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Best Equestrian Camping near Paintsville, KY

163 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp provides basic accommodations for equestrians near Paintsville. Located in Salt Lick, Kentucky, this primitive campground features vault toilets and trash collection but lacks drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities. The campground primarily accommodates tent camping with sites that offer picnic tables and fire rings. Visitors must bring their own horses as rental options are not available. The campground remains open year-round and maintains a pet-friendly policy for those traveling with dogs alongside their horses.

Horse camps in the region typically require visitors to bring their own horses and equipment. German Bridge - Dewey Lake offers an alternative option with a barn where horses can be boarded for approximately $15 per night. This campground provides basic amenities including showers, bathrooms, and drinking water for $15 per night at primitive sites. Some campsites receive significant sun exposure while others offer more shade. The campground's proximity to Dewey Lake makes it popular with both equestrians and boaters. Trails throughout the area accommodate riders of various experience levels, with most campgrounds providing adequate space for horse trailer parking.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Paintsville, Kentucky (11)

    1. Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Auxier, KY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 889-1790

    $35 - $45 / 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."

    2. German Bridge - Dewey Lake

    4 Reviews
    Dewey Lake, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 789-4521

    "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"

    3. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Olive Hill, KY
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 286-4411

    $25 - $120 / night

    "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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    4. Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    43 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 780-7818

    $31 - $128 / 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."

    5. Ashland Huntington West KOA

    17 Reviews
    Grayson, KY
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 929-5504

    "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."

    6. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Greenup, KY
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 473-7324

    $21 - $46 / night

    "* 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."

    7. The Ole Cornfield

    9 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    46 miles
    Website

    "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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    8. Chief Logan State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Logan, WV
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 792-7125

    $16 / night

    "No water or electricity at the primitive campground, but you’re within walking distance of the main bathhouse which was nice and clean during my stay.   "

    "There was creek nearby and walking paths all over. We went over to the lodge and was able to swim in the pool and hot tub as part of the price of our campsite."

    9. Equestrian Campground — Carter Caves State Resort Park

    1 Review
    Olive Hill, KY
    42 miles
    +1 (606) 286-4411

    $50 - $67 / 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."

    10. Ole Henry's Camping retreat

    1 Review
    Chapmanville, WV
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 524-2600

    $20 / night

    "The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults. Giovanni's pizza restaurant on site has wifi.  This campground is located out in God's country. "

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Paintsville, KY

3 Photos of 11 Paintsville Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Paintsville, KY

163 Reviews of 11 Paintsville Campgrounds

  • K
    Oct. 1, 2016

    Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

    Dewey Lake

    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. The park is kind of famous for having elk, which are common out west, but we didn’t get to see any. If you have horses there are trails but AFAIK the park doesn’t let you hire them (not sure about outside companies). None of the campsites are alone or very close to the lake. All the ones we saw were very open but along the trees, so no lakeside views either. They also have cabins. Nice built-up modern KY state park with enough to do to fill a whole weekend for all of your family. Never been in the water so can’t comment on Carrie J’s assessment of the lake being gross.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Equestrian Campground — Carter Caves State Resort Park

    Under Construction

    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. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.

  • Tena G.
    Sep. 22, 2018

    Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

    So-so, "roughing it" at different levels ... but be prepared for anything!

    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. If you want to mix up your trip besides going camping or doing any recreational activities: Jenny Wiley Theater, mid June-early August, Outdoor Theater, (kinda like Summer Stock); Theme or special dinners at the Lodge, (mostly on weekends), year round; the community/ state park swimming pool is currently being "refurbished" and will be reopening, (hopefully) in Summer 2019. And, speaking of recreation, you can "hit the links" at the Stone Crest Golf Course, nearby.

    But, as for other recreational activities: there's bike riding, hiking, boating: recreational, travel, kayaking and fishing types. If you want to do any horseback riding, you have to bring your own horse and gear, but contact the JWSP office first on where you can ride your horse. Better yet, you can take about a 30 minute drive from the Lodge to the German Bridge Campground area up Cow Creek, which is also in the Dewey Lake area, Contact the Dewey Lake US Army Corps of Engineers for more details, (in other words, Google it). Plus, there are picnic shelters in different areas of JWSP, some of them right next to Dewey Lake.

