8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse-friendly campgrounds are limited near South Bend, Texas, with none of the seven nearby campgrounds featuring dedicated horse corrals or equestrian facilities according to the data. Lake Godstone offers camping on a ranch setting approximately 22 miles from South Bend, with tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options available. The facility provides drinking water, electric hookups, and fires are permitted with firewood available on site. While not specifically equipped with horse corrals, the ranch setting may accommodate horses by arrangement.
Fort Richardson State Park Historic Site and Trailway, located 25 miles northeast of South Bend, offers potential trail riding opportunities along its trailway system. The park accommodates tent, RV, and cabin camping with electric hookups, water hookups, and a sanitary dump station. Possum Kingdom State Park, situated 20 miles west of South Bend, features lakeside camping but does not list specific horse facilities. The park includes several hiking trails that visitors have noted are suitable for wildlife observation, though reviews mention these are primarily designed for hiking rather than horseback riding. Both parks require advance reservations, especially during peak seasons, and have pet policies that may affect bringing horses.
"This park was definitely out in the middle of nowhere, with a long peaceful drive full of wildlife. We made it to the park entrance, check in was quick."
"This is one of the clearer lakes in Texas."
from $10 - $135 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to the docks and to deer blinds to watch the deer come out (no hunting)."
from $125 - $500 / night
Check Availability"We stayed one night at the equestrian camp on our way through the area. We prefer leaving the equestrian spots for horse owners but it was the last one available in the park."
"A few times a year, the City of Jacksboro opens its arms to an influx of campers and schools from around the state eager to see one of the unique reinactments at the historic location of Fort Richardson"
from $15 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Been to this park a couple of different times it has rock climbing boating,fishing, trails for walking, hiking. separate camping loop for tents and also separate one for horses."
"Lake mineral wells state park was great for biking, hiking, swimming and fishing. We had something fun for all 6 of us. My husband and I stayed in our tent, while rest of family stayed in their RV."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"Late in the day we stopped at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, TX. We weren't sure where to go as the gate was unmanned at our arrival."
"Walk right up to lake. Spots to our right had kayaks to put in right at campsite. Dump site on the way out. Spotted a Texas bobcat."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"The equestrian area has corrals for four horses with huge parking areas. I booked a week after it opened."
from $12 - $30 / night
Check Availability"There was a port a potty near the primitive area. It is right next to the highway so there is noise from that but it did not bother us at all."
"We ended up walking most of the way since the river was very low in most spots or wasn’t flowing much."
"We had our own private access to the lake that was secluded by trees at our site. Picnic table and fire ring. The tent only sites was basically a big field with a parking lot nearby."
"Caution- Google Maps has no idea where the entrance to this campground is. Entry was very easy and the Ranger on duty was extremely helpful."
GuideGet a reservation immediately. The facilities are the best. The RV spots are concrete and have parking space for a trailer and a truck. The equestrian area has corrals for four horses with huge parking areas. I booked a week after it opened.
LegendWe stayed one night at the equestrian camp on our way through the area. We prefer leaving the equestrian spots for horse owners but it was the last one available in the park. Although, of the 5 sites in this loop, none of us had horses!
With only a couple of small pens and not much space, we could see why equestrians might not flock here. Hard to say from one night though.
The sites are long and narrow without much space between them. Road nosie is noticeable during the day but quiet at night.
There are no bathroom facilities in this loop, so be aware of that. There is a small dumpster available. The bathroom/shower facilities and dump station are down the road at the main campground. You do have 20-, 39- and 50-amp electric plus water hookup at your site.
The good part about this loop is that you're camping within site of the historic Fort Richardson and visiting the grounds is a short walk. The buildings are only open from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but you're welcome to wander the grounds and look in the windows. Make sure you grab a self-guided your brochure at check-in.
This was fine for a night or two, but for longer we'd encourage a stay at the main campground instead.
Phone service was good: Verizon 4 bars / T-Mobile 4 bars.
