Equestrian camping near Calvert City, Kentucky offers riders access to multiple trail systems within the 170,000-acre Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The area's geography includes rolling hills with elevations ranging from 375 to 525 feet and a humid subtropical climate with average summer temperatures of 88°F. Many campsites connect directly to bridle trails that wind through hardwood forests and along shorelines of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.
What to do
Trail riding in Land Between the Lakes: The area features over 100 miles of designated horse trails through varied terrain. At Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access, riders can access trails and water features. "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. The campground is also right off the North South hiking trail, so bikers and hikers also find Craven's Bay a welcome rest stop," notes Staci R.
Water recreation on Kentucky Lake: Many equestrian camps offer swimming and boating access within walking distance of horse facilities. Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE provides water-based activities near horse trails. "The Campground is large enough that you can get some exercise 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 for site seeing, fishing and other water fun," shares Shelly S.
Wildlife viewing on horseback: Morning rides offer the best opportunities for deer and bird sightings. "Lots of deer, and skunks, but they don't bother you," reports Jessica F. about Canal Campground. The trails through forested areas provide frequent wildlife encounters, especially during spring and fall.
What campers like
Trail system variety: The mix of flat, open trails and more challenging terrain attracts riders of different skill levels. KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point serves as a popular base for exploring multiple trail systems. "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," explains Brad S.
Horse-friendly facilities: Purpose-built corrals, stalls, and hitching posts make horse management easier than at standard campgrounds. "Good fishing! I love the perks of Prizer! Worth the cost!" adds 0561Fiddle123, highlighting additional amenities that complement the equestrian facilities.
Camp-to-trail access: Direct trail connections eliminate the need to trailer horses between camping and riding locations. "We really enjoyed this place. Its pricey but they have a million activities for the price. The campsites are all beautiful and are either close or directly on the water," notes Karen L. about Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point KOA.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable riding conditions with fewer biting insects and moderate temperatures. Summer requires early morning starts to avoid heat stress on horses. "We stayed here in the middle of July in 2019! Wow was it hot! It also had a bit of flooding, however it made it easier for our girls to launch their kayaks and swim," reports Benjamin C. about Cravens Bay.
Reservations essential: Horse camps fill quickly during peak seasons, especially on weekends and holidays. Book 3-6 months in advance for prime sites with adequate space for trailers and corrals. "The campground was pretty full and we weren't offered a lot to correct that the website was wrong," warns Tessa C.
Trail conditions vary: Recent weather affects trail quality significantly. Check with rangers about trail closures or muddy sections before planning long rides. "Good campground. You have to deal with a lot of fishermen and seasonal campers. There is enough room to spread out from other campers. A far drive from any services or attractions," notes Wesley B.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Plan mixed activities that combine riding with swimming and hiking to keep non-riders engaged. Lake Barkley State Resort Park offers diverse recreation options. "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 Shelly S.
Safety precautions: Establish clear rules about approaching horses, particularly for children unfamiliar with equines. "Very good for pull behinds or semi-permanent but less than desirable for tent campers. Tents were relegated to a narrow strip in the campground really too small for campers," warns Jason W. about site selection at Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point KOA.
Entertainment options: Pack games and activities for evenings and rainy days when trail riding isn't possible. "We loved our visit to this KOA! Waterpark in the summer, boating activities, lake front sites. Countless activities for the kids and the pools are nice too! We cant wait to go back!" shares Kristen about Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Request pull-through sites if hauling horses and trailers, as back-in sites can be challenging with combined lengths over 50 feet. At Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, riders should note: "The sites are hard to back in with a camper, we had to buy longer extension cables and a longer water hose, sites are very close together," advises Erin R.
Utility considerations: Bring extension cords and extra water hoses as hookups are sometimes positioned inconveniently for rigs with attached horse trailers. "Sites are very sloped. Worst I've ever seen. Major drawback to this campground," warns John R. about Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.
Alternative non-equestrian sites: Non-horse campers can often use equestrian sites for an additional fee when regular campgrounds are full. "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," shares Myron C.
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