Equestrian camping near Strunk, Kentucky offers access to over 212 miles of trails through the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork wilderness. The Cumberland Plateau terrain features deep gorges, sandstone cliffs, and elevations ranging from 700 to 1,750 feet. Most equestrian campgrounds remain open from April through October when trail conditions are optimal for riding.
What to do
Trail riding exploration: The network surrounding Bandy Creek Campground connects to numerous hiking paths. "You could easily spend your entire summer in this area and explore somewhere new every day," notes one camper, while another mentions that "The Big South Fork is an amazing place to hike in and the Bandy Creek campground is a great place to base yourself out of. You can do miles of trails from here."
Swimming and recreation: Several campgrounds offer water activities as alternatives to riding. "The campground also has a large swimming pool, with lifeguards," reports a visitor to Bandy Creek. For anglers, Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground provides "secluded spots on the river to fish" according to recent visitors.
Stargazing opportunities: The region falls within a dark sky zone. One camper at Bandy Creek noted they "got wonderful night sky shots. Definitely worth a stay if you're visiting Big South Fork."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campgrounds in this region typically provide ample room for horse trailers and camping equipment. At True West Campground & Stables, you'll find "nice level spots that are easy to get in and out of" with "barns are well kept and clean."
Clean facilities: Despite the presence of horses, campgrounds maintain good sanitation standards. As one reviewer noted about Bear Creek Horse Camp, the "campground was clean and barely smelled like a farm despite being filled with horses."
Natural surroundings: The combination of forest and water features creates peaceful camping environments. Visitors to Great Meadows Campground describe "a beautiful secluded free campsite that I highly highly recommend. Swimming hole nearby and toilets."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many equestrian campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Little Lick Campground, "even during peak summer months, some campsites remain available for last-minute trips, though reservations are recommended for holiday weekends."
Variable amenities: Facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. One visitor to Great Meadow Campground noted: "No electric... Great for kayaking, fishing, wading, hiking, sightseeing. There is water and an enclosed bathroom. No showers."
Seasonal availability: Most equestrian campgrounds operate seasonally. A visitor to Barren Fork Horse Camp warned that "if it has rained within a week of your stay," some sites might not be usable since only "2 of the 6 sites are usable" in wet conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Consider accessibility: Some campgrounds offer more family-friendly facilities than others. At Frozen Head State Park Campground, "campsites are clean and spacious with gravel pad. Two shepherds hooks for hanging lanterns and trash bags. Bathrooms are always clean and in working conditions."
Swimming options: Several locations feature water recreation for children. One visitor to Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground noted it has "secluded spots on the river to fish. Close to trails and a waterpark too."
Campsite selection: When camping with children, site location matters. A camper at Bandy Creek Campground mentioned: "The tent pads were huge, lots of space to play at each site."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electrical service varies by campground. At True West Campground, "they had campsites, covered wagons and cabin space" with electric hookups available at designated sites.
Site dimensions: Many horse camps have specific layouts for rigs with trailers. One camper cautioned about Bandy Creek: "The sites were a bit short and we couldn't park our tow vehicle in front of our 17' camper. So large campers beware."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds require navigating steep or unpaved roads. A visitor to Bear Creek Horse Camp advised: "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!"
