Equestrian camping near Plainview, Texas offers access to dramatic canyon landscapes at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,200 feet. The region receives approximately 21 inches of annual rainfall with summer temperatures often exceeding 95°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Campsites throughout the area provide varying levels of trail access with most equestrian facilities concentrated within a 70-mile radius of the Plainview area.
What to do
Wildlife observation opportunities: The North Prong Primitive Campsite area provides excellent bison viewing opportunities. As one camper notes, "We hiked out at 11pm and the moon was so bright we almost didn't need headlamps. Lots of bison poop, and lots of coyote howling" (Alexandra). Another visitor mentioned, "I spent a week here in the summer time. It was hot during the day and chilly at night. Many hiking trails and opportunities for nature sightings. Slept in a tent and woke up to buffalo within feet of my tent" (Danielle R.).
Prairie dog watching: Honey Flat Camping Area offers direct access to the prairie dog town. According to Susan C., "Prairie dogs town, bison walking around, gorgeous canyon views! The sites are so nicely set up with plantings obscuring your neighbor and a nice covered picnic table with shade/privacy slats on one side." The colonies are most active during early morning and late afternoon hours.
Mountain biking and hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect throughout the canyon areas with varying difficulty levels. One camper at North Prong Primitive Campsite shared, "This is my favorite place to camp in Texas, second only to BiBe. A truly beautiful site...Close access to some of the park's major trails, and an easy hike out to the site." Trails range from easy 1-mile loops to challenging 10+ mile systems.
What campers like
Dark night skies: Star visibility is exceptional throughout the area due to minimal light pollution. One visitor to Honey Flat mentioned, "Really enjoyed seeing this picturesque place in Texas. It was an absolute joy watching the momma Bison repeatedly corral her playful young as we were leaving" (Jay P.). Another visitor described, "coyotes howling at night and beautiful skies" (Lim L.).
Spacious campsites with privacy: The Hitchin' Post RV Park offers well-spaced sites. According to Angel A., "The lots are nice and long. There are extra parking pads. The pads are gravel. You can use your outdoor mats." Another camper noted, "Good water pressure. Good amount of space between sites" (Georg U.).
Geological features: The red canyon formations provide distinctive camping backdrops. A visitor to North Prong stated, "Completely surrounded by red rocks - loved it." The canyons feature exposed layers of sedimentary rock dating back millions of years, with striking color variations from pale yellow to deep rust red.
What you should know
Weather preparation: The region experiences rapid weather changes requiring proper planning. Logan R. from North Prong advises, "Great views, and the bison that was nearby didn't bother us in the slightest, wish there was a water spicket. Did encounter thunderstorms, hail, and tornado, we needed the satellite radio."
Water access limitations: Wild Horse Equestrian Area has specific water considerations. One camper noted, "A little complicated in terms of finding a place for camping if you have rooftops tents. The designated tent places they have you have to walk into" (Lim L.). Another mentions to "stay away from summer temps, but go in late fall or early spring and plan to stay awhile" (Gretchen N.).
Reservation systems: The Hitchin' Post has specific booking protocols. One camper warns, "Call for res — do not use online system as you will be charged $5 for booking online. This should have been disclosed before payment. On second thought don't reserve at all as there are plenty of empty spaces" (Georg U.).
Tips for camping with families
Bison safety protocols: Keep proper distance from wildlife, especially with children. A visitor to Caprock Canyons State Park shared, "We were caught behind a heard of 12 or so on a hiking trail and maintaining a safe distance required a very leisurely pace, with lots of time to just take in the landscape" (Sara B.).
Educational opportunities: Multiple parks offer wildlife learning experiences. Jenny S. explains, "Our girls, 5 and 7, begged to have a few extra days at the park. We cannot wait to get back in the fall to do more hiking! Also, we took a day trip on the Texas Plains Trail up to Amarillo, to Cadillac Ranch and ended up at Palo Duro State Park for their TEXAS! show."
Heat considerations: Summer temperatures require extra planning with children. Brody R. emphasizes, "Lots of beautiful trails and mountains but BRING LOTS OF WATER." During peak summer months (June-August), plan activities for early morning or evening to avoid midday heat.
Tips from RVers
Sewer hookup configurations: Some sites require extra equipment. At The Hitchin' Post, one RVer noted, "Since hook-ups are at the rear of the site I had to leave the toad in the road just a little and use two sewer hoses. 25' water hose barely reached" (Georg U.).
Alternative sites when main campgrounds fill: Michael E. shared about The Hitchin' Post: "Amazing time while there for a week. We spent most of our time traveling around the area to Lubbock. The campground is quite and spacious." When traditional campgrounds are full, check for equestrian camping areas that sometimes accommodate non-equestrian campers.
Seasonal maintenance awareness: Facilities undergo regular maintenance that may affect stays. One camper at Wild Horse Equestrian Area experienced: "Showers were closed when we arrived, and we only found out by being met with locked door on our first morning. No notice when booking our reservations" (Matt S.). Call ahead to verify current facility status.
