Stanford, Kentucky offers unique equestrian camping opportunities with several horse-friendly facilities within driving distance. The region sits at the edge of the Appalachian foothills with elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet. Camping seasons typically run April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F during the day and 65-70°F at night.
What to do
Horse trail riding: Access dedicated equestrian trails at Kentucky Horse Park Campground where riders appreciate the trail variety. "Taking the horses out here was a wonderful experience, it was great having so many different trails to go on in order to not only train the new horses how to trail ride, but also take the more experienced horses on tougher trails," notes Jill R.
Boating and water activities: Logan-Hubble County Park offers convenient water access for paddlers. "Close to a convenient put in spot for canoeing, kayaking on the Dix River (inside the park). Beautiful medium size lake in the park plus standard county park amenities," says Jeff C.
Disc golf: Several parks in the region offer disc golf courses for campers seeking land-based recreation. Logan-Hubble County Park includes a disc golf course alongside its water features.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground receives praise for its generous camping areas. "We really enjoyed this park. Plenty of room for camper and car, big grass area and nice bathhouse," reports Joe B.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathroom facilities as a highlight. "The bath house was pretty immaculate for such a full weekend. Several playgrounds nearby if you have kids to occupy," notes Justin S.
Dark skies: Little Lick Campground provides excellent stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. "Quiet and dark and STARS," says Shelly S. about this primitive campground in Daniel Boone National Forest.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Campground amenities vary by season, with some facilities limiting hours or closing entirely in off-seasons. "The guard house is only manned for a short period of time. We wanted to get ice and wood when we arrived, but it was closed," explains Joe B. about Taylorsville Lake State Park.
Site selection matters: Research specific campsites before booking as quality varies significantly even within the same campground. "Most of the sites were really big, and there was plenty of space and trees in between. We stayed at site P02, but I don't recommend that specific site. It was probably the worst site in the primitive camp," advises Cassandra C.
Reservation planning: My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground and other popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "Small campground and narrow roads. Many sites were not level and some sites were very short so make sure you review the site description," cautions M&P M.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near play areas if traveling with children. "We camped there in July for my son's birthday party. We were near the restroom facilities which were very clean. Playground was close and perfect for everyone to go run and play," shares Heather K. about Taylorsville Lake State Park.
Educational opportunities: Lago Linda Hideaway serves as an excellent base for educational trips. "Natural Bridge State Park is nearby as well as several adventure based businesses," explains Shelly S., providing options for family-friendly outings.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas during summer months. "Since it was so warm, we took a dip in the lake. Our site was spacious and pretty, with plenty of room for our two tents and a hammock," reports Lena L. about Lago Linda Hideaway.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Bring adequate leveling equipment as many sites in the region have uneven terrain. "Sites are a bit uneven and water and electric is about 40 feet away. Make sure to have levelers to handle 7+ inches," advises Bethany W. about camping at My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
Loop selection: For equestrian camping near Stanford, Kentucky, carefully research campground loops. S-Tree Campground offers different camping areas with varying amenities. "There are 2 loops for camping; loop B is still being upgraded," explains Andy M.
Hookup locations: Check hookup positioning before arrival as some sites have unusual utility placement. "Water and electric is about 40 feet away," notes Bethany W., highlighting the importance of bringing extension cords and longer hoses.
