Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy Temple. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. These scenic and easy-to-reach Temple campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
Live Oak Ridge Campground is located at Belton Lake, which provides some of the best fishing, camping and boating in Central Texas. This year-round campground accommodates both tents and RVs and has many amenities, such as a playground, showers, and a group meeting area.Belton Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction of Belton Dam in 1954. The 12,300-acre lake is located on the Leon River, just upstream of the confluence of the Leon River and the Little River.
With 136 miles of shoreline, Belton Lake offers a wide variety of recreation activities, including camping, water recreation, picnicking and nature trails. The facility has a multi-lane boat ramp, and hiking trails are available adjacent to the park at Miller Springs Nature Area. Hawks, great blue herons, ducks, geese, many species of songbirds, bobwhite quail, Rio Grande turkey and even an occasional bald eagle visit the lake area, offering year-round opportunities for birders.
Live Oak Ridge lives up to its name, with many large oak trees, a pleasant atmosphere and plenty of shade. The campsites are flat and grassy, and several overlook the lake (others are only a short walk away). Springtime brings an abundance of wildflowers that blanket areas of the park. There is a man-made wetland on the lake between White Flint and Winkler Parks, providing an additional 25 acres of wildlife habitat to the lake area.
For facility specific information, please call (254) 742-3050.
Belton Lake is located adjacent to the Fort Hood Army Base, which has several points of interest for the military buff. The mural painted on the spillway wall of Belton Dam depicts the history of the Bell County area.
$30 / night
Speegleville Park is perched on the south end of a scenic cove of Waco Lake. The park provides outdoor recreation options like boating, jet skiing, fishing, swimming and bird watching.
The main lake shoreline has a large amount of submerged timber, which typically holds fish year-round. Anglers will find plenty of catfish, crappie, large and smallmouth bass as well as sunfish. At least 51 species of fish inhabit the lake's waters, and a record flathead catfish weighed in at a whopping 59.5 pounds. A four-lane boat ramp helps visitors enjoy the lake.
Waco Lake, located in central Texas within Waco city limits, boasts 79,000 acre-feet of water, providing irrigation and drinking water to residents of the Waco area. The lake is primarily fed by the Bosque River, which runs for 115 miles through central Texas.
For local information, please call (254) 756-5359 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.
Horseback riding, hiking and biking can be done on the 20-mile Lacy Point Hiking and Biking Trail. The trail is accessible from the Lacy Point boat ramp, which is a short drive around the cove.
$32 / night
Willis Creek is the ideal place for campers looking for a variety of accommodations. A group campground and five equestrian sites are available, in addition to a row of standard camping sites. Granger Lake is a popular recreational destination, especially for boating and fishing. In fact, it's one of the best lakes in the region for crappie and white bass fishing.
Boating and fishing are the most popular activities for campers. Horseback riders have six trails to explore in the Willis Creek Equestrian Area, ranging from 1 to 5.5 miles in length.
Boating and fishing are the most popular activities for campers. Horseback riders have six trails to explore in the Willis Creek Equestrian Area, ranging from 1 to 5.5 miles in length.
Granger Lake, formed by a dam completed in 1980, is fed by the San Gabriel River and Willis Creek. The campground sits on the Willis Creek arm of the lake. The maximum surface area of the lake is 11,000 acres and the shoreline is surrounded by the gently rolling hills of the Texas Blackland Prairie.
The Pecan Grove Wildlife Area, San Gabriel Wildlife Area, Sore Finger Wildlife Area, and Willis Creek Wildlife Area border the lake. Bring binoculars for birding opportunities.
$10 / night
This campground is for participants of the events that happen here. Not open to the public.
Reynolds Creek sits on the scenic shores of Waco Lake and provides a variety of outdoor activities, including equestrian camping.
The Tejas Nature Trail, an easy 1.2-mile hike, starts at the park and winds its way through a thick blanket of ash and juniper trees. For visitors looking for a more challenging trek, horseback riding and biking can be done on the 20-mile Lacy Point Hiking and Biking Trail.The main lake shoreline has a large amount of submerged timber, which typically holds fish year-round. Anglers will find plenty of catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass as well as sunfish.A boat ramp and dock help visitors enjoy the lake.
