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Best Equestrian Camping near San Marcos, TX

178 Reviews

Limited horse camping facilities exist near San Marcos, Texas. None of the campgrounds in the San Marcos area explicitly feature horse-specific accommodations such as corrals, stalls, or dedicated equestrian campsites according to available data. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, located approximately 45 miles northwest of San Marcos, offers camping options including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurt accommodations, though without designated horse corrals. The park maintains multiple hiking trails that connect to the Pedernales River, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The camping areas at Canyon Lake, situated closer to San Marcos, provide water access but similarly lack specific horse amenities. Recreational activities focus primarily on water sports, hiking, and general camping. Primitive camping areas at some parks require hike-in access, which may limit accessibility for those traveling with horses. Most campgrounds in this region enforce pet policies that allow leashed animals, but these typically don't address specific accommodations for larger equines. Visitors interested in horse camping may need to contact parks directly to inquire about special arrangements or permits for bringing horses.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near San Marcos, Texas (11)

    1. San Marcos River Retreat

    2 Reviews
    San Marcos, TX
    2 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."

    2. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground

    86 Reviews
    Johnson City, TX
    36 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. COE Canyon Lake Canyon Park

    7 Reviews
    Canyon Lake, TX
    18 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 ."

    4. Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis

    33 Reviews
    Lago Vista, TX
    41 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."

    5. Riverbend RV Park

    1 Review
    Lockhart, TX
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 875-9548

    "San Marcos river in the back with a little place to fish, kids catch and release pond. Sites are extremely close. I did not like that. Staff is very friendly. Oil rigs make the town stink some."

    6. Krause Springs

    18 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    44 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"

    7. Arkansas Bend

    7 Reviews
    Buffalo Gap, TX
    37 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."

    8. Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    44 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."

    9. Grelle - Lake Travis

    6 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    44 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."

    10. Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Spicewood, TX
    49 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."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near San Marcos, TX

1 Photos of 11 San Marcos Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near San Marcos, TX

178 Reviews of 11 San Marcos Campgrounds

  • Eric-Misty S.
    Jun. 23, 2018

    Riverbend RV Park

    pretty nice place

    Our first time here and it wasn’t that bad of a place. San Marcos river in the back with a little place to fish, kids catch and release pond. Sites are extremely close. I did not like that. Staff is very friendly. Oil rigs make the town stink some. Lots of things to do in surrounding area

  • 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

Guide to San Marcos

Horse camping in Texas offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of well-reviewed spots, equestrian enthusiasts can find the perfect place to set up camp and ride the trails.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • The COE Canyon Lake Canyon Park provides electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, making it convenient for horse campers.
  • At Riverbend RV Park, you'll find a friendly atmosphere with picnic tables and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.
  • Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area features picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for relaxing after a day of riding.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Tips for equestrian camping near San Marcos, Texas

  • Make sure to check the availability of electric hookups at Arkansas Bend - LIMITED ACCESS FOR COVID, as they can enhance your camping experience.
  • Bring your own firewood to Krause Springs, as firewood is not provided, but the site allows fires for cozy evenings.
  • Be prepared for a bit of a crowd at Grelle - Lake Travis during peak times, as it’s a popular spot for families and offers stunning views of the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near San Marcos, TX is San Marcos River Retreat with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near San Marcos, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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