Equestrian camping options surround Midlothian, Texas, a region characterized by rolling terrain and open grasslands between 400-700 feet above sea level. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F from June through September, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Several campgrounds near the city provide dedicated facilities for trail riders seeking direct access to bridle paths.
What to do
Fishing at Bardwell Lake: Bardwell Lake offers prime fishing opportunities, especially for anglers targeting crappie. "Best fishing.kayaking," notes Elizabeth C. in her review. The lake is considered among the top crappie fishing destinations in the region.
Swimming at dedicated beaches: Visit the swimming areas at Mott Park where designated swimming zones offer safe recreation. "Clean lake.no broken glass.mowed grass.we love going out there and cooking.swimming.hicking.camping," reports Elizabeth C. The park maintains designated swimming areas suitable for families.
Wildlife viewing: Deer watching is excellent throughout the region's campgrounds. At Holiday Park, visitors regularly spot wildlife. "There were dozens of deer out of all sizes. I came across 5 different groups of them as I was driving around taking in the entire campground," notes James S.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Many Midlothian area horse campgrounds offer larger camping sites specifically designed to accommodate trailers and equipment. High View Park receives praise for its layout, with one camper noting, "Plenty of room to stretch out. Lots of room to walk the dog. Great atmosphere."
Lake proximity: Loyd Park sites offer excellent water access. "Our site was only a hundred feet from the lake - gorgeous view!" writes David G. Several campsites throughout the region provide direct shoreline access, ideal for horse watering access.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance generally receives positive reviews. Tracy N. comments about one park, "I love camping at cedar Hill State Park it's always clean quiet the customer service you received is very good restrooms are always need and clean."
What you should know
Insect preparation: Multiple campgrounds report significant insect challenges. Jill C. warns about Cedar Hill State Park: "Nice lake but there were fire ants and chiggers all over our campsite!" Similar concerns appear at other locations.
Seasonal closures and flooding: Some parks experience partial or complete closures during rainy periods. "Partially closed due to flooding," notes Mendy S. about Cedar Hill, highlighting the importance of checking conditions before arrival.
Late arrival procedures vary: Each campground has different protocols for after-hours check-in. At Northside RV Resort, "The park has a gate with a code needed to enter," according to Iris A., while other facilities may lock gates with limited after-hours access.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas for children. Loyd Park stands out with "a big beach, park area to enjoy," according to TJ & Laura S.
Safety considerations: Parks with regular patrol provide additional security for families. One visitor to Loyd Park noted that "This park is run by the City Grand Prairie, which provides a lot of safety," making it suitable for family outings.
Consider seasonal temperature extremes: Liberty Hill Park can experience severe heat during summer months. Plan accordingly with cooling options. "Lake Navarro Mills is well know as the best Crappie fishing lake in Texas. Navarro Mills Liberty Hill Park features a fantastic fishing barge that is covered allowing you to fish no matter the weather," reports Dude R.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for equestrian needs: Large rig accommodation varies between parks. At Holiday Park, one RVer advises: "Perimeter sites are much better than inner loop sites - our site is along a lakeshore more than lakeshore."
Water hookup verification: Facilities may change or cap water hookups without updating information. "There were water spigots at the sites but they had been capped off," notes one RVer about Holiday Park. Always confirm current hookups before arrival, especially when bringing horses that require substantial water access.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have confusing layouts. About Liberty Hill, Michael C. cautions, "The signage and routing are substandard. Very confusing and the turns are extremely tight. I do not recommend people with motorhome over 40 feet come here."
