Erin R.
Guide
GuideDouble Lake NF Campground
Cool Spot
Great RV campsite #36. Pull thru and has great privacy. Walking trail around like is near. Not to many fire ant poles. Near by groceries store and town playground close by.
Equestrian Camping near Shepherd, TX
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Sam Houston National Forest offers horse-friendly camping options near Shepherd, Texas. Double Lake Recreation Area within the forest provides campsites suitable for equestrians planning to explore the forest's trail system. The campground features water and electric hookups at select sites, with both RV and tent camping available. Camping permits are required, and the sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts. Campers note the spacious layout with sites not positioned too close together, providing good privacy for those traveling with horses. Camping spots are placed on gravel pads that accommodate vehicles and horse trailers.
Horseback riders can access multiple trail networks throughout Sam Houston National Forest, with connections to the larger forest trail system. The campground operates year-round, allowing for seasonal riding opportunities. Horses must remain in designated areas, and owners are responsible for cleanup. The forest environment offers shaded trails through pine forests with some water crossings. The location is approximately one hour from Houston, making it accessible for weekend equestrian outings. Trail riders find the forest terrain relatively flat with good footing for horses in most areas, though some sections may become muddy after rainfall. The peaceful setting provides a natural experience for both horses and riders exploring East Texas woodlands.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Shepherd (7)
1. Double Lake NF Campground
"Walking trail around like is near. Not to many fire ant poles. Near by groceries store and town playground close by."
"Deep in the woods and on a nice shallow lake. Fantastic for walks around the lake, playing in the park, and fun trails. Camp grounds are spacious and we'll thought out."
2. Huntsville State Park Campground
"Located on the west edge of the east Texas piney woods, this state park features excellent RV and tent camping facilities, and a beautiful network of heavily forested trails."
"The sites are spacious as in most Texas state parks, and there are many shaded sites. The waterfront sites are tiered. The upper tier is where you park your rig. "
from $15 - $60 / night
Check Availability3. The Preserve RV Resort
"Have 3 little boys who enjoy fishing and they have plenty of creeks and ponds near campsites; it isn’t the most luxurious parks but if your looking for a state park feel this place is a home run!"
4. New Adventure RV Park
from $39 / night
Check Availability5. SAM HOUSTON (Houston/Conroe/Huntsville Area)
"Campgrounds have a variety of amenities to choose from, including screened shelters, which are great if you get caught in a Texas sized downpour or if the mosquitoes are particularly aggressive, a pond"
6. Whites County Park Campground
"Nice free camp, we found a spot to drive back a little bit so we could set up camp tucked away."
"I got the camping permit just by calling the phone number at the entrance, they provide me an email to sent my driver license and car type. That’s it, they sent me back the permit."
7. Pistolville
from $45 - $65 / night
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Drive Time
- 50 min from Houston, TX
- 1 hr 20 min from Beaumont, TX
- 1 hr 34 min from College Station, TX
- 2 hrs 8 min from Lake Charles, LA
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Shepherd, TX
1 Photos of 7 Shepherd Campgrounds
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Shepherd, TX
85 Reviews of 7 Shepherd Campgrounds
David L.
TravelerHuntsville State Park Campground
A Little Bit of Pine Forest Heaven
Located on the west edge of the east Texas piney woods, this state park features excellent RV and tent camping facilities, and a beautiful network of heavily forested trails. The lake offers canoeing, kayaking, swimming and fishing, and affords visitors an occasional glimpse of alligators. We love this place.
Debbie J.
LegendHuntsville State Park Campground
Good Weekend Getaway Close to Houston
I like Huntsville State Park campground for a long weekend getaway. It is about an hour north of Houston not far off Interstate 45, so very easily accessible. They have a large campground section which is only campsites, and also another section on the other side of a cove that is more of a recreational section which has a swimming beach, cabins, screened shelters, etc. This state park gets very crowded in the summertime, with campers as well as lots of day use folks enjoying the water. It is hard to get a campsite reservation, so plan ahead!
