8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Two horse-friendly campgrounds near Huntsville, Texas cater to equestrians seeking access to national forest trails. White Rock Horse Camp provides primitive camping with level areas suitable for trailers and good access to riding trails throughout the Davy Crockett National Forest. The camp includes a small covered pavilion and shady sites. Hunters frequently use this area during hunting season, so equestrians should plan accordingly. Roads are well-maintained and accessible by car or smaller trailers, though RVs will need levelers on the uneven terrain. Fees are paid at the campground on a first-come, first-served basis.
Piney Creek Horse Camp offers another primitive camping option in the Davy Crockett National Forest with a vault toilet but no amenities at individual campsites. The camp connects to a great, well-marked trail system popular with horseback riders. Campers need to bring generators for power as this is a dry camping area. The trails provide excellent riding opportunities though they are not always well marked, requiring riders to pay attention to their route. Both campgrounds become hunting camps during season, creating potential safety concerns for equestrians. Trailer access is good, with reasonable roads leading to both facilities, though neither offers developed horse-specific amenities like corrals or wash stations.
"Lots of sites, but still need to make reservations way in advance, suppose due to its proximity to Houston. Very well kept park with clean facilities, and partial as well as full hookups."
"You’ll find Huntsville State Park six miles southwest of Huntsville, TX in Walker County in the Sam Houston National Forest."
from $15 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Campgrounds have a variety of amenities to choose from, including screened shelters, which are great if you get caught in a Texas sized downpour or if the mosquitoes are particularly aggressive, a pond"
"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."
"Whether you're struggling with intricate medical terminology, patient data analysis, or ethical principles, our tutors are available to support you every step of the way."
from $39 / night
Check Availability"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 Availabilityfrom $50 - $250 / night
ScoutOkay okay so I live in Huntsville Texas which means I have been to Huntsville State Park more times than I can count. There's a fee to get in but it's not too bad. We like to go fishing with our day pass however you will not ever catch anything. I don't know why but the fishing sucks. Also there's crocodiles. However the campsite overall is really pretty we haven't stayed overnight here so I don't know about that.
RangerLots of sites, but still need to make reservations way in advance, suppose due to its proximity to Houston. Very well kept park with clean facilities, and partial as well as full hookups. Close to Huntsville, so if you are needing supplies or just want to go into town and not cook you are golden. Small lake with paddle boats and good fishing. Fairly flat terrain and trails are well maintained, but not terribly scenic.
LegendYou’ll find Huntsville State Park six miles southwest of Huntsville, TX in Walker County in the Sam Houston National Forest. Huntsville State Park has over 20 miles of trails to explore along with a pretty great lake to fish, paddle or swim. Fish for crappie, perch, catfish, or bass. Lake Raven also has a boat ramp, fishing piers, and fish cleaning stations. Bring your own canoe or rent one from the little supply store. The supply store also has miscellaneous supplies and bait for purchase.
Campsites are spaced modestly except those in the full hookup loop. If you are looking for full hookups, book in advanced as those are in high demand at this location. All sites have a two-day minimum on Friday and Saturday.
Available sites:
LegendI like Huntsville State Park campground for a long weekend getaway. It is about an hour north of Houston not far off Interstate 45, so very easily accessible. They have a large campground section which is only campsites, and also another section on the other side of a cove that is more of a recreational section which has a swimming beach, cabins, screened shelters, etc. This state park gets very crowded in the summertime, with campers as well as lots of day use folks enjoying the water. It is hard to get a campsite reservation, so plan ahead!
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. Then there is a retaining wall and steps to walk down to the lower tier where the picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, etc.. are located. We really didn't ever go down to the lower part of our site because it was inconvenient. It was a good place to walk the dogs though. The campground does slope slightly and the sites are not all real level, so be sure to bring your "legos" if you don't have a leveling system on your rig. The grounds did not seem to be as well maintained as some other state parks I've been to. We couldn't use the picnic table because it was surrounded by tall weeds and had a lot of spider webs under it. Bath house was not well maintained and kind of dingy. It was also not ventilated well and felt like a sauna as it was so humid in July.
There is a nice fishing pier and several places to fish off the bank. A ranger told me there are alligators in the lake, so be careful.
GuideHuntsville is a great spot to visit, whether you're looking for a day trip or overnight. People are certainly catching on to the charm of the park so going during the week or a school year weekend (non-holiday) is the best bet to avoid crowds. Lots of good camp and RV space. The gem of Huntsville is its well-marked trail system. Whether a casual walker or ultrarunner, there are trails of every ability and distance to be found. They are color-coded with posted maps that are easy to follow. Prepare to take on a few hills and rocky/rooted areas, but well worth escaping the city for a bit in the nicely shaded woods.
