Nails Creek Unit

**Nails Creek Unit**, a vital component of the sprawling **Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway**, is a premier destination for Texans seeking a comprehensive outdoor experience in the heart of Central Texas. Located near Ledbetter, this unit offers more than just a campsite; it’s a gateway to over 40 miles of interconnected multiuse trails, direct access to the vast 11,630-acre Lake Somerville reservoir, and a beautifully maintained, family-friendly environment.

Managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the Nails Creek Unit is celebrated for its diverse offerings, catering to hikers, mountain bikers, boaters, anglers, and notably, equestrians. Unlike many standard campgrounds, Nails Creek provides dedicated facilities for those traveling with horses, including pens and access to the extensive **Lake Somerville Trailway**. Guests consistently praise the park's wonderful staff, its role in conservation efforts like youth deer hunts, and the sheer beauty of the location overlooking the lake.

The park blends rugged outdoor activity with essential modern comforts, offering clean facilities, RV hookups, and a focus on accessibility, ensuring that all Texas residents can enjoy the natural splendor of Lake Somerville.

### Location and Accessibility

The Nails Creek Unit is located on the southwest side of Lake Somerville, situated near the community of Ledbetter, Texas. The primary address is **Ledbetter, TX 78946, USA** (with a physical park address often listed as **6280 FM 180, Ledbetter, TX 78946**). Its position makes it easily reachable for Texans across the state:

• **Regional Access:** It is conveniently located near major routes like US 290 and is approximately one to two hours' drive from Austin, Bryan/College Station, and Houston. This accessibility makes it a frequent spot for weekend getaways.
• **On-Site Parking:** The park features designated **On-site Parking** areas, ensuring easy access to trails, day-use areas, and individual campsites. An excess parking fee may apply for more than two vehicles per campsite.
• **Accessibility Features:** Nails Creek is committed to inclusivity, offering **Wheelchair accessible parking lots** and **Wheelchair accessible restrooms**. Specific campsites (such as sites 107 & 108) are noted for being wheelchair-friendly with paved pathways and raised fire rings.

### Services Offered

As a Texas State Park facility, the Nails Creek Unit provides comprehensive services for a wide range of campers, from primitive to RV users, and uniquely, equestrian riders.

• **Campsite Variety:** Offers diverse options, including:
  • **RV Camping:** Designated sites in the Cedar Creek and Bent Tree loops with **Water and Electric Hookups** (30-amp and potentially some 50-amp). Note: No full sewer hookups, but a **Sanitary Dump Station** is available.
  • **Equestrian Camping:** Sites in the Bent Tree Equestrian Camping Area offer **Electric and Water Hookups** plus **Horse Pens** or corrals nearby. You can camp here even without a horse.
  • **Primitive Camping:** Hike-in primitive sites are available along the **13-mile Lake Somerville Trailway** (accessible by foot, bike, or horse).
• **Facilities & Amenities:**
  • **Public Restrooms & Showers:** Clean, climate-controlled **Restrooms** with **Running Water** and **Showers** are available near the camping loops.
  • **Gathering Spaces:** Features group facilities, including a group hall and picnic areas with **Picnic Tables** and **Barbecue Grills** (fire rings).
• **Recreation Rentals:** The park rents **canoes and kayaks** (paddles and life vests included), with easy access to protected coves for paddling.
• **Pet Policy:** **Dogs are Allowed** in the park but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.

### Features / Highlights

Nails Creek Unit is distinguished by its blend of land and water-based recreational features, catering to specialized and general outdoor activities alike.

• **The Lake Somerville Trailway:** A major highlight is the access to the **13-mile multiuse Trailway** connecting Nails Creek to the Birch Creek Unit. This trail is open to **Hikers, Mountain Bikers, and Equestrians**.
• **Equestrian Facilities:** Dedicated **Horse Pens** and trails make this a premier destination for those who want to **ride their horses** and camp overnight—a unique offering among Central Texas parks.
• **Water Recreation:** Direct access to Lake Somerville offers excellent **fishing** (largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, white bass), **boating**, and designated **swimming** areas. A **family fishing pond** is also available near the Cedar Creek Camping Area.
• **Wildlife and Birding:** The park is known for its abundant wildlife, including the best opportunity in the area for **Bald Eagle viewing**. The area around Flag Pond is also known for spectacular spring **wildflower displays**.
• **Youth Programs:** The park actively participates in TPWD conservation and educational programs, such as hosting annual **Youth Deer Hunts**, highlighting the staff's dedication to deer management and community involvement.
• **Day Use and Picnics:** Extensive day-use areas with **Picnic Tables** and **Barbecue Grills** are available, including an enclosed group shelter with a great lake view and air conditioning.

### Contact Information

For reservations, park status updates (especially concerning water levels or trail closures), and general inquiries, local Texans should contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or the park office directly:

• **Address:** Nails Creek Unit, 6280 FM 180, Ledbetter, TX 78946, USA
• **General TPWD Information (for info only):** (800) 792-1112
• **Reservations:** (512) 389-8900 (TPWD Customer Service Center)
• **Nails Creek Park Office Phone:** (979) 289-2392 (Park does not have a gate; call for late arrival instructions.)

### What is Worth Choosing

Nails Creek Unit is **worth choosing for local Texas residents because it offers the most diverse and high-quality outdoor activities under the reliable management of the Texas State Park system.** It successfully merges a lake destination with an extensive trail system and dedicated equestrian facilities.

For families, the abundance of **kid-friendly hikes**, clean restrooms, and the security of a State Park setting make it an excellent choice. For the more adventurous, the direct access to the **Lake Somerville Trailway** for horseback riding or mountain biking is an unparalleled feature. Furthermore, the park's commitment to accessibility, offering **wheelchair accessible amenities**, ensures that this beautiful Central Texas landscape is available for everyone to enjoy. Nails Creek provides a guaranteed quality experience, making it a valuable and comprehensive local treasure.

Nails Creek Unit

Ledbetter, TX 78946, USA