Best Equestrian Camping near Victoria, TX

Brackenridge Recreation Complex provides minimal equestrian access for Victoria-area riders through a 12-mile equestrian trail where bikes are also permitted. The trail system connects to water access points and wooded sections around Lake Texana. Campsites feature water and electric hookups with both pull-through and shaded options under live oak trees. While not specialized for horses, the recreation area accommodates trail riders with adequate parking for trailers in designated areas. The campground maintains gated access with security codes that change regularly for camper safety.

Located approximately 30 miles from Victoria in Edna, the recreation complex offers diverse camping options including tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and cabin accommodations. The facility provides clean restroom facilities with showers and maintains paved, level sites suitable for various camping setups. Horse owners should note that no dedicated horse corrals exist on property, requiring riders to bring portable containment systems. The park enforces rules against motorized scooters and hoverboards, ensuring safer conditions for horses and riders on trails. Equestrians appreciate access to the well-maintained trails that wind through the park and around the lake, with frequent wildlife sightings including deer that regularly appear in the evenings.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Victoria, Texas (3)

    1. Brackenridge Park & Campground

    10 Reviews
    Edna, TX
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 782-5718

    "Gated access to camp areas. 4 clean bathroom/bathhouse. Putt putt golf. Great fishing lake access. No swimming spot - rumor of gators in water"

    "Easy reservation and access to it after hours. Good security. Gate code required and security passes through frequently. Beautiful morning views of the lake and many deer in the field every night."

    2. Brackenridge Recreation Complex

    4 Reviews
    Edna, TX
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 782-5456

    "There is a 12 mile equestrian trail which bikes are allowed to ride on. Other flat trails are around the park and water."

    "Nice views of the lake. We stayed in the pull through sites (124 and 125) but the other lots are shaded by beautiful live oaks. No motorized scooters/hoverboards allowed."

    3. Goose Island State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Fulton, TX
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (361) 729-2858

    $10 - $75 / night

    "The wooded area camping loops wind through lovely groves of Texas Live Oak, and Loblolly Pine, which make great habitat for winter warblers."

    "I visit a lot of the state parks in Texas. Goose Island is a good one. It's a great area for fishing because it's really close to rockport."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Victoria, TX

44 Reviews of 3 Victoria Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 4, 2023

    Brackenridge Recreation Complex

    A Full Recreation Area with camping

    A minimum of water and electric at every site (which we don’t need) The feel is more community park with camping. There is a 12 mile equestrian trail which bikes are allowed to ride on. Other flat trails are around the park and water. It is completely full this Saturday and there are lots of families, music and fires burning. I do not consider this to be a serene wilderness/wildlife area but a Camping area full of activities. Looks like a great place for a family reunion or wedding. Complete with frisbee golf, boating, swimming, dog park, playground and more. The grounds are very well kept.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2021

    Goose Island State Park Campground

    Quieter & Private in the Wooded Area

    The wooded area camping loops wind through lovely groves of Texas Live Oak, and Loblolly Pine, which make great habitat for winter warblers. The sites are spacious and set reasonably apart from each other to offer some privacy. Most campsites offer water and electricity. These sites are MUCH quieter than the Bayfront sites, which are plagued by loud boat engine traffic.  This area is much for secluded, thus not alot of walk/drive by traffic going through.

    The bathroom building with internal hot-water shower stalls was relatively clean and updated. The area is great for all kinds of low-key activities like fishing, biking, walking, paddling etc. I wouldn’t go here if I had my heart set on swimming, though. The water is relatively shallow and in the middle of a massive oyster colony, pretty sharp edges on those bi-valves, so be careful. 

    One of the best activities, especially during the winter months, is birding. The area is the winter home to the endangered Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes, Spoonbills and many, many more. Grab your binoculars and your birding guide!

  • Red S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 8, 2025

    Goose Island State Park Campground

    Great place

    I visit a lot of the state parks in Texas. Goose Island is a good one. It's a great area for fishing because it's really close to rockport. While most of the state parks do not have WI-FI, they say they do. It's very poor. I have T-Mobile, and the cell service at Goose Island was great. 5G was great. Also, the digital TV signal was excellent. The park staff was very friendly and helpful. Goose Island is close to Walmart. HEB and many other stores in restaurants. The park all around is great. I will definitely return.

