4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Alazan Bayou Wildlife Management Area offers horse-friendly camping with picnic tables on concrete slabs, fire rings, and lantern poles. The area features a loafing barn specifically for horses, making it suitable for equestrians exploring East Texas. Campsites are well-maintained and regularly mowed, providing clean, accessible spaces for horse trailers and camping equipment. Visitors need a Texas Parks Limited Use Permit, which costs as little as $12 annually and can be used at any National Forest or Wildlife Management Area in Texas. The campground lacks bathrooms and water facilities, so equestrians should bring sufficient water for themselves and their horses.
Davy Crockett National Forest's Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area provides extensive trail access for horseback riding with miles of trails suitable for horses. The trail system includes routes that connect to dispersed camping areas and lookout points, offering extended riding opportunities through the East Texas Pineywoods. The forest environment features tall pine trees creating natural shade for horses and riders. Trails accommodate various skill levels, including some that are handicap-accessible. The campground's location in the national forest allows riders to explore deep into the wooded landscape. Campers can access multiple hiking and bridle trails directly from the recreation area, with some trails extending for miles through the forest. The well-maintained grounds and spacious campsites provide comfortable base camps for equestrians planning day rides throughout the surrounding forest.
"Very well-maintained National Forest site just off Texas Highway 7 in the middle of the Davey Crockett National Forest. "
"East Texas weather is so unpredictable. When we arrived at camp it was nice and sunny, so my friend and I decided to walk our dogs. On our walk we got caught in the middle of a down pour!"
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"There is a loafing barn for horses. No bathrooms or water. Would be a 5 with just water. You need a Texas parks Limited use permit. It costs as little as $12 a year."
from $12 - $42 / night
Check Availability"Great view of Lake Tyler. Also very clean. There is a store, great boat dock, and a vendor selling very good bbq. We will definitely come back if in the area."
from $55 - $195 / night
Check Availability"Entertains many hike trails. One even for handicap person to follow thru. Good for horses or bikes. You can go for miles even to a dispersed camping lookout point."
"Such a peaceful and beautiful area in the Piney Woods of East Texas. I wish we'd had more than 2 days here to explore."
GuideAt least 14 sites with picnic tables on concrete slabs. Fire rings and Lantern poles. Very well kept and mowed. There is a loafing barn for horses. No bathrooms or water. Would be a 5 with just water. You need a Texas parks Limited use permit. It costs as little as $12 a year. If you want to fish or hunt the price goes up a little. Can be used to stay at any National Forest or Wild Management area.
TravelerWhat the campsites lacks in remoteness it makes up for with everything else.
Very well-maintained National Forest site just off Texas Highway 7 in the middle of the Davey Crockett National Forest.
Highlights for the site include:
very well-spaced apart offering more privacy than usually afforded
restrooms and showers were clean.
Access to hacking trails in the national forest
Easy access to food/fuel/firewood
A large variety of species for birdwatching
Small lake with deck for launching kayaks or SUPs
There was not water at every site, so bring a longer hose and be ready to fill your tanks or containers.
Road noise from highway was audible, but not too distracting.
GuideHas great camping. Entertains many hike trails. One even for handicap person to follow thru. Good for horses or bikes. You can go for miles even to a dispersed camping lookout point.
TravelerEast Texas weather is so unpredictable. When we arrived at camp it was nice and sunny, so my friend and I decided to walk our dogs. On our walk we got caught in the middle of a down pour! We laughed our way back to camp and waited out the rest of the storm in our cars. It cleared up quickly and we were back out in the wild. We took an inflatable kayak out on the lake. Decent little lake. People were in the swimming area. Would camp here again.
TravelerGreat campground in the Pineywoods of east Texas. Stayed 14 days in site 20 on Dogwood loop. Nice size sites with plenty of room between. Restrooms and showers clean, though showers do need some repair. Plenty of walking/hiking trails and wood for fires. Swim area looks nice, though we visited in November so we didn't swim. Can see the foundation for the old mill in back of the park.
TravelerWe came to tent camp and wanted to be on a lake shoreline. We stayed at #11 on Lakeside Loop.
The positive:
The tent pad was nice and level and the site was very roomy (we had a tent & canopy) with tons more room to stretch out.
We were about 200 yards from the bathroom facilities and about 30 feet from potable water for washing up.
The traffic was minimal because it’s off the main road, and would have been peaceful if the group of campers at #9 had been courteous and acknowledged quiet hours.
We had incredible weather with a wonderful steady breeze.
Negatives:
We did have a lake view, but the shoreline is so incredibly overgrown making it difficult to fish. Lots of rotted wood and brush blocks a great deal of the view and access.
The burn circle had a grate welded at an angle to the top, so it couldn’t really be used for building up a big fire or cooking.
No one drove around/checked to make sure visitors are keeping to the quiet hours, which meant we were kept awake until about 12:30 am from yelling and loud music.
The restrooms, while near, had not been cleaned before we arrived—toilet paper on the floors and in the shower area with lots of dead june bugs and spiders on the floor the whole weekend.
GuideThis is a nice little campground and a pretty little east Texas lake. It is clean and everyone we met was friendly. The tent sites don’t have electric but include a picnic table and fire pit. We had a great visit!
