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Equestrian Camping near Hartford, KY

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    Horse-related camping options near Hartford, Kentucky focus on a few key locations in the region. Mammoth Cave Horse Camp offers direct access to over 60 miles of horse trails in Mammoth Cave National Park. The campground provides water hookups, electric connections, and trailer parking specifically designed to accommodate equine guests. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Horse owners note the convenient location near the park's best bridle paths. The campground operates a small market where riders can purchase basic supplies and firewood. Facilities include toilets, showers, and a sanitary dump station. The campground maintains trails that connect directly to the main park trail system.

    Several miles away, Double J Stables and Campground connects riders to additional trail networks. The campground offers water and electric hookups with specific accommodations for horses and their owners. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with convenient access to trails. Drinking water is available throughout the property for both campers and horses. Daily trail rides connect campers to scenic routes through the surrounding countryside. The level, spacious sites provide ample room for horse trailers and camping equipment. While equestrian camping options are somewhat limited in the immediate Hartford area, these facilities offer practical alternatives for riders seeking access to Kentucky's trail systems. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak riding seasons.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Hartford (8)

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      1. Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

      4.5(140)48mi from Hartford111 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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”."

      from $25 - $50 / night

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      2. Nolin Lake State Park Campground

      4.5(40)39mi from Hartford60 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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!"

      from $27 - $45 / night

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      3. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

      4.0(19)49mi from Hartford44 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Pennyrile Forest State Park off Ky69 outside Dawson Springs, Ky. A newer trail Pennyrile Nature Trail is 13.5 mile long hiking trail, from Dawson Springs to the park."

      "When I talked to the campground host, he was very pleasant and explained that you do not have to have a horse to camp in the equestrian sites. Those sites are level pull-through sites."

      from $20 - $45 / night

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      4. Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

      4.6(12)45mi from Hartford7 sitesRVs, Tents

      "These sites looked super nice, but many are reserved for group camping and equestrian camping it seemed."

      "Nice large camping areas, secluded and quiet, easy access to the trails. Well maintained full hookup for RVs and plenty of room for your horse too."

      from $50 / night

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      5. Mammoth Cave Horse Camp — Mammoth Cave National Park

      2.3(3)41mi from HartfordRVs, Tents

      "Tucked away on the backside of Mammoth Cave NF, Ky, you want to find this Horse Camp."

      from $25 / night

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      6. Double J Stables and Campground

      3.5(2)43mi from HartfordRVs, Tents

      "The horse barn is the first building you will see on your left."

      from $15 - $25 / night

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      7. Hoosier National Forest Jackpine Loop Campground

      4.3(3)49mi from HartfordRVs, Tents

      "Jackpine Loop is the largest of the campground loops at Tipsaw Lake Recreation area Hoosier National Forest. The entire Tipsaw area seems to be oriented toward family and group camping."

      "Wildlife is everywhere, as it is not unusual to have a Momma deer and her little one walk through the woods by your campsite or down by the boat launc, often followed by a turkey or two."

      Check Availability

      8. Best Western Executive Pennyrile Inn

      Be the first to review33mi from HartfordRVs, Tents
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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Hartford, KY

    2 Photos of 8 Hartford Campgrounds

    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Hartford, KY

    218 Reviews of 8 Hartford Campgrounds

    • Sara S.
      Jul. 25, 2016

      Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

      lots of horses

      While visiting Mammoth Cave, we drove through the campgrounds checking them out for family that was going to be traveling here in the next couple of months. These sites looked super nice, but many are reserved for group camping and equestrian camping it seemed. It does seem like some people didn’t have horses too, so there must be regular camping as well. The campground was small, but wooded and seemed to offer some seclusion from others and it was a reprieve from the busy park.

    • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 28, 2020

      Mammoth Cave Horse Camp — Mammoth Cave National Park

      Glamping

      Tucked away on the backside of Mammoth Cave NF, Ky, you want to find this Horse Camp.

