5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground maintains an Equestrian Campground with electric hookups, water connections, and sanitary dump facilities. Located in Olive Hill, Kentucky, approximately 30 minutes from Sandy Hook, the equestrian area features campsites designed to accommodate horses and trailers with specific parking areas. The campground provides both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical connections for RVs and trailers. Trails throughout the park system connect directly to the campground, allowing riders immediate access to woodland riding paths. Water pressure can be variable during peak season, with some campers noting it drops to 20 pounds of pressure when multiple sites are occupied. Bathhouses with showers and toilets serve the equestrian camping area, though sites are equipped for self-contained camping with full hookups.
The Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp offers primitive tent camping specifically for equestrians near Salt Lick, about 35 minutes from Sandy Hook. Basic facilities include vault toilets and trash collection, but no drinking water, electrical hookups, or shower facilities are available. The campground connects to multiple riding trails through the forest, with paths suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. Sites accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking space and room for portable corrals or highlines. Trail systems throughout the area traverse varied terrain including wooded ridges, creek crossings, and meadows. Riders should bring all necessary water for themselves and their horses as no on-site water sources are provided. Most trails remain open year-round, though seasonal conditions may affect accessibility after heavy rainfall or during winter months.
"This is a beautiful state park with breathtaking views of creeks along the roadway, wonderful landscape designed by nature, good hiking trails, peaceful campground, and a nice lodge."
"We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $80 / night
"Stayed here for one night on a road trip to the Great Lakes. It’s basically in the middle of nowhere but nestled nicely on a lake with pretty water and nice scenery."
"It is close to the water. We left our boats down on the bank. You have a "private" restroom and shower house. Occasionally you will get a hiker or someone coming through the trails that will use it."
Available this weekend
from $35 - $150 / night
"Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."
"We stayed on the upper end by the veterans cemetery, even though it's close to the pool and playground, it was pretty quiet. Sites were a bit unlevel, but easy to back into."
from $55 - $85 / night
"The proximity to the river and kayaking is a big priority for me. They have kayaks for rent at the campground or you can bring your own. "
"We were able to put up a 20 x 10 canopy outside of our camper canopy with plenty of extra room. Lots of space for the kids to run."
"* Beautiful area of Kentucky Nice trails and great kayaking"
"Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."
Available this weekend
from $22 - $50 / night
"The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done."
from $45 - $62 / night
"The park’s along the lake and has hiking, birding, a restaurant, and a nice surprise: an open air theatre with shows outside all summer."
"I lived in the Dewey Lake-JWSP area with family members, until 2002. Currently, I live about 10-15 minutes away from JWSP and visit the park at least once a month, depending on the weather."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $35 / night
"This big campground is a hidden gem near Red River Gorge. The road getting to the campsite is mostly one lane so is you are in an RV, go slow."
"The trail around the lake was very nice, short but hilly so a good morning walk. It rained the first evening which led to some pretty little waterfalls the next day."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $999 / night
"For an extra fee ($15 I think, we don't have horses) you could board your horse in the barn. Campsites are a reasonable price with no hookups, $15."
"this campsite is not for the new camper, very limited on the nicer things at a campsite. but easy access to the lake. And great view"
TravelerThis place could not have been more accommodating. There’s a restaurant that serves all 3 meals! Good for all types of campers - excellent tent spots, RV spots, and cabins. Some of the RV spots are difficult to get into but they more than made up for it with everything else. Would stay again for sure!
GuideGreenbo is a small state park tucked away in beautiful greenup co a very quit peaceful park. With a little known secret outside of the area world class bass fishing. Yelp that’s right you wouldn’t ever guess that by the size of the lake but it’s fact and the restaurant at the lodge. Is outstanding
TravelerWe love Twin Knobs! We have camped there numerous times - in the Sping, Summer, and Fall. Electric and non electric sites. The campground staff is always a pleasure to interact with, and so kind! Always clean. Most sites are within walking distance to the lake. My only suggestion is I wish they had some playgrounds for small kids.
