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Best Equestrian Camping near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

128 Reviews

Bear Creek Horse Camp and Barren Fork Horse Camp serve equestrians visiting Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Bear Creek provides direct trail access with water hookups, electric hookups and sanitary dump stations for campers with horses. Sites feature dedicated areas for horses adjacent to camping spaces with picnic tables and fire rings. Campground visitors note the facility is clean with minimal farm odors despite being filled with horses. During peak season, expect competition for campsites as horse owners have priority for spaces.

The extensive trail network surrounding these campgrounds offers varied terrain for all riding experience levels. Little Lick Campground connects to the Nathan McClure trailhead with primitive camping suitable for horses, llamas, trail bikes and dogs. The Big South Fork river area contains miles of horse-friendly trails with stream crossings and scenic overlooks. Bear Creek requires advance reservations from April through October, while some neighboring horse camps operate on a first-come basis. Local riders recommend arriving with sufficient vehicle power for the gravel hills accessing Bear Creek, as some travelers report needing multiple attempts to navigate the steep entrance road.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (16)

    1. Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    42 Reviews
    Rugby, TN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 286-7275

    $20 - $140 / night

    "Bandy Creek Campground is located in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation area on The Cumberland Plateau. Big South Fork is a great place for outdoor adventure."

    "Big South Fork is located in a very remote area of TN and KY.  Miles of Great hiking, biking, horse and motorized trails.  There is plenty to see and all of it is beautiful.   "

    2. Bear Creek Horse Camp — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Revelo, KY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 286-7275

    $30 - $35 / night

    "Totally set up for the horse crowd with plenty of horse room :) there is a day use parking and unloading area and direct access to the horse trails. Very open and well maintained."

    "We stayed here even though we didn’t have horses, but those with horses have priority."

    3. Great Meadows Campground

    8 Reviews
    Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, KY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 376-5323

    $10 - $15 / night

    "Great for kayaking, fishing, wading, hiking, sightseeing(areas close by to check out), also there are some swimming holes..just have to find them. can camp right by the creek and across the road is a few"

    "Love it clean nice people Has water some of the time no electricity sites are well kept has horseshoe pits no stores close by no cell phone service but it does have clean toilets fishing is good"

    4. Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground

    9 Reviews
    Williamsburg, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 913-0325

    $20 - $70 / night

    "They have horse sites to bring your horses .and you can camp right with your bourses.They also have RV sites and tent camping. You can fish in the river and go tubing and Canoeing in the river."

    "Close to trails and a waterpark too. Love the peace and tranquility. We will be going back again."

    5. Barren Fork Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Marshes Siding, KY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 376-5323

    6. Little Lick Campground

    4 Reviews
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-4163

    $2 - $15 / night

    "Bring your horse, bring your trail bike, bring your dogs. You might want to bring a generator too."

    "Take an awesome little ferry across the river (or drive around). Tent sites vary in privacy. Great simple site, clean. No trails on site but we did a pretty one nearby (forget the name)."

    7. Daniel Boone National Forest Little Lick Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-4163

    "You will drive and drive and drive...and drive on the gravel road. However the road is good and the signage will get you there!"

    8. True West Campground & Stables

    6 Reviews
    Rugby, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 752-8272

    $26 - $165 / night

    "We didn't have any horses but everyone treated us with welcoming vibes and kindness. The owners and family are attentive, kind, and hard working. The grounds are well kept."

    "Lots of room for horses.  They had campsites, covered wagons and cabin space."

    9. Tranquility Creek

    1 Review
    Williamsburg, KY
    20 miles
    +1 (772) 501-5012

    $60 - $100 / night

    10. Daniel Boone National Forest Bell Farm Horse Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Stearns, KY
    9 miles
    Website
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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

19 Photos of 16 Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

128 Reviews of 16 Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area Campgrounds

  • Lori H.
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Ranger Review: GCI Freestyle Rocker Pro at Bandy Creek Campground

    Bandy Creek Campground is located in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation area on The Cumberland Plateau. Big South Fork is a great place for outdoor adventure. Some activities include hiking, horseback riding, rick climbing, tubing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and just about anything else! The area is never overcrowded, even in the middle of summer. There are many scenic views throughout the area, so bring a camera!