Waco Lake, which lies in the city limits of Waco, Texas, is fed primarily by the Bosque River, which runs for 115 miles through central Texas. The sparkling lake was formed in 1963 with the completion of the Lake Waco Dam. Now, the lake's current water levels are at 79,000 acre feet.
For local information, please call (254) 756-5359 or call (877) 444-6777 for general information.
Waco Lake Wetlands educational tours take visitors through a six-acre nursery of aquatic plants and more than 130 species of birds.
$75 / night
We are a Veteran-owned, nonprofit 501(c)(3) horse rescue based out of the Waco area in central Texas. We serve Veterans and their families and local community and people from all over the states through rehabilitation. We house a training program and offer horseback rides and lessons.
We currently have one RV space with hookups for $35 a night and host guests weekly. We also offer an Equestrian site and have room for 6 horses, 3 stalled, and 3 pastured. We offer layover facilities.
We have a petting zoo, free-range horses on-site, and a pet piggy that greets u upon arrival.
We would love to host you!
We also offer a single Suite 2-person stay onsite, booked through Airbnb.
Come visit and enjoy the sunsets here in TX.
$35 - $200 / night
Off the Grid is a beautiful 15-acre ranch located in the heart of Central Texas. We're conveniently located approximately 15 minutes away from Copperas Cove, only about 25 minutes from Killeen and Harker Heights, and just about 45 minutes away from Temple.
We're a small ranch with six available campsites. Amenities include a swimming pool, fire pit and patio, a pond, horses and chickens, and the great outdoors.
$30 / night
Scout
Small, but very clean / new restrooms. Lots and lots and lots of fields, walking trails. Perfect for dogs who like to run. In January no one is here, all by myself. Great rates, they also offer primitive sites where you hike in just a little.
Ranger
Overall another great COE as far as big open level spots. Most spots have covered picnic tables. Fire rings, and grills at each spot also. Lots of critters..especially armadillos! Bathrooms are less then to be desired, very few showers work, and those that do were a bit in a need to be repaired. Overall nice quiet area, nice clean dump station (one of the best we have seen). Would stay here again.
Guide
I’ve spent a lot of time in Belton, but never at this campsite. I was delayed by a day due to tornadoes in the area, so I was already frustrated when I arrived to find that no one mans the entry gate…ever. I also did not receive my confirmation email upon booking, which contains your code to enter the gate, but luckily enough they have a number posted you can call and camp hosts within sight of the gate who can help you get in. I was on loop 4, which has the best shade, but some of the sites can be a little crammed in (and it can become loud on the weekends which is to mostly be expected). No sewer hookups, but they do have a dump station on site. Another perk is the private boat ramp for campers along with covered picnic tables at the less shaded sites and a playground for kids. My favorite part was honestly the showers though—they were so fantastic! The bathroom is heated in the cooler months and the water pressure and hot water can’t be beat; it’s the best camp shower I’ve experienced! I also had good enough service with AT&T to work with my phone’s hotspot, but Verizon was pretty poor and even streaming videos was choppy, though you can call and text as usual.
ScoutGreat campsite and volunteer hosts.
GuideLive Oak Ridge COE Campground is excellently maintain and is a very low-key, restful place to land. Large sites with ample vehicle parking that offer substantial distance from the neighboring sites give room to bring multiple vehicles or a boat along with the RV. The sites are well maintained by the hosts who are not obtrusive and just keep a low profile to ensure things are clean and go well. The restroom area is also clean and has showers and toilets. A better-than-typical playground is set in a great interior place for all to enjoy. Water access is through the boat ramp, so don't expect to launch from your RV site since they are elevated far above the water. We stayed in Site 7 (and later extended it to Site 6). Both were easy to back into and fairly level with nice concrete pads, grills, and wonderful covered picnic tables. Both had tree coverage on one side. There are nature trails across the main road and access to Belton and their small but awesome riverwalk area, historic Salado, Still Hollow Lake, the Belton dam (we could see the mural from both sites), Chalk Ridge Waterfalls and Temple, TX within a few minutes. This is a great landing spot for many nearby activities EXCELLENT National Park pricing for 50 amp and water hookups with dump site available.
