Equestrian camping near Pewee Valley, Kentucky centers around facilities that accommodate both riders and horses across southern Indiana and Kentucky. The region features rolling hills with elevation changes between 450-900 feet and mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak, hickory, and maple trees. Spring and fall camping seasons experience temperature ranges from 45-75°F, while summer months can reach 85-95°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: O'Bannon Woods State Park offers extensive horseback riding trails through wooded terrain. According to Justin B., "O'Bannon woods has just about everything in one little nook, from fishing swimming and kayaking on blue River, a beach at the park. Swimming, horse trails and lodging, electric campgrounds, you name it."
Fishing access: Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground provides lake fishing opportunities, though campers should note the distance from sites to water. As Sara U. notes, "We also fished one evening on Taylorsville Lake, though it was a drive from our campsite, so wish the campsites were closer to the lake!"
Hiking trails: Deam Lake State Recreation Area features lakeside trails suitable for day hikes. Joshua W. shared, "I used this location as my FOB for a weekend of hiking in southern Indiana. The campground was nice."
What campers like
Shaded sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer wooded sites that provide natural cooling in summer. At My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground, Bethany W. found "Smaller campground that has huge beautiful trees. sites are spaced out which has been really nice. Feels more like camping. Very shaded."
Clean facilities: Clifty Falls State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses. Heather K. observed, "We were near the restroom facilities which were very clean. The camping area was recently mowed."
Lake activities: Non-motorized water recreation appeals to many visitors at area lakes. Brandy A. commented about Deam Lake, "Perfect lake to kayak for a beginner bc no wake zone also the cabins are cool and cozy just bring a mattress the restrooms are definitely the cleanest and well taken care of anywhere I've ever been."
What you should know
Reservation systems: While Come Again Horse Camp operates on a first-come basis, most other campgrounds require advance bookings. At Jefferson Memorial Forest, Robert P. shared, "$15/night; Jefferson Memorial Forest Family Campgrounds... Friendly neighbors, standard picnic table/fire pit/port-a-potties/potable water."
Seasonal concerns: Summer heat and insects require preparation. Stacy B. warned, "Great camping prices went up just a little bit from $13 to $18 but it is primitive no electric and I'm being told that they are building horse Stables. A lot of ticks out this year."
Facility limitations: Bathroom and shower availability varies significantly between parks. John G. noted at Deam Lake, "Public restrooms and showers. Ice in the area cheapest at the truck stops and gas stations 2 10lbs for 5 bucks."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Taylorsville Lake, Heather K. reported, "Playground was close and perfect for everyone to go run and play. Reservations were easy and staff friendly."
Swimming options: Otter Creek Park Campground offers creek swimming in addition to hiking trails. Melissa A. confirms, "One of our favorite spots to camp. Beautiful trails for hiking, great creek for swimming, close to Louisville."
Halloween events: Seasonal activities enhance family camping experiences at some parks. Amber S. shared about Otter Creek, "We go every fall with our entire family to enjoy the Halloween activities. The campers all go all out and let the kids trick or treat. There is even a group who does a haunted house and it is so fun!"
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Many regional campgrounds have uneven pads requiring leveling equipment. At My Old Kentucky Home State Park, M&P M. advised, "Very small campground and narrow roads. Many sites were not level and some sites were very short so make sure you review the site description."
Driving considerations: Approach roads and campground layouts present challenges for larger rigs. Kyle noted about O'Bannon Woods, "Campground roads and campsite were well labeled, clean and electric was in working order. Bath houses were 2.5/5 and could use some maintenance."
Utilities access: Water and electric hookup placement varies by site. Bethany W. cautioned at My Old Kentucky Home, "Sites are a bit uneven and water and electric is about 40 feet away. Make sure to have levelers to handle 7+ inches."
