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Equestrian Camping near Hindman, KY

4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    German Bridge - Dewey Lake offers horse boarding opportunities for equestrians camping in the Hindman, Kentucky area. For an additional fee of approximately $15, campers can board their horses in the on-site barn while enjoying the campground's basic amenities. The campground provides reasonable access to Dewey Lake, making it convenient for those who wish to combine horseback riding with water activities. Sites are priced at $15 with no hookups, and while some campsites feature shade, others receive considerable sun exposure throughout the day. The campground maintains basic facilities including showers and bathrooms for camper comfort.

    Located across from Jefferson National Forest, Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost provides access to nearby equestrian recreational opportunities. The surrounding area features multiple trail options for riders, including paths within the national forest. Bark Camp Lake is accessible for those combining horseback activities with water recreation. The campground offers a peaceful, secluded horse camping environment with cozy cabin accommodations suitable for small groups. Campers note the property's excellent location places riders near multiple trail systems while maintaining a quiet, private atmosphere. The campground's proximity to natural attractions makes it popular with those who appreciate combining horseback riding with hiking and water activities in a less-crowded setting.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Hindman (4)

      1. Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

      3.3(15)29mi from Hindman118 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The park’s along the lake and has hiking, birding, a restaurant, and a nice surprise: an open air theatre with shows outside all summer."

      "I lived in the Dewey Lake-JWSP area with family members, until 2002. Currently, I live about 10-15 minutes away from JWSP and visit the park at least once a month, depending on the weather."

      from $35 - $45 / night

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      2. Lago Linda Hideaway

      4.5(25)48mi from Hindman12 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This big campground is a hidden gem near Red River Gorge. The road getting to the campsite is mostly one lane so is you are in an RV, go slow."

      "The trail around the lake was very nice, short but hilly so a good morning walk. It rained the first evening which led to some pretty little waterfalls the next day."

      from $12 - $999 / night

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      3. German Bridge - Dewey Lake

      4.3(4)30mi from HindmanRVs, Tents

      "For an extra fee ($15 I think, we don't have horses) you could board your horse in the barn. Campsites are a reasonable price with no hookups, $15."

      "this campsite is not for the new camper, very limited on the nicer things at a campsite. but easy access to the lake. And great view"

      4. Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost

      5.0(2)41mi from Hindman3 sitesTents

      "Staying at The Cliffhanger Ranch places you in a quiet area surrounded by forests and a small downtown nearby, perfect for adventuring around a new area. "

      "What makes this place great is that the entrance is directly across from the Jefferson National Forrest."

      from $20 - $35 / night

      Check Availability

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Hindman, KY

    2 Photos of 4 Hindman Campgrounds


    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Hindman, KY

    46 Reviews of 4 Hindman Campgrounds


    • K
      Oct. 1, 2016

      Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

      Dewey Lake

      The park’s along the lake and has hiking, birding, a restaurant, and a nice surprise: an open air theatre with shows outside all summer. The park is kind of famous for having elk, which are common out west, but we didn’t get to see any. If you have horses there are trails but AFAIK the park doesn’t let you hire them (not sure about outside companies). None of the campsites are alone or very close to the lake. All the ones we saw were very open but along the trees, so no lakeside views either. They also have cabins. Nice built-up modern KY state park with enough to do to fill a whole weekend for all of your family. Never been in the water so can’t comment on Carrie J’s assessment of the lake being gross.

    • Stephanie T.
      Aug. 4, 2016

      German Bridge - Dewey Lake

      Quite a barn-stormer

      Sorry, that was a bad pun that didn't make sense. However, there is a barn at the campground! For an extra fee ($15 I think, we don't have horses) you could board your horse in the barn.

      Campsites are a reasonable price with no hookups, $15. Some of the sites have shade but others get a lot of sun. There is a lake nearby, and most of the other campers were boating or horseback riding.

      Showers and bathrooms.

