Sallie H.
Guide
GuidePedernales Falls State Park Campground
Paradise in the Pedernales
a crown jewel of the Texas Parks system. Hiking, horse riding, swimming, floating. At one with nature. Bird watching.
Equestrian Camping near New Braunfels, TX
8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground near New Braunfels accommodates horse owners with camping facilities suitable for equestrian visitors. While not featuring dedicated horse corrals, the campground has become known among trail riders for permitting horses on the property. Some visitors have noted the presence of horse excrement on grounds, indicating regular equestrian use. The campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options with water access and picnic facilities. Fire rings are available for campers, and the private campground maintains several hiking trails suitable for walking horses.
The trail system connects riders to the nearby Medina River with access points where horses can water. Located approximately 45 minutes from New Braunfels, this horse campground provides a base camp for exploring regional equestrian trails throughout the San Antonio area. Both primitive and developed camping sites accommodate different camping styles, with most equestrians preferring the primitive areas where horses have more room. The campground features electric hookups, water connections, and waste disposal facilities for extended stays. Campsite terrain consists primarily of level ground with scattered tree cover providing shade for horses during summer months. Horse owners should bring portable corrals or tie-out systems as the campground does not provide permanent equine containment facilities.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near New Braunfels (8)
1. COE Canyon Lake Canyon Park
"Purple campsite was just a small walk away from the small store and bathrooms. It was a nice campsite but the sites were kinda close together."
"The only thing that I don’t like are the bathrooms which are pretty close to an outhouse which some people don’t have a problem but I guess I’m picky ."
2. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground
"a crown jewel of the Texas Parks system. Hiking, horse riding, swimming, floating. At one with nature. Bird watching."
"This was some of the best TEXAS camping we've done. We found a really nice spot that was on the cliffside and had an incredible view of the hill country. It was isolated enough from other campsites."
from $10 - $100 / night
Check Availability3. San Marcos River Retreat
"There’s a river right next to it for fishing, I stayed during the week and I was the only one camping. I car camp and all of the camping spots have water and electrical outlets."
"You will often see Tom (the owner) riding around on his cart cleaning up the place and greeting all the visitors. It's a beautiful gem and everyone that knows about it fights to keep it this way."
5. Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground
"I have camped here both in the Texas winter (Nov) and recently Texas Summers (July). It is a beautiful tucked away area. Nice trails, great tree cover and full of nature and flowing water."
"It's a good place to go with family but too much horse excrement for next family to stay"
6. Arkansas Bend
"The lake is pretty decent, there are a few small trails around the area, and you are close to a small town. Biggest issue? 30 bucks a night, plus 5 dollars per person for a day use fee."
"We have a pull behind. We were very surprised at how level our gravel campsite was. It made setup a breeze. The loop makes backing into your spot easy. The wifi is decent."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability7. Tejas Valley RV Park & Campground
"Centrally located to fast food and great sit down meals. We'll be back."
8. Lightning Ranch RV Park
from $35 / night
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Drive Time
- 28 min from San Antonio, TX
- 46 min from Austin, TX
- 1 hr 39 min from Killeen, TX
- 1 hr 44 min from Victoria, TX
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near New Braunfels, TX
2 Photos of 8 New Braunfels Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near New Braunfels, TX
114 Reviews of 8 New Braunfels Campgrounds
- llauren G.
TravelerPedernales Falls State Park Campground
Cliffside Camping
We went camping over memorial weekend at Pedernales Falls. We did the primitive camping. This was some of the best TEXAS camping we've done. We found a really nice spot that was on the cliffside and had an incredible view of the hill country. It was isolated enough from other campsites. We saw deer in the morning in the grassy area next to our tent. We also found a path down to the river that was close by.
- BBritt S.Traveler
Pedernales Falls State Park Campground
The heart of Texas in the hill country
great camping areas with the river near by. about 20 miles worth of hiking trails. You can ride bikes or horses here too. Lots of great swimming.
- GGenice J.
ScoutAlamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground
A great kept secret.
I have camped here both in the Texas winter (Nov) and recently Texas Summers (July). It is a beautiful tucked away area. Nice trails, great tree cover and full of nature and flowing water.
Daniel L.
RangerPedernales Falls State Park Campground
Great flexible park
One of my favorites you can do a lot of different activities from horse back riding swimming hiking biking. The facilities are well maintained and the sightseeing is wonderful.
This site has no shade at all but is close to one of the trails to swim
Shari G.
LegendPedernales Falls State Park Campground
Geological Surprise in the Heart of the Hill Country
This park, for many people in the hill country of Texas, is the quintessential park to visit. Within an hour’s drive of Austin, it offers a quick escape for a day visit and is also one of the more popular parks for overnight camping. Under Covid-19 conditions entrance permits were given out for a specific time, but with the park’s popularity, the procedure might stay in place after the worst of the pandemic has passed. We lucked out by getting a site due to a cancellation on both Friday and Saturday nights, which meant we had to move sites, but didn't have to book 5 months in advance!
The campground has well-spaced and wooded sites with water and electricity. Each campsite has its own little section of the forest, and makes you feel like you’re one of just a few people in an otherwise full campground. The bathrooms are also very clean, the showers are excellent with good water pressure and plenty of hot water. Note: check out the newer building if you want to see the camping bathroom Taj Mahal -- let's just say it's Texas sized!
The weather in January can be all over the map. We were in shorts the first two days, then it snowed more than the area had seen in 20 years on our final day. Come prepared for anything!
Lots of hikes begin right from the camping loop, but it’s a short drive over to the scenic falls which give the park its name as well as other. Less a waterfall and more a series of cascades tumbling over the limestone bedrock of the Pedernales River, the falls area could take a whole day to explore. Walking, crawling, hiking over the myriad of rocks shaped by the river one can escape into their own area and world for a moment or afternoon of poolside reflection. Just know that there are going to be other folks wandering about. Tip! The parking lot is very full at the trailhead to the falls...ride your bike from the campground to avoid the bottleneck at the end of the road. You'll be greeted by armadillos and many birds along the way.
With dozens of other trails, it doesn’t take long to leave the busy sections of the park behind and find your own space out in the forest. We were here for 3 days and didn’t even come close to getting out on all of them.
Nearby Johnson City has a medium sized grocery store as well as gas and other necessities. If you’re going that way, spend the afternoon at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Historic Park, which is a cool tribute to the settlers of the Texas Hill Country and our nation’s 36th President.
- KKarla A.Scout
Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground
Good but too much horse excrement
It's a good place to go with family but too much horse excrement for next family to stay
Troy W.LegendPedernales Falls State Park Campground
Pedernales Falls State Park
This park is a popular weekend destination for people living in Austin and San Antonio for day use and overnight camping - so it gets busy. During the week the park has much more availability for camping. There are a limited number of reservable developed and primitive campsites. Try to make a reservation as early as possible if you plan to visit on a weekend. The developed campsites have water and electricity with restrooms nearby. The sites have varying coverage of trees and shade. The primitive campsites are located down a trail and are basically a cleared patch of land surrounded by trees. All of the campsites are within walking distance to the Pedernales River. However, the actual Pedernales Falls is about 2.5 miles away from the developed campground. I typically drive to see the falls. The falls is not what one might think of as a traditional waterfall. It is more like a river that has carved out a pathway through limestone rock. While this might not sound all that interesting, it is quite dramatic to actually walk along the riverbed and explore the falls up close. During the dry season or when there limited rain, it is possible to walk along the riverbed and explore the falls and all of its intricacies. During the rainy season or when there is heavy rain, the falls turns into a turbulent raging river and access is restricted. There are a few established hiking trails that wind through the trees and over the hills. There are some hidden water holes that are swimmable for the more adventurous. Be aware of snakes in the spring and summer.
Jared S.GuidePedernales Falls State Park Campground
Quick getaway if you can book.
