Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers additional equestrian facilities beyond its main campground area. Located approximately 40 miles north of Garland, the park provides horseback riders with access to multiple trail systems stretching along Lake Ray Roberts. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently reaching above 90°F and mild winters, making year-round equestrian camping possible with proper preparation.
What to do
Trail riding with lake views: Equestrian campers at Cedar Hill State Park can access trails with diverse terrain. One visitor noted, "This park is run by the City Grand Prairie, which provides a lot of safety. Campsites are a little close together nearest the water but probably the best sites in the Park. We spent three days there swimming and hiking around."
Fishing access: Many equestrian sites at COE Lavon Lake East Fork Park offer water access. A camper shared: "Great views of the water and wildflowers in the meadows. Reasonable price. Everything works and the shaded picnic tables are a plus. 5G plus signal on ATT for anything you might need online."
Wildlife observation: While on horseback, riders often encounter local wildlife. According to one visitor at Johnson Branch Campsites: "The sites are so well manicured and like the other reviews stated, they're cut in a way that gives you privacy. The sites are fairly close together but the grass makes it feel like you have your own little oasis."
What campers like
Spacious equestrian sites: Horse campers appreciate the site layout at Pilot Knoll Park Campground, where one camper reported, "I really enjoyed how well kept the grounds were and did love the open space between sites and the water, giving lots of space for the kids to play. Really pretty views."
Clean facilities: Facilities maintain good standards at many parks. A camper at Johnson Branch noted: "A very clean and well kept State Park, Bath and showers are very clean and warm it is cold today 38 Degrees."
Privacy between campsites: Many equestrian campsites offer buffer zones. A visitor to Cedar Hill stated: "The park is designed with small loops for 15-20 camp sites in each loop. Very little traffic right by the individual spots. Easy in and out of park."
What you should know
Seasonal grass management: Several parks struggle with consistent grounds maintenance. A camper at COE Lavon Lake East Fork Park mentioned: "Pros: Great views of the water and wildflowers in the meadows. Reasonable price. Everything works and the shaded picnic tables are a plus. Downsides: 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."
Road conditions: Access roads to equestrian camping areas vary in quality. Another visitor at East Fork Park observed: "View was great and camp hosts were very friendly but the roads are horrible! The sites weren't bad and ours was pretty level. The location is nice on the lake with lots of sail boats sailing by."
Advanced reservations: Weekends fill quickly at most equestrian campgrounds near Garland. At Loyd Park, a camper advised: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several equestrian camping areas include playgrounds for children. A visitor to Pilot Knoll Park shared: "We brought our small family of four out to tent camp for the first time this last weekend. I really enjoyed how well kept the grounds were and did love the open space between sites and the water, giving lots of space for the kids to play."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs specifically for children. As one camper at Johnson Branch Campsites noted: "It's was very windy but we had loads of fun! We learned what native plants we can eat!"
Swimming areas: After trail riding, families appreciate cooling off in designated swimming areas. A camper at Loyd Park reported: "This park is great only 45 minutes from home. They have a few full hook ups and lots of RV sites with water and electricity. Sites are spaced far apart all come with fire ring and covered picnic table."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV campers with horse trailers should prepare for varied site conditions. A visitor to East Fork Park Campground advised: "RV sites have water and 50/30 amp electric and there are 12 tent sites. We had a nice view of Lake Lavon. Grills and tables vary by site, some are very old, but many have been replaced. There are trees - some large enough to provide some shade if desired, but most small enough to allow satellite reception."
Hookup locations: Position your rig carefully to reach utilities. One RVer at East Fork Park noted: "I backed in and used my extension power cord because the box was located midway from the rear. Since the space was so long... I could have pulled up a bit."
Weather considerations: During summer, shade is limited at some sites. A camper at Johnson Branch mentioned: "Note: Most campsites have a lengthy walk-in distance so be prepared! Bring a cart; it'll speed things up massively. And definitely bring a canopy or tarp; there isn't much cover here. But at night, the temperature was quite comfortable, albeit windy."
