Best Equestrian Camping near Paducah, KY

Campgrounds near Paducah, Kentucky offer limited options for horse camping, with most facilities lacking dedicated equestrian amenities. Based on the available data, no campgrounds in the immediate Paducah area feature horse corrals, dedicated equestrian campsites, or specialized horse facilities. The closest options for riders require traveling to surrounding areas like Land Between the Lakes or Shawnee National Forest, where some campgrounds may permit horses with proper containment methods. Trailer parking is generally available at larger established campgrounds like Lake Barkley State Resort Park and Canal Campground, though these locations don't advertise specific equestrian accommodations.

Riders seeking trail access must plan carefully, as designated bridle trails are not mentioned in the local campground reviews. The Shawnee National Forest area offers potential riding opportunities with forest service roads and some trail systems accessible from campgrounds like Dutchman Lake Camp. Horse owners typically need to bring their own portable corrals or high-line equipment as permanent horse facilities are not listed among the campground amenities. Water access for horses can be found at campgrounds near Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with several locations featuring water hookups that could serve equestrian needs. The primitive camping areas often provide more suitable conditions for those traveling with horses due to less crowded conditions and more spacious sites.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Paducah, Kentucky (20)

    1. The Art Farm Women’s Retreat

    3 Reviews
    Paducah, KY
    8 miles
    +1 (270) 217-2170

    $30 - $90 / night

    2. Shawnee Forest Campground

    36 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-0619

    $40 / night

    "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."

    "Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."

    3. Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE

    21 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 362-4840

    $20 - $256 / night

    "Canal campground is right on the canal that connects Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake at the north end of Land Between the Lakes."

    "Grand Rivers KY Canal Campground at Barkley Lake COE Site 111 This is a great COE campground located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with views of the Barkley Dam."

    4. Deer Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    15 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    "Ferne Cliffe State Park is situated in the Shawnee National Forest, in the southern part of Illinois."

    "Dog friendly, pretty well spaced out campsites but some are used as paths with to get to farther back campsites. Good set up, not too close to neighbors and it’s heavily wooded in between."

    5. KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point

    14 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 522-3762

    "You can't beat having a lake next to you while you are camping. This is something my family and I always look for when we are camping. Water is always a great place to entertain the kids and family."

    "Most sites have great views of Lake Barkley! Large camp store with a restaurant that serves sandwiches, pizza, beer and sodas... Golf cart rentals and the marina has boat rentals."

    6. Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access

    7 Reviews
    Kuttawa, KY
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Tucked away on an old dead end road (Forrest Service Rd 118), Craven's Bay campground is remote back country camping, right on the lake, but far away from any visitor attraction in Land Between the Lakes"

    "This gem in the Land Between the Lakes Rec area is a great spot to set up camp if you don’t mind the lack of showers."

    7. Lake Barkley State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-1131

    $20 - $28 / night

    "the staff was helpful and friendly. the park had a great beach area. make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites. i only gave it 4 stars because of"

    "Although this is a remote campground, it is situated in a State RESORT park, so it is more like glamping."

    8. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-4836

    "There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground."

    "The Trillium Trail in the Park has beautiful views and rock formations. Get ice cream and walk the Secret Garden in Makanda. Lake Glendale is close by for swimming and kayak rentals."

    9. Dutchman Lake Camp

    4 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    33 miles

    "We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am."

    "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"

    10. Bear Branch Campground

    2 Reviews
    Eddyville, IL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 672-4249

    $30 - $200 / night

    "Under new ownership buy many cabins from 40 a night on up nice shower houses electric sewer and water at a lot of sites great trails well marked maps available stalls available store and restaurant to"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Paducah, KY

7 Photos of 20 Paducah Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Paducah, KY

167 Reviews of 20 Paducah Campgrounds


  • Michael M.
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Giant City State Park Campground

    Campground Improving in 2017

    There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground. The campground is being upgraded this year in which I belive they are adding 50 amp full service to many of the electric only sites. There is currently walk in only unless you are reserving a horse camp. There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here. The geology is much like the Missouri area near the other bank of the Mississippi river. I have tent camped here and camped in a pop-up camper in the fall both times. Hiking is the best activity here unless you ride horses and that is great here too. This one and Wolf Creek on Lake Shelbyville are the best parks in Illinois for horse trails.