GuideSuch a peaceful and beautiful area in the Piney Woods of East Texas. I wish we'd had more than 2 days here to explore. A lot of shady hiking trails that meander through the trees and near the quiet 4 acre lake. We had RV spot #24 and you could see the lake through the trees. Our spot was nice and open and our neighbors weren't too close. Do bring an extra long hose for the water connection as other reviews have stated. I decided to use the available showers because we had guest staying with us. There are 4 large private bathroom/shower rooms at this area. The shower was nice and hot and the water pressure was fantastic. We fished off of one of the docks in the evening and caught a little few perch. Enough to make me happy. Would have loved to be out on a kayak at sunset on that little lake. We will definitely be back.
ScoutThe campground is located in the Davy Crockett National Forest, with spots located around the edges of a small lake. Although we could occasionally hear noise from the highway, it was mostly peaceful and quiet. The campgrounds are spacious, with tent platforms, poles to hang trash, and large picnic tables. The bathrooms were amazingly clean and with camp hosts and park rangers on site, we always had help with anything we needed. We hiked and kayaked (with our own boats) and it was all just lovely. I would go back for sure!
Equestrian enthusiasts find several horse-friendly campgrounds near Mount Enterprise, Texas within the East Texas Pineywoods region. The area features forests dominated by loblolly and shortleaf pine with mixed hardwoods and elevations ranging from 200 to 400 feet above sea level. Temperatures remain mild through much of spring and fall, creating favorable conditions for horseback riding with typical summer highs reaching 90-95°F and winter lows averaging 35-40°F.
Day hiking trails: Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area offers multiple well-marked trails through the Pineywoods. "Great trails and a small lake to enjoy kayaking, fishing, and swimming," notes Josh H., who appreciates the variety of outdoor activities available beyond horseback riding.
Historical exploration: Visit remnants of early industry at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, where "you will find remnants of the old sawmill," according to visitor Yasmin S. Jim P. adds that "remnants of old sawmill is really cool, lots of wildlife and well maintained and marked trails to explore."
Kayaking and fishing: Lake opportunities abound for non-riding days. Sydney L. reports at Ratcliff Lake: "We took an inflatable kayak out on the lake. Decent little lake. People were in the swimming area." Jim P. confirms "good fishing, and swim area is very refreshing as well!"
Natural shade and forest setting: Tall pines create cooling shade throughout The Boulders at Lake Tyler. Michelle G. describes her reaction to Ratcliff Lake: "Beautiful place! Breathtaking tall trees. Well kept clean campsites with a fire pit. I am smitten."
Clean facilities: Campsites receive regular maintenance at many locations. At Ratcliff Lake, Michelle G. found "restrooms were immaculate. So peaceful and quiet at night." Alana B. agrees about the upkeep: "Beautiful little gem. The upkeep is outstanding, you can tell it's really looked after."
Wildlife viewing: The forests provide habitat for numerous species. One camper observes, "Plenty of wildlife and well maintained and marked trails to explore." Birdwatching opportunities are particularly good along waterways where wading birds can be spotted.
Shoreline conditions: Not all lake access is ideal for horses or fishing. At Davy Crockett National Forest Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, Heather S. notes: "We did have a lake view, but the shoreline is so incredibly overgrown making it difficult to fish. Lots of rotted wood and brush blocks a great deal of the view and access."
Water access: Many equestrian camping areas have limited water facilities. Be prepared to bring your own water supply for both you and your horse. Even at sites with water hookups, Jim P. warns: "Water is a little bit of a stretch, may need to make sure you have plenty of hose."
Weather unpredictability: East Texas conditions can change rapidly. Sydney L. explains, "East Texas weather is so unpredictable. When we arrived at camp it was nice and sunny... On our walk we got caught in the middle of a down pour!" Pack accordingly with rain gear for both riders and horses.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At The Boulders at Lake Tyler, Brianna B. reports, "They also have a nice playground. The picnic tables at the sites looked new and all sites had a fire pit with a grill top."
Swimming safety: Designated swimming areas provide safer options than unmonitored shorelines. Alana B. cautions about Ratcliff Lake: "There is a small swim area that you should utilize because there are alligators in the lake so it's not safe to swim by the campground."
Easy hiking options: Look for shorter, accessible trails suitable for children. Rivers M. found Ratcliff Lake ideal: "Camped here with my son for his first overnight trip, we loved it." Some trails are specifically designed for accessibility, as Yasmin S. notes: "One even for handicap person to follow thru."
Site selection: At Alazan Bayou WMA, choose from "at least 14 sites with picnic tables on concrete slabs. Fire rings and Lantern poles," according to David T. The concrete pads make leveling easier for RVs towing horse trailers.
Hookup locations: Water connections may require extra equipment. Heather B. advises: "Do bring an extra long hose for the water connection as other reviews have stated." This is especially important for larger rigs with horse trailers.
Site spacing: Site proximity varies between campgrounds. Kathy H. notes about The Boulders: "Although the sites were close together, they all had concrete pads, full hookups, were level, and had picnic tables." For horse trailers, request sites with additional parking space when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mount Enterprise, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mount Enterprise, TX is Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mount Enterprise, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Mount Enterprise, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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