10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Wranglers Campground stands out as the premier equestrian destination near Barkley Lake, offering extensive trail access and complete horse-friendly facilities. The campground accommodates tent campers, RVs with full hookups, and even cabins for riders who prefer additional comfort after a day on the trails. Horse owners find ample space for trailers with pull-through sites that can accommodate large rigs. Sites are positioned close enough to stables for convenience but sufficiently distanced to avoid horse odors. Best horse campground in Kentucky according to frequent visitors, with spotless shower facilities and a welcoming atmosphere for both equine and human guests.
Over 100 miles of connected riding trails extend from Wranglers Campground through Land Between the Lakes, providing diverse terrain for all skill levels. The trail system offers both short loops for novice riders and extended routes for experienced equestrians seeking full-day adventures. Five organized campgrounds in the recreational area accept reservations, while numerous smaller sites allow for more primitive camping experiences with a permit. Water access points along the trails allow horses to drink and cool off during summer rides. Campground staff maintain the trails and facilities year-round, though seasonal variations in trail conditions should be expected. The entire recreational area permits dispersed camping with proper authorization, giving riders flexibility for extended backcountry trips with their horses.
"the staff was helpful and friendly. the park had a great beach area. make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites. i only gave it 4 stars because of"
"Although this is a remote campground, it is situated in a State RESORT park, so it is more like glamping."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"You can't beat having a lake next to you while you are camping. This is something my family and I always look for when we are camping. Water is always a great place to entertain the kids and family."
"Most sites have great views of Lake Barkley! Large camp store with a restaurant that serves sandwiches, pizza, beer and sodas... Golf cart rentals and the marina has boat rentals."
"We didn’t have any neighbors and were located close to the showers and some horse stables (but far enough away from them so as to not smell horses the whole time lol)."
"Fun experience staying with all the horses! I didn’t really know it was a thing to bring horses to camp and ride them on the trails! Loved it. Spots are pretty close together but fine for big rigs."
from $6 - $10 / night
Check Availability"It was quiet, secluded from other campers, and we had close access to the lake where we were parked. We will definitely be camping here again!"
from $40 / night
Check Availability"Grand Rivers KY Canal Campground at Barkley Lake COE Site 111 This is a great COE campground located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with views of the Barkley Dam."
"Canal campground is right on the canal that connects Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake at the north end of Land Between the Lakes."
from $20 - $256 / night
Check Availability"Tucked away on an old dead end road (Forrest Service Rd 118), Craven's Bay campground is remote back country camping, right on the lake, but far away from any visitor attraction in Land Between the Lakes"
"This gem in the Land Between the Lakes Rec area is a great spot to set up camp if you don’t mind the lack of showers."
"Pennyrile Forest State Park off Ky69 outside Dawson Springs, Ky. A newer trail Pennyrile Nature Trail is 13.5 mile long hiking trail, from Dawson Springs to the park."
"When I talked to the campground host, he was very pleasant and explained that you do not have to have a horse to camp in the equestrian sites. Those sites are level pull-through sites."
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
"They have equestrian spots, RV spots, tent spots, and cabins for rent. Plus so much to do on the property!"
"Area is beautiful but sites were close together and the ground outside of my trailer was very unusable, all hill and large rocks. No way to spend time outside of the camper."
GuideThis is the third time we’ve stayed here just using it as an overnight on the way to and from home on our way out west. Great campground with full hook up service in some sites and a view of the lake.
Scoutthe campground was great, staff was very nice and helpful, great activities for kids and adults, free paddle boats and canoes, cable tv, indoor and outdoor pools, really great place!
GuideBusy but quiet campground. This spot is sitting on the lake. Perfect place to watch sunrise over the lake. This is a back-in, large site with a fairly level pad. It is relatively private site for this campground. Lots of families using golf carts to get around the campground. You can fish from this site and lots of good hammock trees. Nice firepit with grill grate. Site has electric and water.
GuideI stayed in the primitive area but it did have water and electric at the campsite and it’s close to the bathroom. There are showers there too
ScoutCamped here a few nights in late March/early April. Stayed at site 77, which was next to the lake with great views. Staff was friendly and the facilities were clean. Close to Grand Rivers, which has a grocery store and some restaurants. Would camp here again.
LegendGrand Rivers KY Canal Campground at Barkley Lake COE Site 111 This is a great COE campground located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with views of the Barkley Dam. The canal connects them and you can see boats and occasionally barges passing through. There are over 100 campsites are available, many with water views. We had a spacious site with a river view. Other loops are closer together and no view. Sites offer electric and/or water hookups, tables and fire ring. Other amenities include clean old style bathhouses, a dump station, laundry facilities, a playground, and picnic pavilions. We saw several deer roaming the grounds. There's a great pizza place in town Papa Z.
