Is Longhorn first-come first-served or reservation?

Longhorn operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Longhorn before I book?

Yes! Longhorn has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Longhorn?

Longhorn does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Longhorn?

Pets are not allowed at Longhorn. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Longhorn?

Popular activities at Longhorn include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Longhorn

0 review

Longhorn

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

751 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Longhorn Park Picnic Area Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

751 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Longhorn Park Picnic Area Official Website

Get Directions

Longhorn

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

Most mentioned

scenerywater

"Reviews for the Longhorn Group Shelter are very mixed, ranging from 1/5 to 5/5. Some groups praise the beautiful setting, covered picnic area, and bathrooms as ideal for events, while others report poor maintenance of the grounds, unsafe volleyball area, and restroom issues, leading to embarrassment when hosting gatherings."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Longhorn

32.6504, -97.4464

Best Time to Camp at Longhorn

Fall delivers the best conditions for bluff-top gatherings and lake use. Daytime temperatures run mid-60s to mid-80s°F from September through November, with cool evenings. Boating and fishing peak as winds drop and water temps decline. The oaks and surrounding vegetation add seasonal color to the limestone landscape. Weekdays and early fall weekends see lighter crowds than summer holiday rushes, improving your chances of securing the pavilion without advance competition.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall brings cooler weather and pleasant viewing conditions for the overlook.

Planning Tips

About Longhorn

Longhorn sits on high limestone bluffs above Benbrook Lake's Clear Fork, 751 feet above sea level with views of the dam below. This group camping area offers covered picnic space and lake access, though maintenance can be inconsistent. No individual campsites, fees unknown, reservations required for the group shelter.

Longhorn is described as a park and picnic area with individual picnic sites and a large group pavilion; it is oriented toward picnicking, group use, and lake access rather than described camping infrastructure.

Historical Significance

The spillway cut exposes Cretaceous rock layers containing fossils of clams and coral that lived here 85 million years ago, when a warm shallow sea covered what's now North Texas. Amateur fossil hunters can spot these remnants in the exposed stone near the dam.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions for bluff-top gatherings and lake use. Daytime temperatures run mid-60s to mid-80s°F from September through November, with cool evenings. Boating and fishing peak as winds drop and water temps decline. The oaks and surrounding vegetation add seasonal color to the limestone landscape. Weekdays and early fall weekends see lighter crowds than summer holiday rushes, improving your chances of securing the pavilion without advance competition.

ElevationThe park claims its commanding position atop the high rocky bluffs of the Clear Fork, where limestone formations rise dramatically above the southeast end of the dam. This elevated vantage point provides visitors with panoramic views that stretch across Benbrook Lake's shimmering waters and the impressive engineering of the dam structure below.

Natural Features and SceneryAncient limestone formations create dramatic elevated terrain overlooking Benbrook Lake and its southeast dam. The rocky bluffs rise sharply from the Clear Fork, with layers of Cretaceous-era stone exposed in places. Oak trees dot the high ground. The spillway cut near the dam reveals 85-million-year-old marine fossils. Clams and coral from when this land sat beneath a shallow sea. The geology is striking, but the setting is more functional than pristine.

Geological RegionSituated on the high rocky bluffs of the Clear Fork, where ancient limestone formations create dramatic elevated terrain overlooking the lake and dam below

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Large picnic shelter/pavilion that can accommodate up to 100 guests
popular for family and group activities, with restrooms and parking available.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutGroup pavilion with covered picnic tables accommodates up to 100 guests. Bathrooms present but not always fully functional (reviewers report occasional sink outages). Parking area, volleyball court (condition varies, sometimes unusable), horseshoe pit. The layout works for events, but check maintenance status before committing to host a gathering here.

Recommended SitesThe large group pavilion is popular for family and group activities and can accommodate up to 100 guests. Individual picnic sites, boat launching facilities, restrooms and parking are available; recreational amenities include a volleyball court and horseshoe pit.

Amenities available

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Primary uses include picnicking and group gatherings at the large pavilion, with opportunities for fishing, boating (boat launching), informal fossil hunting at the nearby spillway cut, and casual recreation such as volleyball and horseshoes. A scenic overlook provides viewing of Benbrook Lake and the dam.

Fishing

Boating

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSite is on high rocky bluffs and adjacent to a dam spillway; the source does not list specific hazard advisories.

Weather at Longhorn

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Longhorn has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for the Longhorn Group Shelter are very mixed, ranging from 1/5 to 5/5. Some groups praise the beautiful setting, covered picnic area, and bathrooms as ideal for events, while others report poor maintenance of the grounds, unsafe volleyball area, and restroom issues, leading to embarrassment when hosting gatherings.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Reviewers who had good experiences highlight the beautiful scenery and the suitability of the group shelter for events like alumni crawfish boils and children’s birthday parties. They appreciate the...

Common Concerns

Several reviews criticize maintenance: grass not being cut, debris from recently cut trees left around, and an unsafe, neglected volleyball area with thorns, weeds, and a poor-quality net. Multiple...

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Be prepared for variable maintenance conditions; if the volleyball area is important to your event, consider bringing your own net and be ready that the court surface may be unusable. Bring backup...

Camper Quotes

"This is the perfect venue for our LSU Alumni chapter to have their crawfish boil every year! Beautiful scenery, covered picnic tables, and bathroom facilities are appreciated by all who...

Site-Specific Reviews

All reviews refer to Site 1 in the LONGHORN GROUP SHELT loop, describing it as a good layout and size for group events but with inconsistent upkeep. Some visitors encountered well-kept grass and...

Outdoorithm Community

0 review