The Dyrt can help you find the perfect horse camping site near Dale Hollow Lake. Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. Find Kentucky equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.
This recreation area is part of Dale Hollow Lake
Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline offer campers a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat; while a few can be reached by country road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. Campers desiring on-site attendant, security and law enforcement services are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where such services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping.
Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake.
Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about three miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American bald eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made locally at the lake.
$5 / night
The Great Meadows Campground, located on Stearns District of the Daniel Boone National Forest, is developed on both sides of the road. Deer Loop is on the right; Raccoon Loop is on the left. Deer Loop is open year round; but the water is shut off during the winter season. Raccoon Loop is April 1 - November 15. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your visit to Great Meadows Campground. Learn more... View Great Meadows Guide and Map Rock Creek, a designated Kentucky Wild River, runs along the Raccoon Loop. Rock Creek is stocked with rainbow trout March - June and September - December.. Campsite availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Trails nearby: Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail - Section 37 and Section 38; Mark Branch Trail # 635 and Gobblers Arch Trail # 636.
$10 - $15 / night
True West Campground is OPEN YEAR ROUND!!! We are centrally located by Big South Fork, TN with easy access to a great many outdoor adventures. Saddle your horse up and ride right out of the campground and find the Cumberland Valley Trail head just 1 mile away, there you can take a nice short ride if you wish, find an overlook to stop and have lunch or ride for miles & miles!!! Lots of bicycle trails around here and the hiking is never ending!!
Our facilities include 33 easy access, level RV and camping sites, all with water and electric, some with sewer hookups. Our shower houses are very clean and provide plenty of hot water!
For those who use it, there is WIFI all throughout the 11 acre campground offered for FREE to all our Campers.
Don't have a Camper or Living Quarters? We've got you covered! We have lodging available to rent. Many different options to choose from. There is the Marshal Suite in the main building above the Mercantile Store that sleeps up to 8 or more and the tucked-in-the-woods Miner's Shack Cabin. We also offer the unique experience of sleeping in the Conestoga Covered Wagons for 'Glamping'- with some creature comforts of home (beds & heat/air!!).
If you are in need of horse facilities, we have two large barns with a total of 67 stalls, each with 2 bucket hooks for your water and feed, a saddle rack and a bridle hook. We have two large horse wash bay areas, and a large 60' round pen.
True West Campground has MANY fun filled Events all throughout the year!! Check us out on Facebook to see what's coming up next!
True West also offers parking and the use of the common area to those just passing through for the day and needing access to the trails.
$26 - $165 / night
Pet friendly primitive campsite on 1.5 acre mini-farm. Leashed pets welcome. Water available. Stalls available for additional fee. Bring your horses and explore the local State and Federal Parks. Horse trails, hiking trails, and waterfalls nearby. Max. 2 horses. Maximum stay, 2 nights/3 days.
$10 - $20 / night
The park offers thirteen designated backcountry campsites that are accessible only by hiking or horseback. Backcounty sites are primitive, with only a fire ring and horse hitching posts available. All sites except McCoy Hollow have a nearby water source, but campers should boil and treat water before drinking, or plan to carry in drinking water. Campsites are limited to one party up to eight people in size. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Reservations through Recreation.gov. Overnight camping is permitted along floodplains and on islands along the Green and Nolin Rivers. Camping in these areas is only accessible by boat. When camping on floodplains, campers must camp at least ½ mile away from Green River Ferry, Houchin Ferry and Dennison Ferry Day Use Area. Know where you are. Riverside camping on private lands outside the park may not be permitted. Sudden rainstorms can cause rapid flooding along riverways and river levels and currents fluctuate dramatically, particularly during winter months. Always check the river level and weather forecast before launching or camping along the rivers. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Permits available online, up to a week in advance. Permits are subject to cancelation due to river levels. River levels must remain below 20 feet.
