Best Equestrian Camping near Katy, TX

Near Katy, Texas, campers with horses face limited equestrian-specific options. Houston West RV Park in Brookshire accommodates RVs and tent camping but lacks dedicated horse corrals or other equestrian facilities. The park features a mini lake and walking trail, but reviews indicate no mention of horse-related amenities. Red ant infestations have been noted by visitors, which could be problematic for camping with horses. The park has a pool, hot tub, and offers competitive pricing compared to other Houston-area campgrounds.

Brazos Bend State Park Campground, located approximately 45 miles from Katy, provides camping options for tent and RV campers with horses, though specific equestrian facilities are limited. The park maintains extensive hiking and biking trails suitable for day rides. Water access is available throughout the park's six lakes, creek, and Brazos River connection. Visitors should be aware that alligators are common in the park, which requires additional caution when handling horses. The park's trails are flat and accessible, making them suitable for riders of various experience levels. Mosquitoes can be significant during summer months, necessitating protection for both riders and horses.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Katy, Texas (3)

    1. Houston West RV Park

    6 Reviews
    San Felipe, TX
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (281) 375-5678

    "Nice mini lake and walking trail"

    "This park is only about a block off of Route 10 near Houston. Great place to stay if you are just passing through. The pool and hot tub are nice, and the lake is pretty."

    2. Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Thompsons, TX
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (979) 553-5101

    $12 - $75 / night

    "Hikes and wildlife are good too, lots of easy trails along water for the kids, cool ponds, great little observation tour to climb."

    "This is my son's favorite park, right up next to Dinosaur Valley State Park. So first i'll tell you that the facilities are nice and pretty new it looked like."

    3. Happy Campers

    Be the first to review!
    Washington, TX
    44 miles
    +1 (415) 849-5571

    $50 - $250 / night

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Katy, TX

53 Reviews of 3 Katy Campgrounds


  • K
    Oct. 1, 2016

    Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    Brazos Bend

    The best part of this park is the observatory, which has special events and regular weekend hours pretty much all year. It’s absolutely worth staying up late for this! Hikes and wildlife are good too, lots of easy trails along water for the kids, cool ponds, great little observation tour to climb. There are standard RV/tent sites, screened shelters (for sleeping), and rustic cabins, horse sites, and youth group sites. The sites are pretty spread out and maybe half of them are very shady. Awesome little park outside Houston.

  • Brittany S.
    Sep. 27, 2018

    Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    Alligators OH MY!!!

    Brazos Bend is alligator headquarters! This is my son's favorite park, right up next to Dinosaur Valley State Park. So first i'll tell you that the facilities are nice and pretty new it looked like. There are tent, group, equestrian, and RV sites, plus cabins and screened shelters. They have a few hike and bike trails, but nothing very challenging or long, but everything else they have is what makes it the bomb!

    There are six lakes, a creek, and the Brazos river in the park, so if you go during summer take bug spray, or bugs will eat you alive. Also tons of spiders...so yeah. You can fish at some of the lakes, and most of the lakes have a viewing pier where you can bird watch and look for big alligators.

    OK, the Nature center is the coolest thing ever!!! They have snakes, spiders, and lots of fun stuff for kids. My son got to touch a king snake and a baby alligator, which was so cool. They also have lots of planned activities going on, so make sure you check the calendar or ask a park ranger if they have an event going on. We got so lucky that they had a group of alligator hatchlings that they brought out for all the kids to see and did a whole informative, interactive discussion. They brought out like 60 baby alligators in tubs and showed the kids how they feed them and how they would release them back into the wild. It was the most amazing thing! They made sure every kid got to touch one, and there were a lot of kids.

    So yeah alligators are awesome, but on top of all of that, there is an observatory in the park. If you go on the weekends they have tours and shows at the observatory. There is an extra fee, but it is well worth it.

    Bring a hat, sunscreen, good shoes, and bug spray is a must!

