Best Equestrian Camping near Kendalia, TX

Campgrounds near Kendalia, Texas generally have limited dedicated horse facilities, requiring equestrians to make special arrangements. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, located approximately 20 miles north of Kendalia, accommodates tent, RV, cabin, and yurt camping with drive-in access, but lacks specific horse corrals or dedicated equestrian camping areas. Visitors must contact the park directly regarding horse trailer parking and temporary containment options. The sites in the main camping area are exceptionally spacious, allowing setup of multiple tents while still maintaining privacy. None of the ten listed campgrounds in the region feature horse corrals according to their amenity listings, though several permit pets generally.

Trail access varies significantly among campgrounds in the Hill Country region surrounding Kendalia. Pedernales Falls State Park offers extensive trail systems suitable for day rides but requires advance coordination for equestrian use. Canyon Lake's COE parks provide water access and some trail connectivity but have inconsistent camping availability based on seasonal closures. Hikers frequently encounter curious deer on trails throughout the area's parks. Campers planning overnight stays with horses should contact facilities directly to verify current policies regarding temporary containment systems, manure management, and whether they can accommodate horse trailers. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during peak spring and fall riding seasons.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Kendalia, Texas (16)

    1. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

    86 Reviews
    Johnson City, TX
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 868-7304

    $10 - $100 / night

    "a crown jewel of the Texas Parks system. Hiking, horse riding, swimming, floating. At one with nature. Bird watching."

    "This was some of the best TEXAS camping we've done. We found a really nice spot that was on the cliffside and had an incredible view of the hill country. It was isolated enough from other campsites."

    2. COE Canyon Lake Canyon Park

    7 Reviews
    Canyon Lake, TX
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 964-3341

    "Purple campsite was just a small walk away from the small store and bathrooms. It was a nice campsite but the sites were kinda close together."

    "The only thing that I don’t like are the bathrooms which are pretty close to an outhouse which some people don’t have a problem but I guess I’m picky ."

    3. Kerrville-Schreiner Park

    33 Reviews
    Kerrville, TX
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 257-7300

    $27 - $45 / night

    "We stayed in the Fox Run Loop towards the back of the park away from the highway and it was nice and quiet. The showers and restrooms were decent, again reflecting other Texas SP facilities."

    "All sites seem to be pull through, so that’s nice but if you get an even number site in the pecan loop be aware of the proximity to a bust county road with a lot of road noise."

    4. Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis

    33 Reviews
    Lago Vista, TX
    45 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Pace Bend is one of my most favorite places to camp in Texas.

    Not far from the old (and new!)"

    "Pace Bend Park is conveniently located a short distance from the city of Austin and on the shores of Lake Travis. The park is managed by the Travis County Parks Department."

    5. Krause Springs

    18 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 236-7554

    "This sounds like an amazing place to escape the Texas heat! The rope swing and swimming holes sound perfect for a fun day trip."

    "Historic Texas camping& swimming site nestled in Spicewood, 30 miles from Austin. Ehall pass"

    6. Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 473-3366

    $25 / night

    "Set on the lake, muleshoe recreation area is run by the LCRA. Clean camp sights dotted a long the lake offer access to the water."

    "My campsite was pretty shaded and the outhouse wasn’t too far of a walk. They have an outdoor shower at the entrance as well as a filtered water/ice machine."

    7. Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort

    3 Reviews
    Bandera, TX
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 796-3751

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Right in the action of Bandera, Texas. Park your RV and within walking distance of Main Street. Very friendly staff and patrons and the area is clean. Large pool for kids and has river access."

    "This park is handy if you want to walk to events, restaurants, bars, shopping on Main Street or to City Park. Friendly staff (and they're dog friendly too)."

    8. Grelle - Lake Travis

    6 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 776-5272

    "Only there for one short night but it was delightful to sit in the water of lake Travis and watch the stars on a warm texas summer night."

    "As you walk into the lake (walk fast if you dont want to get bitten) you will find pockets if cooler water spouting up. Its kinda like stepping into a refridgerator but underwater."

    9. Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground

    9 Reviews
    Von Ormy, TX
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (210) 622-5022

    "I have camped here both in the Texas winter (Nov) and recently Texas Summers (July). It is a beautiful tucked away area. Nice trails, great tree cover and full of nature and flowing water."

    "It's a good place to go with family but too much horse excrement for next family to stay"

    10. Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 473-3366

    "Dogs love running along water’s edge and jumping in. Horses ok too from the looks of it. Sites 1-13 closer together and more in site if each other but still ok. Great hiking and walking."

    "This is a great little place on Lake Travis. Going in the spring time is the best because of all the wildflowers. Trails are easy. Campsites are clean with a fire pit and a grill."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Kendalia, TX

2 Photos of 16 Kendalia Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Kendalia, TX

223 Reviews of 16 Kendalia Campgrounds


  • Eby H.
    Aug. 30, 2016

    Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis

    One of my favorite spots in Texas

    Pace Bend is one of my most favorite places to camp in Texas.

