Best Equestrian Camping near Round Mountain, TX

Shaffer Bend Recreation Area features designated spaces for equestrians at its large camp area, including a horse pen for overnight stays. Primitive camping spots near Lake Travis accommodate both riders and their horses with accessible water sources along the shoreline. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and grills suitable for extended equestrian camping. The campground maintains vault toilets throughout, with permanent restroom facilities available at the entrance gate approximately three miles from camping areas. Campsites offer enough space for both horse trailers and camping equipment. Horse owners can access water directly from Lake Travis for their animals, though some spots have limited tree coverage which can make summer camping challenging in the Texas heat.

The trail system connects riders to multiple routes suitable for horses with varying terrain through Texas Hill Country landscapes. Gravel paths wind through wildflower fields during spring months, offering scenic rides with lake views. Trailheads provide ample parking for horse trailers, though riders should check water levels before planning trips as Lake Travis has variable water levels throughout the year. The park allows equestrian camping without advance reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis with entrance fees collected at the gate. The area accommodates both day riders and overnight campers with horses. Small RVs can share the horse camping areas, with enough room for vehicles, camping equipment, and space for horses to rest. Relaxing by the water's edge after riding proves popular with both horses and their owners as animals can cool off in the lake after trail excursions.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Round Mountain, Texas (14)

    1. Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis

    33 Reviews
    Lago Vista, TX
    10 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Pace Bend is one of my most favorite places to camp in Texas.

    Not far from the old (and new!)"

    "Pace Bend Park is conveniently located a short distance from the city of Austin and on the shores of Lake Travis. The park is managed by the Travis County Parks Department."

    2. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

    86 Reviews
    Johnson City, TX
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 868-7304

    $10 - $100 / night

    "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."

    3. Krause Springs

    18 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 236-7554

    "This sounds like an amazing place to escape the Texas heat! The rope swing and swimming holes sound perfect for a fun day trip."

    "Historic Texas camping& swimming site nestled in Spicewood, 30 miles from Austin. Ehall pass"

    4. Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 473-3366

    $25 / night

    "Set on the lake, muleshoe recreation area is run by the LCRA. Clean camp sights dotted a long the lake offer access to the water."

    "My campsite was pretty shaded and the outhouse wasn’t too far of a walk. They have an outdoor shower at the entrance as well as a filtered water/ice machine."

    5. Arkansas Bend

    7 Reviews
    Buffalo Gap, TX
    12 miles
    Website

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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."

    6. Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 473-3366

    "Dogs love running along water’s edge and jumping in. Horses ok too from the looks of it. Sites 1-13 closer together and more in site if each other but still ok. Great hiking and walking."

    "This is a great little place on Lake Travis. Going in the spring time is the best because of all the wildflowers. Trails are easy. Campsites are clean with a fire pit and a grill."

    7. Grelle - Lake Travis

    6 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 776-5272

    "Only there for one short night but it was delightful to sit in the water of lake Travis and watch the stars on a warm texas summer night."

    "As you walk into the lake (walk fast if you dont want to get bitten) you will find pockets if cooler water spouting up. Its kinda like stepping into a refridgerator but underwater."

    8. Williamson County Berry Springs Park and Preserve

    1 Review
    Georgetown, TX
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 943-1920

    "Lots and lots and lots of fields, walking trails. Perfect for dogs who like to run. In January no one is here, all by myself."

    9. Freedom Lives Ranch RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Buchanan Dam, TX
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 793-2171

    $55 / night

    "All this plus you can board your pets and horses!! All pull through sites."

    "This beautiful RV park in Texas Hill country was booked years in advance for the eclipse. But on our suggestion the very accommodating proprietors opened up a pasture in back to dry camping."

    10. Willis Creek

    2 Reviews
    Granger, TX
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 859-2668

    $10 - $60 / night

    "Can’t get to the water from sites, but the views were amazing and the walk short!"

    "The lake ramp is perfect for paddle boat or any large boat( platoons, etc) Spacious pavilion at every spot Water and electric connectors working perfectly."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Round Mountain, TX

1 Photos of 14 Round Mountain Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Round Mountain, TX

190 Reviews of 14 Round Mountain Campgrounds


  • Eby H.
    Aug. 30, 2016

    Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis

    One of my favorite spots in Texas

    Pace Bend is one of my most favorite places to camp in Texas.

    Not far from the old (and new!) Backyard (a great place to see live music in the live oak capital of Texas), Pace Bend is a quick drive away. A perfect spot to pitch a bunch of tents, jump off cliffs, swim and barbeque. Maybe 45 minutes from downtown Austin (without traffic).

    I won't lie the cliff diving kinda freaks me out. Be careful is all I'm saying!

    There are several primitive campsites throughout the park with picnic tables, grills and toilets. Additionally there are 20 RV hook-up type sites that offer running water, electricity, restrooms and showers.