  • Eby H.
    Jul. 23, 2017

    Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Kameng Boots by Mishmi Takin at Brazos Bend State Park

    Campground Review

    It's incredible that I was born and raised in Houston and have lived here the past four years but haven't made it out to Brazos Bend State Park until now! A quick, 45 minute drive southwest will get you out of the concrete jungle that is the sprawling Space City metropolis and into one of the lushest, greenest parts of Texas. Brazos Bend is a "Nature Lover's Paradise" - there is abundant wildlife. There is great fishing, ample bird watching, and lots and lots of alligators (!). Lots of trails for walking, running, biking, and horseback riding. The George Observatory is a pretty amazing feature of this park (but only open Saturdays).

    We arrived at Brazos Bend on a Friday afternoon and were able to walk-in no problem. Walk-in rate is $12/day + the daily park entrance fee ($5 for adults, free for kids). I have a Texas State Parks Pass so we didn't have to pay the entrance fees (saved us $40 for two nights of camping!). Additionally there were several other great options including: Full-Site RV hook-up ($25/night), Standard Camping ($20/night, incl. water & electricity), and 14 Cabins ($80-200/night but have everything you could ever need or want).

    We did a lot of nature walks, game playing, and swimming during our two days at Brazos Bend State Park. Summer is probably not the best time to visit any park in Texas - its hot and muggy and the mosquitos are out in full force. Bring your DEET. Seriously. Despite that though, we were very pleasantly surprised by the amenities (swimming pool, screened in picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads!)

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - this past weekend at Brazos Bend I tested out the Kameng Mid eVent Waterproof Hiking Boot by Mishmi Takin.

    These boots have got it all.

    First, these boots are hella comfortable! I was blown away how comfortable they were right out of the box. Over the years, I've owned many pairs of hiking boots and they all required a significant break-in period. Not these!

    Second, they're waterproof AND breathable. Not water resistant, like actually water proof.

    Third, the look great. All 3 color schemes are fantastic I had a tough time choosing between green, grey and orange.

    Fourth, so lightweight. These only weigh 1.5lbs so even though they are boots, they won't weigh you down.

    5/5 Would Recommend.

  • Myra P.
    May. 6, 2018

    Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    Texas round trip

    Before we stopped at the Brazos park we went from Pottsville Arkansas to the beaches in Texas .Started out in Houston and seen the San Jacinto Monument , The Washburn Tunnel, Aquaworld in down town Houston. Went over some Big bridges . Than we went to the beach in Galveston and spend the night in the back of my explorer what a night great view and the breeze was nice . The next day moved on to travel down the coast to the Port Aransas and crossed on the ferry heading to Mustang Island beach. Than passing Corpus Christi down to Padre Island . Can't remember the name of the beach we spend the night on . The next morning we headed out away from the coast and back towards home . This it where we stopped at the Brazos park and sleep in one of the screened rooms . The park was beautiful and the moss on the trees make you think you have gone back in time . But a last we have to go home!

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 31, 2019

    Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    Brazos Bend State Park + Aligators!

    Ok, I'll admit it. I visited this park for one reason only… to see alligators.

    Brazos Bend State Park does have other attractions like miles of hiking trails, campsites, water fowl and migratory birds, but the real attraction for me was simply to see live alligators in their natural habitat. If you have the same motive, this park will not disappoint. 

    This park is located outside of Houston. During much of the year the temperature can be warm to hot and muggy. I think that the best time of the year to visit might be in the winter during November, December or January. At other times of the year you may need to fight off mosquitos as big as alligators.

    There are a number of trails to hike, but I chose trails that would provide the greatest opportunity to see alligators. So we hiked along the 40 Acre Lake to Elm Lake Loop. We first saw a number of water fowl - ducks, cranes, egrets. Then right along the trail we saw a fairly large alligator. Now there are signs that warn to stay a safe distance away from the alligators and it is solid advice. But simply staying on the trail allowed me to pass about 30 feet in front of a resting alligator. I'm guessing that if the alligator wanted to get up and chase me it could have. I just calculated that I didn't need to be faster than the alligator, I just needed to be faster than my hiking buddies.