RangerWe had a great time at Huntsville State Park. Will definitely be returning as it’s so close to Houston. Park was jam packed and it seemed like rangers were a bit nervous as they drove through the grounds multiple times. Our site had direct water access and my husband floated a bit but we saw an alligator (small) just off in the distance. I think we had one of the better sites, but the one to the left of ours looked fantastic too. Overall great time.
GuideHuntsville SP is a great patch of wilderness that is close to Houston. There is lots of camping, boating, and trails. My daughter likes the park so much she invited her friends to camp with her for her 11th birthday party. She is a girlie girl and if she wants to go camping, it must mean it is great!
TravelerI hadn't been camping in years but decided to go for it. My first stop of many was Huntsville State Park. It's the beginning of spring so no fish were biting, bugs fly after dark was crazy so once I'm in my tent I had to kill bugs. I used a spray but once they are in they're in. Beautiful lake, friendly staff but If you go for ice at the main gate watch your step, there's an unmarked drop (for handicap) don't tumble and fall like I did. Overall, I enjoyed staying and sure to be back.
GuideHuntsville Park is a nice little park that is a getaway from the city. We have hiked all the trails and camped here a couple times. The facilities are nice and the staff is helpful!
The Davy Crockett National Forest provides multiple equestrian camping opportunities near Huntsville, Texas, with access to extensive trail networks through dense pine forests. The region receives approximately 49 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush vegetation and occasionally muddy trail conditions. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing.
Trail riding exploration: Double Lake NF Campground connects to forest trails beyond the immediate recreation area. "We biked here in an hour or so from Houston. Beautiful little lake, relaxing hiking and clean sites," reports camper Amanda C.
Wildlife observation: Forest areas support diverse bird species, deer, and small mammals. "My personal agenda is all things nature related. The land, peace, plants, birds, land animals and TREES, water sources and types," shares Jennifer at Double Lake, where visitors can spot wildlife during quieter morning hours.
Lake activities: Several campgrounds provide water access for fishing and swimming. "Quite a bit of wildlife and pretty good fishing. If your looking for a day trip it's perfect!" notes a Double Lake camper about the recreation opportunities available throughout warmer months.
Privacy between sites: Many equestrian campers appreciate the spacing at SAM HOUSTON area campgrounds. "Campground not full. Very quiet, sites not on top of each other (some more private than others), gravel pads for rv, tent, table, lantern post and campfire ring," reports Jennifer about her experience.
Trail quality: Forest Service maintains multi-use trails suitable for horses, hiking and mountain biking. "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. about Double Lake's surrounding area.
Natural setting: The East Texas pine forests create a natural retreat. "Campgrounds have a variety of amenities to choose from, including screened shelters, which are great if you get caught in a Texas sized downpour or if the mosquitoes are particularly aggressive," notes Jessica V. about Sam Houston.
Seasonal concerns: 566 Piney Creek Horse Camp transforms during hunting season. "Be careful during hunting season!" warns camper Tartan C., highlighting the importance of wearing high-visibility clothing during fall and winter hunts.
Facilities limitations: Most equestrian sites offer minimal amenities. "Quiet national forest hunting camp with vault toilet and water, but no amenities at the individual campsites. Bring your own generator and dry camp," advises a Piney Creek visitor, emphasizing the primitive conditions.
Trail navigation: Forest trails require attention to markers and junctions. "The trails are nice but not well marked," notes Mary A. about Piney Creek Horse Camp, suggesting riders carry maps or GPS devices when exploring.
Swimming opportunities: White Rock Horse Camp provides trail access to swimming areas during summer months. "Nice area for dispersed camping. Several level areas. Great hiking / horse riding trails around," reports Seeking Narnia, noting the recreational options beyond horseback riding.
Consider sheltered options: Some nearby campgrounds offer structures for weather protection. "Campgrounds have a variety of amenities to choose from, including screened shelters, which are great if you get caught in a Texas sized downpour or if the mosquitoes are particularly aggressive," observes a Sam Houston visitor.
Pack for insects: The humid climate supports mosquitoes and ticks, particularly after rainfall. "An excellent quiet NF campground with a nice swimming area and ample bathrooms/showers," notes Matthew B., mentioning the facilities that make cleanup easier after outdoor activities.
Leveling requirements: New Adventure RV Park and forest service campgrounds require leveling equipment. "If RVing, will need levelers," advises a White Rock Horse Camp reviewer, noting the uneven terrain typical of East Texas forests.
Site selection strategy: Arrive early for the best sites. "Great RV campsite #36. Pull thru and has great privacy. Walking trail around like is near. Not to many fire ant poles," suggests Erin R., highlighting the importance of choosing sites away from ant mounds.
Road conditions: Access roads vary seasonally. "Accessible via car, good roads, smaller trailers," notes a White Rock Horse Camp visitor, though suggesting larger RVs may find navigation challenging during wet periods when forest service roads soften.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Huntsville, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Huntsville, TX is Huntsville State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 69 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Huntsville, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Huntsville, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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