ScoutEnjoyed our stay. Bring quite a bit of leveling materials as the sites are very unlevel. 1 dump station and an older but usable bath house. The road to come in was narrow but we'll marked. Very shaded and decently spaced out. Water and electric only.
ScoutWe stayed here two nights with our friends in two travel trailers. We had 4 adults and 4 kids (ages 2, 3, and 10) and we had the best time. This was our first time boon camping and it was actually way more enjoyable than being at a campground! It was quiet, secluded from other campers, and we had close access to the lake where we were parked. We will definitely be camping here again!
TravelerWell kept, no sewer hookup on sites, bath house clean, electric far from pads - bring extension cord
The Land Between the Lakes region spans 170,000 acres of protected forests and wetlands surrounding Barkley Lake. This recreation area crosses the Kentucky-Tennessee border, creating a diverse ecosystem with water levels that fluctuate seasonally by up to 5 feet. During summer months, temperatures consistently reach above 85°F, making water-based activities popular with campers from May through September.
Water activities: Lake Barkley State Resort Park offers multiple water access points with boat ramps and swimming areas. "The campground has a great beach area. Make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites," notes Ann D.
Hiking opportunities: Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park features interconnected trails for day hikes. "A newer trail Pennyrile Nature Trail is 13.5 mile long hiking trail, from Dawson Springs to the park," explains a reviewer. The park's multi-level terrain creates variable difficulty levels suitable for hikers of different abilities.
Fishing spots: Cravens Bay provides lake access for fishing enthusiasts. "There is a boat ramp and a dock for your boating needs, and many spots along the shoreline to set up camp for some waterfront views," notes Daniel B. The bay's secluded location makes it less crowded than other fishing areas in the region.
Shoreline access: Canal Campground receives praise for its layout and water proximity. "The Campground is large enough that you can get some excercise right on site, jog, walk or bike. OR jump in your water craft from the boat ramp/dock within the campground and maneuver into either lake," writes Shelly S.
Privacy at primitive sites: Colson Hollow Group Camp offers more seclusion than developed campgrounds. "We stayed here two nights with our friends in two travel trailers. We had 4 adults and 4 kids and had the best time. This was our first time boon camping and it was actually way more enjoyable than being at a campground!" reports Maryann.
Clean facilities: "The bathrooms were clean. Most of this campsite is for RVs but tent campsite was still nice," notes Taylor W. about Canal Campground. Facilities maintenance varies seasonally, with highest standards maintained during peak summer months.
Terrain challenges: Many sites across the region feature uneven terrain. At Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, "Sites are very sloped. Worst I've ever seen. Major drawback to this campground," warns John R. Bring leveling blocks and wheel chocks even for tent camping.
Seasonal variations: Water levels change throughout the year, affecting boat launch accessibility. "We stayed in off-season and the place was quite empty. Camp host told us it was always pretty quiet," reports Lynn A. about Lake Barkley State Resort Park.
Horse camping requirements: At KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point, campers share space with equestrian visitors. "Most sites have great views of Lake Barkley! Large camp store with a restaurant that serves sandwiches, pizza, beer and sodas... Golf cart rentals and the marina has boat rentals," notes Brad S.
Water safety: Lake Barkley State Resort Park water areas have minimal supervision. "Camping area has its own boat ramp and no day use allowed. Water sports galore and some good trails," says Shelly S. Bring life jackets for children of all ages.
Kid-friendly amenities: "So much to do. Lake Barkley State Park offers so many activities and is right on the edge of Land Between The Lakes that I have been going to both for years and still not gotten to all of the sites available," explains another reviewer. Pack water toys and fishing equipment.
Wildlife viewing spots: Maintain a safe distance from wildlife. "Lots of different areas. One of my favorite in LBL. Tons of deer, and skunks, but they don't bother you," reports Jessica F. about Canal Campground. Morning and evening hours offer best animal sighting opportunities.
Extension cords required: Many electric hookup sites have unusual utility placement. "Well kept, no sewer hookup on sites, bath house clean, electric far from pads - bring extension cord," advises Holly S. about Lake Barkley State Resort Park. Pack 50-foot minimum electrical cords.
Leveling challenges: "Enjoyed our stay. Bring quite a bit of leveling materials as the sites are very unlevel. 1 dump station and an older but usable bath house. The road to come in was narrow but well marked," warns Cheyanne S. Use stabilizers and leveling blocks on most sites.
Seasonal availability: Horse campgrounds near Barkley Lake operate on limited schedules. Most equestrian facilities close between November and March due to trail conditions. Book horse camping sites at least 2 months in advance during peak summer weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Barkley Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Barkley Lake is Lake Barkley State Resort Park with a 4-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Barkley Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Barkley Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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