View Guide and MapBell Farm Horse Camp, located on Stearns District of the Daniel Boone National Forest, is a popular place for wagontrain riders who come__to "rest a spell." The nearest__hiking and horse trails__in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.Rock Creek, a State Wild River, runs along the camp. Rock Creek is stocked with rainbow trout year March - June and September - December. A Kentucky__fishing license is__required. Kentucky Department of__Fish and Wildlife ResourcesIn the early 1900s this area was a logging and mining town. During the 1930s, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp was located here. The walnut trees you see here today were planted in 1953.
Guide
We stayed here on a KAT section 2 trip. Super friendly and helpful staff. They had campsites, covered wagons, and cabins. The had a small camp store and sold firewood
GuideWe stayed there while running the KAT section 2. Great staff. Lots of room for horses. They had campsites, covered wagons and cabin space.
Scout
Great spot. Full hook ups at many spots. Sites are in cul de sacs. Lake is beautiful and really close. Staff is super nice and helpful. Nice playgrounds and pools. WiFi is not currently working. AT&T and Verizon service is good. Lots of wildlife around. Nice hiking trails.
ScoutBeautiful campground, nice level spots that are easy to get in and out of, dump station on site which was very easy to get to. Barns are well kept and clean. Bathrooms/bathhouses were spotless! Free sawdust to campers for their stalls. 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. Nice little restaurant just 4 miles down the road if you don't want to cook. Picket state park is only 30 minutes down the road for some nice hiking and other activities, Scott State park is just a few miles the other way. Endless hiking, lots of trails to ride as well!
ScoutNice barns, clean bathhouses, and very friendly staff
Traveler
The campsites are off to thereselfs and make for great camping with privacy. The drive there is a little long and no cell service for the most part but isn't that what camping is about anyway.
TravelerReview from the perspective of a motorcycle traveler tent camping. Tent sites are along a stream on Racoon side. Got surprised by a bear while gathering firewood nearby. Clean and well maintained although it was a sleepless night because of a group of drunk locals.
Legend
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
70 yr olds in 17’ trailer:
Overall Rating: 4.5
Price: $16 w senior annual pass
Usage during visit: 70% during weekend
Site Privacy: 4 - best sites
Site Spacing: 4
Site surface: blacktop
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise 5 some children having fun. That’s fine. No adult noise
Road Noise: 5. Some sites near the park road will have some, however traffic is light during our stay.
Electricity: Yes, but not tent sites.
Water: Yes
Sewer: No
Dump Station : Yes
Bathroom: 4. Clean and heated.
Pull Throughs : Some
Cell Service (Verizon): 3 hit and miss
Setting: in pine/ deciduous forest
Weather: 3. Mostly chilly and intermittent rain.
Bugs: Mosquitoes, but very few right now
Solar: Doesn’t look like it will be very good
Host: inconspicuous
Location: Pine/ deciduous forest with many dogwoods flowering.
Extra Notes: some sites back up close to sites in other sub-loops. Watch for that when you study th CG map.
Legend
I only spent 3 nights at Kemper Flats primitive campground for a fishing trip. We reached Kemper by pontoon boat from Willow Grove Marina a short 20 min ride. Nice site primitive cabin toilet no water faucet. Bring it in, take it out.
LegendI camped at Eagle Point for a quiet relaxing few days , but due to a group of young lads who camped near me that was not going to be the case. They were loud and annoying and did not care for anybody else's privacy.
The camp site was ok , reached down a very bumpy track not suitable for RV or similar.
There was a porta toilet which was a bonus but lots of trash left behind by other campers.
The site is on the top of a high cliff so no water swimming was possible. Very shady area. There is a boat ramp next to the site which was in constant use day and night.
Legend
Jake here with the Dyrt! I had the chance to speak with Laura, the owner at King's Coach Stop, and hear about the little oasis she has setup for campers. There are spots to fit up to a 50' RV and on the property as well! Check it out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!
