Equestrian camping facilities near Universal City, Texas offer designated spaces for horse trailers, access to riding trails, and riverfront terrain for horses. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 600-800 feet, featuring a mix of flat terrain and rolling hills with oak and mesquite trees dominating the landscape. Several privately-owned ranches and campgrounds accommodate horses with specialized amenities across Bexar County and neighboring areas.
What to do
River trail riding: Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort provides access to walking trails along the Medina River that are "wide enough for golf carts" according to camper Denise V., making them suitable for horses. Riders can follow paths that connect to city parks and natural areas.
Fishing between rides: Many horse campgrounds in the area offer fishing opportunities. One visitor to Riverbend RV Park noted, "San Marcos river in the back with a little place to fish, kids catch and release pond," providing activities for riders when not on horseback.
Nature observation: The surrounding areas feature abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. At San Marcos River Retreat, horses can be kept in designated areas while campers explore the natural surroundings that one visitor described as "a beautiful gem and everyone that knows about it fights to keep it this way."
What campers like
Peaceful environment: San Marcos River Retreat receives praise for its tranquil setting. One camper shared, "This 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," highlighting the potential for solitude.
Helpful staff: Equestrian campers appreciate attentive service at campgrounds. At Canyon Lake Canyon Park, despite some closures at times, visitors have noted the service quality, with one military campsite visitor stating, "We had a great time out here on the military reserve side. Took my parents and the kids."
Proximity to amenities: Horse owners value access to town services while camping with their animals. Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort earned positive reviews for being "walking distance to Main Street- bars, shops, food, entertainment, Visitor's center," allowing riders to enjoy local attractions after trail rides.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Canyon Lake facilities have experienced closures at various times. One visitor warned, "The park is closed for the remainder of 2020. We went last year and had a blast. There are very limited sites. But great water access."
Variable cleanliness: Horse-related waste management varies by location. Some campgrounds maintain better standards than others. When selecting a campground, check recent reviews about ground conditions.
Management changes affect quality: Campgrounds may change ownership, affecting the experience. At Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground, conflicting reviews reflect this, with one visitor noting, "The owner and the two 'hippy' guys were really nice and funny. It's a great price for the area and it looks very well kept."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dual activities: Choose campgrounds that offer both riding and water activities. One Alamo River visitor shared, "We loved walking the trails and seeing deer and other wildlife. We absolutely loved it!" providing options for family members who may not ride.
Check bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly across horse campgrounds. A Canyon Park visitor mentioned, "The only thing that I don't like are the bathrooms which are pretty close to an outhouse which some people don't have a problem but I guess I'm picky."
Weather considerations: Plan according to seasonal patterns. A visitor to Alamo River advised, "I have camped here both in the Texas winter (Nov) and recently Texas summers (July). It is a beautiful tucked away area. Nice trails, great tree cover and full of nature and flowing water."
Tips from RVers
Space considerations: Many horse campgrounds have tight spacing between sites. At Riverbend RV Park, a camper observed, "Sites are extremely close. I did not like that," which can be challenging when maneuvering larger horse trailers with living quarters.
Utility placement: Check the positioning of hookups when booking sites for horse trailers. One RVer at Bandera Pioneer noted specific details: "Water- knee height, wrapped with insulation due to cold weather" and "Sewer- threads a little stripped out," indicating the importance of checking utility conditions.
Reservation timing: For equestrian camping during peak seasons, book well in advance. Popular horse campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with river access where horses can cool down after riding.