    • Tena G.
      Sep. 22, 2018

      Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

      So-so, "roughing it" at different levels ... but be prepared for anything!

      I lived in the Dewey Lake-JWSP area with family members, until 2002. Currently, I live about 10-15 minutes away from JWSP and visit the park at least once a month, depending on the weather. If you want to mix up your trip besides going camping or doing any recreational activities: Jenny Wiley Theater, mid June-early August, Outdoor Theater, (kinda like Summer Stock); Theme or special dinners at the Lodge, (mostly on weekends), year round; the community/ state park swimming pool is currently being "refurbished" and will be reopening, (hopefully) in Summer 2019. And, speaking of recreation, you can "hit the links" at the Stone Crest Golf Course, nearby.

      But, as for other recreational activities: there's bike riding, hiking, boating: recreational, travel, kayaking and fishing types. If you want to do any horseback riding, you have to bring your own horse and gear, but contact the JWSP office first on where you can ride your horse. Better yet, you can take about a 30 minute drive from the Lodge to the German Bridge Campground area up Cow Creek, which is also in the Dewey Lake area, Contact the Dewey Lake US Army Corps of Engineers for more details, (in other words, Google it). Plus, there are picnic shelters in different areas of JWSP, some of them right next to Dewey Lake.

      Now, as for camping, you have 3 type choices... #1. reserving a cabin near the Lodge, (and Dewey's, the local "watering hole"), kinda like "glamping", but it's rougher. (BTW, this area and the Lodge are the best places for getting a cell phone signal). #2. RV (Recreational Vehicle) Camping. There is a RV camping site not far from where I used to live, but from my personal experience, call the JWSP office at least 2 weeks in advance before the date you plan to use the site to see if there is going to be anything available on the dates you want, before making your reservation. First come, first served! #3. A. There are tent campsites next to Dewey Lake in various areas around the lake accessible by boat only, which are overseen by the Corps of Engineers, contact them or the JWSP office. Best place in my opinion: Campsite near the Dewey Dam/ Spillway Area. B. Other Outdoor Camping: Contact the Corps of Engineers or the Park Ranger's at JWSP. If you want to see some wildlife also, contact the local KY State Fish & Wildlife office that handles JWSP and Dewey Lake.

      But there's some stuff I've learned over the years living and camping in this area, that I think you must know, some of this you might have run into on other camping trips at other parks...

      1. DO NOT DRINK THE WATER FROM THIS LAKE... AND DON'T SWIM IN IT EITHER!
      2. FISH AT YOUR OWN RISK,,, CATCH & RELEASE! (Personally, I'd go to a pay lake).
      3. FCC LICENCE 2-WAY EMERGENCY RADIO (I prefer the Motorola ones, (white & red, also has a NOAA Weather Radio and FM Radio), you can get a brand new one for between $40-$60. The FCC Licence is currently $70, the feds do a background check on you, if you get the licence, it lasts 10 years).
      4. BEAR MACE - A BIG CAN OF IT! Not only do you have the Black Bears to deal with, you have the Coyotes too!
      5. IF YOU ARE AT A LAKESIDE CAMPING SITE, HAVE A LIFE JACKET ON AT ALL TIMES! You might fall into the water by accident or you may have to jump into the lake at night in case of emergency!

      And last, but not least...

      6. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE A MOTORBOAT! NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON THE BOAT! EVERY PERSON ON BOARD MUST BE WEARING A LIFE JACKET! The Fish & Wildlife officers do surprise checks on the recreational boats to see if the rules are being followed... if they aren't following the rules... you may have to pay a fine and/or do some time!

    • Dakota C.
      Jul. 19, 2022

      Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

      Not what we expected

      Our campsite was supposed to be 38’ long but my 28’ camper was all that could fit, barely. Water spigot is far away from the site so I had to go purchase another water hose. Zero cell reception and no wifi. No television reception either. Almost everyone’s site was not flat and took a lot of work to get campers close to level, (watched people pull out after an hour trying to level). No extra parking for vehicles, just drive up into whatever muddy area is around your site. “No outside alcohol” signs everywhere.

