The Equestrian Campground at Carter Caves State Resort Park sits at an elevation of approximately 800 feet in the foothills of northeastern Kentucky. Horse campgrounds near Grahn, Kentucky benefit from the region's moderate climate with average summer temperatures around 85°F and winter lows near 25°F. The area's limestone geology creates varied terrain that's well-suited for equestrian trails with a mix of forested paths and open ridges.
What to do
Trail riding beyond the campground: At Twin Knobs Recreation Area, riders can access neighboring trails that connect to the broader Daniel Boone National Forest system. "The campsite that I was on was a double.(A30). It has electric, no water or sewage on the spot. We had 2 campers on the site with plenty of room. One is 37 ft and the other is 24 ft," notes Karen P., highlighting the spacious sites that can accommodate multiple rigs and trailers.
Kayaking after riding: Many equestrians combine trail riding with water activities. The Ole Cornfield offers direct river access just 30 miles from Grahn. "The grandkids love to play in the river, which is about 1 to 2 feet deep at this location. Great for wading and catching minnows, crawdads, and such," says Karen P., describing the shallow waters perfect for cooling off after a day of riding.
Cave exploration: When not riding, equestrians can explore the extensive cave systems just minutes from the horse camps. "The park has a lot to do, not just the caves. There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see. The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something!" recommends Chris B., describing activities at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground.
What campers like
Spacious trailer parking: Most riders appreciate the extra room for truck and trailer combinations at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. "The campground provides huge sites for plenty of recreational activities and still have space left over," notes Lisa S., highlighting an important feature for horse owners with large rigs.
Clean facilities after muddy rides: "The Bath houses are extremely clean and the camp ground is meticulous, with level spots," reports Paige B. about The Ole Cornfield's facilities, which riders appreciate after dusty or muddy trail rides.
Multiple trail difficulty levels: The varied terrain offers options for riders of all skill levels. "Perfect for beginning kayakers," notes Karen P., and this applies to the trail systems as well, with most parks featuring beginner loops that gradually increase in difficulty for more experienced riders and horses.
What you should know
Water and electric access varies: Not all equestrian sites have identical hookups. "You had to share a post. The people beside me already had the 50 amp. I pulled everything to run on propane that I could and plugged into the 30 amp," explains Karen P. about her stay at Shawnee State Park Campground, located about 40 miles from Grahn.
Weather considerations: The region experiences variable conditions that can affect trail quality. "We just spent a long weekend at this campground. It rained every day, a lot. Our campsite (A-30) drained the rain off really well," notes Karen P., highlighting the importance of properly graded sites for horse camping.
Extra equipment needed: "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites though," advises Ron & Bonnie D., mentioning a common issue at many horse camps where hookups may be positioned far from trailer parking areas.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly horse areas: For families with young riders, look for facilities with designated areas for beginners. "The campground hosts Bill and Gina are top notch. The facility is clean. There is stuff for your kids to do," explains Steven B. about his experience at Jenny Wiley State Park Campground.
Non-riding activities: Ensure there are options for family members who don't ride. "The grandkids had fun because there were about 100 kids in the campground running around. There was a vacation bible school going on. Our kids were invited to take part in activities," shares Karen P.
Safety precautions: "Be prepared, the course is hard, but in a fun way," advises Tom B., referring to activities at Greenbo Lake, reminding families to pack appropriate safety gear for both riding and non-riding activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: "The campground was a little confusing at first because the sign says next left, when the next left is the out driveway," reports Amanda S., highlighting the importance of scouting the layout before bringing in large rigs with horse trailers.
Leveling considerations: Horse owners with living-quarter trailers should note potential leveling issues. "Some sites are sloped from slight to more severe. We did have to take our camper off our truck (truck camper) in order to get level," warns Liz about Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, located 45 miles from Grahn.
Hookup logistics: "Be sure to look at google maps satellite before arriving as most of the sites that are labeled electric share one electric box for 2 campsites and can be pretty far from your pad," advises Amanda S., suggesting advance research for determining the best sites for horse camping setups.
