Best Equestrian Camping near Jacksonville, TX

Two horse-friendly campgrounds near Jacksonville, Texas offer accommodations for equestrians in the Davy Crockett National Forest. Piney Creek Horse Camp provides primitive camping with toilet facilities but no electric hookups, drinking water, or horse corrals. The camp allows pets and features tent and small RV sites with access to firewood and fire pits for overnight camping. The campgrounds maintain trash receptacles while accommodating riders and their animals along forested trails. White Rock Horse Camp offers similar primitive amenities with toilet facilities, tent and RV camping options, and drive-in access for horse trailers, though it does not permit pets or fires.

Trail riding opportunities connect both campgrounds to the extensive trail system within the Davy Crockett National Forest. Riders can access miles of hiking trails that accommodate horses, with some routes extending through dispersed camping areas to scenic lookout points. The trail system allows for full-day riding excursions through the East Texas Pineywoods landscape. Campsites at both locations provide sufficient space for horse trailers, though neither offers dedicated corrals or stalls. Visitors should plan to bring their own containment systems for horses. The surrounding forest maintains well-marked trails suitable for both beginner and experienced riders, with routes traversing diverse terrain through tall pines and hardwood forests. Camping areas remain open year-round, providing access to forest trails in all seasons.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Jacksonville, Texas (7)

    1. The Boulders at Lake Tyler

    6 Reviews
    Tyler, TX
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 268-5880

    $55 - $195 / night

    "Great view of Lake Tyler. Also very clean. There is a store, great boat dock, and a vendor selling very good bbq. We will definitely come back if in the area."

    2. Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Kennard, TX
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 655-2299

    $15 - $35 / night

    "Very well-maintained National Forest site just off Texas Highway 7 in the middle of the Davey Crockett National Forest. "

    "East Texas weather is so unpredictable. When we arrived at camp it was nice and sunny, so my friend and I decided to walk our dogs. On our walk we got caught in the middle of a down pour!"

    3. Davy Crockett National Forest Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Kennard, TX
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 655-2299

    "Entertains many hike trails. One even for handicap person to follow thru. Good for horses or bikes. You can go for miles even to a dispersed camping lookout point."

    "Such a peaceful and beautiful area in the Piney Woods of East Texas. I wish we'd had more than 2 days here to explore."

    4. 566 Piney Creek Horse Camp

    4 Reviews
    Kennard, TX
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 655-2299

    "Great, well marked Trail system. Be careful during hunting season!"

    5. Alazan Bayou

    1 Review
    Nacogdoches, TX
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 569-8547

    $12 - $42 / night

    "There is a loafing barn for horses. No bathrooms or water. Would be a 5 with just water. You need a Texas parks Limited use permit. It costs as little as $12 a year."

    6. White Rock Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Kennard, TX
    49 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Great hiking / horse riding trails around.  Would not recommend this area during hunting season.  Accessible via car, good roads, smaller trailers.  If RVing, will need levelers."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Jacksonville, TX

35 Reviews of 7 Jacksonville Campgrounds


  • David T.
    Feb. 9, 2020

    Alazan Bayou

    Good camping area

    At least 14 sites with picnic tables on concrete slabs. Fire rings and Lantern poles. Very well kept and mowed. There is a loafing barn for horses. No bathrooms or water. Would be a 5 with just water. You need a Texas parks Limited use permit. It costs as little as $12 a year. If you want to fish or hunt the price goes up a little. Can be used to stay at any National Forest or Wild Management area.

  • M
    Jul. 29, 2018

    566 Piney Creek Horse Camp

    Small primitive campground adjacent to horseback riding trails.

    This is a small primitive camping area in the Davy Crockett National Forest. There’s a small covered pavilion and shady sites. Sites are first come and fees are paid at the campground. The camp is a great place to camp and ride the adjacent horse trails. The trails are nice but not well marked.

  • M
    Jul. 29, 2018

    566 Piney Creek Horse Camp

    Small primitive campground adjacent to horseback riding trails.

    I believe this is the same campground reviewed under 566 Piney Creek. This is a small primitive camping area in the Davy Crockett National Forest. There’s a small covered pavilion and shady sites. Sites are first come and fees are paid at the campground. The camp is a great place to camp and ride the adjacent horse trails. The trails are nice but not well marked.