  • Jeff
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Goose Island State Park Campground

    Hidden gem near the coast - Sept. 2020

    Goose Island SP is a great little hidden gem of a park on the Texas Gulf Coast.  The camping area is small, but they've arranged the spots very well, with good vegetation between each spot that hides your spot from your neighbor.  They offer both 30 amp and 50 amp service, water, fire ring, table on cement pad and nice flat spots.  Good day use spots and excellent boat ramp with a fish cleaning table.  Yes there are bugs, but this is in the middle of reclaimed wetlands, so be prepared!  This is their world and we must adapt.  The bay-side camping area is the island part of the park and is still being renovated (as of Aug 2020), but according to park staff, they should be open by Nov 2020.  There is also a brand new, huge pier with boat access and fishing that will be open soon.  Near-by there is "The Big Tree", purported the oldest tree in Texas (1000-2000 years old!) and Rockport beach and all the other Texas coast attractions.   Highly recommend and we will be returning soon.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 4, 2024

    Goose Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful park at the right time of year

    Very clean and scenic campground. Plenty of space between sites if you park away from the seafront. I personally wouldn’t want to be right by the ocean as it’s just a 5 min walk from the more peaceful sheltered sites. We had campsite 115 and were very happy with it. Close to bathrooms and easy access in and out. Lots to see in the area, and if you want the beach we’d recommend Port Aransas which is only about 30 mins away. That beach is dog friendly and nicer than the closer Rockport. The short ferry ride across is also fun and free. Dolphins alongside the ferry. The only negatives would be mosquitos and humidity. Both were manageable given when we went, but only just. I’d aim for early spring or late fall to try to minimize these.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2021

    Goose Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful Views but Loud Boat Engines (Bayfront Area)

    This island state park is dedicated to getting out on the water and putting out a fishing line. I think there were more sport fishing folks than birds– and that’s saying something. The Bayfront area camping loops are set right up to the shore and offer amazing views of the bay, sunrise and sunset. The sites are packed rather close together, but there is certainly enough room for trailers and tents of all size.  All campsites offer water and electricity. The bathroom building is relatively clean and updated, has flush toilets, and external access individual shower stalls. Pro-tip: third shower from the left has good enough pressure to remove a tattoo!

    The area is great for all kinds of low-key activities like fishing, biking, walking, paddling etc. I wouldn’t go here if I had my heart set on swimming, though. The water is relatively shallow and in the middle of a massive oyster colony, pretty sharp edges on those bi-valves– so be careful. 

    One of the best activities, especially during the winter months, is birding. The area is the winter home to the endangered Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes, Spoonbills and many, many more. Grab your binoculars and your birding guide! 

    The only real downside is that the boat launch is extremely popular with airboat enthusiasts and their engines are crazy loud. If being awoken at 4am by some hunter/fisherman launching his boat isn’t your thing, then I’d suggest choosing the wooded area of this state park, away from the water and noise.

  • Austin and Christel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2022

    Brackenridge Park & Campground

    Easygoing

    24/7 security. Gated access to camp areas. 4 clean bathroom/bathhouse. Putt putt golf. Great fishing lake access. No swimming spot - rumor of gators in water

  • Nancy V.
    Jan. 16, 2023

    Brackenridge Park & Campground

    Quiet, comfortable campground

    Great staff in the office to work with. Easy reservation and access to it after hours. Good security. Gate code required and security passes through frequently. Beautiful morning views of the lake and many deer in the field every night.

  • H
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Goose Island State Park Campground

    Not an island but still pretty

    Right next to wildlife refuge, convenient to lots of beaches. Visited in winter for birding. Range of camping facility options, we used the most basic and they were adequate. Amazing sunrises. Make sure to see “The Big Tree”which is a short drive/bike ride away.


Guide to Victoria

Brackenridge Recreation Complex offers equestrian access at Lake Texana, approximately 30 miles southwest of Victoria. The 12-mile equestrian trail accommodates both horses and bicycles, with trail connections to various water access points. Security measures include gated campground areas with regularly changing access codes and routine security patrols. Multiple camping options from $10 for primitive sites to $25 for sites with hookups make this location accessible for different budgets and camping styles.

What to do

Trail riding exploration: Brackenridge Recreation Complex features a 12-mile equestrian trail system that connects with waterfront areas around Lake Texana. Andrea S. noted, "There is a 12 mile equestrian trail which bikes are allowed to ride on. Other flat trails are around the park and water." The trails accommodate both horseback riding and mountain biking.

Fishing and water activities: Lake Texana provides excellent fishing opportunities with convenient lake access for boats and shore fishing. According to Dana B. at Brackenridge Park & Campground, the area offers a "Beautiful lake" with "some shaded spots and some wide open areas." Fish cleaning stations are available for those who catch their limit.