      Not huge and not to small, you can easily bring a small group of friends here for a private horsing around retreat ( pun intended) Direct access to several horse trails in Mammoth Cave. Spend your day riding and then kick back at your site and relax. There is an area in the “back” to park your rig and set up your glamping area. Stalls if your horse likes it fancy. A nice camp store and friendly staff to assist you. We visited while in the area, my favorite thing is the out of the way location! (Check out their page for events too.)

    • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 31, 2017

      Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

      Going down

      Pennyrile Forest State Park off Ky69 outside Dawson Springs, Ky. A newer trail Pennyrile Nature Trail is 13.5 mile long hiking trail, from Dawson Springs to the park. There is also a site for the Pennyrile Trail which is a 75 mile driving loop connecting several Kentucky parks.

      The park is multi-leveled with the views and some cool rock formations. The beach has some confusing parking signs, but we figured it off. It was busy and had some loud visitors with loud vehicles and loud vehicles. Not surprising considering the neighborhood it is located in.

      The campground has some interesting sites all along the roadway. The campground and horse campground are connected. Several of the sites can be challenging due to not being level or being shallow, but they are workable.

      I'm not sure if biking would be great due to the hills but it would be challenging. Hiking and backpacking definitely and of course swimming and horseback riding( on your own horse)

    • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 15, 2019

      Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

      Campground with a Lot of Activities but Doesn't Feel like a Gated Community

      Pennyrile Forest State Park was a pleasant surprise, especially compared to the many state parks I visited in my earlier years in North Carolina. However, when you reserve your site make sure you ask about the specific site’s terrain. Site 48, where I was, was sloped with no grass and had just been repaired. There were a lot of grassy sites, and they were much better. When I talked to the campground host, he was very pleasant and explained that you do not have to have a horse to camp in the equestrian sites. Those sites are level pull-through sites. There is a camp store, although it is small and limited, but they do sell firewood. Not only does this state park have a putt putt course, but it also has an 18-hole golf course complete with pro shop. The thing I enjoyed best about his state park is the waterfront. There is a large sandy beach and a place to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats. Also at the beach are picnic tables, grills, a playground, and concessions. From the beach area, you can hike the lake trail, but it is moderate. There is a good view of the lake from the trail, and if you walk to the left before crossing the wooden bridge, you can see a very small waterfall. Even though you have to drive a little from the campground to get to it, there is a swimming pool and a lodge. Other activities include tennis courts and basketball. Staying at the campground, other than the sloping site, was a pleasant experience. It was not crowded and the bathrooms have hot showers, but I would suggest paying the extra$15.00 to get one of the equestrian sites.

    • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 1, 2018

      Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

      Not just for bat lovers

      I went to Mammoth Cave National Park the first time as a child with my family in the 70’s. I took my children to Mammoth in the 90’s. And I have lived within 45 minutes of Mammoth for the last 10 years. The only time during the last 10 years I was not at the Park at least monthly was during my deployment and when the government shutdown in 2013.

      In all that time I have visited the cave maybe 10 times. Spelunking was the most exhilarating visit. Make sure you check out the tour offerings online https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/gocavetours.htm well before your visit and reserve a place. If you wait until your visit you will probably have a hard time getting past the cathedral.

      All the other visits were spent enjoying all the other things there are to do at Mammoth.

      First and foremost is the camping. 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. A store, showerhouse, laundry and post office are co-located at the front of the campground and there are toilet facilities in the campground. I used the access points in the campground to hike some of the trails and walk to the visitors center.

      An aspect that I have just recently started exploring are the several dispersed camp sites throughout the park. These are free but you must check in at the Lodge before hiking to them. A good , waterproof map is key.

      In addition at Maple Springs on the far side of the Green River Ferry ( yes, there is a cool little two car ferry) is the Maple Springs horse and group site camping area. Nice basic, shaded area with trailheads in the area.

      Now that you have found your home for your stay what to do?