  • d
    May. 29, 2019

    Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground

    A beautiful equestrian lodge and campground. Ride out of several trail hea

    Address: 50 Barger Rd, Stonefort, IL.

    Little Lusk is the most Spacious and beautiful equestrian campground in southern IL.    Bring your horses, or just come and camp and stay in the lodge.  Ride or hike in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest.  Campsites are spacious and can accommodate very large rigs. High lines behind sites.  Stalls can be reserved. some sites are full hookup. Primitive camping also available.  CALL them for more info at 270-205-7138.  Arena and huge event barn on site. Event barn can be reserved for weddings.  Numerous sites have electric and water.  They have a Facebook page with numerous photos.

  • L
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Wranglers Campground

    Awesome Campground

    Was greeted by friendly staff, splurged on a cabin and it was clean and comfortable. 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 lol). Great stay and would definitely recommend checking out this spot

  • A
    Aug. 12, 2018

    High Knob Campgrounds

    Lots of trails

    deffinitly caters to equestrians, my only complaint is the shower houses. The potty area is clean but showers are usually kinda gross. Love the sites most have a little shade and the stallsa are nice and safe. The trails are great maps available some trails need marked a bit better.

  • Tessa C.
    Dec. 4, 2020

    Wranglers Campground

    Unique spot

    Fun experience staying with all the horses! I didn’t really know it was a thing to bring horses to camp and ride them on the trails! Loved it. Spots are pretty close together but fine for big rigs. Drawbacks: Sites 49-51 are mislabeled online. Booked a pullthru spot on 49 but it wasn’t. Campground was pretty full and we weren’t offered a lot to correct that the website was wrong. I could pay more for a different site... ended up taking “49” back in with ample space. Horses neigh, lots of barking dogs and some rowdy late night campers. If you are looking for a quiet getaway reconsider. We enjoyed being in it all and near the horses.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2018

    High Knob Campgrounds

    The way to travel

    High Knob is a Horse campground in Shawnee National Forest near Garden of the Gods off Il1. The entire area has extensive trails through some awesome, hilly, rocky, cliffy areas. There are some excellent things to see. The trail traverses some of the River to River trail that meanders through the area. There used to be an annual ride through “One Horse Gap” I don’t know if it’s still a thing. 

    The campground has options in addition to sleeping in your rig, cabins, travel trailers and a “hotel” . There’s also stalls and tie outs in the area you park in. A good staging area for Shawnee NF treks with several trailheads to pick from. Groups can set up in here and either stage or use it as base camp. Quiet , depending on who you are camping with, all amenities available on site too. (showers, laundry, store)

    We enjoyed the trails though we went no where near as far as the horse people do. (There is so much to see, we have been going to Shawnee NF for over 20 years but I still find something or somewhere new almost every visit.)

  • Staci R.
    Aug. 27, 2017

    Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE

    Premier Glamping!!

    Canal campground is right on the canal that connects Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake at the north end of Land Between the Lakes. Sitting on the north side of the Canal, just outside of Grand Rivers, KY, where the famous Patti's Settlement boasts a two inch thick pork chop and home cooked everything. Canal campground books fast, and offers a substantial number of activities for all ages. Very well upkept and constantly making improvements, this is a favorites campground for folks from miles around.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2021

    Camp Cadiz Campground

    Dusty, rustic camping at the edge of Shawnee

    This small, rustic camp is at the edge of Shawnee and only had a few campers staying multiple nights with us. Then the turkey hunting season came upon us and the sites filled.

    We had site choices that ended up being along the gravel forest road that goes by camp. This put us away from other dogs but caused other issues. Every vehicle that went by generated dust which then coated everything in our camp. If you come here, we suggest taking the site that is furthest from the road (it's right next to the small forest road that heads off to the hiking trails. They had shade as well as sun and no dust. 

    The sites are large but there isn't any foliage between them. Luckily the dogs were in camps further away from our dog so she was able to relax. The water pump got frequent use and the twin vault toilets were plenty for the campground. 

