5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp offers primitive and electric campsites for equestrians exploring Mammoth Cave National Park. The campground features water hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, and basic amenities like toilets and drinking water. Horse owners can take advantage of the proximity to the park's extensive trail system. The campground maintains clean facilities with modern bathrooms and trash disposal. Large pull-through sites accommodate horse trailers with ample room for both camping equipment and horses. Reviews indicate the setting provides a peaceful, wooded environment where wildlife frequently visits campsites.
Located within Mammoth Cave National Park, the horse camp serves as a convenient base for accessing the park's network of equestrian-friendly trails. Several miles of bridle paths connect directly to the campground, allowing riders to explore the diverse terrain and forested areas without trailering to separate locations. The trail system offers options ranging from easy rides suitable for beginners to more challenging routes for experienced equestrians. Maple Springs Group Campground, situated on the north side of the Green River Ferry, provides additional horse camping options with primitive facilities for larger equestrian groups. The campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season from April through October when the weather conditions are most favorable for trail riding. Maple Springs features a wheelchair-accessible horse loading area and serves as a major access point for horseback riding trails throughout the park.
"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 this weekend
from $25 - $50 / night
"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."
"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 this weekend
from $25 - $40 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $50 / night
"While visiting family in Scottsville we were in need of a close by RV park for our 40’ rig. This was the perfect spot for us."
"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."
from $30 - $45 / night
"The horse barn is the first building you will see on your left."
from $15 - $25 / night
"Tucked away on the backside of Mammoth Cave NF, Ky, you want to find this Horse Camp."
from $25 / night
"There are about 4 lakeside sites available all with good lake views"
"Cove 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."
Available this weekend
from $15 / night
"Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park is right on the Kentucky/ Tennessee boarder and not a short drive from anywhere. It is out in the farmlands, but worth the drive."
"sites: horse sites available. wooded area around campground. semi-private sites. amenities: lake. pool. other attractions: lodge/camping cabins. restaurant. I would go back again."
Available this weekend
from $30 - $55 / night
"Campground is surrounded by lake. Has a beach for swimming and playgrounds for the kids."
"Easy check in and nice level sites close to the water. The newer section has very few trees for shade. The older section had plenty of shade and nice sites."
from $20 - $38 / night
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.
TravelerPrioritize money over safety of guests, period. Focus on seasonal money over long-term gas period management has literally said, we don't like these people, we realize you don't like these people, but we need their money, so get along with them. This is what they tell their permanent people to deal with during the summer when there are drunks. Literally had golf carts with unsupervised kids going past the house, over 300 notifications. Normal traffic is about 100, just on the weekend. Drunks on boats. Management is two-faced. They are so focused on making it a bougie place since they took over four and a half, five years ago, that they no longer care about making sure that they have a community that cares about each other. They have three communities. They have permanent communities who care about the park and get together and look out for each other. Then they have seasonal people who are drunk, don't care, don't follow the rules. And then they have work groups who they prioritize over residents and people who have picked up, cleaned the park, cared about the park, and don't want to see toddlers get run over by kids on golf carts like last summer. Every summer, it is nuts. There's no quiet anytime anymore, even in the dead of winter. This place is nuts. Overpriced. If you get anything in permission, like I did, get it in writing or management will use it to throw you out. I had permission for what I was doing. I'd done it for three years, and they prioritized a group of project workers that will be gone in a few months over a long-term resident who is disabled, not available to meet, not arguing with a neighbor who's a child, and lied three times in the middle of our own private conversation and ran to management with lies.
ScoutEverything is so clean and beautiful here. Tons to do and enjoy. Facilities are well kept!
GuideA beautiful well maintained state park. Would have got 5 stars but no electricity at sites due to flooding and the warnings online made it sound like it was just a few sites affected but we had a generator so it all worked out definitely worth a visit
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.
TravelerBeautiful campground, green, quiet, clean. Walking distance to visitor center and cave tours.
GuideCampground is peaceful despite sites being pretty close to each other. No water or electric at sites, but there are bathrooms and a (coin-operated) shower house nearby. For $25/night, it’s a solid deal.