      Kayaking/watercraft, fishing: several companies work the Green River. If you brought your own craft they will usually meet you at the Green River Ferry parking area and transport you up river for a nominal fee. Check ahead at least a day so they are tracking you and can coordinate.

      Hiking, Trail Running, dirtbiking, , horse, Geocaching: My favorite trail run is from the main picnic area to the ferry, with several connectors. Just technical enough to keep you on your toes, definitely not a mountain but the hills and valleys give you good work out.

      The Maple Springs Trailhead is the major access point for all things backpacking and horse back riding. It even has a handicap accessible horse “loading” area which is wheelchairs friendly.

      If your going to geocache pre-save your coordinates and instructions cause there is no signal in the park. If you visit the restaurant at the lodge they have WiFi but it’s slloooowwwww. When we stay over I always try to do my site surfing first thing in the morning.

      If you are dirt biking check your trails, some are limited access.

      On our most recent visit we explored the new construction on the ferry trailhead. Pictures included.

      Not Mammoth related or affiliated but a few things you may want to try while in the area:

      http://www.kentuckywine.com/cave-valley-winery-at-park-mammoth-resort/

      Guns and wine, can’t get much more Kentucky then that!

      https://dinosaurworld.com/kentucky/

      Dogs allowed ;)

      http://kentuckydownunder.com/

      Educational and fun, who knew!

      http://mammothcave-adventures.com/

      You will drop some green here but it is a lot of fun!

      And there’s more ;) Happy Camping

    • Heather K.
      May. 7, 2019

      Double J Stables and Campground

      Wonderful campground for families and horses!

      We have camped twice at this campground. Here's what you should know about our experiences. We tent camped at an improved site, so most RV knowledge on my part is limited. I do know that it is a one lane, paved road coming in (Lincoln School Rd). 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. If you are in a vehicle, you do not need to call. When you arrive, most likely, Dave or Rocky (the owners) will greet you with a big smile and a howdy! The horse barn is the first building you will see on your left. You continue on your way and you will see the owners house and then you will see a small shed and a gate arm to the entrance of the campground. There is a call box if no one greeted you on your way in. Someone will either come and collect your payment or they will give you the box code and meet you at your site. All the improved campsites are easily accessed and easy to find. Each improved site has a light post with electric,water, picnic table and fire ring. All the sites are flat and perfect for a tent or RV. The sites are surrounded by a gravel loop, so you can pull straight in and when you leave, pull straight out. The sites are not shaded but the entire property is surrounded by trees of Mammoth Cave National Park. The restrooms/showers are just steps away and easily accessed. All the times we have stayed, the restrooms were well maintained and clean. There is a covered pavilion with seating just outside the restrooms. A perfect place to gather for shade or to get out of the rain. Connected to the pavilion is a room with a tv and is typically used for entertaining. Double J does offer party packages for weddings, parties and meetings. Ice and firewood are available for purchase. There is not a store on sight, but there is a little country store right down the road where you can get gas and snacks. You can bring your own horses and they can stay in the field overnight or in a covered stall with shavings. All the stalls were dry when we were there during a very heavy rainfall. If you don't have your own horse, they have the BEST horses for trail rides! The guide will take you directly into Mammoth Cave National Park. They are the only guided horse trails that authorized to go into the National Park. At only $25 for an hour ride and $35 for a 2 hour ride, it's less expensive than a lot of other places I have been. They also have a 4 hour trail ride available. Since Mammoth Cave National Park is just steps away, you can also easily go hiking without having to drive to a trail head. There is a playground for younger kids to play on. While we were there the owners were fundraising so they could improve it further. Overall, I would and have recommended this place to all my friends who love camping and horses. This campground is maintained by people who love it and it shows! Check their website for weekend events like Derby, ladies getaways, kids day camps and more! You should call in advance for reservations as most of their events book fast and sell out!

    • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 20, 2018

      Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

      Base Station

      Mammoth Cave Campground is in the country but centrally located between several nice size cities and right off I65.

