Rock Bottom Horse Camp provides equestrian camping access near Wallins Creek, Kentucky, with sites situated in the Cherokee Hills area. The camp sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation in the Cumberland Gap region, characterized by mixed hardwood forests and mountain trails. Water access is available on site, but facilities remain basic compared to larger equestrian destinations.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The Clinch River Family Campground offers access to natural attractions within driving distance. As one visitor notes, "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."
River activities: At Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground, water recreation options supplement horseback riding adventures. According to a camper: "Great place for canoe, kayak & swimming activities. Fishing, hiking and more. The Horseman's Camp is also nice, miles of trails to be discovered just at the dead end of the road."
Mountain biking: Panther Creek State Park Campground provides alternative trail activities when not riding horses. A visitor observed: "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+."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Many equestrian campers appreciate combining horse camping with water access at Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground. One camper described: "Sanded, river front tent sites. The camp sites are also shaded, very comfortable even in July. Great place for canoe, kayak & swimming activities."
Spacious sites: Out on The Creek Campground offers room for horse trailers and camping equipment. A reviewer mentioned: "Great place to camp along side the creek or rv lots with mountain views. Walking distance to Clinch River. Kayak, Hiking, Biking, spacious lots."
Trail variety: Horse riders value the diverse terrain options surrounding campgrounds like Panther Creek State Park. A camper noted: "Panther Creek has great hiking trails, pool, playground fire pits and so much more! The campground tends to be quiet and relaxed and has full hookups on some of the sites."
What you should know
Road access considerations: Some horse campgrounds require navigating rural roads. A Clinch River Family Campground visitor advised: "Be prepared for 7 mile drive from main road... Most of the final road to campground is paved with exception of last mile, its wide enough but slow going. You will lose cellular pretty quickly when you turn on that road."
Weather impacts: Seasonal conditions affect campsite usability at certain horse camps. At Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground, a camper warned: "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."
Campground layouts: Some equestrian camping areas have closely spaced sites. A visitor to Clinch River Family Campground observed: "Mostly level gravel spots. Sites are close together. Block bathhouse that the spiders enjoy. Beautiful river. Lots of open space pets."
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Tranquility Creek provides a quieter experience for families with horses. A camper described it as a "Quiet, clean place to rest. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints."
Swimming options: Families appreciate cooling off after trail rides. At Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground, visitors note: "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."
Recreational alternatives: When not riding, families can enjoy other activities. At Panther Creek State Park Campground, a visitor observed: "Great place for families because of the surrounding wooded activities. Lots of wildlife here, even a rescued barred owl to view near the gift shop."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV campers should research specific site utilities at horse campgrounds. At Clinch River Family Campground, a visitor mentioned: "We had issue with the site we reserved and just moved over one site when setting up late and in the rain…told owner next day and it was no problem."
Campground layouts: RV campers with horse trailers need to consider site configurations. At Panther Creek State Park, a camper advised: "The sites arnt very large so check the internet under TN State Parks for available sites... a short drive to the boat ramp allowed for some fun fishing."
Service availability: Cell service and internet can be limited at horse camps. A Clinch River Family Campground visitor noted: "Definitely back off the main road nice people that run it. Quite, and people were friendly. We visited Natural tunnel and Wilderness Road. They did have internet."
