12 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rock Bottom Horse Camp in Ewing, Virginia offers camping facilities for equestrians with 25 miles northeast of Middlesboro, Kentucky. The campground provides drinking water, electric hookups, and fire rings at each site. Tent and RV sites accommodate riders with their horses, and while formal horse corrals are not listed, the camp is specifically designed for equestrian visitors. Bathroom facilities include vault toilets, and the grounds maintain trash collection services. Most campsites are reservable, allowing horse owners to secure spots before arrival with their trailers and equipment. Each site includes a picnic table for meals after a day of riding.
Located within easy access to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park's extensive trail system, Rock Bottom Horse Camp connects riders to numerous bridle paths throughout the surrounding mountains. The Little Lick Campground near Somerset also accommodates horses and larger vehicles including horse trailers. This campground permits campfires and allows pets, making it suitable for families traveling with both horses and dogs. Bathrooms are generally clean and well-maintained, with some locations offering shower facilities. Campgrounds in this region typically operate seasonally, with most horse camping opportunities available from spring through fall when trail conditions are optimal. Trail access directly from these campgrounds eliminates the need to transport horses after arrival, allowing riders to begin their adventures immediately from their campsites.
"Panther Creek SP Panther Creek State Park was an unexpected find outside of Knoxville, TN , in Morristown. I’ve driven by the sign but no need to camp so close to home."
"The hiking trails ranged from difficult to short and easy. The ’Trout’ hiking trail was very nice. One of the longer hikes was the Knob trail and it was very nice as well."
from $26 - $42 / night
Check Availability"They have horse sites to bring your horses .and you can camp right with your bourses.They also have RV sites and tent camping. You can fish in the river and go tubing and Canoeing in the river."
"Close to trails and a waterpark too. Love the peace and tranquility. We will be going back again."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"This specific spot was huge and next to a wooded area and nature walk and, in my opinion, the best site in the whole campground! The bathhouse was small, but functional and clean."
"Sites were very clean and spacious and all have spectacular views of the lake."
from $20 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Walking distance to Clinch River. Kayak, Hiking, Biking, spacious lots"
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $60 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Totally set up for the horse crowd with plenty of horse room :) there is a day use parking and unloading area and direct access to the horse trails. Very open and well maintained."
"We stayed here even though we didn’t have horses, but those with horses have priority."
from $30 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Bring your horse, bring your trail bike, bring your dogs. You might want to bring a generator too."
"Take an awesome little ferry across the river (or drive around). Tent sites vary in privacy. Great simple site, clean. No trails on site but we did a pretty one nearby (forget the name)."
from $2 - $15 / night
Check Availability"A few friends and I visited this campground in June of 2018 so we could visit the Natural Tunnel and the Devil's Fork Loop Trail."
"What a great experience for the whole family and kids and enjoyed the privacy water was a little cold this time of year but I had a great fire next to the river Under the Stars roasting s'mores"
"Convenient to highway 66 that runs from Interstate 40 to Sevierville. Not particularly charming, but seems to be clean and well run. Worked well for a one night stay."
LegendStayed here in April, very quiet! Off to itself. Totally set up for the horse crowd with plenty of horse room :) there is a day use parking and unloading area and direct access to the horse trails. Very open and well maintained. Make sure you have the horse power for the hills going out. I had to back down the gravel hill and get a second run to make it up!
LegendWilderness Road Cumberland Gap :
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
70 yr olds in 17’ trailer:
Overall Rating: 4
Price: $24 w electricity $18 w/o. 1/2 for seniors
Usage during visit: low
Site Privacy: 2 to 4 depending on location. In some areas, sites are close in 3 directions. Looks to be better privacy in non electric sites. Study campground map for outside sites.
Site Spacing: Some are pretty close. Just look at the campground map and choose one accordingly. Our site was very nice.
Site surface: Gravel for non-electric sites. Ours was tough to level and as per rec.gov website for our site. . Electric sites have black top.
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise 5. Quiet
Road Noise: 4, depending on location. Highway noise
Electricity. 2 loops have electricity.
