Lavon Lake
12 mi east · US Army Corps of Engineers
The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in nearby McKinney features natural history exhibits and nature trails.
Outdoors
Horseback riding near Plano
Trails and recreation areas near Plano open to horseback riding, including horse camps.
13places to ride horses
12 mito the closest
4within 30 miles
October–Maybest months
Good to know: Check trailer parking and stock water at the trailhead, and whether certified weed-free hay is required.
Closest picks
Lewisville Lake
18 mi west · US Army Corps of Engineers
Just north of Dallas, popular Lewisville Lake is a 29,592 acre lake with unlimited outdoor recreation opportunities. Over 20 parks surround the lake and offer camping, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, boating, and golf.
Grapevine Lake
21 mi west · US Army Corps of Engineers
Centrally located in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex just minutes from DFW Airport, Grapevine Lake offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Map of all 13 places
Map of 13 places loads as you scroll.
Within 30 miles (4)
Lavon Lake
The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in nearby McKinney features natural history exhibits and nature trails.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Lewisville Lake
Just north of Dallas, popular Lewisville Lake is a 29,592 acre lake with unlimited outdoor recreation opportunities. Over 20 parks surround the lake and offer camping, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, boating, and golf.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
Grapevine Lake
Centrally located in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex just minutes from DFW Airport, Grapevine Lake offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
Ray Roberts Lake
This 29,350-acre rural lake is just a few minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and is a great place to get away from city life.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
30 to 75 miles (5)
Joe Pool Lake
Joe Pool Lake is a 7,400-acre impoundment located in the southern portion of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
Waxahachie Ck
Waxahachie Creek Park is on the western shore of Bardwell Lake, less than an hour south of the Dallas-Fort Worth area in north-central Texas.
- Boating
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
North Holiday Park
Holiday Park dayuse area (North Holiday Park) is on the west side of Benbrook Lake in north central Texas, accessible from US Hwy 377.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
Lake Texoma
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to visit Lake Texoma, the largest lake in capacity in the Tulsa District and the twelfth largest in the United States.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Off-highway vehicles
Cooper Lake
When complete, will impound the South Sulphur River in Delta and Hopkins Counties.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
75 miles and farther (4)
Whitney Lake
There are 10 Corps of Engineers parks, one state park, and three additional parks managed by Hill County or private individuals. Equestrian riders have a great place to explore rolling hills and woods in the McCown Valley Equestrian Area.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Springs, streams, lakes - whatever its form, water is the attraction at Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Paddling
McGee Creek Reservoir
McGee Creek Dam and Reservoir project includes water conveyance facilities, public recreation facilities, a wildlife management area, and a natural scenic recreation area.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Hugo Lake
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation manages over 18,000 acres of land and water, which is open to hunting along with an additional 8,000 acres managed by the Corps.
- Boating
- Camping
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Plano. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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More outdoors near Plano
Questions
Where is the closest place for horseback riding near Plano?
Lavon Lake (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 12 miles east of Plano as the crow flies. Next are Lewisville Lake (18 mi) and Grapevine Lake (21 mi).
When is the best time for horseback riding near Plano?
Based on Plano’s average highs, October–May. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.