Lake Somerville State Park spans two units near Schulenburg, Texas, offering equestrian camping options approximately 50-60 miles northeast of town. Both the Nails Creek Unit and Birch Creek Unit maintain trails connecting across the park complex with elevations ranging from 250-350 feet. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for horse camping.
What to do
Trail riding on Lake Somerville Trailway: Access miles of horse-friendly trails from Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek Unit Campground. The trail system extends between park units with some limitations. "Two bridges are out on the Trailway which limits options a bit. The hiking and biking is all well defined double track with little elevation change," notes Laura F.
Fishing opportunities: Fish directly from shore at multiple locations throughout the park complex. "My husband went fishing for a bit. He didn't catch anything, but he witnessed another gentleman catch a 20" fish, so we know there are fish in the lake," reports Margaret P. from Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek Unit Campground.
Water recreation: Rent kayaks or canoes at reasonable prices to explore the lake. Tucker B. shares, "Went for a nice paddle on the lake until the winds came up," adding that cell service at Nails Creek was "good enough for me to do some work on my hotspot."
What campers like
Spacious equestrian sites: Each horse campsite includes corrals for horses with enough room for riders and their trailers. "We stayed equestrian site 4 which is a fairly private site. Moon was nearly full and the coyotes were howling all night long," reports Ty C. R.
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the separation between camping areas. "We couldn't even see our neighbors. We had a small trail right behind our site that went down to the water," states Elijah A. about Birch Creek Unit, noting how the site layout enhances the camping experience.
Wildlife viewing: The park offers excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, especially for bird enthusiasts. "We saw many birds this spring," Laura F. mentions about her stay at Nails Creek Unit. Denise V. documented specific sightings: "Great Blue Heron, Cardinals, Chickadees, Deer, Squirrels" during her fall camping trip.
What you should know
Facility conditions: Some areas of the park have faced challenges from natural events. "Like a lot of east-Texas camping areas, LSSP was also devastated by Hurricane Harvey and is still recovering, but don't let that stop you, but instead level-set your expectations," advises Jeff from Birch Creek Unit Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings intense heat and insect activity. "In July 2020, there were very few folks in the park, partly, I'm sure due to Covid-19 and well, its July in Texas! Typically, and as expected, gnats were really bad at night, but mosquitos were tolerable," Jeff continues.
Distance between units: Despite being visible across the lake, traveling between park units requires significant driving time. Jeff notes, "While the Birch Creek and Nails Creek sections are visible across the lake from each other, there is a long drive (15 minutes in a vehicle around the lake) to get between them, so plan your time accordingly."
Tips for camping with families
Shelter options: Some sites offer covered areas for protection from sun or rain. "We were lucky to get one that already had a shelter over the table," shares Elijah A., though another visitor noted, "We didn't see any covered tables, but all usable spots had concrete pads for tables."
Kid-friendly water access: Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park provides additional options for family camping near water. Richard G. reports, "We arrived around 11:30 pm to the park and was stopped by a very helpful officer that explained to us the park was closed, but helped us get a spot anyways and directions. Got to the spot and it was more than I expected for a camp site."
Educational opportunities: Nature programs and informational displays enhance the experience for younger visitors. "Great wildlife on the trails with lots of educational displays and programs. Famous for birding," notes Lynn G., making the park suitable for educational family outings.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for RVs: Choose sites with adequate space for larger rigs. "The sites have nice paved spots, many have views of the lake, and are spacious," Laura F. mentions about Iron Horse RV Resort, another option for RVers seeking equestrian-friendly camping near Schulenburg.
Hookup availability: RV sites at Lake Somerville State Park offer electrical and water connections. "Site#26- Back-In, Water, 20/30 amp, Fire Ring with grate, Picnic Table: wood with metal legs, concrete base, Site Pad: Asphalt, level, long enough for my camper and truck with room to spare," details Denise V.
Pad conditions: Some sites may need maintenance. Red S. advises, "The only thing I think that they could improve would be the pads where you park your trailer on. Some of them need to be redone."