    Now, as for camping, you have 3 type choices... #1. reserving a cabin near the Lodge, (and Dewey's, the local "watering hole"), kinda like "glamping", but it's rougher. (BTW, this area and the Lodge are the best places for getting a cell phone signal). #2. RV (Recreational Vehicle) Camping. There is a RV camping site not far from where I used to live, but from my personal experience, call the JWSP office at least 2 weeks in advance before the date you plan to use the site to see if there is going to be anything available on the dates you want, before making your reservation. First come, first served! #3. A. There are tent campsites next to Dewey Lake in various areas around the lake accessible by boat only, which are overseen by the Corps of Engineers, contact them or the JWSP office. Best place in my opinion: Campsite near the Dewey Dam/ Spillway Area. B. Other Outdoor Camping: Contact the Corps of Engineers or the Park Ranger's at JWSP. If you want to see some wildlife also, contact the local KY State Fish & Wildlife office that handles JWSP and Dewey Lake.

    But there's some stuff I've learned over the years living and camping in this area, that I think you must know, some of this you might have run into on other camping trips at other parks...

    1. DO NOT DRINK THE WATER FROM THIS LAKE... AND DON'T SWIM IN IT EITHER!
    2. FISH AT YOUR OWN RISK,,, CATCH & RELEASE! (Personally, I'd go to a pay lake).
    3. FCC LICENCE 2-WAY EMERGENCY RADIO (I prefer the Motorola ones, (white & red, also has a NOAA Weather Radio and FM Radio), you can get a brand new one for between $40-$60. The FCC Licence is currently $70, the feds do a background check on you, if you get the licence, it lasts 10 years).
    4. BEAR MACE - A BIG CAN OF IT! Not only do you have the Black Bears to deal with, you have the Coyotes too!
    5. IF YOU ARE AT A LAKESIDE CAMPING SITE, HAVE A LIFE JACKET ON AT ALL TIMES! You might fall into the water by accident or you may have to jump into the lake at night in case of emergency!

    And last, but not least...

    6. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE A MOTORBOAT! NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON THE BOAT! EVERY PERSON ON BOARD MUST BE WEARING A LIFE JACKET! The Fish & Wildlife officers do surprise checks on the recreational boats to see if the rules are being followed... if they aren't following the rules... you may have to pay a fine and/or do some time!

  • Stephanie T.
    Aug. 4, 2016

    German Bridge - Dewey Lake

    Quite a barn-stormer

    Sorry, that was a bad pun that didn't make sense. However, there is a barn at the campground! 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. Some of the sites have shade but others get a lot of sun. There is a lake nearby, and most of the other campers were boating or horseback riding.

    Showers and bathrooms.

  • Lisa S.
    Apr. 7, 2019

    Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    Breathtaking and Peaceful

    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. The campground is a bit tight, especially when lots of cars are in visiting the campers, very peaceful though as the night goes on. The road to the lake could use a little TLC. Trails are marked nicely, as well as how to get to the equestrian site, Day use area, pool, lodge, and restaurant. Restaurant was very good buffet and menu items available. Lodge was clean and well kept. Very relaxing state park.

  • J
    Nov. 1, 2021

    Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp

    Nice spot

    We try and use horse camps when traveling in larger groups since they have more space and are not always used. Since we didn’t have horses I can’t speak entirely on the how well the horse amenities are but the place was clean, restroom facilities were stocked with TP. There was slight cell service for Verizon & AT&T, enough for maybe text but not very consistent.

  • Jana H.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    Enjoyed our stay

    Park was nice, clean and has friendly staff. 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. Showers are small but they work and there are only 3 stalls of toilets and 3 showers ( I believe) in the women’s side- unsure of men’s. Plenty to do, including a playground, pool, miniature golf, bike riding, horse back riding, hiking, etc. All sites have a picnic table and a grate over the fire pit. Water wells are easily accessible and they have washers and dryers as well. Check-in location was a bit confusing but eventually figured it out.

