Horse campgrounds near Corbin, Kentucky offer access to over 400 miles of trails across Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Located in the Cumberland Plateau region at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,300 feet, these equestrian facilities experience moderate seasonal changes with summer highs around 85°F and winter lows below freezing. Most horse camps remain open April through October when trail conditions are optimal.
What to do
Trail access for non-horse owners: Little Lick Campground offers excellent hiking opportunities even without horses. "Off Ky Rt 80 in Daniel Boone National Forest, keep following the tent signs, they will get you to Little Lick Campground... there are several awesome trailheads in the area, Nathan McClure TH right in the campground," notes one visitor who appreciates the diversity of recreation options.
Creek swimming and fishing: Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground provides waterfront access with sandy banks. A camper reports, "You can fish off the banks of the Cumberland river or take a swim. Close to trails and a waterpark too." Another adds, "River side tent sites on a shaded, sandy river bank... Trails, canoe, kayak, swim, fish, relax."
Off-road vehicle adventures: S-Tree Campground caters to motorized trail users with extensive route options. "S Tree campground in McKee KY is great for trail riding! Multiple trials to venture on. The campsites are huge with available fire pits and restrooms," explains a regular visitor who values the dedicated trail systems.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Horse-friendly facilities typically feature larger sites than standard campgrounds. At True West Campground & Stables, "Nice level spots that are easy to get in and out of... Water all throughout the barn and easy to get to. The location is great, just 20 minutes from Jamestown for a quick trip to Walmart or the Dollar store."
Night sky viewing: The rural setting offers excellent stargazing conditions. "Dark and starry skies, quiet and woodsy," notes one Little Lick Horse Camp visitor, while another mentions camping offers "quiet and peace with plenty of nature to explore."
Budget-friendly options: Several equestrian campgrounds offer affordable rates. S-Tree Campground gets praised as a "free campsite with no electricity available," while a Great Meadows visitor describes it as "a beautiful secluded free campsite that I highly highly recommend. Swimming hole nearby and toilets."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Rain can significantly impact campground conditions. "Only 2 of the 6 sites are usable if it has rained within a week of your stay. Would not recommend for large groups unless you enjoy sleeping in mud," warns one Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground reviewer.
Trail difficulty ratings: Equestrian trails vary widely in technical challenge. At Great Meadows Campground, "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."
Limited services: Most equestrian campgrounds offer minimal amenities. "This is primitive, to include no toilet so bring your bucket or whatever you use.....remember Leave No Trace," advises a Little Lick visitor, while another notes the remoteness: "You will drive and drive and drive...and drive on the gravel road."
Tips for camping with families
Multi-activity sites: Look for campgrounds offering non-equestrian recreation. Bandy Creek Campground stands out with "a swimming pool, playground and volleyball net also. Firewood can be hard to find, but you can buy some at the horse stables across the street from the campground at all hours."
Site selection for children: Choose campgrounds with open play areas. A visitor notes, "The sites were a bit short and we couldn't park our tow vehicle in front of our 17' camper. So large campers beware. There are limited parking spots near the shower house. The tent pads were huge, lots of space to play at each site."
Cabin options: For families wanting more comfort, some locations offer structures. At Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground, "A quiet little campground on the river with anything you need, whether you are looking for a place to stay in a cabin, a tent, a car, or RV. Great amenities, including a clean bathroom and shower."
Tips from RVers
Access road considerations: Horse trailer access roads can be challenging for recreational vehicles. A Bear Creek Horse Camp visitor warns, "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!"
Power availability: Many horse campgrounds lack hookups. At Barren Fork Horse Camp, "It's a hot place with no electric hookups at $12 a night and $100 for a yearly pass," while others note that generators are commonly used in these areas to compensate for the lack of power.
Campsite leveling: Finding level sites can be challenging. True West Campground receives praise for its "nice level spots that are easy to get in and out of, dump station on site which was very easy to get to," making it more suitable for larger recreational vehicles compared to some of the primitive horse camps in the area.