      No signal once you get in the park except if your lucky at the lodge. We tuned in to WIFI whenever we passed through the Visitors Center/lodge restaurant in the morning.

      The campground is primitive, no electric with parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings. 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”.

      There is enough space between camp sites to have some privacy and the trees provide natural noise block and shade. There be critters in the woods so protect your food! You may see deer and turkey, you won’t see the little shit raccoon that runs off with dog toys and any food left out ;)

      There are several trail access points directly from the campground. Including two easy trails to the visitors center.

      Aside from the obvious, cave tours, there are several other options on how to spend your day and nights.

      If your coming for the cave specifically make sure you reserve your preferred cave tour way ahead of time!

      If you are coming for the trails, enjoy! There are multiple options. I run the trail near the visitor center year round. It is technical and hilly, not stroller friendly.

      The trails on the far side of the Green River ferry have dispersed camping sites and plenty of natural features to discover.

      The float down the Green River is enjoyable. If you bring your own water craft several of the companies will drive you to the put in from the ferry parking area for a nominal fee.

      Also across the Green River is the Maple Springs group and horse campground, I’m not a horse person but I see plenty of them in the area and they seem to be enjoying the trails and campground.

      There is also zip lines in the area, a winery and golfing.

      Fast food and Wally World in Brownsville, other touristy attractions one exit up at Cave City. (Ky Down Under and Dinosaur World, plus a Yogi Bear Campground)

      We spent the weekend hiking in the rain and avoided Green River, it’s a muddy mess right now.

    • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 30, 2016

      Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

      Across the ferry

      Nice large camping areas, secluded and quiet, easy access to the trails. Well maintained full hookup for RVs and plenty of room for your horse too. There are also several primitive spots you can backpack into, check in with the staff before beginning your adventure.

    • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 9, 2018

      Nolin Lake State Park Campground

      Yaking on the Nolin

      Ranger Review of Boost Oxygen at Nolin River State Park

      Campground Review: Nolin River SP is one of our area favorites. Near Brownsville, Ky and a little off the beaten path. But definitely worth a visit or two.

      This is not a huge State Park but it sits on Nolin River Lake and offers plenty of water sports to keep you entertained. The campgrounds were crowded when we visited.

      The RV campground sits behind a gated entry and has sites that have direct lake access. Very clean and well maintained, not a lot of shade or privacy though. The primitive/basic area is crowded. The sites are walk in and placed pretty close together under cedar trees. There is a fresh water point and the beach is a short distance away. There are some sites on a small hill lakeside that give an excellent view and have picnic tables.

      Obviously the main attraction is the lake, there is a lot of traffic on the lake. I kayak so at times it can be a little stressful when your wondering if that speedboat flying at you over the water sees you. I stayed close to the shoreline and did not attempt to cross the main thoroughfare. There are inlets that are less busy , you will usually see fishermen in those areas and travel is safer.

      In addition to the water Kentucky Mountain Bike Assiciation(KYMBA) has built a very nice trail system in the woods. I’ve never hiked the longest loop but the two shorter ones are challenging and fun to hike. Mountain bikers would find them very technical.

      On this visit we saw a new privately owned campground being built in front of the park entrance. It will be opening this season , graveled RV sites and a smal basic area for tents.

      Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I had the opportunity to use and review Boost Oxygen https://www.boostoxygen.com/ last summer. I recently received the smaller version of Boost Oxygen to take with me adventuring. Boost comes in three sizes and the one I reviewed is the mid-size version.

      I took Boost along with me on a vigorous hike in humid weather. It was more beneficial due to the humidity then the level of excercise.