Wildlife observation: The area attracts diverse wildlife, particularly in the evening hours. Nancy V. shared her experience: "Beautiful morning views of the lake and many deer in the field every night." Birdwatchers should bring binoculars for spotting native and migratory species around the lake and wooded areas.

Recreation facilities: The complex offers numerous recreational options beyond equestrian trails. Juliee B. explains the variety: "Lots of activities: frisbee golf (not golf), sand volleyball, miniature golf, softball, paintball, playground, hiking. Well maintained sites." Most activities are included with camping fees.

What campers like

Security measures: Campers appreciate the enhanced security protocols throughout the recreation area. Austin and Christel S. highlighted "24/7 security. Gated access to camp areas." This security presence creates a safer environment for both campers and their horses.

Clean facilities: The well-maintained bathhouses receive positive feedback from visitors. Holly C. at Brackenridge Park & Campground mentioned, "Everything about it was top notch! Lots of space for the kids to play and bike, water access, shade, and clean bathrooms."

Multiple camping environments: The recreation complex offers diverse site options for different preferences. Amy H. observed: "Birds, open and clean air, nice trails to explore. The RV section seemed cramped but the tent section seemed spacious." Sites range from waterfront views to wooded privacy.

Nature immersion: Despite being developed for recreation, the area maintains natural elements. Samuel H. at Brackenridge Recreation Complex shared: "We have stayed mutiple times love it everytime, see many deer, & other wildlife, plenty of things to do, town is not to far, always clean restrooms & grounds, fishing is good."

What you should know

Trailer parking considerations: Horse owners should be aware that while trailer parking exists, the facility lacks permanent horse corrals. Portable containment systems are necessary for overnight horse camping. The recreation area provides designated parking areas for horse trailers near trail access points.

Motorized vehicle restrictions: The park enforces specific rules regarding motorized recreational equipment. Brenda A. notes: "No motorized scooters/hoverboards allowed." This policy helps maintain trail safety for horses and riders.

Reservation requirements: Securing sites in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Eric L. mentions: "Everyone is friendly and nice, staff and guests. Beautiful campground." The reservation office provides information about horse-friendly sites and trailer access.

Seasonal considerations: The complex remains open year-round, though summer brings higher temperatures and humidity. LeRoy Gloria R. explains the pricing structure: "Great place to stop at county park $10 a night $25 for water electric $10 for dry camp and golf course." Rates remain consistent throughout the seasons.

Tips for camping with families

Youth-oriented amenities: The recreation complex caters to families with children through various facilities. Juliee B. observed: "Geared towards children. Lots of activities: frisbee golf (not golf), sand volleyball, miniature golf, softball, paintball, playground, hiking." The diverse activities help prevent children from becoming bored.

Bike-friendly environment: Paved roads and dedicated trails make the complex suitable for cycling. Holly C. appreciated that there was "Lots of space for the kids to play and bike, water access, shade, and clean bathrooms. Nice trails!" Families should bring bicycles to fully enjoy the property.

Water safety awareness: While Lake Texana offers water recreation, parents should note potential hazards. At Goose Island State Park Campground, a nearby option, Austin and Christel S. warned about similar water concerns: "No swimming spot - rumor of gators in water." Adult supervision near water areas is essential.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule evening walks to maximize wildlife sightings. Nancy V. recommends watching for "many deer in the field every night." Children often enjoy these natural encounters, so bring a wildlife checklist for an educational experience.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: When booking RV sites at Brackenridge, consider your preference for shade versus open areas. Holly S. found it to be a "Perfect Rest" and noted "They have everything you would need and more. Disc golf, paint ball, hiking, bike trail, and of course fishing." The pull-through sites offer easier access but less shade.

Leveling and setup: Most RV sites feature level, paved pads that simplify setup. Brenda A. at Brackenridge Recreation Complex confirmed: "Sites are level. Asphalt. Nice views of the lake. We stayed in the pull through sites (124 and 125) but the other lots are shaded by beautiful live oaks."

Hookup details: Water and electric hookups are standard at developed sites, with full hookups available at premium locations. Amy C. described her waterfront experience: "My mother, sister & myself came across this little jewel and could not be happier. Our spot was directly on the water which is very calming, had the pleasure of gazing at the sunset over the water."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Victoria, TX is Brackenridge Park & Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Victoria, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.