Wranglers Campground offers designated sites for equestrian enthusiasts, located within Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The campground features both traditional campsites and rustic cabins designed for visitors with horses. Riders have direct access to over 100 miles of horse trails that wind through the forested landscape. Sites include paddocks or hitching posts for horses alongside standard camping facilities.
What to do
**Trail riding access: ** The trail system at Wranglers Campground connects directly to extensive riding routes. "We didn't have any neighbors and were located close to the showers and some horse stables (but far enough away from them so as to not smell horses the whole time)," notes Laura H. First-time visitors should follow the trailhead signs at the edge of the campground for routes suitable for beginning riders.
**Swimming and boating: ** Cravens Bay provides water access for campers. "Great spot for kayaking and tent camping. We were the only ones there so it was perfect!" reports Benjamin C. The lake access areas maintain boat ramps and docks where riders can cool off after trail rides, though swimmers should note there are no lifeguards on duty.
**Group activities: ** Colson Hollow Group Camp accommodates large riding parties with open spaces. "We had this reserved for a large group and it was great! Tons of room to spread out especially with the water as low as it was," says Matt S. The area includes vault toilets and multiple picnic tables, making it suitable for organized trail rides with several participating families.
What campers like
**Level sites for horse trailers: ** Many horse campgrounds near Oak Grove feature pull-through sites specifically designed for vehicles with trailers. "Site 49-51 are mislabeled online. Booked a pullthru spot on 49 but it wasn't," mentions Tessa C. about her experience at Wranglers Campground. When booking, verify site dimensions directly with staff rather than relying solely on online descriptions.
**Lake views: ** Lake Barkley State Resort Park offers scenic water vistas from several campsites. "Over all a nice place but could be better. Pads are not level. Saw a class A that had front wheels 10" off the ground and a TT with the hitch on the ground," notes Barry B. Sites along the water typically fill quickest during peak season months of May through September.
**Privacy between sites: ** Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park provides more secluded camping options near riding trails. "Beautiful area! Really nice swimming beach, hiking trails, and campground. Paved sites, most with plenty of shade," writes John R. The equestrian camping section connects to the regular camping area while maintaining separation for those preferring quieter settings.
What you should know
**Leveling requirements: ** Sites throughout the region often require substantial leveling equipment. "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," advises Myron C. about Pennyrile Forest State Park. Most equestrian-focused sites are designed with level pull-throughs to accommodate horse trailers.
