3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Lake Somerville State Park includes equestrian campsites at both the Nails Creek Unit and Birch Creek Unit near Smithville, Texas. The Nails Creek Unit provides sites specifically designed for campers with horses, featuring individual corrals at each campsite. Water and electrical hookups (30/50 amp) are available at these sites, with level asphalt pads large enough for both camping equipment and horse trailers. Campers report the equestrian sites offer good privacy and separation from other campers. Thirty-amp and fifty-amp connections support RV camping, while tent camping is also permitted. Some sites offer direct views of Lake Somerville, though most are set back in wooded areas. Horse campsites include standard amenities such as fire rings with cooking grates, picnic tables, and access to shower facilities.
The trail system at Lake Somerville connects both the Nails Creek and Birch Creek units, providing extensive riding opportunities. Many of the trails follow the lake shoreline, offering scenic views and access to water for horses. The parks feature miles of well-defined double track trails with minimal elevation changes, making them suitable for riders of various experience levels. Equestrians frequently report hearing wildlife including coyotes and owls during overnight stays. When staying at the Birch Creek Unit's equestrian area, riders have access to trails within the park with additional miles of riding available a short drive away. During certain seasons, portions of the trail system may be closed due to flooding or for scheduled public hunts, so checking current conditions before arrival is recommended. The parks charge a daily entrance fee of $4 per person in addition to camping fees, though Texas State Parks Pass holders receive discounts.
"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."
from $20 - $25 / night
"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. "
"Great spot, all the txpw amenities, friendly as can be staff, clean restrooms, well maintained campsites and nature. 14+ miles of equestrian trails!"
Available this weekend
from $12 - $200 / night
"Some sites even have corrals for horses! The best part is the proximity to the lake. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent for a really low price."
"The sites have nice paved spots, many have views of the lake, and are spacious. We stayed in the equestrian area since the other area for non equestrian sites is currently closed."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $20 / night
"First time at Iron Horse RV resort, won't be our last! The grounds are clean and the spaces are wide. They have a beautiful pavilion and a lazy river. "
from $59 / night
"Some of the sites are pretty close to each other but some have a little more space. Full hookups. We just need a place to hook up and sleep so it’s fine."
"Lots of things to do in surrounding area"
from $20 - $200 / night
"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."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $60 / night
GuideNice clean RV park. They’ve changed their name to Patriot RV Park. And yes, they offer discounts to military members. Some of the sites are pretty close to each other but some have a little more space. Full hookups. We just need a place to hook up and sleep so it’s fine. Huge dog park, pool, bathrooms with showers and a shared kitchen area.
ScoutThe volunteer park host in gray dodge tried to act like he was the owner. I had a 30 ft rv , a truck and fishing boat , he didn't like the way I parked , one boat trailer tire was in the gravel next to the rv and 25 year old blacktop drive.
He said I was on the grass, not it was gravel placed there by the Corps of Engineers.
He then suggested i take the boat and park it 500 yards away in the parking area near the boat launch. I said I have a problem with that, look in this boat there are $10, 000 dollars of Garmin electronics in there that an be stolen in 5 minutes, and your not providing any security other than closing the gate at 10 pm.
Fishing is good in Willis creek in the spring , need a boat or walk in for bank fishing .
Park host said , 1st day work with us the restrooms are not working properly, we used our rv.
Roads needed repaved 10 years ago, major uneven swells.
Boat ramp, floating dock for use with tying boat was torn up and dragged on the bank !
3 family park host for 30 camp sites, only 7 being used , most were empty .
Taylor park on the other side of lake has had much work done and is nice compared to Willis park.
Federal park director has to deal with budgets that come short, I think they must be giving up on Willis park and ready to abandon.
They have the oldest park with the worst volunteers!
Trump would fix it quickly if he only new .
TravelerGreat place. I just need to rest and keep moving. Very nice and clean.
GuidePrivate campsites
RangerThere's a good size lake with access to it from the park itself. Nice clean park as most state parks in Texas are. Well, 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. I have T-Mobile cell service and it fluctuates between 4G and 5G. I'm able to use the internet send and receive text messages and call out and receive calls. Also I have an antenna for air tv channels. TV signal is good and clear. The closest gas station is 10 miles. There is a Dollar General store for basic stuff. If you need something, that's about 5 miles.
GuideGreat spot, all the txpw amenities, friendly as can be staff, clean restrooms, well maintained campsites and nature. 14+ miles of equestrian trails! GREAT birdwatching, several different species this time of year. Leaf cutter ants all over the trails! Active wildlife at night with coyote hunts making a good bit of commotion. I would have given 5 stars but the fishing pier is still out of commission from flood damage.
RangerA nice, quiet fall camping weekend on Lake Somerville. It was a solo trip and since the weather was warm, I brought my kayak on this trip.
Check In: 2p Check Out: 12p
⛺ Site#26- Back-In
💲20 per night+$4/person/day Parks Pass Discount saved$18.00
• 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
• Corrals for horses
👍🏻 Pros:
• Extra parking places across the street
• Can see the lake from this spot
👎🏻 Cons:
• There's not a direct trail to the lake shore other than animal trails through some of the tall grass
• The table and fire ring are on the non-camping side so it was a little strange. Very dark at night on that side.
