Green River Stables serves as a specialized equestrian camping destination adjacent to Green River Lake State Park. The property offers direct trail access for horseback riding throughout the park's wooded terrain. Located approximately 8 miles west of Campbellsville, Kentucky, the campground sits at 720 feet elevation with moderate terrain suitable for equestrian activities. The camp operates seasonally with limited winter availability depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Trail exploration by horseback: The trails from Green River Stables connect directly to Mammoth Cave National Park, which features dedicated equestrian paths. "Mammoth Cave National Park is right on the Kentucky/Tennessee border and not a short drive from anywhere. It is out in the farmlands, but worth the drive," notes Shelly S. The park offers corral facilities and designated horse camping areas.
Fishing on Green River Lake: Green River Lake State Park provides multiple fishing access points near the stables. "Campground is surrounded by lake. Has a beach for swimming and playgrounds for the kids," explains Lee-Ann R. The lake offers largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill fishing opportunities throughout the year.
Bourbon country exploration: Many horse campgrounds near Campbellsville, Kentucky serve as convenient base camps for exploring regional bourbon distilleries. My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground provides central access. "We will be back to spend time strolling the streets of Bardstown and taking a Distillery Tour. The campground is close to everything," reports John D.
What campers like
Secluded camping options: Taylorsville Lake State Park offers primitive camping areas with greater privacy than typical equestrian campgrounds. "We camped at site P02, but I don't recommend that specific site. It was probably the worst site in the primitive camp, but I reserved it online in advance. It was far from flat, and the space provided for the picnic table was pretty much unusable. Just about every other site there looked amazing though," shares Cassandra C.
Well-maintained stables and facilities: Horse camps in the Campbellsville area maintain clean facilities for both equine and human guests. "Felt like we were the only people without a horse or a fishing pole! Great water for kayaking and beautiful sunsets," writes Stephanie T. about Taylorsville Lake State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Camping in the Green River Lake area provides chances to observe local wildlife. "Deer & turkey walk thru ur campsite! Very clean & quiet! The wildlife are very friendly!" reports Gloria J. at Mammoth Cave Campground.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The camping season around Green River Lake runs primarily from April through October, with limited off-season availability. "We stayed at this beautiful park in early November. There were only a few other campers so it was peaceful and very pretty. We enjoyed the lake views and fall colors everywhere," shares Joey about Green River Lake State Park.
Tick prevention essential: Equestrian trails and camping areas around Mammoth Cave and Green River have significant tick populations. "The only downside to the entire trip is that the park is infested with seed ticks and deer ticks. I was pulling ticks off of every inch of me even though I was coated in several layers of hardcore bug spray and my gear had been treated with permethrin," warns Carrie J. about Maple Springs Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds in the region require advance booking, especially during peak season. "This campground books 6 months out. Very hard to get a spot, but so worth it! Water front sites in cove so not a lot of boat traffic. Quiet park with great gravel spots," advises Laura O. about Nolin Lake State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with playground access: Nolin Lake State Park offers family-friendly amenities near horse trails. "The campsites are surrounded by trees and it's beautiful. Campsite has good showers too which is a plus. Nearby mammoth caves!" reports Aly E.
Consider cul-de-sac style camping areas: Some equestrian campgrounds feature circular layouts ideal for family groups. "Campsites are on loops off the main loop/road. It puts 7-8 sites in a circle so it's possible for families to rent multiple site in same loop. Plenty of room for kids to play and also has a swimming pool!" notes Kenny P. about Dale Hollow Lake State Park.
Pack for varied weather conditions: Kentucky weather can change quickly, particularly in spring and fall. "I can't wait to go back?" shares Diego D. about Nolin Lake State Park, where temperature swings of 30 degrees within 24 hours are not uncommon.
Tips from RVers
Check site specifications carefully: Many horse campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. "Very small campground and narrow roads. Many sites were not level and some sites were very short so make sure you review the site description. Also some had sewer hook ups and others did not," advises M&P M. about My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
Prepare for varied hookup distances: Water and electrical connections at equestrian campgrounds may require longer hoses and cords than standard. "I also wish they would have mentioned the length to water hookup. We ended up having to go buy a longer water hose bc the hookup was more than 30 foot away. We now keep a 50 foot hose, but didn't realize at the time there was actually hookups that far away," shares Beth H. about Dale Hollow Lake State Park.
Consider ferry restrictions: Some roads accessing horse campgrounds have vehicle size limitations. "If you are in a RV note that you can't go across the ferry with your rig!!! You have to go around the park to access this campground. We are so glad we realized that ahead of time and didn't have to back track," cautions Bounding Around about Maple Springs Campground.
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