8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse camping options near South Bend, Texas are limited, with none of the seven nearby campgrounds featuring dedicated horse corrals or equestrian facilities according to the data. Lake Godstone offers horse-friendly 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 - $100 / 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."
"Geared toward RVs and brand new, so priced a little higher than some other Texas State Parks. I paid $30."
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."
GuideIt was super hot when I camped here (too hot to explore), but the brand new facilities made it enjoyable. I would definitely return. Geared toward RVs and brand new, so priced a little higher than some other Texas State Parks. I paid $30.
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.
ScoutIf you want to really camp , and not in a 50 footer , this is not a place to do it . Maybe the sites behind the lake would be better . We have camped across the country with a 12 footer teardrop 3 times . . This is my least favorite campsite ! Pads are broken up almost to the point of dangerous. Walked around in flip flops and had tar balls attach to my feet.
RangerBeautiful 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 - but my son informed me that was a hard pass. All the same, a cool activity that I would have enjoyed had I been alone (or with less of a fuddy duddy).
Only complaint is the width of the campsite. I don’t know that all were as narrow as ours, but site 20 is a really tight squeeze. Went off the side a couple of times trying to get in. With that narrow width, I was forced to park in overflow parking because with the length of my rig I wasn’t able to fit both truck and trailer on concrete and remain out of the road.
Nice trails for hiking and the Canadian Geese were a true gem for me - something nice about waking up to hear them in the morning (sounds odd, but I found it relaxing. Besides, the are absolutely gorgeous.
Trails are well maintained and very nice, we mostly did the Lakeview Trail, but it was a great hike, not too strenuous but with great views of the lake.
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.
GuideBeautiful 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.
RangerPerfect site right on the water. Nice shade. Nice swimming area.
GuideA very private site. The trees make it where you can’t see your neighbors. The updated showers are very nice.
GuideVery nice and quiet state park. Clean restrooms.
The park rangers here are phenomenal and so helpful. It’s one of our favorite state parks to visit.
Site 30 is large and perfect for a kiddo to run around.
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.
Keep Exploring
