Equestrian camping near Dunmor, Kentucky offers several options within the region's distinctive karst landscape, characterized by underground drainage systems, sinkholes, and cave formations. The area sits at elevations ranging from 400 to 600 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-90°F and winter lows averaging around 25-30°F. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this region, especially during spring and fall, when many campsites open for the season.
What to do
Horseback riding on National Park trails: At Mammoth Cave Horse Camp, riders can access multiple trail systems directly. According to Shelly S., the camp provides "direct access to several horse trails in Mammoth Cave. Spend your day riding and then kick back at your site and relax."
Guided trail rides into National Park land: For those without their own horses, Double J Stables and Campground offers affordable trail rides. One camper notes, "They have the BEST horses for trail rides! The guide will take you directly into Mammoth Cave National Park. They are the only guided horse trails that authorized to go into the National Park."
Swimming at sandy beaches: Nolin Lake State Park Campground features a swimming area with distinctive light-colored sand. David R. mentions that the sites have "direct access to the water," making it convenient for families with children who want to cool off during hot summer days.
Hiking on varied terrain: The region offers trails suitable for different skill levels. Christina M. from Nolin Lake State Park Campground shares that "fishing and hiking opportunities abound" in the area, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore on foot.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Nolin Lake State Park Campground, Laura O. appreciates that it's a "very nice and quiet spot" with "great gravel spots" that provide adequate separation between neighboring campers.
Level equestrian campsites: While regular campgrounds can be challenging with slopes, specialized horse camping areas often provide more level terrain. Randy Jessica M. notes that at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, "all the sites are off and not even. So you have to go and stay where the horses are cause that area is even."
Family-friendly amenities: Dad's Bluegrass Campground receives praise for its facilities. Tara comments, "There is a beautiful pool, playground and basketball court for kids! The place is also pet friendly."
Shade coverage: Many campers value the natural canopy at sites like Maple Springs Campground. Carrie J. observes, "Each site was spacious with room for up to three tents without feeling crowded. The sites were also spaced far enough apart that you never have to interact with your neighbors."
What you should know
Tick prevention is essential: The region has significant tick populations, especially in spring and early summer. One camper at Maple Springs Campground warns, "The park is infested with seed ticks and deer ticks. I was pulling ticks off of every inch of me even though I was coated in several layers of hardcore bug spray."
Reservation planning: Some campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Laura O. advises about Nolin Lake State Park Campground, "This campground books 6 months out. Very hard to get a spot, but so worth it!"
Seasonal availability: Most equestrian campgrounds in the area operate from April through October. During peak summer weekends, some locations become busy with locals. Christina M. notes that Nolin Lake "started filling up on Friday and Saturday and was obviously very crowded on the weekend. Seems like a 'party spot' for locals."
Water access considerations: Several campgrounds provide shoreline access, but amenities vary. Nancy B. at Nolin Lake State Park Campground recommends preparing for insects: "Really nothing bad to say at all (except for all the ticks....spray up)!!!"
Tips for camping with families
Beach access timing: At some state parks, public beaches can become crowded. John R. suggests at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, "The beach is free to public so very crowded and some elements are not family friendly. Beach is first come first serve regardless if u camped there. It opens up at 10am."
Shower facilities vary: Campgrounds have different bathroom setups. Christina M. points out at Nolin Lake that "the shower house is in the RV campground and too far away to be a convenient walk. You have to drive there which is a pain with kids."
Kid-friendly activities: Beyond standard camping, look for additional options. Erin R. reports about Pennyrile Forest, "The miniature golf course was good but a little expensive. The beach was amazing but it's first come first serve regardless if u camped there."
Weather preparedness: Summer storms can develop quickly in the region. Ian O. from Maple Springs Campground shares, "My verizon signal worked great here, used a Hotspot to stream movies when inside for a rain storm."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites. John R. observes about Pennyrile Forest, "Beautiful area! Really nice swimming beach, hiking trails, and campground. Paved sites, most with plenty of shade. Only reason I don't give campground a 5 is due to the very sloped sites. Most are very difficult to level up."
RV park access: Some campgrounds have narrow entry roads. Charlie M. from Dad's Bluegrass Campground advises, "Watch the approach since you could head into the truck stop - stay to the right and you will be ok. I used the truck stop to fill up on the way out and it was OK."
Utility hookup locations: Placement of connections can be problematic at some sites. Jon P. notes at Dad's Bluegrass Campground, "My site was slightly uphill where I had to park to reach the water hookup. The water hookup is very close to the ground and leaked for me. Made it very hard to connect the hose and pressure regulator."
Alternative camping areas: When main campgrounds are full or too sloped, consider specialized camping sections. According to Myron C., at Pennyrile Forest, "When I talked to the campground host, he was very pleasant and explained that you do not have to have a horse to camp in the equestrian sites. Those sites are level pull-through sites."
