Skip to main content
Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine Logo
The Outdoor Magazine of Texas
Subscribe
Home Topics
  • Parks
  • Adventure & Recreation
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Travel & Culture
  • Wildlife & Conservation
  • State Park Parks
  • kayaker Adventure & Recreation
  • kids fishing from pier Fishing
  • hunter and dog Hunting
  • map Travel & Culture
  • butterfly Wildlife & Conservation
  • Subscriptions
  • App Support
  • General FAQ
  • Current & Back Issue Sales
  • Editorial
    • Writers´ Guidelines
    • Photography & Artwork Guidelines
    • Submissions & Inquiries
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Parks
  • Hunting
  • Fishing
  • Adventure & Recreation
  • Wildlife & Conservation
  • Travel & Culture
  • All Topics
Parks

Horseback Riding in Texas State Parks

These parks cater to you and your equine friends.

Story by Texas Parks and Wildlife

May 2023

People on horseback on a trail

Sonja Sommerfeld | TPWD

People on horseback on a trail
Sonja Sommerfeld | TPWD

HILL COUNTRY STATE NATURAL AREA

With multiple equestrian campsites ranging from primitive to luxurious, the Hill Country State Natural Area is a perfect place to experience multiday adventures with your favorite equine companion. This secluded retreat boasts a 50-mile trail system that offers scenery and terrain for riders of every level. For overnight stays, a 1930s ranch house sleeps up to nine people (12 if you bring sleeping bags) and five horses, and the 2-acre Chapas Camp offers 10 campsites and a nine-stall barn.

COOPER LAKE STATE PARK

Cooper Lake is a rider’s paradise. The Buggy Whip Equestrian Trail is 10.55 miles of hardwood forest, separated into three areas (including a “novice area”). Equestrian campsites let you stay overnight with your trusty equine pal.

LAKE SOMERVILLE STATE PARK

Lake Somerville’s 13 miles of equestrian trailway stretch from the Nails Creek Unit to the Birch Creek Unit. The trail winds past the lake and Flag Pond, managed as habitat for migrating birds. The park has more equestian trails, too.

SAN ANGELO STATE PARK

San Angelo’s 50 miles of mixed-use trails offer plenty of routes for horseback riders, and the park features 23 equestrian campsites. Keep an eye on the park’s webpage for equestrian-related events.

SEA RIM STATE PARK

With 3 miles of Gulf Coast beachfront open to riding, you and your hoofed sidekick can feel the sea breeze blowing through your manes and take a splash in the ocean.

As Seen in the
May 2023 Issue
Subscribe

  • Facebook icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Email icon

Related Articles

Mother Neff natural playscape encourages kids to play outside
Adventure & Recreation

Natural Playscapes Foster Sense of Place and Connection to Nature

Story by Jennifer Bristol

Kids are loving playscapes made of natural and recycled materials.

Two women paddle a tandem kayak
Parks

The 11 Best Texas State Parks for Paddling

Story by Dale Blasingame

Get out on the water in cypress-lined swamps, beachy shorelines and pristine rivers.

children using water colors at Galveston Island State Park
Parks

Arts in the Parks Initiatives Bring Creativity Outside

Story by Chris Holmes

Texas State Parks are perfect places to get inspired.

Recent Parks Articles

palo pinto fields will soon be a state park

Palo Pinto's Journey to Becoming a State Park

Story by Lydia Saldaña
Two women paddle a tandem kayak

The 11 Best Texas State Parks for Paddling

Story by Dale Blasingame
children using water colors at Galveston Island State Park

Arts in the Parks Initiatives Bring Creativity Outside

Story by Chris Holmes
Kronkosky State Natural Area with a hill in the background an a river running through a field of trees

Birth of Palo Pinto State Park

Story by Rob McCorkle

Recent Adventure & Recreation Articles

Mother Neff natural playscape encourages kids to play outside

Natural Playscapes Foster Sense of Place and Connection to Nature

Story by Jennifer Bristol
Park ranger at Galveston Island State parks teaching children on the beach

9 Texas State Parks Kids Love

Story by Dale Blasingame
Photo of Comanche Rock in the distance

Texas Landscapes and Wildlife Make It a Photographer's State

Story by Earl Nottingham
Family Hike in the hill country coming up a hill on a trail

Six Tips for Family Hikes That Keep Kids Happy on the Trail

Story by Bernadette Noll
Mail icon  Email Updates

Sign Up for TPW Magazine Email Updates

Manage My E-Newsletters

E-Newsletter Archive

Your contact information is used to deliver requested updates or to access your e-newsletter preferences. Children under 13 years of age must have a parent/guardian's consent before providing any personal information to the agency.

Email sign-up privacy policy and cookie statement.

Back to Top
Back to Top
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Email icon
  • Customer Care
  • Subscriptions
  • App Support
  • Current & Back Issue Sales
  • Print Magazine Retailers
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising
  • Advertise in the Magazine
  • Advertising Policy
  • Editorial
  • Writers´ Guidelines
  • Photography & Artwork Guidelines
  • Agency Policies
  • Privacy & Security
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Linking Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Nondiscrimination Statement
  • Statewide Information
  • Texas.gov
  • Homeland Security
  • TRAIL Archives
  • Texas Transparency
  • Texas Tourism
  • Texas Veterans Portal
Texas Parks & Wildlife Logo Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine Logo

Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Rd.
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 389-8724