McCown Valley Park at Lake Whitney offers equestrian camping facilities with separate areas designated for riders and their horses. The park sits at approximately 533 feet above sea level on the eastern shore of Lake Whitney, a 23,560-acre reservoir formed by Whitney Dam on the Brazos River. Winter temperatures typically range from 35°F to 60°F, while summer months can exceed 100°F with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing at Speegleville Park: This Corps of Engineers campground on Lake Whitney provides excellent fishing opportunities for catfish. The park features four boat ramps for easy water access. "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. at Speegleville Park.
Swimming at McCowan Valley: The park includes designated swimming areas for cooling off during hot Texas summers. "Great park. Nice day use area. All types of camping. Some with shade some without," writes Connie J. about McCown Valley Park. The swimming beaches provide gradual entry points suitable for all ages.
Hiking the trails: Explore the network of trails surrounding Lake Whitney. Loyd Park offers several hiking paths through wooded areas. "Great bike trails. Friendly staff and lovely sites, each pretty secluded from each other," shares Cactus A. The trails range from easy half-mile loops to more challenging multi-mile paths.
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Many campsites offer direct lake access and views. At Lofers Bend West, campers enjoy prime waterfront locations. "We stayed at site 63 which is right on lake edge. Amazing sunsets. Across inlet from boat ramp," says Amy K. about Lofers Bend West. These sites typically fill quickly during summer months.
Spacious campsites: The Corps of Engineers campgrounds around Whitney Lake feature well-spaced sites. "Sites are well spaced throughout the grounds, providing adequate room for vehicles, trailers, and horses," according to reviews. At Hamm Creek County Park, "The grounds are well taken care of and it's a great place to fish from the bank," reports Heather F.
Wildlife viewing: The area around Whitney Lake hosts diverse wildlife. At Dinosaur Valley State Park (about 45 minutes away), campers report frequent wildlife sightings. "This is a beautiful State Park with miles of trails, year round family activities, and dinosaur foot prints," writes Caleb H. Deer, birds, and small mammals are commonly spotted throughout the area.
What you should know
Weather challenges: The Texas climate brings extreme heat in summer and potential storms year-round. "Our weekend was filled with rain and wind but the last day we were there was gorgeous and we were able to explore," mentions Michaela L. about her stay at McCown Valley Park. Thunderstorms frequently occur during spring and early summer.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly around the lake. "Bathrooms were nice though and had great hot water. It's a kid friendly park with playgrounds and plenty of room to play without to much traffic. We will definitely go back in the summer for our kids and get a more accurate experience of the park," Michaela L. adds. Verizon service is spotty in most equestrian camping areas near Whitney Lake.
Reservation requirements: Most horse campgrounds near Whitney Lake require advance reservations, especially during peak seasons. "Good Camping Monday - Thursday if you enjoy the tranquility. Weekends - party all night, and loud drinkers arrive," warns Diane J. about Plowman Creek, suggesting weekday visits for those seeking quiet.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "It has some good places to ride your bike around the campground with your friend but there not much more," notes Tripper S. at Lake Whitney RV Campground. Most playgrounds are centrally located near restroom facilities.
Swimming safety: The lake has varying depths and conditions. "The 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," explains Wes M. Parents should supervise children closely as most swimming areas lack lifeguards.
Sand spur awareness: Some areas have sand spurs that can be problematic for children and pets. "The reason I'm leaving three stars is because we have small kids and tent camp. There was sand spurs all over the ground. I had to try to shovel out most before putting the tent out," warns Greg at McCown Valley Park. Bringing closed-toe water shoes is recommended.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for level sites with adequate hookups for your specific rig. At Thousand Trails Lake Whitney, "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," cautions Rachel P. Sites near the lake tend to be more popular but may have less shade.
Amenities verification: Call ahead to confirm which services are currently operational. "They have several full hookup sites closed right now due to some upgrades!" reports Tammie L. about Thousand Trails Lake Whitney. Water pressure can vary significantly between campgrounds and even between sites within the same facility.
Extended stay considerations: For longer visits, select sites with full hookups when possible. "Very clean and picturesque park, would come back for sure," writes Shawn E. about Cedar Hill State Park. Most equestrian camping areas near Whitney Lake offer 30-amp electrical service, with some locations providing 50-amp connections for larger rigs.