    We all survived and it was a pleasant experience.

  • Carly H.
    May. 6, 2017

    Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    Getting back to nature

    We recently decided we wanted to spend more time outside and over the last year started accumulating camping supplies. When it was finally time to put them to use we chose Brazos Bend because it wasn't to far from the city and had a lot of hiking trails. This park is amazing! We saw around 15 alligators while hiking, and these are animals in the wild in their habitat (not like the gator farms where some dude is sticking his head in ones mouth). The have a nature center where park rangers give you info about the animals in the park and let you see snakes and baby alligators up close. The campsites have a fire pit, table and grill and for the most part lots of shade trees. All the hiking trails were accessible right from our site. Since we only camped overnight we didn't use any of the facilities but heard they were very clean. We ended up buying the texas state park pass and cannot wait to come back!

  • R
    Jul. 31, 2016

    Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    I Love This Park!

    I live ~1 hour away from Brazos Bend State Park and while I've been to the park dozens of times, I have never actually camped there. The facilities are similar to most parks, water, fire ring, reasonable spacing, and some have electrical hook-ups. I do love to sneak off early on a Saturday or Sunday to run on the trails. The park doesn't open until 8 but the gate is normally open by 7 AM. Brazos Bend State Park offers two distinct experiences. The West side is shallow oxbow lakes that have been left behind when the Brazos River changed course. These lakes are swampy and are home to a diverse population of waterfowl as well as gators. The East side of the park is entirely different offering trails through a hardwood forest. There are several massive live oaks along the trail that are absolutely majestic. While running in the forest, I have spooked deer and wild hogs. The highlight was the time a bobcat (?) hopped out of the woods in front of me and ran in front of me for some time before he realized I was behind him. I don't have any pictures but here are some good ones from a race that I ran in Dec 2015 (http://running.competitor.com/2015/12/photos/photos-2015-brazos-bend-100_142060).

    You will mostly have the trails to yourself early in the morning but you will see some people fishing or birdwatching. Later in the day you will encounter families walking or biking and large extended families enjoying the picnic facilities. It does get a little buggy during the summer but I find as long as I keep moving, the bugs aren't much of a problem.

    The last highlight of the park is the park is the George Observatory. The lines can get a little long but it is a wonderful way to get a view of the sky. When we went, you could see Saturn, its rings, and a couple moons. Again, if you are going in the warmer months, be sure to bring bug spray.

  • Drew P.
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    Favorite State Park Nearby

    I've been going to Brazos Bend since I was a kid. It's always fun to hike or bike around the trails and see all types of birds, alligators, and other wildlife. For us it is close by which is another added bonus.

  • Candy P.
    Jan. 9, 2021

    Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    Escape from the City

    This is the best place to escape from the big city and enjoy nature! There is so much to do. The hiking and bike paths are aplenty. We loved seeing the gators, especially when the babies were hatching (spot dozens of babies in the photos). The observatory is also incredible. There are so many friendly astronomy enthusiasts who are willing to share a peek through their telescope (pre-covid) and share their knowledge. Be sure to help keep light pollution down in that area so everyone can enjoy the stars (no flashlights or phones out). This is such a great park to enjoy and spend a weekend away from the city without traveling too far.


Guide to Katy

Equestrian camping near Katy, Texas offers terrain characterized by flat coastal plains with elevations ranging from 100-150 feet above sea level. The climate features hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters. Camping facilities in this region typically experience seasonal mosquito activity from April through October, requiring proper preparation for both humans and horses.

What to do

Observatory stargazing: Brazos Bend State Park Campground features an observatory with regular weekend hours throughout the year. "The best part of this park is the observatory, which has special events and regular weekend hours pretty much all year. It's absolutely worth staying up late for this!" notes Kim B. The park recommends minimizing light pollution by avoiding flashlights and phone screens in the observatory area.