The sites are spacious as in most Texas state parks, and there are many shaded sites. The waterfront sites are tiered. The upper tier is where you park your rig. Then there is a retaining wall and steps to walk down to the lower tier where the picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, etc.. are located. We really didn't ever go down to the lower part of our site because it was inconvenient. It was a good place to walk the dogs though. The campground does slope slightly and the sites are not all real level, so be sure to bring your "legos" if you don't have a leveling system on your rig. The grounds did not seem to be as well maintained as some other state parks I've been to. We couldn't use the picnic table because it was surrounded by tall weeds and had a lot of spider webs under it. Bath house was not well maintained and kind of dingy. It was also not ventilated well and felt like a sauna as it was so humid in July.
There is a nice fishing pier and several places to fish off the bank. A ranger told me there are alligators in the lake, so be careful.
Ron V.GuideHuntsville State Park Campground
The Solitude of Huntsville State Park
I was totally surprised at the beauty of this park. I stayed in a screened shelter site with a view of the lake. The weather was cold, but I came prepared and setup my tent in the shelter. The park has many trails and view points. The staff at check-in were extremely helpful and you could tell they love their job. Ended up purchasing a Texas Parks Pass because I am quickly learning that Texas has some of the best camping in the country.
- Deborah C.Legend
Huntsville State Park Campground
Huntsville Texas tent camping March, 2018
We took our family here on a Texas state park camping trip. The park rangers explain basics of camping. It was a great experience for our family. The park is very family friendly and tent friendly. It is on a lake that has fishing, kayaking and paddle boats. The facilities were nice and clean.
Jim P.
RangerHuntsville State Park Campground
Nice weekend getaway
Lots of sites, but still need to make reservations way in advance, suppose due to its proximity to Houston. Very well kept park with clean facilities, and partial as well as full hookups. Close to Huntsville, so if you are needing supplies or just want to go into town and not cook you are golden. Small lake with paddle boats and good fishing. Fairly flat terrain and trails are well maintained, but not terribly scenic.
- JJessica V.
ScoutSAM HOUSTON (Houston/Conroe/Huntsville Area)
Pond, Swimming, Trails, Shelters, this State Park has it all!
Campgrounds have a variety of amenities to choose from, including screened shelters, which are great if you get caught in a Texas sized downpour or if the mosquitoes are particularly aggressive, a pond with optional row boat rentals, and swimming spot. There isn't much variation in the trail terrain, though they may cross a stream here and there and have a good deal of tree cover from that hot TX sun. Overall, a great spot that is not too far out of the city to make a nice weekend getaway in the forest.
- jjasmine L.Ranger
Huntsville State Park Campground
Real good
I stayed here for my second week after camping in Sam Houston forest for almost a week. The place was slightly better than camping in sam houston. We managed to get a site right next to the water. The site was a little bigger than camping in sam Houston. There was a lot of people swimming in the water but not close to our campsite. They were swimming further down. The locals said there were a lot of catfish but we were not able to catch any after trying for some time. The fee to enter the park was 5 dollars as we were leaving because we did not enter through the main entrance to the park.
- Brittany H.Scout
Huntsville State Park Campground
Pretty but bad fishing
Okay okay so I live in Huntsville Texas which means I have been to Huntsville State Park more times than I can count. There's a fee to get in but it's not too bad. We like to go fishing with our day pass however you will not ever catch anything. I don't know why but the fishing sucks. Also there's crocodiles. However the campsite overall is really pretty we haven't stayed overnight here so I don't know about that.
Guide to Shepherd
Sam Houston National Forest provides multiple horse-friendly camping experiences within an hour of Houston. The forest consists of 163,000 acres of East Texas woodlands with mixed pine and hardwood forests that create a suitable environment for equestrian activities. Numerous designated horse trails intersect the terrain, ranging from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes that cross small creeks and varied terrain.