  • Christopher B.
    Jun. 15, 2020

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Large, well facilitated lake campground

    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. The campground has all the amenities you would need for a nice stay, with clean bathrooms, boat ramp, small camp store, and some trails. Access to the surrounding National Forest involves leaving the campground but, otherwise it’s a nice wooded lake side campground in the middle of nowhere. Plenty of campsites to for electric or non electric camping.

Guide to Paintsville

Equestrian camping options spread throughout the Daniel Boone National Forest region near Paintsville, Kentucky. Several campgrounds within a 40-mile radius accommodate riders and their horses with varying levels of amenities. Many horse trails connect to larger networks allowing for extended rides through the rugged terrain of eastern Kentucky.

What to do

Kayaking on Dewey Lake: Access the water directly from Jenny Wiley State Park Campground, where fishing opportunities abound. "The fishing on Dewy Lake is awesome. The water is muddy a lot. But if you like catfishing, this is your Lake," notes camper David O.

Cave exploration: Located about 35 miles from Paintsville, Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground offers underground adventures with ranger-guided tours. "There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see. The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something! Great for the kids!" recommends Chris B.

Wildlife viewing: Chief Logan State Park maintains a wildlife center with bears, bobcats and raptors for a $2 donation. "The caretaker helped me get some nice photos of the bears by putting some honey and peanut butter on the fence around their enclosure," shares Jennifer B.

What campers like

Riverfront access: The Ole Cornfield offers sites along the Licking River with excellent wading spots. "The grandkids love to play in the river, which is about 1 to 2 feet deep at this location. Great for wading and catching minnows, crawdads, and such," writes Karen P.

Entertainment options: Beyond typical outdoor recreation, Jenny Wiley State Park features cultural attractions. "Make sure you check out the Jenny Wiley theater if you can, they are beyond talented," recommends Kristie B.

Private campsites: Many visitors appreciate Twin Knobs Recreation Area for its separated sites. "The campground is in a wooded area and each campsite is separate by woods from the nearby sites," explains Stephen H.

What you should know

Water quality concerns: Some campers report issues with Dewey Lake water quality. "DO NOT DRINK THE WATER FROM THIS LAKE... AND DON'T SWIM IN IT EITHER! FISH AT YOUR OWN RISK,,, CATCH & RELEASE!" cautions Tena G.

Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "You get no cell service in the campgrounds and no reception," reports Pamela S. about Jenny Wiley State Park.

Hookup logistics: At Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, RVers should plan for shared electric hookups. "You share a box but only one 30 and one 50 amp. So if you both have a 30 amp the other has to get an adapter for the 50," explains Charles D.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. "Loved the fenced in soft play area for the toddlers. Great field for flying kites," notes Brooke V. about Ashland Huntington West KOA.

Wading opportunities: For young explorers, German Bridge at Dewey Lake provides safe water access. "If you looking to get away and you like the company of close campers this place may be for you. It's right off the back waters of Dewy lake. So great to kayaking or any small boats," advises David O.

Playgrounds and amenities: Look for campgrounds with designated play areas. "The campground has a little 55 gallon barrel train ride for little kids. The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults," describes Andrew S. about Ole Henry's Camping Retreat.

Tips for RVers

Site leveling: Most campgrounds near Paintsville offer reasonably level spots, but preparation helps. "Our site was full hook up and very level. There was creek nearby and walking paths all over," reports Jeremiah S. about Chief Logan State Park.

Utility extensions: Pack longer hoses and electrical cords. "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites though," advises Ron & Bonnie D. about Carter Caves State Park.

Site selection: At Twin Knobs Recreation Area, site choice impacts your camping experience. "We stayed in one of the 'premium' sites, right on the water F19. The view was incredible," shares Paul K.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Paintsville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Paintsville, KY is Jenny Wiley State Park Campground with a 3.3-star rating from 15 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Paintsville, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Paintsville, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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