GuideLate in the day we stopped at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, TX. We weren't sure where to go as the gate was unmanned at our arrival. We missed the turn to the campground, but a friendly and helpful Texas State Park Officer directed us how to get there. He helped us with how to make payment as well.
The campground was beautiful. It was quiet, the bathrooms were clean, and the lake was serene. There are at least 3 campgrounds, including shelters, equestrian, a loop for tenters, and a loop for larger rigs. We stayed in the Plateau loop. Even though we only stayed one night, I would go back.
TravelerBeen to this park a couple of different times it has rock climbing boating,fishing, trails for walking, hiking. separate camping loop for tents and also separate one for horses. We have camped there in February, in June and also October
RangerTent sites are walk-in to the other side of the end of the lake, and can be pretty rickety with loose rocks getting there. Was good practice for backpacking, since parking is closeby, but not very convenient. P008 is probably the only site suitable for hammock camping. Everything else is flat and exposed, next to the shore.
We were woken up by loud boats trolling the shore and men shouting around midnight both nights we were there, and could hear conversations from the RV area.
GuideThis park was definitely out in the middle of nowhere, with a long peaceful drive full of wildlife. We made it to the park entrance, check in was quick. We arrived on a week day and they ranger informed us the camp store was closed until weekend and no firewood. Closest store with firewood was 30min away. They lake was beautiful. We were right beside the restroom and shower facilities which was great! We came to stay for one night, we had a roof top tent so the site we had was nice and would make a perfect side for a RV but for us it could’ve been wider for our ladder but we were close to the restroom which we wanted. The restrooms were clean, could use a little update, and water was warm but not hot. Lots of wildlife around! I would stay again but I don’t think it’s the best place to go for a winter camping trip. Thank you Texas state parks!
LegendA few times a year, the City of Jacksboro opens its arms to an influx of campers and schools from around the state eager to see one of the unique reinactments at the historic location of Fort Richardson.
While you can visit during other times of the year, these times make for some of the most popular and thus most busy camping experiences.
7 different types of campsites are available including group sites, equestrian sites, full hook up and primitive sites for RV and tent campers. Sites range from $10-$25 depending on the area and amenities.
For someone like myself who prefers primitive tent camping or less amenities I found $10 tent sites were about a 3/4 mile hike in and $20 limited amenity campsites were my best options. The benefits to the $20 North Loop site was pretty obvious in restrooms and typical state park fire rings and picnic tables. Primitive sites include only fire rings and because of their remote location in warmer months can be more of a questionable location as taller grass can Harbor more snakes, specifically in this area Rattlesnakes and Copperheads.
These fees were in addition to standard park admission which is $3 per day for adults. All of these fees are due upon entrance at the entry station where you will be greeted by a park ranger and given a map.
While there is a lake, hiking and areas for horseback riding my focus upon my visit was one of the reinactments events held near Christmas. “Ghosts of Christmas Past” is an event set to showcase the period of the fort days and tell the story of how soldiers spent the time, what it might have been like on those cold winter nights and create a vision of fort life. It was a great educational visit and a great way to see a bit more of the State Park.
With this being a short drive for me from my home, I find this campsite and full facilities to be very exciting to return for other events. Well maintained and with friendly staff it is well worth the trip.
GuideBeautiful little spot, only stayed a night. Walk right up to lake. Spots to our right had kayaks to put in right at campsite. Dump site on the way out. Spotted a Texas bobcat.
GuideWe had plenty of space to spread out and relax. Rented a pontoon and saw Hell's gates worth the stop. Spent most of the time swimming and fishing from shore. This is one of the clearer lakes in Texas.
The area around South Bend, Texas sits at approximately 1,050 feet above sea level, nestled in the gently rolling terrain of north central Texas where the Brazos River winds through Young County. Camping options range from lakeside settings to historic sites with temperatures averaging 95°F in summer months and mild 60°F days during winter. Seasonal rainfall peaks during May and October, creating periodic high water conditions that campers should monitor.