Pedernales is a classic Texas state park with a lot to offer and a short distance from Austin. It is often fully booked and your best chance to book a spot is far in advance or create a notification through the Texas State Parks site if a spot opens up. In the warm weather there's lots of swimming to be had, not in the falls themselves which are prone to flash flooding, but in another part of the park. Occasionally the water is home to poisonous algae which makes the water neither kid or dog friendly. Many of the sites have small shelters over their picnic tables.
Guide to New Braunfels
Equestrian camping options near New Braunfels accommodate both casual trail riders and dedicated horse owners with varying terrain and water access points. The area features a mix of private and public campgrounds within a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from the city center. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-65°F while summer months can exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the optimal seasons for horse camping activities.
What to do
Trail riding access: Several campgrounds maintain trail systems specifically designed for equestrians. At Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, riders can explore over 20 miles of terrain. As one visitor notes, "Great hike down to the Pedernales Falls and cool little caves to explore. On the other end of the park, there are longer trails with scenic overlooks of the Pedernales River."
River recreation with horses: The regional waterways provide cooling options for horses during warmer months. The San Marcos River Retreat offers direct river access where one camper observed, "This is a private campground managed by a super sweet family that really cares about the river and the community. You must call to ask permission to use this site for camping and river access."
Wildlife viewing on horseback: Many trails pass through areas with abundant wildlife. According to a visitor at Arkansas Bend, "We have enjoyed the hiking trails down by the water," which can also be accessed on horseback depending on seasonal conditions.
What campers like
Affordability: Budget-conscious equestrians appreciate certain properties with reasonable pricing. One camper at San Marcos River Retreat mentioned, "The bathroom is old, but it is clean. Enjoyed it! And it was only $10!"
Site spaciousness: Properties with ample room between sites allow horses to have adequate space. A visitor to Arkansas Bend noted, "RV and tents sites on very well manicured gravel pads. Facilities are super clean and very nice. Great playground for the kids and several miles of hiking trails."
Natural water features: Campers consistently highlight the water access at many locations. At Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground, a guest shared, "It is a beautiful tucked away area. Nice trails, great tree cover and full of nature and flowing water."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Some parks have limited availability during certain times. At Canyon Lake Canyon Park, visitors should check current status as past reviews noted, "I spent days searching how to reserve or get someone with info on the phone. There are only two campground open at Canyon Lake for the 2020 season."
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian-friendly sites require advance bookings. According to a camper at Alamo River RV Ranch, "We called ahead and got a good idea of what we needed and what to expect. Upon arrival, we were beyond impressed."
Water availability: During summer drought periods, water access may be limited. A visitor cautioned about Canyon Lake, "Definitely bring a lot of water since there isn't a place to get any. Some wildlife coyotes and snakes for sure."
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Families with children should establish clear boundaries around horses. At Pedernales Falls State Park, a visitor advised, "The sites are mostly private and have tent areas as well as pads for campers. You could fit a group of people all one one site with room to spare!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Some properties offer additional recreation options for children. At Riverbend RV Park, a family noted, "San Marcos river in the back with a little place to fish, kids catch and release pond. Sites are extremely close."
Flash flood awareness: The region experiences sudden water level changes. A camper at Pedernales Falls warned, "Respect weather warnings! Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RVers should prepare for varying site conditions. At Arkansas Bend, a camper shared, "We were very surprised at how level our gravel campsite was. It made setup a breeze. The loop makes backing into your spot easy."
Hookup considerations: Electric and water connections vary between properties. One visitor to Pedernales Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "Hook ups for both water and electricity, if needed. Extremely dog friendly!"
Site proximity concerns: Some RV parks position sites close together, which may limit horse accommodation. An RVer at Riverbend RV Park mentioned, "Sites are extremely close. I did not like that. Staff is very friendly."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near New Braunfels, TX?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near New Braunfels, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near New Braunfels, TX is COE Canyon Lake Canyon Park with a 3-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
New Braunfels, TX?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near New Braunfels, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near New Braunfels, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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