Lavon Lake
14 mi southeast · 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 McKinney
Trails and recreation areas near McKinney open to horseback riding, including horse camps.
11places to ride horses
14 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
24 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.
Ray Roberts Lake
26 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
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.
Map of all 11 places
Map of 11 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
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
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
30 to 75 miles (3)
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
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)
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
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
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
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
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown McKinney. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around McKinney
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Hidden Gem in Downtown McKinney, TX! Come explore Historic Downtown McKinney with me!
A local activity Short shared by Moving to Texas with Amber Wilson.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Things to do in McKinney, Texas!
A local activity Short shared by RV Geeking.
Watch on YouTube ↗Around McKinney
More outdoors near McKinney
Questions
Where is the closest place for horseback riding near McKinney?
Lavon Lake (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 14 miles southeast of McKinney as the crow flies. Next are Lewisville Lake (24 mi) and Ray Roberts Lake (26 mi).
When is the best time for horseback riding near McKinney?
Based on McKinney’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, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.