Water: at dump station and restrooms
Sewer: No
Dump: Yes
Bathroom: 5 Clean
Showers: 5. Private rooms
Pull Throughs most are backing
Cell Service (Verizon): 5. Great
Setting: Deciduous forest
Weather: 60s to upper 30s
Bugs: None
Solar: Great. May change as the trees leaf out more.
Host: They are active.
Location: Near Town of Gap - quaint, make sure to visit. 1919 is the place for lunch or dinner we hear from locals. 10 minutes to good grocery stores in Middlesboro.
Loops: Portions of some sites sort of back up to each other. The sites I took pictures of are some of the better sites for privacy
RangerWe stayed here even though we didn’t have horses, but those with horses have priority. According to the others at the campground, there are a lot of horse camps and facilities in this area, if you do have horses this is an excellent area to explore. Good hiking trails too. Campground was clean and barely smelled like a farm despite being filled with horses.
LegendYou will drive and drive and drive...and drive on the gravel road. However the road is good and the signage will get you there! Follow the little tent signs to Little Lick Horse Camp in the woods of Daniel Boone NF. The Nathan McClure trailhead is in the campground so there will be other traffic coming in. There are a few good size sites, with picnic table, fire ring and not much else. This is primitive, to include no toilet so bring your bucket or whatever you use.....remember Leave No Trace ;) Dark and starry skies, quiet and woodsy....try not to think about any scary wood based movies. Horses, llamas, trail bikes and dogs would be perfect for this campground. The sites are big enough for more then one tent or hammock. There are several other nice/challenging trails nearby and the Rattlesnake Motorcycle route in the area.
LegendPanther Creek SP
Panther Creek State Park was an unexpected find outside of Knoxville, TN , in Morristown. I’ve driven by the sign but no need to camp so close to home. I ended up sharing a site with a friend who lives even closer, lol This is a small State Park but it offers a lot to do recreation wise. The weekend we stayed there was a youth mountain bike event and cross country running going on. There’s also horseback trails. My only complaint about the trails is they are not marked well. A Boy Scout troop needs to do some merit badge work and improve them . The campground is small, a little tight in the sides and limited on full service sites. It’s a gradual uphill drive through the camp , you curve to the left and then back down the hill. The sites in the upper curve are bigger then the ones on the hill. There are several that offer tent pads and small vehicle pads. Check your lengths and bring your leveling boards. The two showerhouses are next to pavilions. All well maintained. The upper pavilion has a very cool fire pit area. And can accommodate a small gathering. There is a trailhead in the campground and several other trailheads in easy walking, pedaling distance , plus an awesome overlook and more strenuous hike up the road. The boat ramp is in an adjacent area and the lake is beautiful.
TravelerEach campground had a place for horses, the campground was clean, easy to drive, easy to set up, and the bath house was very clean. Awesome trails to hike with beautiful scenery.
ScoutThey have horse sites to bring your horses .and you can camp right with your bourses.They also have RV sites and tent camping. You can fish in the river and go tubing and Canoeing in the river. They even have Primitive camping. They are right on the river. The owners are really nice. It’s a very peaceful campground where you can connect with your soul.
GuideDon’t have a horse but everyone was friendly and we enjoyed our stay. Very quiet getaway
RangerThis is near the borders of KY, VA, and TN in Cumberland Gap park. Convenient to the park, the AT, and the nearby town for supplies, restaurants, and grocery. Its name is misleading: the campground is quite large and not far from civilization or the highway, but it’s still a great place to enjoy nature. The campground is among the trees so is very shady and semi-privacy. This is the only campground in this part of the park. Nothing to do on site besides picnic and relax, there’s endless hiking and backpacking nearby.
Horse campgrounds near Middlesboro, Kentucky offer equestrian trails throughout the Cumberland Gap region at elevations from 1,000 to 3,500 feet. The area includes over 85 miles of established horse trails within Daniel Boone National Forest and surrounding recreation areas. Most equestrian campgrounds remain open from April through October, closing during winter months when trail conditions deteriorate.