    • Heather K.
      May. 16, 2019

      Lago Linda Hideaway

      A nice campground for families and rock climbers!

      This big campground is a hidden gem near Red River Gorge. The road getting to the campsite is mostly one lane so is you are in an RV, go slow. The area for RV's is a little tight in the trees and probably won't accommodate an extremely large vehicle. However, there is a huge open field on further into the camp that should be fairly easy to turn around in. The huge field is available for tent campers, but these are primitive sites with no water/electricity. The improved sites with water/electricity are closer to The Pavilion and Shake Out Lounge. The Pavilion is a great place to gather and talk with friends or enjoy the big campfire next to it. The Shake Out Lounge has a tv, free wifi and free books to borrow. There is a bathhouse with toilets and showers. There are 2 locations to obtain firewood on the campground. They also sell ice. There is not a store on site, but a short drive up the road there is a general & grocery store that also sells fresh made sandwiches. There are cabins to rent. The cabins are tucked in the trees and are very cozy. The cabin we stayed in on one of our visits, had a queen bed, kitchen area and bathroom with a shower. Plenty of trees to hang a hammock, as well. Some of the cabins overlook the beautiful lake. The lake is perfect for swimming in and has a dock and life jackets for campers use. The gravel/dirt road getting to the lake is steep, so I recommend walking down to the lake. Fishing is allowed with a permit in the lake. There are hiking trails and dogs are welcome at the campground. Overall, a great campground for individuals, friends and families.

    • Carrie J.
      Jul. 17, 2016

      Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

      Huge park!

      There are tons of sites for backcountry camping throughout the park. These are primarily situated around Dewey Lake. I have never actually stayed in the camping facilities as it's always seemed more fun to go "off grid" and visit a more private site. Be warned, the lake is gross. People using house boats are known to dump waste directly into the lake. If you don't plan on diving in and would rather just fish and hike, make time to take a trip here.

    • M
      Aug. 4, 2020

      Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

      Clean and Crowded but Quiet

      I spent a Friday night there in late June 2020. Most of the campers were in RVs. I found a site at the end of a cul-de-sac away from the other campers. It appeared that the campers observed the quiet hours rules. Sites are close together so there’s not a lot of privacy. Modern amenities, showers, flush toilets. There’s a large lake at the park that accommodates speed boats and jet skis so I didn’t put my kayak in.

    • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Jul. 20, 2023

      Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost

      Escape to the forests and a simpler life

      Jake from the Dyrt here!  Staying at The Cliffhanger Ranch places you in a quiet area surrounded by forests and a small downtown nearby, perfect for adventuring around a new area.  Check them out and share of your favorite parts of the trip on the Dyrt!

    • Leah P.
      Aug. 10, 2016

      German Bridge - Dewey Lake

      Dewy Lake

      this campsite is not for the new camper, very limited on the nicer things at a campsite. but easy access to the lake. And great view


    Guide to Hindman

    Equestrian camping near Hindman, Kentucky offers access to multiple trail systems within the Daniel Boone National Forest and surrounding areas. Eastern Kentucky's terrain features elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet, creating varied riding conditions across wooded hills and valleys. Water levels at Dewey Lake fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping and water access points during summer drought periods.

    What to do

    Kayaking at Dewey Lake: Launch from German Bridge Ramp where campers note "love getting to take my kayak out on the water, great view of the bridge" according to Leah P. at German Bridge - Dewey Lake. The access point works well for smaller watercraft.

    Horseback riding trails: The Jefferson National Forest across from Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost provides multiple riding paths. Noah O. notes "the entrance is directly across from the Jefferson National Forrest" where visitors can also "kayak at Bark Camp Lake" when not riding.

