At Sam Rayburn, you'll find a lot more than just fish in the lake--you'll also find horses--at least at Ebenezer Park--the only area of Sam Rayburn Lake that allows horses on the trails and in the water. Turns out there's a lot more to the lake than just fishing. With fall in full swing, although there isn't much foliage to see in Deep East Texas, there's still a simple, rustic beauty that exists in the pines that can only truly be enjoyed from the back of a horse. Ebenezer Park, operated by the Corp of Engineers, is located on the south end of Lake Rayburn, 23 miles northwest of Jasper. It is the only area where horses are allowed on Sam Rayburn and it is open year round. Even better, the recreation area is strictly for use by those with horses--no vehicles, four-wheelers, cyclists or fishing boats to worry about, which means you can enjoy actual fresh air. Although, it's getting a little cool to swim in the lake with your equine friend, there's still plenty else to do. (However, if you visit in the summer, make sure that you do cool off in the water. One of the most magical and unique experiences a horse lover will have is swimming horseback). For starters, there's more than 20 miles of trails--1.5 owned by the Corps of Engineers, but there is open access to another 20+ miles of soft, sandy, rolling terrain in the Angelina County National Forest. The swimming beach can be accessed through the trails, but not through the main camp area. There's also camping. And what better way to camp than with your equine friend and human equine friends nearby, sitting around a campfire, reliving horse tales from the day? The main equestrian area contains 10 campsites, with water and electric hookups, RV pullouts, hitching posts, tables, and fire pit. There are also corrals placed near the equestrian campsites. For those wanting to "rough it" there are 17 additional campsites without these features. The park also has a restroom facility with showers, a rentable enclosed multipurpose building, miles of trails, and a swimming beach for you and your horse. Each campsite must have at least one, but no more than four horses. A day-use area is also available for those not wishing to camp. For this unique, fun experience, there is just a small price to pay, but it's worth it. Fees help to manage the park and keep it an enjoyable place for equestrians to continuing visiting in the future. Fees for the park must be paid through Recreation.gov or may be paid on-site with cash (correct change required) or personal check at the Honor Vault located at the park entrance. Credit Cards cannot be accepted at the campground. Fees are as follows: •50 Amp sites are $28 per night •30 Amp sites are $26 per night •Non-electric sites are $14 per night •Ebenezer Hall fee is $150 per day plus a separate security deposit. •Swim Beach - $4.00 per vehicle. •Dump Station - $4.00 (non-campers) So, load up your fishing poles so that you'll leave with plenty of fishing tales, but also bring your four-legged friends, so you can blaze some new trails.