Best Equestrian Camping in Kentucky

With Kentucky’s 45 state parks, the greatest length of navigable waterways in the lower 48, and the world’s longest cave system, the state of bourbon and horse racing is a dream destination for outdoor lovers. A diverse state with numerous distinct natural regions, Kentucky has a plethora of camping locations. Whether you choose to visit a state park or national forest, you don’t have to look hard to find amazing locations for camping in Kentucky.

For some of the most romantic and rugged landscapes in the state, visit the Red River Gorge in the south. With some of the most spectacular sites for camping in Kentucky, the gorge is a popular destination with visitors and locals alike. Climbers and hikers love the steep and rocky hillsides and cliffs which make the gorge famous. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Red River Gorge offers endless overnight options. From dispersed camping in quiet stretches of forest to whimsical treehouse and full-access campgrounds, it’s easy to find the perfect spot to spend the night. Snag a site next to a lake with record-sized muskies and you won’t have to go far to get on the water first thing in the morning.

If you love fishing, visiting Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is a must. With an abundance of lakes and rivers teeming with fish, it’s an angler’s dream. Enjoy lazy afternoons canoeing on the river or get an adrenaline rush on thrilling rapids. Nature lovers will love the plethora of wildlife and numerous hiking trails that wind through lush shaded forests.

Keep exploring Kentucky’s shaded forests and rugged cliffs in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in southeast Kentucky. Boaters will delight in the park’s large, languorous rivers and quick-flowing streams. Sheer bluffs and rocky gorges characterize the river valleys where water flows over rugged rapids and slows in quiet pools.

There are a variety of options for camping in Kentucky near the Big South Fork, from primitive to developed campgrounds. If you’re travelling with horses, stay in the horse camp, complete with a tack store stocked with essentials. Keep in mind that most parks and campgrounds have a ban on bringing your own firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species. Check with the campground regulations before you come, as some allow collection of wood on the forest floor and other require you to purchase firewood from a ranger. Wherever you choose to stay, with the Dyrt you can be sure to find the best camping in Kentucky.

Best Equestrian Sites in Kentucky (45)

    1. Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    135 Reviews
    Mammoth Cave, KY
    +1 (270) 758-2424

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Mammoth has a campground adjacent to the Visitors Center which is basic except for two sites. There are reservable as well as walk up sites."

    "There is a restroom in the campground and a shower house, laundry room, post office and store adjacent. The dump station is next to that facility right outside the front “gate”."

    2. Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Georgetown, KY
    Website
    +1 (859) 259-4257

    $40 - $43 / night

    "Great for equestrian trailers, convenient location off Interstate and right next to Kentucky Horse Park. Bathhouse, game room, laundry, camp store available."

    "I'll preface this with the fact that I am a Lexington, KY Native and have always lived close to the Kentucky Horse Park and Kentucky Horse Park Campground, but have never stayed there until this weekend"

    3. Carter Caves State Resort Park

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

    "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."

    4. Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    41 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    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. Nolin Lake State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Sweeden, KY
    Website
    +1 (270) 286-4240

    $25 - $40 / night

    "Near Brownsville, Ky and a little off the beaten path. But definitely worth a visit or two."

    "This lakeside getaway is one that will keep us coming back!! If you've never been to Kentucky...this will keep you coming back to the Bluegrass to camp for years to come!"

    6. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

    38 Reviews
    Parkers Lake, KY
    Website
    +1 (606) 309-4808

    $31 / night

    "It’s has many (12) trails and many falls. Would definitely recommend shopping before camping, it’s several miles, and mountains, to get to stores."

    "Lots to see in the immediate area and guided horse tours as well. Nice, tight camp. You will probably get to know your neighbors quite well. Bathhouse on site, small campground."

    7. Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Mount Eden, KY
    Website
    +1 (502) 477-8713

    $20 - $45 / night

    "We had a pretty decent time at Taylorsville Lake. The spots were spacious, and very nice picnic tables. We did a trail which was nice and went down to a boat ramp to see the lake."

    "The do have some pull through sites for equestrian trailers. Good horse trails. Clean facilities."

    8. Lago Linda Hideaway

    23 Reviews
    Beattyville, KY
    Website
    +1 (606) 464-2876

    $12 - $115 / night

    "This big campground is a hidden gem near Red River Gorge. The road getting to the campsite is mostly one lane so is you are in an RV, go slow."

    "The trail around the lake was very nice, short but hilly so a good morning walk. It rained the first evening which led to some pretty little waterfalls the next day."

    9. Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE

    20 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    Website
    +1 (270) 362-4840

    $20 - $256 / night

    "Canal campground is right on the canal that connects Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake at the north end of Land Between the Lakes."

    "Right on Lake Barkley where it joins Kentucky Lake. Over 200,000 acres of lake. We had sites 76 and 77. The roads to the sites have a lot of curves be careful not to clip your trailer on a tree."

    10. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Dawson Springs, KY
    Website
    +1 (270) 797-3421

    $12 - $40 / night

    "Pennyrile Forest State Park off Ky69 outside Dawson Springs, Ky. A newer trail Pennyrile Nature Trail is 13.5 mile long hiking trail, from Dawson Springs to the park."

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 45 campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews in Kentucky

648 Reviews of 45 Kentucky Campgrounds



Guide to Kentucky

Horse camping in Kentucky offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly facilities, making it a perfect getaway for horse enthusiasts.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like corrals and trails

  • Mammoth Cave Campground provides horse corrals, allowing you to keep your horses secure while you explore the beautiful surroundings of Mammoth Cave National Park.
  • Carter Caves State Resort Park features trails that lead directly into the park, perfect for horseback riding through stunning natural landscapes.
  • Kentucky Horse Park Campground is designed specifically for equestrian campers, offering amenities like horse stalls and easy access to riding trails.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Tips for equestrian camping in Kentucky

  • When visiting Kentucky Horse Park Campground, be sure to reserve your horse stalls in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • At Carter Caves State Resort Park, check the trail conditions before heading out, as some paths may be more suitable for experienced riders.
  • Bring extra supplies like water and feed for your horses when camping at Mammoth Cave Campground, as amenities may be limited in the more remote areas of the park.