Scouttrails are a complete mess, a lot were impassable and very dangerous not recommended for horses, some have not had any maintenance done in years, even the main trail out of camp a couple miles was impassable... very poor :(
TravelerCampground is beautiful. Restrooms were very clean.
Mix of hook up and primitive. VERY spacious sites with privacy and space between. Its right on Cave Run Lake too.
Only negative we saw was widowmaker limbs in trees directly above campsites.
TravelerNice pool, most sites I could see have sewer. Water pressure was low. Very few shady sites on top level.
GuideQuiet and peaceful campground in the former corn field of the owners grandfather. Clean bathhouse, kids play area and hammocks for relaxing. Staff will shuttle you and a kayak 3 miles up the Licking river for a relaxing, family friendly float. My site had electric and water with a dump station available for $40.
RangerThis is my “go to” campground when I need to get away for a few days and reset in nature. Hosts are great! You can pay via Venmo when you arrive / super easy. There is tons of primitive camping and quite a few sites with electric and water. There are plenty of bathrooms and showers. Love this place!! Will be back!!
TravelerWe were surprised to find the store open when we arrived at 6, but woman inside was a trip. She could not seem to figure out how to do anything and talked to herself the whole time. Check in took about 20-30 minutes! She was very friendly though and explained how to get to our site. Tried to get propane- first she said she didn't know how to do it, then she decided she did, but wound up being clueless. She did let us change our site because it was so far from the bathroom. We had to go down a crazy steep narrow hill to get to the lower area. Thought it might be quiet but wound up on top of a busy road. Ok for an overnight. Huge street lights over us. Sites a little junky looking.
Equestrian camping near Sandy Hook, Kentucky offers access to forest riding trails through the Daniel Boone National Forest. The region sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with creek-fed trails that can become muddy after rainfall. Campgrounds in the area typically close their main facilities from late October through March, though some offer year-round primitive camping options.
Explore cave systems: Carter Caves State Resort Park contains over 20 caves within 2,000 acres of woodland. "One of my all time favorite places in Ky to camp. The scenery is always relaxing, and the campgrounds are always welcoming. The park has a lot to do, not just the caves. There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see," notes Chris B. from Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground.
Kayak on Dewey Lake: Launch from German Bridge access point for paddling. "Love getting to take my kayak out on the water, great view of the bridge," says Leah P. from German Bridge - Dewey Lake, which offers easy lake access without the amenities of larger campgrounds.
Hike natural bridges: The area contains multiple natural rock formations across various trail systems. Amanda S. shares, "The park is amazing and I have no idea how it took me 39yrs to find it so close to home. The caves are absolutely amazing and the park has some of the best natural bridges I have ever seen."
Spacious equestrian sites: The White Sulphur Horse Camp accommodates trailers with room for setting up corrals. "We try and use horse camps when traveling in larger groups since they have more space and are not always used... the place was clean, restroom facilities were stocked with TP," reports John from Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp.
Lake access for fishing: Many campgrounds offer direct water access for anglers. "If you like catfishing, this is your Lake," states David O. about Jenny Wiley State Park Campground, though he notes "the water is muddy a lot."
Secluded tent sites: For those seeking privacy, some campgrounds offer separated tent areas. Jay T. mentions, "Unlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites. Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path. We stayed in 12. If you don't mind hauling your gear a short distance from your car, sites like this are perfect."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. According to John, White Sulphur Horse Camp has "slight cell service for Verizon & AT&T, enough for maybe text but not very consistent." Similarly, Tena G. advises, "You get no cell service in the campgrounds and no reception" at Jenny Wiley State Park.
Extension cords needed: Electric hookups at some sites require additional equipment. "The only issue was that some of the sites were around 50 ft from the electric hook up. Thankfully we were able to switch spots instead of renting an extension cord," notes autumn L. about Carter Caves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sandy Hook, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sandy Hook, KY is Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 46 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sandy Hook, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Sandy Hook, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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