10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Hill Country State Natural Area offers equestrian camping sites near Windcrest, Texas with facilities designed for riders bringing their own horses. The campground features trails specifically designed for horseback riding throughout the 5,400-acre natural area. Multiple primitive camping areas accommodate both horses and riders, with designated spots for trailer parking adjacent to campsites. The natural area provides toilets and picnic tables at established sites, with electric hookups available at some locations. Horse manure management is required, and campers must pack appropriate cleanup supplies. Equestrian visitors report excellent trail conditions with diverse terrain options for riders of various experience levels.
Trail systems throughout Hill Country State Natural Area connect riders to over 40 miles of multi-use paths ranging from challenging rocky inclines to gentle valley routes. Water crossings and creeks provide natural watering opportunities for horses during rides, though availability varies seasonally. The park maintains several trail loops specifically designed for equestrians, with distances ranging from 2-10 miles per trail segment. Primitive camping areas require reservation through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or by phone. Spacious campsites easily accommodate horse trailers with living quarters or separate tent camping areas. The diverse landscape includes fossilized areas, scenic overlooks, and shaded wooded sections perfect for summer riding. The park remains open year-round for equestrian camping, though some trail sections may close temporarily after heavy rains to prevent damage to natural surfaces.
"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."
"It's a good place to go with family but too much horse excrement for next family to stay"
"Centrally located to fast food and great sit down meals. We'll be back."
"Purple campsite was just a small walk away from the small store and bathrooms. It was a nice campsite but the sites were kinda close together."
"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 ."
"There’s a river right next to it for fishing, I stayed during the week and I was the only one camping. I car camp and all of the camping spots have water and electrical outlets."
"You will often see Tom (the owner) riding around on his cart cleaning up the place and greeting all the visitors. It's a beautiful gem and everyone that knows about it fights to keep it this way."
"Right in the action of Bandera, Texas. Park your RV and within walking distance of Main Street. Very friendly staff and patrons and the area is clean. Large pool for kids and has river access."
"This park is handy if you want to walk to events, restaurants, bars, shopping on Main Street or to City Park. Friendly staff (and they're dog friendly too)."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"There were quite a few trail systems closed that day due to the weather, but even with the limitations we were able to hike a good variety of trail."
"Located in the hills about 10 miles from Bandera, TX, this campground is the perfect place to disconnect (you won’t get signal anyways) and hike, run or horseback ride through a plethora of trails."
from $8 - $26 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 / night
Check Availability
RangerI was planning on staying there, but it is basically an equestrian state park. You can camp there, but there's not electrical and water hook ups. It's mostly tent camping. The staff was very friendly. I went to visit there just to see what it was about. If you're a hiker, there's hiking trails, so you'll enjoy that.
ScoutI 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.
GuideThe campsites were spacious and there were quite a few options. There were quite a few trail systems closed that day due to the weather, but even with the limitations we were able to hike a good variety of trail. Be sure to get the info packet on the trails so that you don't find yourself hiking the equestrian trails as they can be a little rough for hikers. Be sure to hike to the top of the hill and enjoy a coffee on the bench - amazing view of the hill country!
TravelerRight in the action of Bandera, Texas. Park your RV and within walking distance of Main Street. Very friendly staff and patrons and the area is clean. Large pool for kids and has river access.
ScoutIt's a good place to go with family but too much horse excrement for next family to stay
RangerNot my first trip here. This park is handy if you want to walk to events, restaurants, bars, shopping on Main Street or to City Park. Friendly staff (and they're dog friendly too).
Type of Park: Private
Check In: 1p Check Out: 12p
Length of Stay: 3 Nights
Regular cost per night $38, Discounts: Good Sam $11.40
My Total Cost 💲102.60
📋 Site#133 Notes:
Back In, lower level, site was very level side-to-side
Site Pad: gravel
💧 Water- knee height, wrapped with insulation due to cold weather
⚡ Max amp: 30- all green lights
💩 Sewer- threads a little stripped out
📶 Wifi available, but I didn't use it
Picnic Table: wooden
Was a little farther from the highway than my last stay. A little quieter on this end.
