Horse camping sites near Cumberland, Kentucky provide direct access to numerous trail systems through the Cumberland Gap region. The area features a mix of established horse camps and wilderness camping options within a 90-mile radius. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer, with spring and fall offering optimal riding conditions when trails aren't muddy from rainfall.
What to do
Trail riding at Jefferson National Forest: Riders can access miles of forested trails with varying difficulty levels. At Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost, campers appreciate the proximity to natural attractions. "The entrance is directly across from the Jefferson National Forrest. There we were able to kayak at Bark Camp Lake which was not busy at all and hike at Little Stoney Falls," notes Noah O.
Water activities between trail rides: Many equestrian campsites are situated near creeks and rivers for cooling off after dusty trail rides. The Out on The Creek Campground offers "creekside camping with mountain views. Walking distance to Clinch River. Kayak, Hiking, Biking, spacious lots," according to Andy J.
Natural Tunnel State Park exploration: Located within a 30-45 minute drive from several horse camps, this geological formation provides interesting day trip opportunities. Beth B. from Clinch River Family Campground notes, "We chose this campground because it was close to Natural Tunnel and Devils Fork trail. Both of these are worth doing if you are in the area."
What campers like
Secluded locations: The remote nature of many horse camps provides peaceful surroundings away from crowds. At Clinch River Family Campground, Heather K. reports it's "a little off the beaten path, down a dirt/gravel road, nestled next to the river," making it ideal for riders seeking quiet evenings after trail days.
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds in the region often provide facilities that accommodate both horses and families. Dennis describes Clinch River as having "mostly level gravel spots" with "lots of open space" for pets and "a beautiful river," features that enhance the experience for multi-generational riding groups.
Variety of terrain: The Cumberland Gap region offers diverse trail conditions suitable for different experience levels. Noah O. appreciates Cliffhanger Ranch because they "were able to have a few nice fires at the top of the hill with great views," providing scenic overlooks for riders after a day on the trails.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many horse camps require travel on unpaved roads. Beth B. warns about Clinch River: "Most of the final road to campground is paved with exception of last mile, it's wide enough but slow going. You will lose cellular pretty quickly when you turn on that road."
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds position sites closer together than others. At Rocky Top Campground, Jim D. notes it's a "nice clean campground with affordable pricing," but doesn't mention privacy between sites, suggesting potential proximity to other campers.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is unreliable throughout much of the region, especially in valley locations. When staying at Bristol-Kingsport KOA, Timothy F. specifically noted, "My phone had three bars, Verizon 5G ultra wide signal," suggesting this is noteworthy and not typical for the area.
Tips for camping with families
Pool options for non-riders: Some campgrounds provide swimming facilities for family members who don't ride. Laura H. describes Bristol-Kingsport KOA: "They have cabins, a nice pool, a blob, lots of outdoor activities, playground area, horse shoes, even with it being a smaller KOA Campground there is a lot to do."
Hammock camping alternatives: For families with teens, Cedar Ridge Hammock Campground offers unique accommodations. Justin C. notes: "The hammock campground is super nice with its setup. However, the shrubbery/trees aren't trimmed well so you're going to fight through branches in some cases to hang your stuff."
Kid-friendly facilities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas. Erin I. from Clinch River found, "Camp grounds were amazing. Staff was beyond friendly and professional," indicating good support for families needing assistance or information about local attractions.
Tips from RVers
Challenging access roads: Large rigs face significant challenges on some access roads. Debbie O. cautions about Rocky Top Campground: "The camp on the west side is Dangerous to drive up in a motorhome. I personally drove my 36' up the most curvy incline I wouldn't recommend anyone to give this a second thought if you're not a seasoned driver."
Campsite selection for horse trailers: Request specific sites that accommodate both living quarters horse trailers and corral space. Susan E. at Bristol-Kingsport KOA found the staff accommodating: "The young man who helped me observed I was alone and put me in a small cabin for no additional charge," suggesting staff will work with special requests when possible.
Hookup availability: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer full hookups. Laura H. notes Bristol-Kingsport KOA has "several large pull through sites, as well as back in smaller sites. They have 50amp service and full hookup sites," which can be essential for living quarters trailers.