What to do
Trail riding on designated paths: Equestrian camping near Shepherd, Texas offers access to interconnected trail systems throughout Sam Houston National Forest. Double Lake NF Campground serves as a convenient base camp with "fantastic trails" that are "great for walks around the lake," according to camper Devin P. Multiple trailheads provide access points for horseback riding excursions.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds near Shepherd include fishing access at adjacent lakes and ponds. At The Preserve RV Resort, campers enjoy fishing amenities close to their sites. As Zachery S. notes, "We have 3 little boys who enjoy fishing and they have plenty of creeks and ponds near campsites."
Swimming and boating: During warmer months, several campgrounds offer swimming areas and boat launches. Preston M. describes Double Lake as sitting "on a body of water with dropoff points for small boats," making it ideal for combining equestrian activities with water recreation during hot Texas days.
What campers like
Privacy and spaciousness: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites at Sam Houston National Forest campgrounds. JenniferWinning notes sites are "not on top of each other (some more private than others)," with gravel pads that accommodate vehicles and horse trailers while providing sufficient distancing for equestrian campers.
Natural setting: The forested environment creates a peaceful backdrop for horse camping. Amanda C. describes Double Lake NF Campground as a "beautiful little lake, relaxing hiking and clean sites" with "quite a bit of wildlife," providing a natural setting for horses and riders alike.
Accessibility: Despite the natural setting, most equestrian-friendly sites remain accessible. White Memorial Park offers easy vehicle access, with camper Austin noting, "Our 42' 5th wheel fit nicely on the gravel patch by the cement picnic table," demonstrating that even large horse trailers can find suitable accommodations.
What you should know
Permit requirements: While not all sites require permits, some do have registration procedures. At White Memorial Park, Diana explains, "I got the camping permit just by calling the phone number at the entrance, they provide me an email to sent my driver license and car type. That's it, they sent me back the permit."
Seasonal considerations: East Texas weather impacts trail conditions. During rainy periods, some trails become muddy and challenging for horses. Summer months bring heat and insects, with Curtis D. advising visitors to "bring a fly swatter for the mosquitoes" when staying at White Memorial Park.
Amenities vary by location: Facilities differ significantly between developed campgrounds and primitive sites. Matthew B. notes that Double Lake offers "a nice swimming area and ample bathrooms/showers," while primitive equestrian camping areas may have minimal facilities, requiring self-sufficiency.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly locations: Select campgrounds with amenities that complement horseback riding activities. Zachery S. recommends The Preserve RV Resort, noting "it isn't the most luxurious parks but if your looking for a state park feel this place is a home run!" especially for families with children who enjoy outdoor activities.
Plan for weather contingencies: Texas weather can change rapidly. Jessica V. recommends considering screened shelters at SAM HOUSTON campgrounds, which "are great if you get caught in a Texas sized downpour or if the mosquitoes are particularly aggressive."
Balance riding with other activities: Schedule horse activities alongside swimming and hiking to create a varied experience. Erin R. recommends campsite #36 at Double Lake, noting it's a "Pull thru and has great privacy. Walking trail around like is near," providing options beyond horseback riding.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: Choose pull-through sites when traveling with horses and trailers. Erin R. recommends site #36 at Double Lake as a "great RV campsite" with pull-through access and privacy, making it suitable for equestrians with trailers.
Supply considerations: RVers with horses should plan for both equine and human needs. Serena R. notes that while White Memorial Park has "lots of trees," this means "it's not great if you're trying to charge up your solar panel," suggesting backup power sources for extended horse camping stays.
Hookup availability: Not all equestrian-friendly campgrounds offer full hookups. Curtis D. mentions White Memorial Park has "water spickets all over the place" but advises, "It was dry camping so I already came prepared," suggesting horse campers should confirm water availability for animals before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Shepherd, TX?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Shepherd, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Shepherd, TX is Double Lake NF Campground with a 5-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Shepherd, TX?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Shepherd, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Shepherd, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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