    The hiking trails that headed out from the camp were wonderful. We even hiked down the forest road and found a hidden cemetery tucked away. The river to river trail heads out from camp too - we saw a group of backpackers leave their cars and head off for the night. Garden of the Gods area is a short drive away for more hiking options.

    Choose your time wisely. Camp filled up with hunters who started generators at 3 in the morning to get ready to head out for turkey. Once we realized what was going on, we put our dog's bright shirt on. Everyone was wonderful and we had some interesting conversations. It was also morel mushroom time so some people were hunting for them.


Guide to Paducah

Horse and tent camping options near Paducah, Kentucky center around a 30-60 minute drive radius from the city. Established campgrounds in the region offer varying levels of amenities for riders traveling with horses, from primitive sites to areas with electrical hookups. Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, the area features moderately rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 300-500 feet above sea level and hot summers with mild springs and falls.

What to do

Fishing at lakeside sites: At Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE, visitors can fish directly from multiple sites. "The Campground is large enough that you can get some excercise right on site, jog, walk or bike. OR jump in your water craft from the boat ramp/dock within the campground and maneuver into either lake for site seeing, fishing and other water fun," notes one visitor.

Horseback riding on forest trails: While limited dedicated horse camping exists, equestrian riders can access trails in the Shawnee National Forest using Dutchman Lake Camp as a base. "Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too," reports one camper, making it convenient for day rides.

Hiking from campgrounds: Ferne Clyffe State Park offers direct trail access from camping areas. "There are hiking trails right from the campground. Sites have electric," notes a visitor to Deer Ridge Campground.

What campers like

Secluded waterfront camping: Riders seeking quieter sites appreciate Cravens Bay. "We were the only ones there so it was perfect! Highly recommend for tent camping," reports one visitor who found the location ideal for launching kayaks.

Beach access for families: Lake Barkley State Resort Park offers swimming options. "The park had a great beach area," reports a camper, providing a way to cool off after trail rides.

Variety of accommodation options: Shawnee Forest Campground provides sites for different camping styles. "The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings. Full hookups is a plus," notes a camper, while another mentions how the campground is "built on an Old Golf Course" with "paved trails around the large CG area, which made it nice to walk our dogs."

What you should know

Limited level sites at some locations: Many campgrounds in the region have challenging terrain. "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," reports a Lake Barkley State Resort Park visitor.

Seasonal considerations: The best seasons for equestrian camping are spring and fall. "Came down for a spontaneous camping trip to explore SNF and found Giant City to be a great place to stay," explains a visitor to Giant City State Park Campground, where trails are more comfortable outside summer heat.

Water access varies: Water hookups aren't universal at all sites. "Water only available at few spots and you would need a really long hose to attach if open faucet available," notes a Deer Ridge visitor, important information for horse owners needing water access.

Tips for camping with families

Look for campgrounds with recreational options: KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point offers family-friendly activities. "We loved our visit to this KOA! Waterpark in the summer, boating activities, lake front sites. Countless activities for the kids and the pools are nice too!" shares one camper.

Consider cabin options for non-riders: Multiple parks offer cabin accommodations. "Most sites have great views of Lake Barkley! Large camp store with a restaurant that serves sandwiches, pizza, beer and sodas," notes a visitor to KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point.

Check for evening entertainment: Some campgrounds offer natural nighttime shows. "Once darkness hit the fireflies in the forest were magnificent!" reports a visitor to Deer Ridge Campground, providing entertainment beyond daytime riding.

Tips from RVers

Bring extension cords and leveling equipment: Utility placement can be challenging at several parks. "The gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21. The water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad," explains a visitor to Shawnee Forest Campground.

Reserve early for waterfront sites: Premium locations fill quickly. "Reserve WAY ahead if you want one of the premium sites," advises a visitor to Canal Campground, particularly important for those with horse trailers needing specific accommodations.

Research dump station locations: Not all campgrounds have convenient waste disposal. "No sewer hookup on sites, bath house clean, electric far from pads - bring extension cord," notes a visitor to Lake Barkley State Resort Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Paducah, KY is The Art Farm Women’s Retreat with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 20 equestrian camping locations near Paducah, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.