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp provides dedicated equestrian facilities within Mammoth Cave National Park. The campground features primitive and electric sites designed specifically for horse owners. Each site includes water hookups, a fire ring, and picnic table. The camp offers direct access to the park's extensive bridle path system through wooded terrain. The facilities include modern restrooms with drinking water available. The large, pull-through sites accommodate horse trailers with sufficient space for both camping equipment and horses. Located on Lincoln School Road, visitors must call ahead when arriving with RVs to ensure clear access along the single-lane paved entrance.
Trail riding into national park: The horse trails at Double J Stables and Campground connect directly to Mammoth Cave National Park's trail system. "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," notes one visitor.
Hiking nearby trails: Several hiking trails leave directly from the campgrounds. At Mammoth Cave Campground, "There are trails that leave the campground. Fireflies are great at night. Frogs are singing in the evening. Tons of trees and shade," according to a recent camper.
Water activities: Green River flows through the area, providing opportunities for fishing and kayaking. "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," reports a camper at Maple Springs Campground.
Cave tours: While staying at equestrian campgrounds near Lucas, Kentucky, schedule time for Mammoth Cave tours. "Reserve the all day guided tour with crawling about in small spaces for the best experience. Make sure your boots have enough tread or you won't be allowed to do the tour!" advises a visitor.
Wildlife encounters: The wooded campsites attract abundant wildlife. "Very clean & quiet! The wildlife are very friendly!" reports one camper, while another mentions "deer and turkey walk thru ur campsite!"
Ferry crossing: Accessing Nolin Lake State Park Campground includes a unique experience. "We first entered the park via the 'secret' entrance, byway of a narrow road at the very north of the park, in which we had to take a single car automated ferry across the green river, which was enjoyed by all."
Quiet atmosphere: Horse camping areas typically offer more seclusion than standard campgrounds. "Not huge and not too small, you can easily bring a small group of friends here for a private horsing around retreat. Direct access to several horse trails in Mammoth Cave. Spend your day riding and then kick back at your site and relax," notes a visitor to Mammoth Cave Horse Camp.
Spacious sites: The equestrian-friendly campgrounds provide ample room. "The campsites are well laid out like 8 spokes in a wheel, with plenty of space between sites," remarks a camper at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park.
Seasonal considerations: Most equestrian campgrounds in the area have limited operating seasons. Nolin Lake State Park operates from "April 1 to October 31," while Green River Lake State Park runs "April 1 to December 31."
Tick prevention: Tick protection is essential when horse camping near Lucas. "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 and my gear had been treated with permethrin," warns a Maple Springs camper.
Reservation requirements: During peak season, secure your site well in advance. "This campground books 6 months out. Very hard to get a spot, but so worth it!" advises a visitor to Nolin Lake State Park.
Limited shower facilities: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer full amenities. "The shower house is in the RV campground and too far away to be a convenient walk. You have to drive there which is a pain with kids," notes one camper describing primitive camping options.
Multiple camping loops: Green River Lake State Park offers family-friendly layouts. "Campsites are on loops off the main loop/road. It puts 7-8 sites in a circle so it's possible for families to rent multiple sites in same loop. Plenty of room for kids to play and also has a swimming pool!"
Children's activities: Many parks provide structured activities. "Plenty of park hosted activities for kiddos and adults. A lot of trails, good clean pool, nice clean bathrooms, excellent staff!" shares a Dale Hollow Lake visitor.
Educational opportunities: Horse-oriented campgrounds offer unique learning experiences. "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."
Family-friendly site selection: Choose sites based on amenities and conditions. "The tent 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."
RV size restrictions: Some equestrian campgrounds have limited access. "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," advises a Double J Stables visitor.
Hookup locations: Check utility placement before selecting a site. "I wish they would have mentioned the length to water hookup. We ended up having to go buy a longer water hose because the hookup was more than 30 foot away. We now keep a 50 foot hose."
Ferry limitations: Large vehicles face restrictions when accessing certain areas. "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."
Pull-through availability: For easier parking with horse trailers, seek specific sites. "All lots are pull through," notes a visitor at Dad's Bluegrass Campground, which provides "a huge pavilion for events, nice pool, showers, and very clean restrooms."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lucas, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lucas, KY is Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 146 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lucas, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Lucas, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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