Shaffer Bend Recreation Area offers equestrian-friendly camping with designated horse pens and primitive sites along Lake Travis. Located approximately 90 minutes from Killeen in the Texas Hill Country, this area features sandy beaches with direct water access points. Camping sites include basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables with enough space for trailers and equipment.
What to do
Trail riding: Horse camping areas at Pace Bend Park connect to trails that wind along cliff formations with views of Lake Travis. Campers note the terrain offers varied difficulty levels. "We stay at Pace Bend every time we go rock climbing in Austin. The campsites are private and there are always sites available. The campsites along the cliffs are beautiful at night," reports Katie B.
Fishing: Access points along the lake shore provide opportunities for catching bass and catfish. At Speegleville Park near Waco, sites are positioned for direct lake access. "Lake Waco may not be the cleanest or prettiest lake, but when it comes to fishing, you can bring in a good amount of catfish and have a fish-fry to make up for it," says Brittany S.
Swimming: Several horse-friendly campsites offer swimming spots where both horses and campers can cool off. "The water was beautiful and it was very quiet. We loved everything about this spot," writes Lauren Z. about lake access at Speegleville Park, which is approximately 45 miles from Killeen.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Horse campers appreciate the spacing between sites at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, allowing room for equipment without feeling crowded. "My favorite sites 27 for the privacy, followed by 24 because it's off the road and not close to other sites," Whitney L. reports. Equestrian sites typically offer more seclusion than standard tent sites.
Natural water features: The sandy beaches near horse camping areas provide convenient spots for horses to drink and cool off. "Great stay. The site we had was walking distance to the sandy beach of lake Travis. Great fishing and the sand carrier up so it's a soft bedding for the evening," notes Steve L. about camping at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area.
Affordable rates: Many equestrian campgrounds near Killeen maintain reasonable rates despite specialized facilities. "We used our discount card so it was only $13 a night," mentions Becky B. about her stay at Speegleville Park, which offers water and electric hookups along with spacious sites.
What you should know
Varying amenity levels: Facilities at horse camps range from basic to more developed. Live Oak Ridge offers more amenities than primitive horse camping areas. "It had water/electric with a dump station. It had a picnic table and fire pit. It also has a laundry room near the entrance. There is a playground, restrooms, and showers," Nomadic L. explains.
Seasonal conditions: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while spring brings wildflowers but also potential for storms. "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," Candice C. notes about Shaffer Bend.
Wildlife awareness: Horse campers need to be alert for local wildlife. "It's Texas and there is wildlife. We saw about a 5 ft rattlesnake," Candice C. mentions about Shaffer Bend Recreation Area. Equestrian campers should keep horses secured overnight due to potential wildlife encounters.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several equestrian-friendly campgrounds include play areas for children. At Arkansas Bend, "There is a playground in the center of the park in a field of beautiful yellow flowers," notes olivia about Live Oak Ridge, which is approximately 25 miles from Killeen.
Clean facilities: Family-friendly horse camping sites maintain clean bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms are spacious and well kept," reports olivia about facilities at Live Oak Ridge, which makes longer stays with children more comfortable when camping with horses.
Level camping areas: Families with horse trailers and camping equipment appreciate well-maintained, level sites. "We were very surprised at how level our gravel campsite was. It made setup a breeze," Lauren Z. reports about Arkansas Bend, which accommodates both RV and tent campers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: RVers bringing horses recommend specific sites that can accommodate both RVs and horse trailers. "Sites that we really like with lots of shade 40, 41," suggests Dean H. about Live Oak Ridge, where sites can fit both living quarters and horse equipment.
Water access points: RVers with horses note the importance of water access for cooling animals after rides. "There are nature trails across the main road and access to Belton and their small but awesome riverwalk area," Cheryl D. reports about Williamson County Berry Springs Park and Preserve, where "lots and lots and lots of fields, walking trails" provide exercise space for horses according to Chris E.
Camp setup considerations: When bringing horses to campgrounds near Killeen, RVers recommend planning for both human and equine comfort. "Small RV plus tent for us," robin notes about their setup at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, which allows for multiple accommodation types while camping with horses.
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