Best Equestrian Camping near Neches, TX

Two dedicated equestrian camping areas serve Neches, Texas horse owners in the Davy Crockett National Forest. White Rock Horse Camp and Piney Creek Horse Camp provide primitive camping with basic facilities for riders and their mounts. Both campgrounds feature vault toilets and designated areas for horse trailers. Piney Creek offers trash collection and allows fires with firewood available on site. Neither campground provides water hookups, electric connections, or horse corrals, so campers must bring portable containment systems. The campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though limited amenities make them better suited for self-contained units and experienced horse campers. Sites tend to fill quickly during peak riding seasons, particularly in spring and fall when trail conditions are optimal.

Trail access is a primary advantage at both horse camps, with direct connections to the forest's extensive trail system. The natural terrain varies from sandy flats to rolling hills with pine and hardwood coverage, providing diverse riding experiences throughout the seasons. Water crossings become more challenging after heavy rains, particularly at lower elevations. Most trails are wide enough for side-by-side riding, though some narrower sections require single-file travel. Horse camps are positioned to allow for rides ranging from short 2-3 mile loops to full-day 12+ mile excursions. Riders report moderate trail maintenance with occasional downed trees after storms. Camping with horses requires proper waste management, as neither location provides manure disposal facilities. The absence of potable water necessitates bringing sufficient water for both riders and horses during stays.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Neches, Texas (6)

    1. Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Kennard, TX
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 655-2299

    $15 - $35 / night

    "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!"

    2. The Boulders at Lake Tyler

    6 Reviews
    Tyler, TX
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 268-5880

    $55 - $195 / night

    "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."

    3. Davy Crockett National Forest Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Kennard, TX
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 655-2299

    "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."

    4. 566 Piney Creek Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    Kennard, TX
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 655-2299

    "Great, well marked Trail system. Be careful during hunting season!"

    5. Oak Cove Marina

    4 Reviews
    Fairfield, TX
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 872-0888

    "Huge.huge lake...lots of boats.people friendly.children happy..camping.lodging..fishing..realestate open..wonderful parks..resturaunts.hotels.motels..very nice.."

    "Friendly staff, and incredible lake."

    6. White Rock Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Kennard, TX
    44 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Great hiking / horse riding trails around.  Would not recommend this area during hunting season.  Accessible via car, good roads, smaller trailers.  If RVing, will need levelers."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Neches, TX

59 Reviews of 6 Neches Campgrounds


  • M
    Jul. 29, 2018

    566 Piney Creek Horse Camp

    Small primitive campground adjacent to horseback riding trails.

    This is a 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. The camp is a great place to camp and ride the adjacent horse trails. The trails are nice but not well marked.

  • M
    Jul. 29, 2018

    566 Piney Creek Horse Camp

    Small primitive campground adjacent to horseback riding trails.

    I believe this is the same campground reviewed under 566 Piney Creek. This is a 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. The camp is a great place to camp and ride the adjacent horse trails. The trails are nice but not well marked.

  • Tony E.
    Mar. 2, 2021

    Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    Wonderful, well-spaced campground under the East Texas tall pines

    What 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2023

    White Rock Horse Camp

    Nice dispersed camping

    Nice area for dispersed camping.  Several level areas.  Great hiking / horse riding trails around.  Would not recommend this area during hunting season.  Accessible via car, good roads, smaller trailers.  If RVing, will need levelers.

  • Emily M.
    Jun. 25, 2017

    Fairfield Lake State Park - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Lost on the trails

    Ok they need a better map for these trails. I got a bit turned around and ended up off trailing it in the right direction to go back. The lake had some nice inlets to paddle. The campground was nice, but there were some erosion issues due to past flooding.

  • G
    Jun. 21, 2016

    Fairfield Lake State Park - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Fairfield Lake: spring favorite

    Fairfield offers a great weekend getaway location! The park boasts a large selection of shaded camp spots (i.e. lots of space for hammocks!) that offer privacy from one another. Visited on a holiday weekend, and it didn't feel crowded at all. Walk down to the lake or explore several miles of walking trails. Perfect night out! As a bonus, visit the Cooper Farms store right across the highway (exit 198) for the best fresh peaches and peach ice cream you've ever tasted!

  • Sydney L.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    Classic East Texas

    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! 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.

  • K
    Jan. 15, 2020

    Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    East Texas Pineywoods!

    Great 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.


Guide to Neches

Horse camping in Texas offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for horse lovers looking to explore the state's beautiful landscapes.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Boulders at Lake Tyler provides a welcoming environment with concrete pads and full hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay for both horses and riders.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential facilities

  • 566 Piney Creek Horse Camp features a small covered pavilion and access to well-marked horse riding trails, perfect for those looking to enjoy nature on horseback.

Most campgrounds have horse-friendly activities

  • White Rock Horse Camp is situated near great hiking and horse riding trails, offering a fantastic opportunity for riders to explore the surrounding area while enjoying the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Neches, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Neches, 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 Neches, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Neches, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.