Best Equestrian Camping near San Antonio, TX

Hill Country State Natural Area offers equestrian camping with access to 40+ miles of multi-use trails through varied terrain near Bandera, Texas. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with primitive sites that have minimal amenities. Riders frequently encounter wildlife and fossils along the diverse trail system. Horse-friendly primitive sites require reservations, especially during peak seasons. The camping area contains trails suitable for all skill levels, with some trails closing temporarily after heavy rainfall to protect the natural landscape. Some campers report occasional horse manure on trails and camping areas.

Located approximately 10 miles from Bandera, the self-proclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World," the natural area provides trail riders with rugged Hill Country landscape experiences without electrical or water hookups. The park primarily serves equestrians with extensive bridle trails connecting to scenic viewpoints. Water crossings and seasonal creek access offer natural water sources for horses. Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground also accommodates horses, though some visitors note horse excrement in camping areas. The park requires visitors to check trail conditions before arrival, as weather can affect accessibility. Cell service is limited throughout the area, making it ideal for disconnecting while enjoying horseback riding through limestone hills and oak savannas. Trail maps are available at the park headquarters.

Best Equestrian Sites Near San Antonio, Texas (7)

    1. Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground

    9 Reviews
    Von Ormy, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (210) 622-5022

    "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"

    2. COE Canyon Lake Canyon Park

    7 Reviews
    Canyon Lake, TX
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 964-3341

    "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 ."

    3. Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort

    3 Reviews
    Bandera, TX
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 796-3751

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Right in the action of Bandera, Texas. Park your RV and within walking distance of Main Street. Very friendly staff and patrons and the area is clean. Large pool for kids and has river access."

    "This park is handy if you want to walk to events, restaurants, bars, shopping on Main Street or to City Park. Friendly staff (and they're dog friendly too)."

    4. Hill Country State Natural Area

    5 Reviews
    Bandera, TX
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 796-4413

    "There were quite a few trail systems closed that day due to the weather, but even with the limitations we were able to hike a good variety of trail."

    "Located in the hills about 10 miles from Bandera, TX, this campground is the perfect place to disconnect (you won’t get signal anyways) and hike, run or horseback ride through a plethora of trails."

    5. San Marcos River Retreat

    2 Reviews
    San Marcos, TX
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (512) 787-5574

    "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."

    6. Lightning Ranch RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Bandera, TX
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 510-3959

    $35 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near San Antonio, TX

1 Photos of 7 San Antonio Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near San Antonio, TX

24 Reviews of 7 San Antonio Campgrounds


  • G
    Jul. 14, 2020

    Alamo 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.

  • Red S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 8, 2025

    Hill Country State Natural Area

    I didn't stay there

    I was planning on staying there, but it is basically an equestrian state park. You can camp there, but there's not electrical and water hook ups. It's mostly tent camping. The staff was very friendly. I went to visit there just to see what it was about. If you're a hiker, there's hiking trails, so you'll enjoy that.

  • Ronnie M.
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Hill Country State Natural Area

    True Hill Country Experience

    The campsites were spacious and there were quite a few options. There were quite a few trail systems closed that day due to the weather, but even with the limitations we were able to hike a good variety of trail. Be sure to get the info packet on the trails so that you don't find yourself hiking the equestrian trails as they can be a little rough for hikers. Be sure to hike to the top of the hill and enjoy a coffee on the bench - amazing view of the hill country!

  • Brittney W.
    Jan. 17, 2021

    Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort

    Beautiful Sunsets!

    Right in the action of Bandera, Texas. Park your RV and within walking distance of Main Street. Very friendly staff and patrons and the area is clean. Large pool for kids and has river access.

  • Denise V.
    Apr. 2, 2022

    Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort

    Walking Distance to Main Street Bandera / City Park

    Not my first trip here. This park is handy if you want to walk to events, restaurants, bars, shopping on Main Street or to City Park. Friendly staff (and they're dog friendly too).

    Type of Park: Private 

    Check In: 1p Check Out: 12p 

    Length of Stay: 3 Nights 

    Regular cost per night $38, Discounts: Good Sam $11.40

    My Total Cost 💲102.60

    📋 Site#133 Notes:

    Back In, lower level, site was very level side-to-side 

    Site Pad: gravel

    💧 Water- knee height, wrapped with insulation due to cold weather

    ⚡ Max amp: 30- all green lights

    💩 Sewer- threads a little stripped out

    📶 Wifi available, but I didn't use it 

    Picnic Table: wooden 

    Was a little farther from the highway than my last stay. A little quieter on this end.

    👎🏻 Not available: 

    Grill Fire 

    Ring w/Grate

    📺 Cable available on upper pull-thru spots only

    📝 Park Notes:

    🚻 Clean Restrooms

    🚿 Showers

    🧺 Laundry facility

    🐕 Off-leash dog park

    🛒 Store

    🚶🏻‍♀️ Trails- walking trail along the river, wide enough for golf carts

    🌊 The Medina River runs along the edge of the park, Walk under Hwy173 to access City Park. 

    🤿 Pool

    .🏚 Cabins

    Boondocking area available

    🥞 Good breakfast in the Recreation Center for just$6.50 on Saturdays when snowbirds are there. Pancakes, eggs, toast or roll, sausage patties, coffee, orange juice and all the condiments.(Should have done this on my last trip) 

    Many of the snowbirds have flown out, but the park was still pretty full 

    👍🏻 Walking distance to Main Street- bars, shops, food, entertainment, Visitor's center (Gunfights on Saturdays)

    🦌 Wildlife: Several ducks, squirrels, signs of deer

  • Megan  E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Hill Country State Natural Area

    A hiker/ trail runner paradise

    Located in the hills about 10 miles from Bandera, TX, this campground is the perfect place to disconnect (you won’t get signal anyways) and hike, run or horseback ride through a plethora of trails.

    Hookups are available for campers or a 2-3 mile hike can get you to a primitive site. Group sites are available to rent. This area of Texas gets hot so bring plenty of water. Watch for wildlife.

    I would recommend checking their  Facebook page if it has recently rained to see the status of the park and trails. Occasionally the park or some trails will close if the risk of damage to the natural area is high.

  • R
    Nov. 21, 2021

    COE Canyon Lake Canyon Park

    Fun family trip

    We had a great time out here on the military reserve side. Took my parents and the kids. 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 spot we had overlooked a small beach area where you could swim and launch boats. We took jet skis and had a blast.

  • Hilary K.
    May. 3, 2019

    Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground

    Great place!

    The staff is very helpful and friendly. Very affordable and has everything you need for fishing and camping. We loved walking the trails and seeing deer and other wildlife. We absolutely loved it!


Guide to San Antonio

Horse camping in Texas offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for riders and their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites

Tips for equestrian camping near San Antonio, Texas

  • When visiting Hill Country State Natural Area, check the trail conditions before heading out, as some may close after heavy rains.
  • Make sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your horse, especially during the hot Texas summers at places like Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort.
  • Respect the campground rules at San Marcos River Retreat, which emphasizes a family-friendly atmosphere and encourages recycling and quiet enjoyment of the natural surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near San Antonio, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near San Antonio, TX is Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground with a 4-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near San Antonio, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near San Antonio, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.