Traveler
We arrived late Friday evening after hours. The gates are still open but overwhelming with skeeters everywhere. All sites were overgrown with tall grass/weeds. Walmart/ HEB grocery just under 9 miles away. Bathrooms had toilet paper and free hot showers. 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. Fire ring and grill at all sites The stars are awesome for stargazing We stayed at site 16, but site 17 offers shade and ADA accessible. All back in sites have plenty of grass and are in level pavement
Guide
We stayed on a spot right by the lake. The water was beautiful and it was very quiet. We loved everything about this spot. I would highly recommend this park. We came to Waco go to to see the Silos. It is about 25 minutes away.
TravelerThe campgrounds are very clean and quiet. Everyone has been so friendly. Bathrooms are spacious and well kept. We were in spot 11. There is a nice amount of trees and greenery, but zero view of the water. Unless you go 6 or more sites down to the boat ramp and circle back down the ramp, there is no real “”access.” There is a well worn path directly behind our site with some thorny vines we cut down and a bit of poison oaky looking foliage. We managed to get kayaks down that way over a few boulders to the water and back up again. There is a play ground in the center of the park in a field of beautiful yellow flowers. If you don’t mind not having a view of the water, this is a nice spot.
TravelerThese grounds are just for those participating in events at the center. Lots of equestrian and ag show events. In the last 10 years or so they have put a lot into improving the grounds and made them really nice. Though, to be fair, I have never had to stay over night on the grounds. Only visited.
LegendRight on Waco lake, the picnic tables were set on concrete pads with solid shelter covers. Many trails to ride and walk on. There is a marina with food facilities nearby, however was closed for the season.
LegendExcellent campground. Very clean. Hard stand shelters over picnic tables. Beautiful views of Waco lake. We were there after season so the neighboring resort was closed. Lots of trails to walk.
GuideWe stayed at site #32 which as a great view of Lake Waco. We didn't end up using the shelter other than to charge our cooler and cell phone. The inside of the shelter was quite dirty and have a lots of dead bugs. The site was huge and was right besides the water - good for fishing.
GuideBeautiful campground. Very spacious. We stayed in site 4. The whole campground was booked but it was very quite. Loved the fishing and the best thing is there were no mosquitos!! We used our discount card so it was only $13 a night. Will definitely come back.
ScoutVery peaceful, clean, spots are pretty spread out with covered picnic tables, fire pit and grill. Site 4 looked the best but 13 was beautiful. Can’t get to the water from sites, but the views were amazing and the walk short!
Traveler$24 a night, Site 31, very clean camp. Sites that we really like with lots of shade 40, 41. Booked 41 for early October.
Guide
Didn’t enjoy our stay. High banks made it impossible to get to the water. No swimming area or fishing area that we found. The rest of the camp ground had been flooded earlier in the year and was still closed. We tried to walk to the playground and was turned around by the park attendant. We just stayed in our camper the whole weekend. Not too fun...
ScoutI recommend it.
TravelerLive Oak is a nice Corps of Engineers park on Belton Lake. The campsites are well maintained with asphalt parking, a covered picnic table, and nice gravel area. We stayed in Site 3 which was waterfront, but no water access, however was shaded and spacious. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and will stay again. I only gave it 4 stars because there is no swimming area. There is a boat launch.
LegendThis park is located out in boonies and can be pretty difficult to find. Most people think they are lost trying to get to it, but if you follow North Speegleville road through all the cornfields you will eventually stumble upon it. Believe me, you're not going the wrong way.
Being lakefront property you would expect to see more water, however there is a lot of brush grown up around the lake and sites so it is hard to see. There are also limited places to get down to the water in the park.
There is a nice boat ramp and dock for fishing. It is also pet friendly and equestrian friendly. There is a nice little 1 mile hike were you can bird watch and view the lake Waco, it is very shaded and flat. Then there is a 20 mile hike/ equestrian trail that goes around Lacey point.
Bathrooms and showers need some work, but they do the job. There is no store at the campground, but there is a dollar general located in Speegleville about 4 minutes away. There are picnic tables at ever site along with a fire pit, and also a playground for kids.
The whole park is very secluded and away from street noise which is so lovely. Perfect place for viewing the stars over the water and listening to nature speak around you!
