The Daniel Boone National Forest provides multiple primitive and established horse campgrounds near Nancy, Kentucky. Located at elevations between 700 and 1,000 feet, the area experiences mild springs and falls with humid summers. Many campgrounds sit on the Cumberland Plateau where limestone formations and hardwood forests create natural barriers between campsites.
What to do
Trail access for day rides: Little Lick Campground connects to multiple trails including the Nathan McClure trailhead. "Off Ky Rt 80 in Daniel Boone National Forest, keep following the tent signs, they will get you to Little Lick Campground. 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," notes Shelly S.
Water activities: Camp near Cumberland River for swimming and water recreation. "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). Babbling river and nice wildlife. Good place to bring a boat," explains Dan N. about Little Lick.
Overnight horseback adventures: Bear Creek Horse Camp provides direct trail access without needing to trailer horses between rides. "Very horse oriented :) Stayed 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," reports Shelly S.
What campers like
Secluded locations: Little Lick Horse Camp offers true wilderness camping. "Up a forestry road at the top of a mountain! Sleeping with the bears!" writes Jadon B.
Night sky viewing: Bandy Creek Campground offers exceptional dark sky opportunities. "Camped here a few years ago and got wonderful night sky shots. Definitely worth a stay if you're visiting Big South Fork. Great campers and great scenery," shares Tyler J.
River access camping: Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground offers riverside sites with multiple activities. "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," notes Amber H.
What you should know
Primitive conditions: Horse campgrounds prioritize trail access over amenities. "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," warns Shelly S. about Little Lick Horse Camp.
Weather considerations: Sites can flood during rainy periods at some campgrounds. "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," cautions Kayla L. about Clayton Geneva Memorial.
Road conditions: Expect gravel roads and potentially challenging access to Great Meadows Campground. "You 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," advises Shelly S.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Green River Lake State Park offers swimming areas for children. "Campground is surrounded by lake. Has a beach for swimming and playgrounds for the kids," notes Lee-Ann R.
Site selection: Look for level tent pads at campgrounds with family spaces. "The tent pads were huge, lots of space to play at each site," shares Chelsea D. about Bandy Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "Lots of wildlife around. Nice hiking trails," states Joe K.
Tips for RVers
Site layout: Dale Hollow has a unique configuration. "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 site in same loop," explains Kenny P.
Hookup locations: Check water hookup distances before arrival. "Only downfall here is their isn't really a place to access gorgeous dale hollow lake without a boat... I also wish they would have mentioned the length to water hookup. We ended up having to go buy a longer water hose bc the hookup was more than 30 foot away," warns Beth H.
Electric options: For RV campers requiring electrical hookups, True West Campground & Stables offers full hookups. "Nice level spots that are easy to get in and out of, dump station on site which was very easy to get to," reports Heather S.
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