McCown Valley Park at Lake Whitney features dedicated equestrian camping facilities with paddock accommodations for horses. Campers can access multiple riding trails across 350 acres of terrain that wind through wooded areas and along shorelines. Located approximately 45 minutes from Waco, the park connects to 35 miles of horse-friendly trails with varying difficulty levels. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting access points for horses and riders throughout the year.
What to do
Fishing from shorelines or docks: Speegleville Park offers productive fishing opportunities, particularly for catfish. "Lake 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," notes Brittany S. The park provides good bank access for anglers without boats.
Swimming at designated beaches: Lofers Bend West features a swimming area with gradual entry points suitable for all ages. According to Shane M., the park has a "playground for the kids and swimming area" where families can cool off during summer months. The swimming zones are cordoned off for safety.
Boating and water sports: Reynolds Creek provides boat launch facilities for various watercraft. The park includes multiple access points to Lake Waco for boaters. Water conditions vary seasonally, and Baker & Biker M. notes, "Campground was nice and clean, signage was good, and plenty of trees for shade."
Trail riding with horses: Horse campgrounds near Waco Lake include dedicated trails and facilities designed for equestrian use. These trails traverse diverse terrain, from lakeside paths to wooded sections, accommodating both beginning and experienced riders. Trails range from short loops to longer routes suitable for day-long excursions.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: McCown Valley Park offers well-separated campsites that provide adequate room for equipment and activities. "Tent sites are tucked in the back of the park away from foot traffic and most vehicles. Lake front sites are perfectly located with access to the lake but not too far from hard stand bathrooms and showers," writes Wes M. The park layout creates natural buffers between camping areas.
Consistent wildlife viewing: Lake Whitney areas maintain healthy populations of native wildlife visible throughout the day. Campers frequently spot deer near campsites, especially during early morning and evening hours. "Lots of wildlife, as we were pulling into the park we saw lots of deer... and throughout our stay we were visited by some Canadian Geese," reports Celeste M.
Quiet weekday atmosphere: Thousand Trails Lake Whitney provides a peaceful environment during non-peak periods. "This park is so quiet and very dark at night," according to Tammie L., who appreciated the reduced noise levels. Weekday visitors often experience significantly less crowding and activity than weekend campers.
Accessible water views: Multiple campgrounds feature sites positioned directly adjacent to water. At Liberty Hill Park, campers enjoy "beautiful views over the lake," as Randy H. describes, though direct water access varies by site location and seasonal water levels. Waterfront sites typically book quickly during summer months.
What you should know
Seasonal ant problems: Liberty Hill Park campers should prepare for persistent ant issues, particularly during warmer months. "Liberty hill is a very beautiful campground but there is a serious issue with the invasive Argentine ant," warns Dude R. These small ants can infiltrate vehicles and equipment, requiring preventive measures.
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs substantially between campgrounds and carrier networks. At Live Oak Ridge, "I 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," reports Cari E. Most campgrounds have at least minimal service for calls and texts.
Limited shade at certain sites: Some camping areas lack adequate tree cover, creating hot conditions during summer. Proper awnings and shade structures are recommended for exposed sites. Brittany S. advises about Speegleville Park: "Just be aware there isn't a lot of shade around the sites and in the summer it gets really toasty!"
Fluctuating water levels: Lake access points change throughout the year based on rainfall and water management. Boat ramps and swimming areas may be affected during drought periods. Equestrian trails near water edges can become unusable when water levels rise significantly.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Live Oak Ridge features "a better-than-typical playground set in a great interior place for all to enjoy," according to Cheryl D. The play areas are centrally located within the campground, allowing parents to monitor children from nearby sites.
Sand hazards at beaches: Parents should inspect tent sites carefully at McCown Valley Park where Greg notes, "There were sand spurs all over the ground. I had to try to shovel out most before putting the tent out." These painful burrs particularly affect small children and pets walking barefoot.
Quiet time considerations: Campgrounds near Waco Lake generally experience increased activity levels on weekends. Diane J. advises that at Lofers Bend West, you'll find "Good camping Monday - Thursday if you enjoy the tranquility. Weekends - party all night, and loud drinkers arrive." Families seeking quieter experiences should consider midweek visits.
Educational wildlife opportunities: The lakeside environment supports numerous bird species and small mammals for nature observation. Many parks provide information boards identifying common wildlife. At Wolf Creek, Jennifer B. notes the abundance of "wildlife like deer, etc." making it suitable for impromptu nature lessons.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Wolf Creek and other area campgrounds require navigation of potentially challenging access roads. "The signage and routing are substandard. Very confusing and the turns are extremely tight. I do not recommend people with motorhome over 40 feet come here," cautions Michael C. at Liberty Hill Park.
Electric hookup variations: RV sites typically offer 30 or 50 amp connections, but availability varies by campground. At Thousand Trails Lake Whitney, Rachel P. notes, "The road in and around campsites is in various states of disrepair. Lots of potholes and pavement breaks make it rough hauling an expensive rig in and out of the park."
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds provide on-site dump stations, though positions may require awkward maneuvering. Full hookup sites with sewer connections are limited in equestrian camping areas near Waco Lake. RVers should plan waste tank management accordingly for longer stays.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling equipment. At Speegleville Park, Anita C. mentions, "The site was huge and was right besides the water - good for fishing," but notes leveling issues at certain sites. Backup leveling blocks are recommended when camping at older facilities.
