Equestrian camping near Longview, Texas offers various options within a 50-mile radius. The region features pine forests, rolling hills, and several lakes including Lake Tyler and Lake Bob Sandlin. Summer temperatures typically reach 90-95°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round with some seasonal limitations on water activities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Bob Sandlin State Park offers extensive shoreline access for anglers. According to visitor Jeff N., the park features "gorgeous waterfront sites with excellent fishing," making it ideal for both casual and dedicated fishing enthusiasts.
Trail exploration: The trails at Daingerfield State Park provide moderate hiking options through pine forests. Visitor Travis F. noted the park "had great hiking" with well-maintained paths, while another camper mentioned the "nice hiking trials" that work well for day excursions.
Kayaking adventures: Several parks offer water access for paddling. One visitor at Lake Bob Sandlin State Park described an "amazing adventure at the Kayak Launch" where "you weave your way through a winding canal to reach the lake," creating a unique paddling experience despite the launch requiring some effort to access.
What campers like
Private campsites: Many campers appreciate the secluded feel of sites in the area. At Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, one visitor noted it is "very thickly wooded which makes even the smallest sites private," allowing for a more isolated camping experience.
Clean facilities: Campground bathrooms receive positive reviews for cleanliness. At The Boulders at Lake Tyler, visitors reported "the bathrooms were very clean" and appreciated the overall maintenance of facilities throughout the property.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers good opportunities to spot local fauna. Rebecca from Lake Bob Sandlin mentioned that "one morning, as I was sitting drinking my coffee, four deer walked right through our site," while another camper at Daingerfield enjoyed "lily pads, frog courtin', sunsets and beavers" during their stay.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer heat requires preparation. Winter camping can be pleasant but variable. One camper at Coppergate Ranch mentioned the temperature fluctuations typical of East Texas, requiring both cooling and heating options depending on the season.
Limited horse facilities: While some parks permit horses on certain trails, dedicated equestrian facilities are minimal. Most campgrounds do not advertise specific horse accommodations, requiring advance planning for those bringing horses.
Site selection matters: At Lake Bob Sandlin, Rebecca advised that "sites 10-13 are nice waterfront sites" but cautioned that site 08, which "on the map looks like it's on the water," actually has "dense brush" blocking any water view.
Wildlife awareness: Raccoons are common visitors. One camper noted, "We had a regular nighttime visit from some bold raccoons, so definitely put your goodies and trash away," highlighting the importance of proper food storage.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Lake access provides recreational opportunities for children. A visitor at Lake Bob Sandlin kayaked "over to the day-use swim area that was very nice," noting it was family-friendly with good facilities.