LegendWe took a pontoon boat out to Kemper Flats on Dale Hollow lake for a few days relaxing fishing. Primitive site, island with a porta toilet. Camp right on the side of the lake, very quiet and peaceful
LegendTaylor’s Ford primitive campsite is down a steep windy track not suitable for big rigs. There are about 4 lakeside sites available all with good lake views
LegendCove Creek at Dale Hollow lake in TN is a primitive campsite with lakeside camping. There are water faucets for drinking water and a pit toilet available. Great views of the lake and plenty of sites available
LegendBandy Creek CG Sep 16-18 Site D19
We have camped at Bandy Creek Campground in Big South Fork National River and Recreation several times, seasons and for several reasons in addition to camping.
It is central to several possibilities to include hiking, fishing, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, climbing , etc. and the history of the area is very interesting.
This trip we came for the Story Telling. A full day of entertainment by several orators to finish with spooky tales in the evening.
We stayed at D19, our first time in the D loop. Over the years they have upgraded the sites with bear/critter food lockers and there are several bear/critter safe trash collection sites.
D19 is in a dead end loop so little to no vehicles drive through . The bathhouse is a bit of a walk, the buildings are newer and well maintained. I’ve never gotten the creepy vibe (lol)while using them . There is a trash receptacle right in front of the site. Two cons are the main road to the area is right behind this site, though it gives you easy access to the road/visitor center area. And E loop, group camping is in the woods directly across. So it can be a little noisy if occupied. (There were screaming children all afternoon…) WiFi is available at the visitor center otherwise I had a steady one bar while in the campground. There is a swimming pool, volleyball court and playground right by A loop which is primitive camping and there are several trailheads in that area also. So A loop would be a perfect base camp setup if you don’t need power. As I said the visitor center is right across the road and a horse stable behind that . There is a horseback trailhead right across from A loop with a hiking and bike trailhead too.
Pickett CCC Memorial State Park is nearby by Jamestown, Tn and Oneida, Tn is about 30 minutes to the East. Both have fuel, grocery , etc. Charit Creek Lodge is an original homestead that can be hiked to from several start points. They offer a unique experience in the woods, overnight accommodations and meals by reservation. You can visit if your hiking/riding through but I don’t know if they still offer any walk in food/beverage.
RangerWe were here during the week and it was almost empty. The campground is set up in “pods” with 8 sites per pod. Would be great for family and friend camping together. Bath house was clean!!!
GuideFull Time Travelers here.
Stayed at Dale Hollow October 27-31/2021. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see too much of the park/area as it rained for most of our stay.
Great sites, back in. The only issue I had with this camp was the way the sites were situated. They were in sets, like a cul-de-sac shape, and put you really close to your neighbors. Aside from that, it was a nice setup in general. Beautiful sights to see.
The grounds were kept pretty decent, however, I went through the areas close to our site and picked up a lot of trash from each section. It was mostly candy wrappers.
They have a little store near the sites, very friendly staff.
We visited Dale Hollow Sweets, the fudge is fantastic!!!! We didn't get any of the other sweets they had, but it all looked incredibly delicious. The staff there were friendly and courteous. Overall, it was a decent stay for the few nights we were there.
GuideOur stay here was 10/7-10/13/2021. This one was so special to us. We didn't have any horses but everyone treated us with welcoming vibes and kindness. The owners and family are attentive, kind, and hard working. The grounds are well kept. They worked non-stop our entire stay. The bathrooms were well attended to also. Cleaned regularly and well stocked. The showers were nice. They had an outdoor grill on a patio that was free for guests to use, and we used it to make some burgers, yum! The sites can be tricky for folks who aren't used to having a horse trailer. But, if you have the right skills, you got it! The mercantile was so cool, we made some purchases in there. Wifi is available with a password. A couple of ponds on the grounds, also some teepee sites,, wagons,, and cabins are available. If you have any kind of adoration for horses, this is a wonderful place to visit. Truly.
