own then this is the place."
"Several pull off sites right off the lake. No amenities. One large group camping on the other side of the lake playing their music loud. Good internet reception ship."
"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."
"The park seems very well designed for equestrian, but also good for tent camping. The trails are nice and wide. Tent spots are spacious, although most sites do require a decent walk from the car."
from $14 - $250 / night
Check Availability"If you want to escape the hot summer in Texas, I would recommend coming to Brookeland Campground because there is a beautiful lake nearby."
"This KOA has trails leading to a river which empties into Lake Rayburn. You do not have direct access to the lake itself. The campground has a couple of small ponds. The staff is excellent."
from $39 / night
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ScoutWe went in early March for tent camping. The park seems very well designed for equestrian, but also good for tent camping. The trails are nice and wide. Tent spots are spacious, although most sites do require a decent walk from the car.
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.
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.
TravelerThere aren't many sites for basic tent camping here, maybe 10-15 tent sites, and the rest are equestrian. It's a pretty tidy looking campground. There is a park host that is usually hanging around if you need something. We ended up being neighbors with a large group that was using their fire like a bonfire so we let the park host know about it. Probably won't come back unless in off season. But it's good enough
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.
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.
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.
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.
Piney Creek Horse Camp connects to an extensive trail system in Davy Crockett National Forest, with routes that vary from well-maintained to minimally marked segments. Vault toilets serve the area, though campsites lack water hookups. The forest terrain features typical East Texas Pineywoods vegetation dominated by loblolly pines, creating a shaded environment for equestrian activities.
Trail riding: The horse trails throughout Davy Crockett National Forest Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area connect with several camp areas and extend for miles through pine forests. "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," notes camper Yasmin S.
Fishing: Multiple ponds and small lakes in the region provide fishing opportunities near equestrian camping facilities. At Sexton Pond Dispersed, anglers should note specific fishing patterns: "I will share a tip. They seem to sit dormant at 10pm and 3am for a hour each. No biting," advises Yasmin S.
Swimming: Natural swimming areas provide relief during hot weather at several locations near Diboll. At Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, "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," warns Alana B.
Remote setting: The isolation of camping areas near Diboll creates a peaceful atmosphere for outdoor enthusiasts. At White Rock Horse Camp, visitors appreciate the natural surroundings. "Nice area for dispersed camping. Several level areas. Great hiking/horse riding trails around," notes camper Seeking Narnia.
Wildlife viewing: The forest environments harbor diverse animal species for observation. Campers should maintain appropriate distance from wildlife, particularly near water features. "Be careful during hunting season!" warns Tartan C. about camping at Piney Creek Horse Camp during designated hunting periods.
Forest access: The national forest location provides direct access to extensive trails. At Alazan Bayou, David T. notes: "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."
Hunting seasons: Equestrian camping near Diboll, Texas occurs in active hunting areas during specific seasons. "Would not recommend this area during hunting season," cautions Seeking Narnia about White Rock Horse Camp, confirming the dual use of these recreational lands.
Permit requirements: Access to certain camping areas requires permits. For Alazan Bayou, "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," explains David T.
Facilities limitations: Most equestrian sites offer minimal services. "Quiet national forest hunting camp with vault toilet and water, but no amenities at the individual campsites. Bring your own generator and dry camp," reports Tartan C. about Piney Creek Horse Camp.
Safety precautions: Families should be aware of natural hazards in the area. At Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, "The rangers drive around a few times a day. We didn't do the trail this time around but will try it out next time. It's great for big groups because of all the space," notes Alana B.
Trail difficulty: Select appropriate trails based on experience levels. For beginners, stick to well-marked routes at established recreation areas. At Double Lake NF Campground, "Deep in the woods and on a nice shallow lake. Fantastic for walks around the lake, playing in the park, and fun trails," shares Devin P.
Weather preparedness: East Texas weather patterns require flexible planning. Sydney L. describes Ratcliff Lake: "East Texas weather is so unpredictable. When we arrived at camp it was nice and sunny... On our walk we got caught in the middle of a down pour! We laughed our way back to camp and waited out the rest of the storm in our cars."
Site selection: RV campers should verify site dimensions before arrival. At Double Lake NF Campground, camper Erin R. recommends: "Great RV campsite #36. Pull thru and has great privacy. Walking trail around like is near. Not to many fire ant poles."
Road conditions: Access roads to horse camps vary in quality. At Sexton Pond Dispersed, Jennifer M. reports: "Down a hard packed gravel road. A few potholes but nothing major. Nice spot in the trees. There are a few fire pits spread out."
Leveling requirements: Uneven terrain at some horse camps requires equipment adjustments. At White Rock Horse Camp, "Accessible via car, good roads, smaller trailers. If RVing, will need levelers," advises Seeking Narnia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Diboll, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Diboll, 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 Diboll, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Diboll, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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