Wildlife observation: The diverse ecosystems near Katy support extensive birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities. At Brazos Bend State Park Campground, visitors regularly encounter native species in natural habitats. "This is the best place to escape from the big city and enjoy nature! There is so much to do. The hiking and bike paths are aplenty. We loved seeing the gators, especially when the babies were hatching," reports Candy P.

Fishing access: Several campgrounds maintain stocked fishing ponds or lake access for anglers. Houston West RV Park provides a mini lake for casual fishing. Brian W. remarks, "I would definitely recommend this park," noting the "nice, clean and stocked pond" as a highlight for fishing enthusiasts.

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Many parks in the Katy region feature generously sized camping areas. At Brazos Bend State Park Campground, Red S. observes, "In my opinion, the camper pads are really nice. Long and wide can accommodate small or large campers and motorhomes. They are fire rings picnic tables."

Competitive pricing: Camping options near Katy often provide good value compared to other Houston-area facilities. Houston West RV Park stands out for budget-conscious campers. Tam C. reports, "Every other campground in the Houston area seems to be $55+, but with AAA discount I only paid $45 here! They were very accommodating when I called and gave us an easy spot up front because we were arriving after 8pm."

Trail systems: The flat terrain supports extensive, accessible trail networks suitable for day rides on horseback or hiking. Benjamin C. describes Brazos Bend State Park Campground as having "lake, hiking, biking, star gazing, wildlife" with "semi-private, some shade, large sized site, nice space between" camping areas that accommodate various recreational activities.

What you should know

Insect management: The subtropical climate supports significant mosquito and ant populations. Jules S. notes at Brazos Bend State Park Campground, "Only downfall is the mosquitos, which isn't the campgrounds fault. Just with the heat and swamps/lakes they are particularly bad." Similarly, Tara R. warns about Houston West RV Park: "They've got a pretty severe red ant infestation everywhere, so you can't spend too long standing outside on the gravel or the grass."

Wildlife safety protocols: Campers with horses must observe specific precautions due to local wildlife. Joseph P. confirms, "If you go in the summer you need to watch out for mosquitoes," and during a subsequent visit adds, "we saw gators at the nature center."

Seasonal planning: Temperature and humidity patterns significantly impact camping comfort in the Katy area. Ashley C. advises regarding Brazos Bend State Park Campground, "If you go on a moderate temperature day (this is the key. If it is too hot or cold you won't see Gators) you can see literally dozens of massive alligators."

Tips for camping with families

Educational opportunities: Family-friendly campgrounds often include nature centers with interpretive programs. At Brazos Bend State Park Campground, Ashley C. describes, "There is a small nature centre where you can pet baby Gators and learn about them. Lots of pretty trails and look outs."

Recreational facilities: When selecting horse-friendly campgrounds for families, consider additional amenities. Kim B. highlights Brazos Bend's diverse accommodations: "There are standard RV/tent sites, screened shelters (for sleeping), and rustic cabins, horse sites, and youth group sites. The sites are pretty spread out and maybe half of them are very shady."

Child-friendly activities: Equestrian camping facilities with supplementary attractions keep children engaged. Drew P. shares, "I've been going to Brazos Bend since I was a kid. It's always fun to hike or bike around the trails and see all types of birds, alligators, and other wildlife."

Tips from RVers

Connectivity considerations: For those needing to work remotely while camping with horses, cellular reception varies by location. Jules S. reports from Brazos Bend State Park Campground, "My starlink is a little spotty with the trees but am still able to work remote with no major issues."

Equestrian facilities: RVers traveling with horses should confirm specific accommodations before arrival. Norrie W. notes that Houston West RV Park provides "Very nice RV Campground with large dog park, laundry, and cleaned showers and toilets," but does not mention specific horse facilities or corrals.

Campsite accessibility: When traveling with horse trailers and RVs, easy access is essential. Tara R. finds Houston West RV Park "Very convenient" and notes it "is only about a block off of Route 10 near Houston. Great place to stay if you are just passing through."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Katy, TX is Houston West RV Park with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Katy, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.