👎🏻 Not available:
Grill Fire
Ring w/Grate
📺 Cable available on upper pull-thru spots only
📝 Park Notes:
🚻 Clean Restrooms
🚿 Showers
🧺 Laundry facility
🐕 Off-leash dog park
🛒 Store
🚶🏻♀️ Trails- walking trail along the river, wide enough for golf carts
🌊 The Medina River runs along the edge of the park, Walk under Hwy173 to access City Park.
🤿 Pool
.🏚 Cabins
Boondocking area available
🥞 Good breakfast in the Recreation Center for just$6.50 on Saturdays when snowbirds are there. Pancakes, eggs, toast or roll, sausage patties, coffee, orange juice and all the condiments.(Should have done this on my last trip)
Many of the snowbirds have flown out, but the park was still pretty full
👍🏻 Walking distance to Main Street- bars, shops, food, entertainment, Visitor's center (Gunfights on Saturdays)
🦌 Wildlife: Several ducks, squirrels, signs of deer
RangerLocated in the hills about 10 miles from Bandera, TX, this campground is the perfect place to disconnect (you won’t get signal anyways) and hike, run or horseback ride through a plethora of trails.
Hookups are available for campers or a 2-3 mile hike can get you to a primitive site. Group sites are available to rent. This area of Texas gets hot so bring plenty of water. Watch for wildlife.
I would recommend checking their Facebook page if it has recently rained to see the status of the park and trails. Occasionally the park or some trails will close if the risk of damage to the natural area is high.
TravelerWe had a great time out here on the military reserve side. Took my parents and the kids. Purple campsite was just a small walk away from the small store and bathrooms. It was a nice campsite but the sites were kinda close together. The spot we had overlooked a small beach area where you could swim and launch boats. We took jet skis and had a blast.
ScoutThe staff is very helpful and friendly. Very affordable and has everything you need for fishing and camping. We loved walking the trails and seeing deer and other wildlife. We absolutely loved it!
Hill Country State Natural Area serves as a prime destination for equestrian camping near Windcrest, Texas, located approximately 60 miles northwest of the city. The 5,400-acre natural area features diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,000 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with cooler evenings, while spring and fall provide milder conditions for riders and their horses.
Trail riding adventures: Visitors can explore over 40 miles of varied trails beyond the main equestrian loops. At Hill Country State Natural Area, campers appreciate the diversity of terrain. "Super camping & hiking with our dog and friends. The hiking was great with some challenging trails and some moderate ones, which allowed us to explore quite a bit of the park. Seemed to boast lots of fossils according to some fellow hikers," notes Sarah D.
River access activities: Several campgrounds offer water recreation opportunities for non-equestrian visitors. At San Marcos River Retreat, campers can enjoy riverside activities. One visitor explains, "This is a private campground managed by a super sweet family that really cares about the river and the community. You must call to ask permission to use this site for camping and river access, as there are some pretty clear rules."
Fossil hunting: The sedimentary rock formations in the region contain numerous marine fossils from when the area was underwater millions of years ago. According to campers, many trails feature exposed areas where fossils can be observed. As one visitor mentioned, the park "seemed to boast lots of fossils according to some fellow hikers."
Privacy between sites: Unlike many crowded campgrounds, some locations near Windcrest offer spacious camping areas. As Sarah D. reports about Hill Country State Natural Area, "Set up two tents at one site, and had plenty of space for everyone."
Accessibility to town amenities: Some campgrounds provide easy access to nearby towns and services. The Bandera Pioneer RV River Resort offers this advantage with one camper noting it's "Right in the action of Bandera, Texas. Park your RV and within walking distance of Main Street. Very friendly staff and patrons and the area is clean. Large pool for kids and has river access."
Winter camping options: The region's mild winter climate makes off-season camping appealing for those seeking quieter experiences. A camper at Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground shared, "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."
Seasonal trail closures: Many equestrian trails close temporarily after rainfall to prevent erosion and damage. One visitor at COE Canyon Lake Canyon Park warns that facilities and access can change seasonally, noting their experience with unexpected closures.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the hill country have spotty or nonexistent cellular coverage. As one camper described their experience, this area is "the perfect place to disconnect (you won't get signal anyways)."
Water availability fluctuations: Creeks and water crossing points are seasonal and depend on recent rainfall. During summer months, some water features may dry completely. Campers should carry adequate water supplies for themselves and their horses, especially during dry periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Windcrest, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Windcrest, TX is Alamo River RV Ranch Resort & Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Windcrest, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Windcrest, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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