    Not far from the old (and new!) Backyard (a great place to see live music in the live oak capital of Texas), Pace Bend is a quick drive away. A perfect spot to pitch a bunch of tents, jump off cliffs, swim and barbeque. Maybe 45 minutes from downtown Austin (without traffic).

    I won't lie the cliff diving kinda freaks me out. Be careful is all I'm saying!

    There are several primitive campsites throughout the park with picnic tables, grills and toilets. Additionally there are 20 RV hook-up type sites that offer running water, electricity, restrooms and showers.

  • Erik F.
    Oct. 10, 2016

    Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

    Weekend Trip

    Shaffer Bend Rec. Area has a beautiful setting in the Texas Hill Country right off of Lake Travis. At the gate entrance you have wonderful landscape views. All of the camp sites are situated next to or a short walk to the water.

    The camps are clean. Most are equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. In the large camp area, some have BBQ pits with a couple big communal grill/smoker. The same area has a horse pen as well if you're an equestrian enthusiast on top of a camper. It is a primitive campground. The large camp area has a couple port-a-poties. At the gate entrance there are men's and women's rooms with running water. That's about 3 miles from the camp sites. So, be prepared to dig holes, bring your own portable toilets, or hold it.

    Considering you're on the lake, the water access is surprisingly limited. There are a few areas along the water you can walk in, but there's not a dock or boat access. I recommend sandals or water shoes since there's a fair amount of plant life along the shore. The same areas you can walk in would be good for kayaks though. The camp sites are situated along a narrow section of the lake. So, there would be plenty to explore.

  • Kyle G.
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

    hot

    the campsite is good for equestrians. if you're a kayaker you can put in here and travel down and take out elsewhere. the lower Colorado River Authority has plenty of places along the Colorado to facilitate this. we stayed here for 4 days before Memorial Day weekend and it was hot. there are no showers or bath houses. there are Porta-Johns located throughout the campground. Texas in summer can be unforgiving. Lake Travis is home to boaters and Jet skiers. there are fish if you're into that.

  • Sallie H.
    Sep. 28, 2018

    Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

    Paradise in the Pedernales

    a crown jewel of the Texas Parks system. Hiking, horse riding, swimming, floating. At one with nature. Bird watching.

  • l
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

    Cliffside Camping

    We went camping over memorial weekend at Pedernales Falls. We did the primitive camping. This was some of the best TEXAS camping we've done. We found a really nice spot that was on the cliffside and had an incredible view of the hill country. It was isolated enough from other campsites. We saw deer in the morning in the grassy area next to our tent. We also found a path down to the river that was close by.

  • Devin M.
    Jun. 1, 2017

    Kerrville-Schreiner Park

    Don't be fooled...

    Don't be fooled, this city park originated as a State park and has all the amenities!

    We stayed in the Fox Run Loop towards the back of the park away from the highway and it was nice and quiet. The showers and restrooms were decent, again reflecting other Texas SP facilities.

    The trails varied in terrain and were well maintained as were the rest of the grounds. We didn't check out the river side of the park, however this June we are returning to and will be on the river side and will provide an update afterwards.

    UPDATE:

    Just got back from a weekend trip on the river side. Like the other reviews stated, it was a bit louder being so close to the highway. Additionally, there are street lamps by the ranger station that illuminate the tent sites which were annoying. It was nice however to be within short walking distance of the river, but if I were to go again, I'd stay on the other side of the park like my first time.

  • r
    Apr. 20, 2022

    Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

    Small RV and tent-dry camping

    Relaxing and clean. Very windy, so no bugs! Dogs love running along water’s edge and jumping in. Horses ok too from the looks of it. Sites 1-13 closer together and more in site if each other but still ok. Great hiking and walking. Small RV plus tent for us.

  • B
    Jun. 10, 2018

    Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

    The heart of Texas in the hill country

    great camping areas with the river near by. about 20 miles worth of hiking trails. You can ride bikes or horses here too. Lots of great swimming.

  • Red S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 8, 2025

    Hill Country State Natural Area

    I didn't stay there

    I was planning on staying there, but it is basically an equestrian state park. You can camp there, but there's not electrical and water hook ups. It's mostly tent camping. The staff was very friendly. I went to visit there just to see what it was about. If you're a hiker, there's hiking trails, so you'll enjoy that.


Guide to Kendalia

Horse camping in Texas offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to saddle up and enjoy nature.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites and access to trails

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy scenic trails at Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, where you can ride through beautiful landscapes and explore hiking paths.
  • Krause Springs provides a peaceful environment for horseback riding, along with a swimming hole for a refreshing dip after your ride.
  • Experience the charm of the Texas Hill Country while riding along the trails at Grelle - Lake Travis, where stunning views await.

Tips for equestrian camping near Kendalia, Texas

  • Make sure to check for specific horse camping amenities at Lightning Ranch RV Park, which offers reservable sites and essential facilities for horse owners.
  • Always bring enough water for both you and your horse, as some campgrounds like Canyon Lake Canyon Park do not provide drinking water.
  • Plan your visit during the cooler months, as many campgrounds, including San Marcos River Retreat, can get quite busy during the summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kendalia, TX is Pedernales Falls State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 86 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Kendalia, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.