Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers additional equestrian camping options beyond the dedicated camping area. The Cross Timbers ecological zone sits at approximately 850 feet elevation with oak-juniper woodlands creating natural windbreaks around several equestrian campsites. Horse camping facilities include specific sites designed with both trailer parking and natural terrain suitable for equine guests.
What to do
Rock climbing at Penitentiary Hollow: Just a short ride from the equestrian camping areas at Plateau — Lake Mineral Wells State Park, riders can visit climbing areas suitable for all experience levels. "Penitentiary Cove. Awesome rock formations, crevasses, and little shallow caves. Climbers enjoy this spot too," explains Susan L.
Wildlife viewing from horseback: Trails through the Possum Kingdom region provide excellent opportunities to observe native Texas wildlife. At Cross Timbers — Lake Mineral Wells State Park, "Saw a few deer and could hear coyotes in the distance at night," reports Alejandro G. who notes the trails are "very rocky and not always easy to navigate, but there is so much there to explore."
Lake activities between rides: When not riding, the lakes provide excellent fishing and water recreation near horse camping areas. "We were able to launch our paddleboards from our site (site #5)," explains Ana A., describing the versatility of waterfront camping areas with horse access.
What campers like
Secluded horse-friendly sites: Equestrian campers at Graford-area horse campgrounds appreciate privacy and natural settings. "Campsite 64 has lots of cattails... This site had lots of wildlife and a deer strolled casually and fearlessly through the site while munching on grass," writes Susan L. about Plateau, also noting "Nice privacy between sites here."
Multi-use trail connections: The network of connected trails makes this region ideal for longer trail rides. According to Chris K., "Plateau is my favorite State Park. The hiking trails are awesome, wooded and peaceful." This sentiment extends to horseback trails that connect to the longer 20-mile Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway.
Natural water features: Horse campers value access to natural water features. The Fort Richardson State Park Hist. Site and Trailway offers "a small dumpster available. The bathroom/shower facilities and dump station are down the road at the main campground," according to Ari A., who notes camping near water sources is practical for horse owners.
What you should know
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Trails may be affected by weather conditions, requiring preparation. A camper at Possum Kingdom State Park Campground warns, "Trails are well maintained and very nice, we mostly did the Lakeview Trail, but it was a great hike, not too strenuous but with great views of the lake."
Equestrian facilities limitations: Not all campsites labeled for equestrian use have full facilities. "We stayed one night at the equestrian camp... With only a couple of small pens and not much space, we could see why equestrians might not flock here," observes Ari A. about Fort Richardson.
Site selection importance: Choose sites based on your specific equestrian needs. "Site 104. Good amount of space on this site, but do your research. Some of the sites there are fairly small," advises Alejandro G. about Cross Timbers, highlighting the variability of site dimensions for horse trailers.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly trails: Families with younger riders can find appropriate trails for all skill levels. "My eight and six year old's, wake me up wanting to go hiking and rock climbing. One weekend we counted that we had seen at least twenty-four deer," shares Chris K. about Lake Mineral Wells State Park.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites near horse camping areas provide learning experiences between rides. At Fort Richardson, James S. notes, "Most of the building had interesting things to see. The hospital has some preserved critters like giant centipedes while the nature center has taxidermied animals you can touch (carefully of course)."
Combined activities: Plan mixed recreation days with both riding and water activities. "Lake mineral wells state park was great for biking, hiking, swimming and fishing. We had something fun for all 6 of us," reports Deborah C., highlighting the variety of options available within riding distance of equestrian campsites.
Tips from RVers
Horse trailer positioning: RVers with horse trailers should carefully consider site layout. At LBJ Grasslands, Mesha P. advises, "The spots here are first come first serve no reservation needed. There was a nice fire pit made and enough trees at at least 4 of the 7 sites to be able to hang hammocks if you want and are fairly shady which is so nice."
Hookup availability: Be aware of specific hookup limitations at equestrian sites. "You do have 20-, 39- and 50-amp electric plus water hookup at your site," notes Ari A. about Fort Richardson's equestrian camping area, though they caution the sites are "long and narrow without much space between them."
Seasonal planning: RVers report varying conditions throughout the year at horse campgrounds near Graford. "We camped there in February, in June and also October," shares Duane S. about Cross Timbers, suggesting the versatility of equestrian camping across seasons with appropriate preparation.
