Maple Springs Campground offers equestrian campers designated sites on the north side of Mammoth Cave National Park. The campground sits across Green River from the main cave area. Water and electric hookups accommodate horse trailers with pull-through sites for longer vehicles. Trail access from campsites connects directly to over 60 miles of backcountry trails throughout the park. The equestrian sites feature space for camping equipment alongside horses, with loading areas that include handicap-accessible mounting facilities.
What to do
Trail riding with direct park access: At Mammoth Cave Horse Camp, riders access multiple horse trails in Mammoth Cave National Forest. As one visitor noted, "Direct access to several horse trails in Mammoth Cave. Spend your day riding and then kick back at your site and relax."
Backcountry hiking: Turnhole Backcountry Campsite provides access to less-traveled trails. "Despite this campsite being surrounded by the Green River on 3 sides... clear nights with a bright moon were magical here. You are on the end of a ridge," one camper reports. This backcountry site requires registration at the visitor center before use.
Cave tours: The national park offers various cave tours, but they fill quickly. One visitor at Mammoth Cave Campground advises: "If you plan to visit the cave, be sure to book your tour ahead of time. The tours were all sold out when we got there!" Some specialty tours have specific requirements, with one reviewer noting: "Make sure your boots have enough tread or you won't be allowed to do the tour!"
Water recreation: For families seeking water activities, Nolin Lake offers swimming and boating. A camper mentioned that Nolin Lake State Park has "a swimming beach and boat ramp on Nolin Lake nearby," providing alternatives to cave exploration.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Wildlife viewing opportunities abound at multiple horse campgrounds near Franklin, Kentucky. One camper at Mammoth Cave Campground notes: "Fireflies are great at night. Frogs are singing in the evening. Tons of trees and shade."
Natural surroundings: The secluded feel of the equestrian camping areas appeals to many. A reviewer described Turnhole Campsite as "a nice, secluded spot... on the end of a ridge." The site features "a tent pad, hooks for lanterns or packs, horse hitches, and a fire ring with a grate attached."
Convenience to attractions: Dad's Bluegrass Campground offers easy access for those looking to explore beyond the park. Located near Franklin, one camper appreciated its accessibility: "It's an easy right off the interstate place. Plenty of TT friendly gas stations around it. Good for an overnight when passing though."
Ranger programs: Park rangers offer educational programs on wildlife, geology, and history. One visitor mentioned, "The twilight tour! It is also a dry county, so the only alcohol are some $5 beers near the visitor center."
What you should know
Ferry crossing limitations: The Green River Ferry poses access challenges for equestrian campers with larger rigs. One visitor to Maple Springs Campground noted: "If you are in a RV note that you can't go across the ferry with your rig!!! You have to go around the park to access this campground. We are so glad we realized that ahead of time and didn't have to back track."
Seasonal bug activity: Tick prevention is essential, especially in spring and summer. A camper warned: "The park is infested with seed ticks and deer ticks. I was pulling ticks off of every inch of me even though I was coated in several layers of hardcore bug spray and my gear had been treated with permethrin."
Bathroom facilities: Restroom options vary significantly between campgrounds. Most equestrian sites offer only pit toilets with no showers. One camper at Maple Springs mentioned: "Pit toilets... though they are clean and well maintained." Consider bringing portable shower options for longer stays.
Water availability: Water sources can be limited in backcountry areas. A Turnhole camper advised: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Cottage options: For families seeking non-equestrian accommodations near horse facilities, consider cottage alternatives. A visitor to Barren River Lake Resort reported: "The beach was amazing and clean, the food at lodge very excellent." This provides a good base for day visits to equestrian areas.
Pool access: Some campgrounds offer swimming pools for children who need a break from trail riding. A visitor to Dad's Bluegrass Campground noted: "There is a beautiful pool, playground and basketball court for kids! The place is also pet friendly."
Evening quiet hours: Campgrounds vary in their enforcement of quiet hours. One visitor at Nolin Lake State Park advised: "Thursday night we were kept awake by loud campers and campground staff weren't around to enforce quiet hours. Quiet hours do not start until 11 PM which is not ideal for campers with young children."
Wildlife education: Use wildlife encounters as teaching moments. A camper at Mammoth Cave Campground observed: "Very clean & quiet! The wildlife are very friendly!" Children can participate in ranger-led programs focused on the park's ecosystem.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for equestrian rigs: For RVers with horse trailers, certain sites accommodate these larger setups better. At Nolin Lake State Park Campground, "The campground has two tent camping locations and a rv area. The scenery was amazing. Highly recommend campsite 23 by the beach, it has the best view."
Electric hookup compatibility: Check whether campgrounds offer the correct amperage for your rig. A camper at Dad's Bluegrass Campground mentioned: "My site was slightly uphill where I had to park to reach the water hookup. The water hookup is very close to the ground and leaked for me. Made it very hard to connect the hose and pressure regulator."
Road access considerations: Some equestrian camping areas have limited access roads. One visitor warned: "It is a one lane, paved road coming in. There is a sign telling you to call before you start down the road with your RV so they can make sure no one else is going to block you."
Weekend planning: Weekends bring more visitors to horse campgrounds. A Dad's Bluegrass Campground reviewer noted: "A lot of people pull in for the night since it's right off the highway and behind a Pilot/Flying J, but it was still quiet."
