Pedernales Falls Horse Campground

For Texans who share a deep passion for the outdoors and the unique companionship of horses, Pedernales Falls Horse Campground in Johnson City, TX, offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of the Hill Country. Located within the magnificent Pedernales Falls State Park, this specialized group camp is exclusively designed for equestrian enthusiasts, providing direct access to miles of scenic horse trails that wind through diverse landscapes. It’s a haven for riders seeking a tranquil and immersive experience, conveniently located away from the often-crowded main areas of the park, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature and your equine partners.

Pedernales Falls State Park itself is a jewel in the Texas State Park system, renowned for its stunning limestone falls, the flowing Pedernales River, and its extensive network of trails. The Horse Campground, specifically, serves as a dedicated base for exploring the park’s equestrian offerings. It allows visitors to seamlessly transition from camp to trail, providing a truly unique "saddle-in, saddle-out" adventure. This focus on equestrian needs, combined with the overall natural splendor of the park, makes it an ideal destination for Texas horse owners looking for dedicated facilities and abundant riding opportunities.

Beyond horseback riding, campers at the Pedernales Falls Horse Campground can also enjoy the broader park's attractions, including hiking on other trails, bird watching, and even designated swimming areas in the river (away from the falls themselves). It's a place where the sounds of hooves on dirt trails replace city noise, and the vast Texas sky overhead offers stunning stargazing opportunities. For Texans craving an authentic and active outdoor escape with their horses, or as part of an equestrian group, this campground provides a well-equipped and unforgettable setting.

Pedernales Falls Horse Campground is strategically located within Pedernales Falls State Park, at Johnson City, TX 78636, USA. This placement in the heart of the Texas Hill Country offers a perfect balance of natural seclusion and reasonable accessibility from major metropolitan areas.

The park itself is approximately 30 miles west of Austin and about 75 miles north of San Antonio, making it a feasible day trip or a convenient weekend getaway for many Texans. Access to the State Park is via well-maintained roads. Once inside the park, specific directions to the Horse Campground are typically provided upon check-in or can be found on park maps. It's important to note that the Horse Campground is a distinct area, designed for equestrian groups, and is separate from the main developed campsites for RVs and tents.

Reviewers highlight that this horse camping area is specifically "away from the crowds that gather just to see the falls," which is a significant advantage for those seeking a quieter experience focused on trails. The park’s gate is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and campers arriving after hours with reservations must call the office before 5:00 PM on their arrival day to obtain a gate code for access to the Equestrian Group Camp. This ensures security and controlled access for horse owners and their animals.

The location provides direct entry to 10 miles of designated equestrian trails, allowing riders to quickly begin their adventures. The terrain for riding is described as "rugged trail" with "some steep slopes" and "very rocky," indicating that horses should have shoes and riders should have experience. This promises a challenging yet rewarding riding experience through the unique landscapes of the Pedernales River area, offering a true taste of the Texas Hill Country's diverse topography.

Pedernales Falls Horse Campground, as a dedicated equestrian group camp, offers specific services tailored to horse owners and their groups:

• Group Camp (Equestrian): This camp is specifically for equestrian use. It is a "Group Camp," designed to accommodate groups, with a stated capacity of up to 12 people per site, and a limit of six horses and 12 vehicles total (including trailers).
• Horse Pens: The campground provides facilities specifically for horses, including six horse pens, allowing for secure overnight accommodation for equine companions.
• Water for Horses: Well water is available for horses, ensuring they stay hydrated during their stay.
• Portable Toilet: A portable toilet is provided within the equestrian camp area for convenience.
• Group Fire Ring: A dedicated group fire ring is available, perfect for communal campfires and gatherings (always check for fire bans).
• No Potable Water (for humans): It's crucial to note that while there is well water for horses, potable drinking water for humans is generally NOT available at the equestrian group camp. Campers must pack in all their own drinking water.
• No Electrical Hookups: The horse camp is primitive and does not offer electrical hookups at sites.
• No Showers or Flush Toilets: Unlike the main park's developed campgrounds, the equestrian group camp does not feature hot showers or flush restrooms. These amenities are available in other areas of the park, requiring a short drive if desired.
• Dump Station Access: A dump station for RVs is available within the main Pedernales Falls State Park campground area, not directly at the horse camp, requiring a short drive.
• Coggins Test Verification: All horses entering the park must have current Coggins papers (for equine infectious anemia). These must be verified at the park office during office hours upon arrival, or faxed in advance for after-hours check-in.
• Firewood/Ice for Sale: Firewood and ice are typically available for purchase at the park headquarters or main campground store, not directly at the horse camp.
• Pet-Friendly: While designed for horses, dogs are generally permitted in Texas State Parks on leashes, though specific rules for the horse camp should be confirmed.