    Fishing opportunities: Dewey Lake supports various fishing spots despite water quality concerns. David O. states "the fishing on Dewy Lake is awesome. The water is muddy a lot. But if you like catfishing, this is your Lake" at Jenny Wiley State Park Campground.

    Swimming in cleaner waters: For alternatives to Dewey Lake, Lago Linda Hideaway offers a small lake with swimming facilities. Sarah H. mentions "I went during late March and will definitely go again when it's warmer to enjoy swimming in the lake!" at this cleaner water alternative.

    What campers like

    Privacy from crowds: Camping locations outside the main state park provide more seclusion. Noah O. describes Cliffhanger Ranch as "very secluded and peaceful" where they "were able to have a few nice fires at the top of the hill with great views."

    Varied accommodation options: Camping styles range from primitive to cabin rentals. At Lago Linda, Sarah H. explains: "I slept in a truck tent and when it started to snow they offered to move me to a warmer spot just in case. Spots were very roomy."

    Proximity to multiple outdoor activities: The region connects riders to varied terrain options. As Heather K. notes about Lago Linda, "Overall, a great campground for individuals, friends and families" with "hiking trails and dogs are welcome at the campground."

    Basic comforts: Many sites offer essential facilities for longer stays. David O. describes German Bridge as an area "that has everything you need to stay a while. It's right off the back waters of Dewy lake."

    What you should know

    Water quality concerns: Multiple campers report issues with Dewey Lake water. One Jenny Wiley visitor explicitly warns: "DO NOT DRINK THE WATER FROM THIS LAKE... AND DON'T SWIM IN IT EITHER!" with additional cautions to "FISH AT YOUR OWN RISK... CATCH & RELEASE!"

    Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. Marc H. notes at Jenny Wiley: "You get no cell service in the campgrounds and no reception" which affects communication and navigation.

    Weather preparedness: Seasonal conditions can change rapidly. Shelly S. found at Lago Linda Hideaway that "the bathrooms were heated which was a nice touch since it snowed the other two days I was there."

    Trail conditions: Some trails require verification before riding. Katie K. mentions that Lago Linda is "a short drive from a ton of nearby climbing crags" with "staff are super friendly" who can provide trail updates.

    Tips for camping with families

    Bathhouse access: Facilities vary between campgrounds and can affect comfort levels. Shelly S. observed at Lago Linda that "they are constructing a new showerhouse" with "the showers are not pay by the minute like others."

    Safety equipment: Required gear for water activities should be planned. At Jenny Wiley, rangers emphasize "EVERY PERSON ON BOARD MUST BE WEARING A LIFE JACKET! The Fish & Wildlife officers do surprise checks."

    Kid-friendly swimming: Smaller, monitored water areas provide safer options. Heather K. describes Lago Linda's lake as "perfect for swimming in and has a dock and life jackets for campers use."

    Communal spaces: Some campgrounds offer gathering areas for multi-family trips. Lago Linda provides "The Pavilion [which] is a great place to gather and talk with friends or enjoy the big campfire next to it."

    Tips from RVers

    Site configurations: RV hookup placements can require extra equipment. Frances F. warns at Jenny Wiley State Park Campground: "Campsites are set up were the water hookups at in front of your camper. Bring long water hose."

    Limited big-rig access: Larger RVs face challenges at some locations. Shelly S. advises about Lago Linda: "The road getting to the campsite is mostly one lane so is you are in an RV, go slow. The area for RV's is a little tight in the trees and probably won't accommodate an extremely large vehicle."

    Sanitation facilities: Dump station availability varies and can be problematic. John D. reported a negative experience at Jenny Wiley where "Dump station overflowed and closed."

    Alternative parking areas: Some campgrounds offer overflow options for larger vehicles. Heather K. notes at Lago Linda "there is a huge open field on further into the camp that should be fairly easy to turn around in."

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hindman, KY is Jenny Wiley State Park Campground with a 3.3-star rating from 15 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Hindman, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.