Kayaking and canoeing at Possum Kingdom State Park: Located 20 miles west of South Bend, this park offers water-based recreation with rentals available at the dock. "This is one of my favorite parks to kayak or canoe at! You can rent them right there at the dock. You can rent jet skis, as well!" notes Michelle M. in her Possum Kingdom State Park review.
Rock climbing opportunities: Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers accessible climbing experiences about 45 miles from South Bend. "Beautiful park, staff were extremely welcoming and friendly. Lots of activities (there was a Scorpion hunt our first night - where they meet and use a black light to seek out the little monsters..." reports Jim P. at Plateau — Lake Mineral Wells State Park.
Historical exploration: Fort Richardson State Park provides a unique opportunity to experience military frontier history. "Beautiful campsite. The fort is very interesting. I was there on a re-enactment weekend and really enjoyed talking to all the re-enacters. A lot of great history. At night the coyotes sang me to sleep," shares David R. about his visit to Fort Richardson State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the area offer excellent opportunities to observe local fauna. At Lake Godstone, "Stars are bright out here. Coyotes sang us to sleep," according to LaRee S., who stayed at the Lake Godstone group campground.
Lake access: Several campgrounds feature direct lake access for fishing and water activities. At Thousand Trails Bay Landing, Kenneth P. found "The site itself was really large with huge old trees for hammocks. We had our own private access to the lake that was secluded by trees at our site."
Proximity to equestrian trails: While dedicated horse corrals are limited near South Bend, nearby parks offer potential riding options. At Lake Mineral Wells State Park, Susan L. notes, "I rode the trailway out to the Garner Store and Cafe on FM113... The trailway between the State Park and the Garner way point is an easy crushed gravel ride, except for the trailhead from the park."
Reservations essential: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, particularly during peak seasons. "We were lucky to snag the very last spot for the weekend," reports Jill B. about her stay at Cross Timbers — Lake Mineral Wells State Park.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while winter can bring freezing conditions. "We were camped nearby at Possum Kingdom State Park and came here to check things out. The sites were large, wooded with privacy," notes Cathy J., highlighting the importance of shade during hot months.
Cell coverage variability: Connectivity can vary widely between campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Bay Landing, one camper reported, "We were able to work and stream video easily with T-Mobile and AT&T," while other parks may have more limited coverage.
Water activities for children: Possum Kingdom State Park provides family-friendly water recreation. Jennifer J. reports, "As a kid we would come out here several times a year. We would boat, float, cliff jump, cookout, and enjoy each other's company. Twenty years later we are still enjoying these traditions."
Primitive camping with river access: For families seeking a more rustic experience, Hillbilly Haven offers sites along the Brazos River. "We did not stay in the RV area and instead primitive camped along the river past the bridges. We got a very secluded spot with access the the river," shares Kellyn L. about her family's experience at Hillbilly Haven Recreational Vehicle Park.
Educational opportunities: Fort Richardson State Park provides historical learning experiences for children. James S. notes, "I took my daughters camping here since it is one of the few parks within an hour of DFW... We took a self guided tour of the grounds and visited the hospital, morgue, bakery, bridge, officer quarters and the nature center."
Site selection considerations: Pay attention to site specifications when making reservations. "Sites: most were level, grass or gravel. Some have a view of the lake. I sprained my knee and ankle at this park because our site was so unlevel and the mud sunk our jacks a little. Our rig weighs 16,000lbs so the Class As should be careful," cautions Laura H. about her stay at Thousand Trails Bay Landing.
Hookup availability: Many parks offer limited full hookup sites that fill quickly. "There are some full hook up sites but many are partial hookups. You pick your own site which is nice but most of the full hook up sites are occupied by long term residents or annual site holders," notes a reviewer at Thousand Trails Bay Landing.
Road conditions: Access roads at some campgrounds may present challenges for larger rigs. One camper at Thousand Trails Bay Landing observed, "The road is long and paved/gravel. The speed limit is 35mph but I didn't get over 15 or 20 mph because of the holes."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near South Bend, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near South Bend, TX is Possum Kingdom State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near South Bend, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near South Bend, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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