      Pro: smaller size fit in one of my hydration packs front pockets

      Pro: easy to use

      Con: filling up those land fills

      Pro: it does make recovery faster

      Con: for amateur athletes/ sports enthusiasts not really sure it’s cost effective

      In conclusion if you are an extreme, high altitudes, low drag kinda adventurer this would be a worthwhile investment into your performance. For me, I can just as easily sit down and take a break, I’m in no hurry;)

    Guide to Hartford

    Equestrian camping options near Hartford, Kentucky include several established sites within the wider region. This area of Kentucky sits at an elevation of approximately 400 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate. Local horse trails wind through deciduous forest and limestone terrain typical of south-central Kentucky, with trail conditions varying seasonally due to rainfall patterns.

    What to Do

    Trail riding access points: At Mammoth Cave Horse Camp, riders connect directly to over 60 miles of horse trails within Mammoth Cave National Park. "Not huge and not too small, you can easily bring a small group of friends here for a private horsing around retreat," notes camper Shelly S.

    National park riding: The Maple Springs Campground provides direct trail access into Mammoth Cave National Park. "There are some good technical single track trails that take you into the woods," reports Shelly S., who appreciates the less-traveled nature of this area compared to the main park.

    Guided trail experiences: Double J Stables and Campground offers guided horseback rides for those without their own horses. "They have the BEST horses for trail rides! The guide will take you directly into Mammoth Cave National Park. They are the only guided horse trails authorized to go into the National Park," explains Heather K., adding that one-hour rides cost $25 and two-hour rides are $35.

    What Campers Like

    Wildlife viewing: Horse campers often encounter local wildlife during their stay. At Nolin Lake State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the natural setting. "The campsites are surrounded by trees and it's beautiful," notes Aly E., who visited in 2024.

    Clean facilities: Consistent maintenance is frequently mentioned in reviews. "Very close to Mammoth cave, peaceful area, clean bathrooms," reports Judy W. about Mammoth Cave Campground. This attention to cleanliness extends to other facilities in the region.

    Community atmosphere: The camping culture around Hartford creates a welcoming environment. "People here were kind and trustworthy. People were charging their power stations unattended in the bathrooms. We were given extra wood by our neighbors," shares Veronica S., highlighting the community feel at Mammoth Cave Campground.

    What You Should Know

    Seasonal considerations: Most horse campgrounds in the region operate on a limited season. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is open April 1 to October 31, which is typical for many facilities in the area. Camper J K. notes, "I was there for a fall photography contest it was a little too soon and their was very little color."

    Insect preparation: Ticks are prevalent in horse camping areas. "The only downside to the entire trip is that 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," warns Carrie J. from Maple Springs Campground.

    Reservation needs: Popular equestrian camping areas fill quickly. Laura O. warns about Nolin Lake State Park: "This campground books 6 months out. Very hard to get a spot, but so worth it!"

    Tips for Camping with Families

    Kid-friendly amenities: Several equine-focused campgrounds offer additional activities for children. At Hoosier National Forest Jackpine Loop Campground, "The beach has a play area for children right on the beach which makes it ideal for parents," according to Cathleen T.

    Wildlife education opportunities: Kids often enjoy the wildlife encounters. "Very clean & quiet! The wildlife are very friendly!" notes Gloria J. about Mammoth Cave Campground, where deer and turkey frequently walk through campsites.

    Evening activities: Many horse campgrounds offer natural evening entertainment. "Fireflies are great at night. Frogs are singing in the evening," shares Veronica S., describing the nighttime experience at Mammoth Cave Campground.

    Tips from RVers

    Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for potentially uneven sites. "The sites are very sloped. Worst I've ever seen. Major drawback to this campground," notes John R. about Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, suggesting campers bring extra leveling blocks.

    Hookup specifics: Water and electric connections are standard at most equestrian campgrounds, but full hookups are limited. "Water front sites in cove so not a lot of boat traffic. Quiet park with great gravel spots," describes Laura O. about Nolin Lake State Park.

    Arrival coordination: Some horse campgrounds have specific arrival procedures. "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," explains Heather K. about Double J Stables and Campground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hartford, KY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hartford, KY is Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 140 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hartford, KY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Hartford, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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