    Campground review: Bandy Creek Campground is a great place! The sites are all spacious, and wooded for the most part, so you have plenty of space and some privacy. The campground seemed quite large, and was fairly empty for a Weekend in August. Some sites have food storage lockers (not sure if all do) as the area is a bear habitat. We saw some deer and turkeys, so there’s wildlife around for sure!

    There is tent loop, and a group camp area, and I believe the campground hosts several retreats.

    There’s riding stables at the camp store too. The campground also has a large swimming pool, with lifeguards.

    The restrooms were immaculate! Seriously the cleanest campground restrooms I believe I’ve seen. Ours had a filtered water bottle fill up fountain too.

    This campground is really nice, and quiet, but also has so much to do, I highly recommend it!

    Product Review: As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to try out products sometimes, and today I’m trying out the GCI Freestyle Rocket Pro! https://www.gcioutdoor.com/camping-chairs/freestyle-rocker-pro/

    The Freestyle Rocker Pro is one of the best chairs I’ve used! It is actually much lighter than I expected, and is still extremely sturdy. Lightweight gear is a must when camping, or attending events!
    It has a carry handle so you don’t need to try to fit it in a case to have a strap like other chairs I’ve used. The Rocker was smooth on natural surface, pea gravel, and concrete. It is very comfortable, quiet, and relaxing. It folds up super easy with just a pull of the handle. One feature that I especially love is the cup holder and side pocket. It will actually hold a drink without spilling, and you can fit a phone, keys or other small items in the pocket. This chair is awesome! Two thumbs up!!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2019

    East Fork Stables

    Horses galore

    East Fork Stables is a HUGE equestrian campground that , guess what....you don’t have to have a horse to stay at! They have a whole loop complete with a pavilion cookhouse and annoying triangle bell that’s perfect for campers, tents and hammocks.

    The showerhouse is nice and clean. The sites plenty big and mostly shaded. 

    Of course you can use any of the loops but the rest will have some really big animals hanging out. 

    There are miles and miles of trails. Waterfalls , overlooks and scenery. A nice gift shop/camp office and cabins.

    I stayed here for the Cumberland Plateau Stage Race. The race director actually reserved the whole campground for his event.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2017

    Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

    Almost a 5 star

    Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park is right on the Kentucky/ Tennessee boarder and not a short drive from anywhere. It is out in the farmlands, but worth the drive.

    I drove to it from Cumberland Parkway, a very picturesque drive. The GPS took me right to the entrance no issues like there are with some other parks.

    Once there the main areas are very well marked. The camp store has a somewhat useful map that will get you there by road.

    My disappointment and frustration was the trails marked on the map. I'm not sure if some spurs are new, not used often or being reclaimed but we would start down a trail that had a trailhead sign and then the trail would just disappear into the weeds or a field with no signage.

    The trail to Eagle Point was well used and a good walk to an awesome view.

    The Campground is set up in what I call wagon train circles (lol) if your going with a large group it's perfect. People parked their toys and cars in the middle and set up in the sites around the hub.

    if your not with a group you will probably have an opportunity to met your neighbor. There is not a lot of shade. There is a pool on site and cute little blue cabins to rent. Newer restrooms and a dumpstation. Tge horse ampground was adjacent to the regular campground.

    The Marina and Lodge are at the end of the road and there was a golf course on the way in. Pretty much covers all the bases of outdoor entertainment.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2016

    Bear Creek Horse Camp — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Very horse oriented :)

    Stayed here in April, very quiet! Off to itself. Totally set up for the horse crowd with plenty of horse room :) there is a day use parking and unloading area and direct access to the horse trails. Very open and well maintained. Make sure you have the horse power for the hills going out. I had to back down the gravel hill and get a second run to make it up!

  • Dan N.
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Bear Creek Horse Camp — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Great area for horse trips

    We stayed here even though we didn’t have horses, but those with horses have priority. According to the others at the campground, there are a lot of horse camps and facilities in this area, if you do have horses this is an excellent area to explore. Good hiking trails too. Campground was clean and barely smelled like a farm despite being filled with horses.