  • Erik F.
    Oct. 10, 2016

    Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

    Weekend Trip

    Shaffer Bend Rec. Area has a beautiful setting in the Texas Hill Country right off of Lake Travis. At the gate entrance you have wonderful landscape views. All of the camp sites are situated next to or a short walk to the water.

    The camps are clean. Most are equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. In the large camp area, some have BBQ pits with a couple big communal grill/smoker. The same area has a horse pen as well if you're an equestrian enthusiast on top of a camper. It is a primitive campground. The large camp area has a couple port-a-poties. At the gate entrance there are men's and women's rooms with running water. That's about 3 miles from the camp sites. So, be prepared to dig holes, bring your own portable toilets, or hold it.

    Considering you're on the lake, the water access is surprisingly limited. There are a few areas along the water you can walk in, but there's not a dock or boat access. I recommend sandals or water shoes since there's a fair amount of plant life along the shore. The same areas you can walk in would be good for kayaks though. The camp sites are situated along a narrow section of the lake. So, there would be plenty to explore.

  • Kyle G.
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

    hot

    the campsite is good for equestrians. if you're a kayaker you can put in here and travel down and take out elsewhere. the lower Colorado River Authority has plenty of places along the Colorado to facilitate this. we stayed here for 4 days before Memorial Day weekend and it was hot. there are no showers or bath houses. there are Porta-Johns located throughout the campground. Texas in summer can be unforgiving. Lake Travis is home to boaters and Jet skiers. there are fish if you're into that.

  • Sallie H.
    Sep. 28, 2018

    Pedernales 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.

  • l
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Pedernales 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.

  • r
    Apr. 20, 2022

    Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

    Small RV and tent-dry camping

    Relaxing and clean. Very windy, so no bugs! Dogs love running along water’s edge and jumping in. Horses ok too from the looks of it. Sites 1-13 closer together and more in site if each other but still ok. Great hiking and walking. Small RV plus tent for us.

  • B
    Jun. 10, 2018

    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.

  • Daniel L.
    Jun. 9, 2022

    Pedernales 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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 30, 2021

    Pedernales 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.


Guide to Round Mountain

Equestrian camping near Round Mountain, Texas offers access to scenic Hill Country trails with varying terrain difficulty levels. The region's mixed limestone and sandy soil provides stable footing for horses on most trails, with elevations ranging from 900-1,200 feet throughout the area. Water access points at several locations allow horses to cool off during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 95°F.

What to do

Trail riding with lake views: At Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis, riders can access multiple trail systems with lake overlooks. "We stay at Pace Bend every time we go rock climbing in Austin. The campsites are private and there are always sites available. The campsites along the cliffs are beautiful at night," notes Katie B.

Mountain biking alongside horses: Several parks permit both horses and bikes on designated multi-use trails. "We went mountain biking in shorts the first day and a backpack training hike the next. Nice trails," mentions Rick from Willis Creek Park, highlighting the terrain variety suitable for both riders and cyclists.

Spring wildflower viewing: Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area offers seasonal trail riding through bluebonnet fields. "I have not camped out here, but have made a few day trips. There are a few miles of hike and bike trails, but I HIGHLY suggest coming out here during Bluebonnet season. It is Absolutely beautiful!!!" writes Jennifer J.

What campers like

Privacy between campsites: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds offer good separation between sites. "The campsites are private and there are always sites available," notes Katie B. about Pace Bend Park, while another camper mentions, "Spacious pavilion at every spot" at Willis Creek.

Water access for cooling horses: Pedernales Falls State Park Campground offers stream access where horses can cool off. "Lots of hiking trails here. Good swimming. The falls are pretty. You can walk upriver from the falls, bouldering for quite a long way," says Emily M., highlighting water features available to both riders and horses.

Level camping areas: Several campgrounds feature flat terrain suitable for horse trailers. "Very peaceful, clean, spots are pretty spread out with covered picnic tables, fire pit and grill," notes Leslie about Willis Creek, adding that "all back in sites have plenty of grass and are in level pavement."

What you should know

Limited tree coverage: Summer heat can be challenging for horse camping. "We stayed here for 4 days before Memorial Day weekend and it was hot. There are no showers or bath houses. Texas in summer can be unforgiving," warns Kyle G. about Shaffer Bend Recreation Area.

Varying water levels: Lake access points can change seasonally. "Be warned that if you stay at sites 1-12 you are right next to the boat ramp where people will be loading/unloading at all hours of the night," cautions Shainna M. about Muleshoe Bend, highlighting the importance of site selection near water.

Trail conditions: Some parks have rocky terrain requiring horse shoes. "Walking trails are nice for a stroll not too difficult and not much elevation change. Only negative is the amount of stickers everywhere," notes Steve L. from Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, warning about potential hazards for unshod horses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Round Mountain, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Round Mountain, TX is Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis with a 4.4-star rating from 33 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Round Mountain, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Round Mountain, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.