LegendLake Waco may not be the cleanest or prettiest lake, but when it comes to fishing, you can bring in a good amount of catfish and have a fish-fry to make up for it! I love the peacefulness of Speegleville park. It isn't a very big park, so the site space is limited but that just makes for a quieter stay. This park is catered to RV's and fisherman. Every site is an RV site with a few screened cabins at the end of the lot.
There are a total of 4 boat ramps so this is the perfect place to bring your flat bottom and go fishing! The bathrooms are very clean and the park rangers are very helpful if you have any questions about what is near or things to do. There is also a great floating restaurant next door at the Lake Waco Marina.
This is not the place to go swimming, but it is great for fishing, hiking some short trails, or bird watching. Just be aware there isn't a lot of shade around the sites and in the summer it get really toasty! There is not a store here but there is a gas station/ dollar general 8 miles down the road or you could take a quick drive into Waco for HEB or Walmart.
I know there is a lot of talk about the Magnolia stuff in Waco, so if your coming for that don't forget to check out the Fixer Upper boat next door in the Marina. If you are looking for swimming for the kids check out Twin Bridges park about 5 miles away.
This little gem is back off some country roads so it may be difficult to find, but GPS is helpful. Speegleville park is just a great place to get away. You are far enough from any major roads and sometimes it is nice to just listen to the crickets and birds with no distractions.
Don't forget your fishing poles and minnows!
LegendLake Waco may not be the cleanest or prettiest lake, but when it comes to fishing, you can bring in a good amount of catfish and have a fish-fry to make up for it! I love the peacefulness of Speegleville park. It isn't a very big park, so the site space is limited but that just makes for a quieter stay. This park is catered to RV's and fisherman. Every site is an RV site with a few screened cabins at the end of the lot.
There are a total of 4 boat ramps so this is the perfect place to bring your flat bottom and go fishing! The bathrooms are very clean and the park rangers are very helpful if you have any questions about what is near or things to do. There is also a great floating restaurant next door at the Lake Waco Marina.
This is not the place to go swimming, but it is great for fishing, hiking some short trails, or bird watching. Just be aware there isn't a lot of shade around the sites and in the summer it get really toasty! There is not a store here but there is a gas station/ dollar general 8 miles down the road or you could take a quick drive into Waco for HEB or Walmart.
I know there is a lot of talk about the Magnolia stuff in Waco, so if your coming for that don't forget to check out the Fixer Upper boat next door in the Marina. If you are looking for swimming for the kids check out Twin Bridges park about 5 miles away.
This little gem is back off some country roads so it may be difficult to find, but GPS is helpful. Speegleville park is just a great place to get away. You are far enough from any major roads and sometimes it is nice to just listen to the crickets and birds with no distractions.
Don't forget your fishing poles and minnows!
GuideLive Oak is next to Lake Belton. It’s a small Corps of Engineers Park. It is great for a break from the work life.
TravelerWe had a 3 night stay here and it was our first experience with a COE campground. It is located on Belton Lake. It is a gated entrance and the gates locked at 11:00pm. Our site was situated at the end of the loop and it was very spacious. It had water/electric with a dump station. It had a picnic table and fire pit. It also has a laundry room near the entrance. There is a playground, restrooms, and showers. There is also a boat dock. It is a very well kept campground. I did not use the bath house, so I cannot give a review on how it looked. The laundry room was spacious and the machines were in working order. It was a perfect campground. My review would have been 5 stars but there is no swimming area.
TravelerFound this place thanks to All Stays didn't even realize that Army Corps ran campgrounds. Campground was nice and clean, signage was good, and plenty of trees for shade. Campground hosts came by to say hello and were warm and welcoming. Sites were equip with a table, grill, and fire pit.
Wish the underbrush was cut back so that you could see the late - we were right next to it but could hardly see it. Campsites are on top of each other in groups of ~3. Great if you are group camping, though. When we checked website for reservations, it indicated sites where open, but when we got to the gate they told us they were full. After mentioning the we had said they had 6+ sites available that night, she looked and found one.
Overall, nice spot for the night and we would definitely consider again.
Enjoy the Ride,
Baker & Biker Monkey
ScoutPretty much all sites have trees above , very romantic setting and enough space between site that you dont feel on top of others. Bathrooms clean and staff very friendly. First time there and will be returning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Temple, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Temple, TX is Live Oak Ridge with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Temple, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Temple, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