  • Carroll M.
    Aug. 4, 2018

    Great Meadows Campground

    Wonderful, peaceful

    No electric..but that could have changed, haven't been in a while. Great for kayaking, fishing, wading, hiking, sightseeing(areas close by to check out), also there are some swimming holes..just have to find them. can camp right by the creek and across the road is a few more spots. Get there early, because it is primitive, just to get a spot. Also, close by is a horse camp...actually a left turn prior to great meadows. Have fun.there is water and an enclosed bathroom. No showers

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Daniel Boone National Forest Little Lick Horse Camp

    Listen for banjos

    You will drive and drive and drive...and drive on the gravel road. However the road is good and the signage will get you there! Follow the little tent signs to Little Lick Horse Camp in the woods of Daniel Boone NF. The Nathan McClure trailhead is in the campground so there will be other traffic coming in. There are a few good size sites, with picnic table, fire ring and not much else. This is primitive, to include no toilet so bring your bucket or whatever you use.....remember Leave No Trace ;) Dark and starry skies, quiet and woodsy....try not to think about any scary wood based movies. Horses, llamas, trail bikes and dogs would be perfect for this campground. The sites are big enough for more then one tent or hammock. There are several other nice/challenging trails nearby and the Rattlesnake Motorcycle route in the area.

  • magickelf969@aol.com
    Oct. 19, 2025

    True West Campground & Stables

    Not safe for animals

    Stalls/barn is filthy. The owners had their own horses removed from their custody by animal control for neglect. The horses were skin and bones even though they sell feed in their store.

Guide to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Horse camping near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Kentucky offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly facilities, making it a perfect getaway for horse enthusiasts.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Bear Creek Horse Camp, you'll find direct access to numerous trails ideal for horseback riding, hiking, and exploring the beautiful surroundings.
  • Little Lick Campground is situated near several trailheads, providing ample opportunities for both horse riding and hiking adventures.
  • The Barren Fork Horse Camp features a variety of hiking trails and natural attractions, perfect for a day of exploration after a ride.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites

  • Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground features sites designed for equestrian use, ensuring a comfortable stay for both horses and their owners.
  • Great Meadows Campground offers a rustic experience with sites that allow for horse camping, making it a great choice for those looking to connect with nature.
  • Little Lick Campground is known for its spacious sites that accommodate multiple tents or hammocks, perfect for groups of horse campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best horse trails in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area?

Big South Fork offers extensive horse trail systems with direct access from several dedicated equestrian campgrounds. Bear Creek Horse Camp provides immediate access to excellent horse trails and is specifically designed for equestrians exploring the park. The trails around this area feature beautiful scenery with varying terrain through wooded areas. Bandy Creek Campground also serves as a gateway to numerous horse trails throughout the Cumberland Plateau region of the park. The trail system offers options for riders of all experience levels, with routes ranging from easy flat terrain to more challenging rides with stunning overlooks and river crossings.

Do I need permits for horseback riding in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area?

While general entry to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area doesn't require special permits for horseback riding, there are some regulations to follow. All horses must have proof of negative Coggins test as required by Tennessee and Kentucky state laws. Day use fees may apply at certain trailheads and facilities. For camping with horses at locations like Barren Fork Horse Camp, reservations are recommended during peak seasons. Some areas have specific seasonal restrictions or trail limitations based on conditions. It's always best to check with the official Big South Fork visitor center for the most current information on any permit requirements or trail restrictions.

What are the best seasons for horseback riding at Big South Fork?

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant horseback riding conditions at Big South Fork. Daniel Boone National Forest Little Lick Horse Camp, which connects to the Big South Fork trail system, is particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers bloom and in fall when the foliage changes color. Summer riding is popular but can be hot and humid with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Winter riding is possible but less common due to potentially muddy or icy conditions on some trails. Many equestrian campgrounds like Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground remain accessible year-round, though facilities may be limited in winter months.

What camping facilities are available for horse owners at Big South Fork?

East Fork Stables is a massive equestrian campground with excellent amenities including clean showerhouses, a pavilion cookhouse, and dedicated sites for horses and riders. They offer loops specifically designed for camping with horses as well as areas for campers without horses. True West Campground & Stables provides another great option with facilities specifically designed for horse owners. Throughout Big South Fork, equestrian campgrounds typically include hitching posts, paddocks or stalls, water access for horses, and spacious camping areas that accommodate horse trailers alongside tents or RVs.

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