  • Tony E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2021

    Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    Wonderful, well-spaced campground under the East Texas tall pines

    What the campsites lacks in remoteness it makes up for with everything else. 

    Very well-maintained National Forest site just off Texas Highway 7 in the middle of the Davey Crockett National Forest. 

    Highlights for the site include:

    • very well-spaced apart offering more privacy than usually afforded

    • restrooms and showers were clean.

    • Access to hacking trails in the national forest

    • Easy access to food/fuel/firewood

    • A large variety of species for birdwatching

    • Small lake with deck for launching kayaks or SUPs

    There was not water at every site, so bring a longer hose and be ready to fill your tanks or containers.

    Road noise from highway was audible, but not too distracting.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2023

    White Rock Horse Camp

    Nice dispersed camping

    Nice area for dispersed camping.  Several level areas.  Great hiking / horse riding trails around.  Would not recommend this area during hunting season.  Accessible via car, good roads, smaller trailers.  If RVing, will need levelers.

  • Sydney L.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    Classic East Texas

    East Texas weather is so unpredictable. When we arrived at camp it was nice and sunny, so my friend and I decided to walk our dogs. On our walk we got caught in the middle of a down pour! We laughed our way back to camp and waited out the rest of the storm in our cars. It cleared up quickly and we were back out in the wild. We took an inflatable kayak out on the lake. Decent little lake. People were in the swimming area. Would camp here again.

  • K
    Jan. 15, 2020

    Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    East Texas Pineywoods!

    Great campground in the Pineywoods of east Texas. Stayed 14 days in site 20 on Dogwood loop. Nice size sites with plenty of room between. Restrooms and showers clean, though showers do need some repair. Plenty of walking/hiking trails and wood for fires. Swim area looks nice, though we visited in November so we didn't swim. Can see the foundation for the old mill in back of the park.

  • Heather S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    Convenient. Clean enough. But underwhelmed.

    We came to tent camp and wanted to be on a lake shoreline. We stayed at #11 on Lakeside Loop.

    The positive:

    • The tent pad was nice and level and the site was very roomy (we had a tent & canopy) with tons more room to stretch out.

    • We were about 200 yards from the bathroom facilities and about 30 feet from potable water for washing up.

    • The traffic was minimal because it’s off the main road, and would have been peaceful if the group of campers at #9 had been courteous and acknowledged quiet hours.

    • We had incredible weather with a wonderful steady breeze.

    Negatives:

    • We did have a lake view, but the shoreline is so incredibly overgrown making it difficult to fish. Lots of rotted wood and brush blocks a great deal of the view and access.

    • The burn circle had a grate welded at an angle to the top, so it couldn’t really be used for building up a big fire or cooking.

    • No one drove around/checked to make sure visitors are keeping to the quiet hours, which meant we were kept awake until about 12:30 am from yelling and loud music.

    • The restrooms, while near, had not been cleaned before we arrived—toilet paper on the floors and in the shower area with lots of dead june bugs and spiders on the floor the whole weekend.


Guide to Jacksonville

Horse camping in Texas offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for riders and their horses.

Tips for equestrian camping near Jacksonville, Texas

  • The 566 Piney Creek Horse Camp is nestled in the Davy Crockett National Forest, providing access to well-marked horse trails and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • At White Rock Horse Camp, you’ll find several level areas perfect for setting up camp, along with great hiking and riding trails nearby.
  • For a more remote experience, consider the Alazan Bayou, which features picnic tables and fire rings, ideal for a cozy evening after a day of riding.

Equestrian campgrounds include unique amenities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused activities

  • The 566 Piney Creek Horse Camp is known for its extensive trail system, perfect for horseback riding enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of Texas.
  • At White Rock Horse Camp, you can enjoy direct access to horseback riding trails, making it an ideal spot for equestrian adventures.
  • The Boulders at Lake Tyler provides a variety of rentals, including kayaks and golf carts, for those looking to mix equestrian activities with other outdoor fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Jacksonville, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Jacksonville, TX is The Boulders at Lake Tyler with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Jacksonville, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Jacksonville, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.