The Davy Crockett National Forest encompasses over 160,000 acres of East Texas piney woods with elevations ranging from 100 to 300 feet above sea level. Several equestrian camping areas near Palestine, Texas offer direct access to forest trail systems that extend for miles through mixed pine and hardwood terrain. Trail conditions vary widely with seasonal weather patterns, with sandy sections that can become challenging after rainfall events.
What to do
Trail riding experiences: The Davy Crockett National Forest trail system includes over 20 miles of marked paths accessible from White Rock Horse Camp. One reviewer notes it's "Nice area for dispersed camping. Several level areas. Great hiking/horse riding trails around."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple creek access points within 5 miles of horse camps provide fishing spots. At Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, "Good fishing, and swim area is very refreshing as well!" according to one camper.
Swimming access: Most horse camps lack swimming facilities, but nearby recreation areas offer water activities. A visitor to Ratcliff Lake mentioned, "Nice, quiet, area to get away and enjoy alone or with family. Great trails and a small lake to enjoy kayaking, fishing, and swimming."
What campers like
Relative seclusion: Horse camping areas typically offer more isolation than standard campgrounds. At Piney Creek Horse Camp, campers appreciate the "Remote and laid back" atmosphere with a "Quiet national forest hunting camp with vault toilet and water."
Multi-use trail network: The forest trail system accommodates various activities beyond horseback riding. One camper at Piney Creek noted, "Great, well marked Trail system. Be careful during hunting season!"
Natural water sources: Streams and creeks throughout the area provide natural water access. According to a cyclist who stopped at Piney Creek, "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. Great place to fill water bottles if you can find it."
What you should know
Primitive facilities only: Equestrian camping near Palestine offers basic amenities. A visitor to Davy Crockett National Forest Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area observed, "Has great camping. Entertains many hike trails. One even for handicap person to follow thru. Good for horses or bikes."
Seasonal hunting impacts: Forest usage changes dramatically during hunting seasons, affecting trail safety. One camper warns, "Would not recommend this area during hunting season."
Cell coverage limitations: Most forest areas have limited or no cellular service. "Cell signal poor," notes one visitor, making offline navigation tools essential.
Water considerations: Natural water sources fluctuate seasonally. Horse owners should plan to bring sufficient water supplies as facilities at camping areas are minimal.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campsites strategically: For families with children, select sites with easier trail access. A visitor to The Boulders at Lake Tyler shared, "They have a nice playground. The picnic tables at the sites looked new and all sites had a fire pit with a grill top."
Bring supplemental activities: Some horse camps lack dedicated children's facilities. One camper noted, "We had a blast fishing there with his buddies and we had a good boat ride but there wasn't a whole lot for our kid to do. We managed though and we do plan on going back, but we will definitely be bringing more activities for our children."
Consider mixed-use recreation areas: Some locations combine horse trails with family amenities. A camper at Ratcliff Lake described it as having "Beautiful little gem. The upkeep is outstanding, you can tell it's really looked after."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most horse camps near Palestine accommodate smaller trailers and RVs only. A visitor to Oak Cove Marina advised, "We had number #17 and it was a little tricky to get into the site deep enough that your slides don't stick out into the road."
Surface conditions: Horse campgrounds typically have natural surfaces requiring leveling equipment. "If RVing, will need levelers," notes one camper about White Rock Horse Camp.
Limited hookups: Most dedicated horse camps lack electrical or water hookups. For those requiring connections, consider nearby recreation areas instead of dedicated equestrian sites.
Extended hose needs: At developed campgrounds near horse trails, water connections may require extra equipment. One RVer recommends, "Do bring an extra long hose for the water connection as other reviews have stated."