Pedernales Falls Horse Campground offers distinct features and highlights that appeal specifically to the equestrian community and those seeking a quieter park experience:

• Dedicated Equestrian Access: The primary highlight is its exclusive design for horse campers, providing "horse facilities" and direct entry to 10 miles of "rugged trail" specifically for horseback riding.
• Extensive Horse Trails: The park boasts a "10-mile Equestrian trail" (the South Loop Equestrian Trail, which is "10 miles long" and known for its "diversity in landscape, wildlife, and vegetation") and other horse-friendly paths like Juniper Ridge Trail (4.5 miles) and Madrone Trail (2.5 miles), offering varied riding experiences. These trails offer "panoramic views" and opportunities for "engaging wildlife."
• Seclusion from Crowds: The horse camp's location "away from the crowds that gather just to see the falls" provides a more peaceful and private camping and riding experience.
• Authentic Hill Country Riding: The trails are described as "very rocky with some steep slopes," offering a genuine and challenging Texas Hill Country horseback riding adventure for experienced riders.
• Water Troughs for Horses: The availability of "water troughs at the trailer parking area and at the midway point of the trail" ensures horses have access to water during rides.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Beyond horses, the park is home to abundant wildlife, including "white-tailed deer, coyotes, rabbits, armadillos, skunks, opossums, and raccoons," as well as "over 150 species of birds," offering excellent opportunities for observation.
• Proximity to Pedernales Falls: While secluded, campers are still within Pedernales Falls State Park, meaning the iconic falls and other natural attractions are accessible via a short drive or additional hiking.
• Stargazing: As a relatively undeveloped area, the night skies are often dark and clear, providing excellent opportunities for stargazing in the vast Texas sky.
• Group-Friendly: Designed as a "Group Camp," it facilitates communal equestrian trips, allowing friends and riding clubs to camp and ride together.
• Year-Round Riding: While trails may close due to bad weather (especially rain, which makes rocky trails muddy and potentially dangerous), horseback riding is generally a year-round activity in the park, allowing for enjoyment in various seasons.

For inquiries, reservations for the equestrian group camp, or to confirm current conditions and Coggins requirements for horses at Pedernales Falls State Park, please use the following contact information:

• Address: Johnson City, TX 78636, USA (within Pedernales Falls State Park)
• Park Headquarters Phone: (830) 868-7304
• Mobile Phone (Park Headquarters): +1 830-868-7304

It is highly recommended to call the park headquarters during office hours (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily) before your visit, especially if arriving after 5:00 PM or with horses, to ensure all necessary procedures are followed and to obtain the gate code for the Equestrian Group Camp.

For Texans, particularly those with a love for horses and the great outdoors, Pedernales Falls Horse Campground offers a truly specialized and enriching camping experience that taps directly into the heart of the Hill Country. Unlike typical campgrounds, its exclusive focus as an equestrian group camp provides dedicated facilities and direct access to 10 miles of "rugged trail" specifically designed for horseback riding. This unique feature makes it an unparalleled destination for local riders looking to explore the natural beauty of Texas from the saddle.

Its location within Pedernales Falls State Park, strategically "away from the crowds that gather just to see the falls," means equestrians and their companions can enjoy a quieter, more serene camping environment. This allows for deeper immersion in nature, enhancing the experience of riding through diverse landscapes and spotting local wildlife. While it requires self-sufficiency, with campers needing to pack in their own potable water, this aligns perfectly with the adventurous spirit of many Texans who prefer a more primitive and authentic outdoor escape.

The combination of well-maintained horse pens, water for horses, and a group fire ring within a state park known for its stunning scenery makes Pedernales Falls Horse Campground an ideal choice for group riding trips or individual equestrians seeking a challenging and rewarding trail experience. It offers a direct connection to the natural heritage of Texas, providing a unique opportunity for locals to bond with their horses and the land, creating lasting memories in one of the state's most iconic natural treasures.

Pedernales Falls Horse Campground

Johnson City, TX 78636, USA