Scout
Campground has Cabins, Bunk house, full hook-ups and primitive spots. There are stalls and tie lines with round pens and paddocks scattered around. Trail system is wonderful with all the views anyone could ask for. Love this place will be coming back!!!
ScoutWe got there late for a primitive site and all the sudden the mgr and police show up mind u the mgr passed us 3 times instead of stopping as a professional mgr should he calls police and tells me the website does not state primitive lol. It was cluttered loud and tacky.
TravelerLove it clean nice people Has water some of the time no electricity sites are well kept has horseshoe pits no stores close by no cell phone service but it does have clean toilets fishing is good
ScoutLarge sites and the facilities were well maintained.
GuideThe sites are pretty close together but it does indeed live up to the resort part in the name. You can purchase WiFi access. There’s a pool, cabin, golf course. It’s also a horse camp with several miles of trails.
GuideBeautiful spot close to the water. Secluded area that can be reached via GPS coordinates ONLY (we learned this after trying to check in at the Dale Hollow campground).
Things to know:
-hike in spot with vault toilet
Legend
Barren River State Resort Park
Barren River State Resort Park is small but it offers a lot of options.
The campground is off by itself, quiet , with separate areas and pull through options. The campground is somewhat maintained and the sites are somewhat level. I like the back in sites with shade and a small patio to set up on. They have small asphalt pads so you will get your backing skills tested. The middle sites, (I was in site 45 top of the hill, pull thru) are on a hill which ends at the water with a boat ramp and small beach area. I huffed and puffed up and down the hill several times! There is a short trail near the boat ramp, more for fisher folk then a good hike. It ends at a small inlet. You have a strip of grass to your uphill side to use, otherwise not much privacy. The middle sites have pretty much no shade and we sweltered our middays , chasing the limited shade. The showers are newer, air conditioned and clean. Showers are spacious with seating and wall hooks. Luke warm water, which definitely makes for quick showers! A good way to enforce water conservation, lol.
If you are a biker you have some hills to climb in the park. There is a walk/bike trail around the golfing greens, with a dirt trail off the backside. The stable may still be closed. I did not check if they had started a new contract due to Covid restrictions. LOTS of boating options. Bring your own or rent. The lake is huge and busy with a marina. There’s a beach that you will want to drive to, to long of a walk and I didn’t find any cut through trails from our section of the campground.
Two cool events to check out are the Highland Games, ( men in skirts throwing things)and the Bourbonfest a newer event.
Local grocery w/i 10 miles, antiques, restaurants (Funky Paradise Point) and Mammoth Cave, Cave City attractions as well as an Amish Market in Scottsville and seasonal Farmers Market in Glasgow.
TravelerThe only reason I went with 4 stars is the fact that the camping spots are a little close together for my liking. Other than that, the staff were very nice, there are great amenities, and the bathrooms were clean. We would not hesitate to camp here again.
Traveler
Despite this campsite being surrounded by the Green River on 3 sides, water is hard to come by here, and hiking it in may be your best bet. The river is at least 1/2 mile away, through extremely dense brush, and the banks are not easy to access, if accessible at all. We were lucky that a creek just north of the intersection of Buffalo Creek, Sal Hollow, and Turnhole trail had some water to filter from.
This is a nice, secluded spot. You are on the end of a ridge. Clear nights with a bright moon were magical here. It is probably a beautiful spot when there is no foliage, as well. We camped in August.
There is a tent pad, hooks for lanterns or packs, horse hitches, and a fire ring with a grate attached. Hike in is a little over 3 miles, a pleasant hike, but not a whole lot to see in the summer besides a lot of chantrelles.
The Green River Ferry seems to be non-operational a lot. Call the hotline the day of your drive in to see which route you should take: 270-758-2166
We decided to do a day hike on the Sal Hollow Trail. It ended up being pretty exhausting: we believe it is a lot longer than the markers suggest, and a lot of the trail seems pretty unused/not kept up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dale Hollow Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dale Hollow Lake is Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park with a 4.3-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dale Hollow Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Dale Hollow Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.