Trail riding through forested terrain: Bear Creek Horse Camp has direct access to extensive horse trails in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. "Very horse oriented... Totally set up for the horse crowd with plenty of horse room. There is a day use parking and unloading area and direct access to the horse trails," notes camper Shelly S.
Wildlife viewing along equestrian routes: Little Lick Campground in Daniel Boone National Forest offers primitive camping with wildlife viewing opportunities. "Campers paradise, with a FREE campground. Campsites are spacious depending on which one you get, and we'll spread out. Be wary of shy bears and bobcats," advises Tombo T.
River activities near horse trails: At Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground, riders can combine equestrian activities with water recreation. "They have horse sites to bring your horses and you can camp right with your bourses. They also have RV sites and tent camping. You can fish in the river and go tubing and Canoeing in the river," shares Janet H.
Quiet settings away from busy areas: Little Lick Campground offers solitude for horse campers. "This is a primitive little campground out in the middle of nowhere, however there are several awesome trailheads in the area, Nathan McClure TH right in the campground. Quiet and dark and STARS," writes Shelly S.
Clean facilities despite equestrian use: Bear Creek Horse Camp maintains clean grounds despite equine residents. "We stayed here even though we didn't have horses, but those with horses have priority. Campground was clean and barely smelled like a farm despite being filled with horses," reports Dan N.
River access from horse camps: Riverside camping appeals to both equestrians and non-horse campers. "Sanded, river front tent sites. The camp sites are also shaded, very comfortable even in July. Great place for canoe, kayak & swimming activities. Fishing, hiking and more. The Horseman's Camp is also nice, miles of trails to be discovered," explains Amber H. at Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground.
Trail difficulty varies significantly: Some equestrian trails near Middlesboro present challenges. "We chose this campground because it was close to Natural Tunnel and Devils Fork trail (30-45 min). Both of these are worth doing if you are in the area. We chose to only hike to Devils bathtub (about 2 miles one way). It was exceptional but difficult," reports Beth B. about Clinch River Family Campground.
Weather impacts site conditions: Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground has drainage issues during wet periods. "Only 2 of the 6 sites are usable if it has rained within a week of your stay. Would not recommend for large groups unless you enjoy sleeping in mud. Would not recommend unless the weather is pristine," warns Kayla L.
Seasonal operations affect availability: Most equestrian campgrounds close during winter. "I spent the long Thanksgiving weekend here. Other campgrounds in the area were closed, but this one is open year round. Bathrooms and showers remain open as well," notes Jason W. about Anderson County Park.
Playground access near horse trails: Panther Creek State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities alongside equestrian activities. "Great State Park has a great campground for families to spend time at. For a lesser known state park, they have a lot of amenities. Playgrounds, hiking, horseback trails, mountain bike trails, tennis courts, disc golf, baseball field, volleyball," describes Dusty W.
Tick prevention essential: Pack appropriate repellents when visiting horse camps. "Though if you come in the summer look out for ticks. Panther Creek is notorious for ticks. I pulled 6 off of me in one day," cautions Dusty W.
Multiple recreation options: Family groups appreciate diverse activities at equestrian campgrounds. "Very nice bathrooms. The sites aren't the most private we've ever stayed at, but the mountain biking was so much fun we didn't care! Hiking and biking was an A+. Great place for families because of the surrounding wooded activities," shares Penny M. about Panther Creek State Park.
Site access challenges: Out on The Creek Campground offers mountain views but requires careful navigation. "Great place to camp along side the creek or rv lots with mountain views. Walking distance to Clinch River. Kayak, Hiking, Biking, spacious lots," notes Andy J.
Cell service limitations: Remote horse camps often have poor connectivity. "No wifi. I have US Cellular and had limited service. Enough to maybe look something up and receive texts," mentions Mary D. about Anderson County Park.
Hill navigation requires power: Horse trailers need adequate towing capacity. "Make sure you have the horse power for the hills going out. I had to back down the gravel hill and get a second run to make it up!" warns Shelly S. about accessing Bear Creek Horse Camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Middlesboro, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Middlesboro, KY is Panther Creek State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Middlesboro, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Middlesboro, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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