Best Equestrian Camping near Cumberland, KY

I’d never used a KOA before but was tremendously impressed with the serene beauty of this place situated well away from traffic in a bucolic setting. Mindful of my budget I learned to ask for a tent site with no electricity, no water, just toilets and showers. The young man who helped me observed I was alone and put me in a small cabin for no additional charge. Just outside the cabin was a bonfire of old wood from construction debris. I was super stoked to get this deal. I spent lots of time stoking that fire and sitting outdoors watching the evening arrive. If you’re anywhere near the area do stop in and enjoy a quiet and lovely night. You can even pet the horses nearby.

Located a few miles away from the Cumberland Gap visitor's center, the camping area abuts the highway (where you can still hear traffic) and after a short drive into the park, you'll come across a plethora of camping sites.

There are RV sites with power and water and for tent campers, you can choose between large spaces with open fields and hilly, shaded spots for a more secluded feel. There are also food lockers on-site to discourage wildlife, and flip-up fire rings that, for once, weren't clogged with ashes and old wood. 

Speaking of fires, you can buy firewood on-site from the camp store (no cards taken). 

There are care stations with toilets and showers in three locations, spaced evenly throughout the 6 rings that make up the park. 

Cell service is decent, with 2-3 bars of LTE.

Wilderness Road Cumberland Gap : (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good 70 yr olds in 17’ trailer: Overall Rating: 4 Price: $24 w electricity $18 w/o. 1/2 for seniors Usage during visit: low Site Privacy: 2 to 4 depending on location. In some areas, sites are close in 3 directions. Looks to be better privacy in non electric sites. Study campground map for outside sites.
Site Spacing: Some are pretty close. Just look at the campground map and choose one accordingly. Our site was very nice.
Site surface: Gravel for non-electric sites. Ours was tough to level and as per rec.gov website for our site. . Electric sites have black top.
Reservations: Yes Campground Noise 5. Quiet Road Noise: 4, depending on location. Highway noise Electricity. 2 loops have electricity. Water: at dump station and restrooms Sewer: No Dump: Yes Bathroom: 5 Clean Showers: 5. Private rooms Pull Throughs most are backing Cell Service (Verizon): 5. Great Setting: Deciduous forest Weather: 60s to upper 30s Bugs: None Solar: Great. May change as the trees leaf out more. Host: They are active. Location: Near Town of Gap - quaint, make sure to visit. 1919 is the place for lunch or dinner we hear from locals. 10 minutes to good grocery stores in Middlesboro.
Loops: Portions of some sites sort of back up to each other. The sites I took pictures of are some of the better sites for privacy

Kingsport/Bristol has easy access from Interstate 81 and the campground is easily navigated with a large 5th wheel.

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. The park is also near Warriors Path State Park, which is fun to go hike and see.

They have several large pull through sites, as well as back in smaller sites. They have 50amp service and full hookup sites.

Cellular reception is decent for TMobile and AT&T.

This park is frequented by travelers and NASCAR fans.

I was a little underwhelmed compared to what I was expecting from camping at a national park. The positives are the cheap rates and there are bathroom and shower facilities. If you want old fashion tent camping the park does have some backcountry campsites.

The cons are the lack of actual campsites. They are more like parking spaces. Probably to appeal to the people who use campers. The noise of the highway was constant and annoying.

Overall I enjoyed my time staying here. Wish I could have done more backcountry camping but the weather didn't permit it.