4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Mammoth Cave Campground maintains horse corrals within the national park, providing overnight accommodations for riders exploring the extensive trail system. The campground features both drive-in and walk-in sites suitable for tent, RV, cabin, and glamping setups. Campers with horses receive access to dedicated corrals, laundry facilities, and trail connections to the park's bridle paths. The nearby Maple Springs area offers additional equestrian camping options with spacious sites accommodating up to three tents without feeling crowded. Each site includes two grated fire pits and picnic tables. Sites remain far enough apart that interaction with neighbors remains minimal, allowing privacy for horse owners maintaining their animals.
Direct access to Mammoth Cave National Park trails begins at several trailhead points near the equestrian camping areas. Trail riders benefit from the Green River Ferry crossing, which connects to additional riding routes on the far side of the river. Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground offers alternative horse camping with pull-through sites specifically designed for equestrian trailers. This campground maintains clean facilities and good horse trails according to visitor reports. The Double J Stables and Campground provides another option, with direct trail access into Mammoth Cave National Park as the only guided horse trail operation authorized to enter the national park. Horse stalls at Double J remain dry even during heavy rainfall periods, a significant advantage for multi-day equestrian camping trips.
"Very popular campsite for the surrounding area. Otter Creek runs through the Outdoor recreation area. Lots of hiking, biking and horse trails. Great opportunities for fishing also abound."
"Beautiful trails for hiking, great creek for swimming, close to Louisville."
from $12 - $22 / night
"Very clean campground near the Ohio River. Offers hiking horse back riding nearby fishing in the Ohio River. Or just kicking back and relaxing."
"Several trails in walking, horse or bike riding distance. Some direct access from the campground. You can set up here and have plenty to do without ever leaving the park."
Available next weekend
from $21 - $496 / night
"Great camping prices went up just a little bit from $13 to $18 but it is primitive no electric and I'm being told that they are building horse Stables. A lot of ticks out this year."
"Having lived 62 years in Kentucky, less than twenty minutes from the Jeff. Forest, leaving to explore USA, then returning to my home state allows me a unique point of view."
from $15 - $30 / night
"Mammoth has a campground adjacent to the Visitors Center which is basic except for two sites. There are reservable as well as walk up sites."
"There is a restroom in the campground and a shower house, laundry room, post office and store adjacent. The dump station is next to that facility right outside the front “gate”."
Available next weekend
from $25 - $50 / night
"Beautiful country farm setting old dairy farm located near Cecilia. There are several mowed areas one is near a fishing pond. Firewood purchasable from the host!"
from $20 - $50 / night
"Near Brownsville, Ky and a little off the beaten path. But definitely worth a visit or two."
"This lakeside getaway is one that will keep us coming back!! If you've never been to Kentucky...this will keep you coming back to the Bluegrass to camp for years to come!"
Available next weekend
from $25 - $40 / night
"Located very close to Bardstown and a lot of distilleries on the bourbon trail, the campground is great, very small fills up fast."
"My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground is a small campground, clean, and friendly staff. There is a golf course on site. Plenty to see, including My Old Kentucky Home, the tour was amazing."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $45 / night
"There are horse trails, a beach, and great water for swimming/kayaking/canoeing. It is pet friendly as well. The bath house in our area was older but fairly clean."
"Horse camping so was cool to see the horses. A beach location and a few fishing spots. The lake doesn’t allow non electric motors so waters were calm. Caught some bluegills."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 - $64 / night
"We had a pretty decent time at Taylorsville Lake. The spots were spacious, and very nice picnic tables. We did a trail which was nice and went down to a boat ramp to see the lake."
"The do have some pull through sites for equestrian trailers. Good horse trails. Clean facilities."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $45 / night
"There are two lakes, Indian and Celina , in the immediate area, electric motors only, which just adds to my liking it;)."
"My husband and I have been to Lake Celina for a day hike before, so when planning where to go for a weekend of car camping choosing this place was a no brainer."
