National Forests and Grasslands in Texas provide equestrians with trail access through diverse East Texas terrain. Horse campsites typically feature larger parking areas for trailers and necessary amenities for riders and their mounts. While primitive in nature, these campgrounds connect to extensive trail systems that traverse pine forests and hardwood bottoms with relatively flat terrain suitable for various skill levels.
What to do
Trail riding on the 4C Trail: The 4C Trail system traverses through Davy Crockett National Forest with miles of maintained paths. "Good for horses or bikes. You can go for miles even to a dispersed camping lookout point," notes a visitor to Davy Crockett National Forest Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area.
Fishing at forest ponds: Several small lakes and ponds throughout the forests provide fishing opportunities. "I got lucky enough had the place to myself for almost 2 weeks, give or take the few groups that tried to tough the biting fish. I will share a tip. They seem to sit dormant at 10pm and 3am for a hour each," reports a camper at Sexton Pond Dispersed.
Swimming in designated areas: Forest lakes offer cooling relief during hot Texas summers. "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," warns a camper about Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area.
What campers like
Spacious sites for horse trailers: The equestrian campgrounds feature accommodation for larger rigs and trailers. "Nice, quiet national forest hunting camp with vault toilet and water, but no amenities at the individual campsites. Bring your own generator and dry camp. Great, well marked Trail system," shares a visitor to Piney Creek Horse Camp.
Natural forest immersion: The pine forests create a distinctive camping environment. "Beautiful little gem. The upkeep is outstanding, you can tell it's really looked after. The camp sites are close to each other but since it wasn't busy it felt like we had our own private area," notes a visitor about Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area.
Historical features: Some sites contain remnants of early logging operations. "Remnants of old sawmill is really cool, lots of wildlife and well maintained and marked trails to explore," writes one camper about their experience at Ratcliff Lake.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most horse campgrounds near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas operate with basic amenities. "Small primitive camping area in the Davy Crockett National Forest. There's a small covered pavilion and shady sites. Sites are first come and fees are paid at the campground," explains a visitor to Piney Creek Horse Camp.
Hunting season awareness: Campers should verify hunting schedules before visiting. "Would not recommend this area during hunting season. Accessible via car, good roads, smaller trailers. If RVing, will need levelers," advises a visitor to White Rock Horse Camp.
Seasonal water availability: Water sources may be intermittent. "I am a touring cyclist. I stopped here for an overnight. Small shelter I set up my tent under as there was rain in the area. About a mile west of this camping area there is a pipe coming out of the ground on the north side of the road. Spewing cold potable water," notes a cyclist who stayed at Piney Creek Horse Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Bring adequate water supplies: Most horse campsites lack drinking water. "Would be a 5 with just water. You need a Texas parks Limited use permit. It costs as little as $12 a year," explains a visitor to Alazan Bayou WMA.
Plan for no lighting: Forest campgrounds become very dark after sunset. "It gets pretty dark at night because there are no lights except what you pack with you. There is also a water spigot and a fire pit," mentions a Ratcliff Lake camper.
Consider proximity to bathroom facilities: Not all sites offer equal access to amenities. "We were about 200 yards from the bathroom facilities and about 30 feet from potable water for washing up," notes a camper at Ratcliff Lake, providing context for planning family site selection.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup planning: Some sites require extra equipment for water access. "Sites are a little unlevel, but not too bad. Water is a little bit of a stretch, may need to make sure you have plenty of hose," advises an RV camper at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area.
Road condition awareness: Most forest campgrounds have unpaved access roads. "Down a hard packed gravel road. A few potholes but nothing major. Nice spot in the trees," reports a camper at Sexton Pond Dispersed.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations. "They have really clean it up over the years. Even thin out more by the swimming area and boat ramps. Has a boat ramp but no electric motors. Also a dump station," notes a camper regarding facilities at Ratcliff Lake.