📝 Park Notes:
• Dump Station
• Restrooms/ Showers- clean. The Bent Tree area has a portable trailer for the restrooms and showers. The main building is closed.
• There are Munzees and Geocaches here
• Lots of trails in the park and between this and the Birch Creek Unit
• Great trails for equestrians
• Enclosed Group shelter for events (no kitchen)
• Family Fishing Pond (small)
• The open style pavilion doesn't appear to be open. Looks like it's is structurally unsound
🐦 Wildlife:
• Birds: Great Blue Heron, Cardinals, Chickadees
• Deer
• Squirrels
💜 Highlights of this trip:
•🔥 Campfires and breakfast over the fire
•🐕 My brother came for a short visit to walk the dog
•🛶 Kayaking and there was only ONE other boat on the lake
•🍂 Nice fall colors
•🚫 Some of the trails and areas of the park were closed this weekend due to public hunts
•🌟 Warm temperatures and clear nights. Lots of stars.
•💚 Found a couple geocaches and put out a few Munzees
More info at https://www.denisevajdak.com/2021/12/fall-camping-at-lake-somerville.html
GuideI’m reviewing the hike in site on the Lake Somerville trail way, entering at the Birch Creek Unit (northern side of the lake). It’s around a three mile hike to the campground area. The hike has a few nice views of the lake and a few nice fields here and there. Once you make it to the camping area, you’ll find an outhouse, some benches, a fire pit and even a little well. Footsteps and a few coyotes can be heard in the evening. The campsite is close to a little meandering river if you’re willing to do a little bit of bushwhacking , just be careful as it’s easy to get turned around. Plus there are probably some crocodiles around, who knows. Anyway, I’d recommend this trail/campground, I didn’t see anyone once I got a few miles in and really enjoyed being close to a little river, plus the wildlife.
TravelerThis campground is beautiful. 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. The bathroom is old, but it is clean. Enjoyed it! And it was only $10!
Lake Somerville State Park offers diverse equestrian facilities beyond the developed campsites at Nails Creek and Birch Creek units. Located along the Post Oak Savannah ecological region, this area ranges between 200-350 feet in elevation with clay soils that can become muddy after rainfall. Most equestrian camping sites feature level, paved pads measuring 50-60 feet in length, accommodating both camping equipment and horse trailers.
Trail riding in all seasons: Lake Somerville connects multiple park units through an extensive trail system. One camper at Nails Creek Unit Campground noted, "There are trails you can access in the park, with many more miles a short drive away. 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."
Wildlife observation: The park provides opportunities to spot and hear various animals while camping with horses. A camper at Nails Creek Unit reported, "It was really quite with only 2 other sites occupied. Lots of coyotes and owls calling throughout the night." Bringing binoculars helps with spotting birds, particularly during spring migration.
Kayaking and fishing: The lake offers water recreation options for non-riding days. At Birch Creek Unit Campground, one visitor shared their experience: "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."
Private, spacious sites: Equestrian sites provide good separation between campers. At Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek Unit, a camper stated, "We stayed equestrian site 4 which is a fairly private site. Moon was nearly full and the coyotes were howling all night long."
Clean facilities: Park maintenance receives positive feedback despite recovery challenges from past weather events. A reviewer noted, "The sites have nice paved spots, many have views of the lake, and are spacious. We stayed in the equestrian area since the other area for non equestrian sites is currently closed."
Night sky views: Minimal light pollution allows for exceptional stargazing. One camper at Nails Creek described, "Warm temperatures and clear nights. Lots of stars." The clear skies provide excellent opportunities for astronomy enthusiasts.
Seasonal closures: Portions of trails may become unavailable during specific times. A visitor mentioned, "Some of the trails and areas of the park were closed this weekend due to public hunts." Always check current park status before arrival, particularly during hunting seasons.
Flooding impacts: The park continues to recover from past weather events. A reviewer at Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park observed, "Compared to some of the other parks in the area such as Bastrop State Park, Buescher State Park and Lake Bastop South Shore Park, this city park is a little bit rough around the edges."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the park. One camper reported, "I have T-Mobile cell service and it fluctuates between 4G and 5G. I'm able to use the internet send and receive text messages and call out and receive calls."
Bring recreation equipment: The park offers various family activities beyond horseback riding. A visitor at San Marcos River Retreat shared, "There's a river right next to it for fishing, I stayed during the week and I was the only one camping."
Plan for weather variables: Temperatures fluctuate significantly between seasons. One camper advised, "It was a bit cold as hadn't thought to bring an extra blanket and slept without the rain fly—but not too bad."
Pack extra supplies: The nearest supplies require driving. A reviewer noted, "The closest gas station is 10 miles. There is a Dollar General store for basic stuff. If you need something, that's about 5 miles."
Site selection matters: Some RV pads need maintenance. A camper at Willis Creek mentioned, "All back in sites have plenty of grass and are in level pavement." Another visitor advised, "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."
Hookup reliability: Electrical and water connections function well at most sites. According to one RVer, "Water and electric connectors working perfectly." Most equestrian sites offer 30/50 amp service and water hookups positioned conveniently for RVs with attached horse trailers.
Dump station access: The park provides sanitation facilities for longer stays. One camper recommended, "Dump Station" as an available amenity, though during busy periods there may be wait times for this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Smithville, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Smithville, TX is Vernon L Richards Riverbend Park with a 4.0-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Smithville, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Smithville, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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