GuideI came here an early November, and it has been very quiet. There is very little signal for AT&T, and my Starlink is not very helpful because many of the trees still have leaves on, and it makes for a dense canopy. Site C 079 is fine for my 23’ sprinter van, though I had to put two levels of blocks under the front to get close to level.
RangerThe sites are smaller than the photos show. Some are very uneven. Yes you can walk to the visitors center, depending where you are camped its almost a mile one way. (For those who have difficulty walking) The showers are not wheelchair accessible. Coin showers, but definitely hot. I had NO Verizon service at campsite.
GuideIf you want to be near the cave entrances and popular trails this is a great spot. Stayed in loop A and the bathroom was super clean. Can get noisy due to the road right next to the campsite.
ScoutHad a great time enjoying nature...
ScoutEverything is so clean and beautiful here. Tons to do and enjoy. Facilities are well kept!
ScoutCampground seemed like a tight fit coming in near dark fall. Lots of shaded sites. Storm ran through that night and lots of dead limbs came down all over. Got a hole in my roof. Overall decent stay and had a cool neighbor
TravelerGood place to camp while visiting Mammoth Caves. Walkable to showers which are located right outside the campground. Ok, but not super clean. Campsite was a good size and shaded. Pull through driveway was level enough. Staff friendly/helpful.
ScoutThis place is amazing it's super clean And beautiful
TravelerBeautiful campground, green, quiet, clean. Walking distance to visitor center and cave tours.
Equestrian camping near Garrett, Kentucky offers trails that wind through forests, river valleys, and limestone formations. The region receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush vegetation for horses to navigate through. Many campgrounds in the area maintain direct access to trail networks with varying terrain difficulties, from beginner-friendly paths to more technical routes requiring experienced riders.
Explore connecting trails: At O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground, riders can access multiple trail systems within riding distance of camp. "Several trails in walking, horse or bike riding distance. Some direct access from the campground. You can set up here and have plenty to do without ever leaving the park," notes Shelly S.
Visit historic sites: While camping at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground, take time to explore local history. "We toured the My Old KY Home historic house and gardens with our kids (13 & 5) and everyone enjoyed it," reports Chase G. The park combines riding opportunities with cultural experiences.
Fishing alongside riding: Nolin Lake State Park offers fishing opportunities for when you need a break from the saddle. "The campground has spacious, level sites. The sites are located in a grove of pine trees, which makes for well shaded sites with a pleasant surface of soft pine straw to pitch your tents," explains Christina M.
Private corrals: Deam Lake State Recreation Area Campground impresses equestrians with its dedicated facilities. "Horse camping so was cool to see the horses," notes John G., who appreciated the specialized amenities for equestrian visitors.
Shaded sites: Riders appreciate the natural coverage at Hoosier National Forest North Face Loop Campground. "Moderately wooded, well spaced, basic sites that provide privacy and shade," says Shelly S., adding that "We felt like we own the place!" reinforces the sense of seclusion riders value after long days on the trail.
Well-maintained facilities: Equestrians note the condition of bathhouses impacts their camping experience. "Bath houses were 2.5/5 and could use some maintenance. Some shower facilities were substantially better than others so we chose to walk," shares Kyle at Taylorsville Lake State Park, providing practical insight for horse owners needing facilities after dusty trail rides.
Water access varies: When planning horse trips near Garrett, water availability differs by campground. At Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest, "The campsite rests below the route to Louisville's international airport. For a hour or two in the morning and in the afternoon huge jets fly right over the campgrounds," warns Matt, information essential for horses sensitive to noise.
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings ticks to many equestrian trails. "A lot of ticks out this year," reports Stacy B. at Henryville State Forest, a concern for both horses and riders that requires preventative measures.
Reservation requirements: Plan ahead for popular equestrian weekends. "This campground books 6 months out. Very hard to get a spot, but so worth it!" advises Laura O. regarding Nolin Lake State Park, particularly important for those needing corral space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Garrett, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Garrett, KY is Otter Creek Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Garrett, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Garrett, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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