Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Bell Buckle? Whether you own a horse or are joining a tour group, equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Find Tennessee equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.
$10 - $150 / night
$25 - $30 / night
Same RV park and campground you love but with a new name!
You'll say WOW - Come see why! With so many ways to stay, from cabins, to teepee's and safari tents, plus campsites for your RV, trailer or tent, we are a perfect spot for a weekend getaway or an over-night stop as you pass through! We are 1/2 way between Nashville and Chattanooga on I-24, at exit 114, in the Heart of the beautiful Tennessee. Once you are here, enjoy our swimming pool, splash park, fishing pond and lawn games, or make a campfire and and get your fill of s'mores and hot dogs!
If you want to explore the area, The Broken Banjo RV Park is near what we like to call "The Secret Smokies". You'll see caves, waterfalls, nature trails, a natural bridge arch and bountiful wildlife. We are at the beginning of the Cumberland Plateau, which extends all the way past the Great Smoky Mountains.
$31 - $999 / night
$30 - $65 / night
There are hiking trails and horse trails. Both lead into the gorge. A tent-only, primitive camping area is available at the bottom of the gorge not far from the Walls of Jericho natural amphitheater. The hike is about 3.5 miles in length, one way, and is downhill most of the route into the gorge. That, of course, means the walk back will be mostly uphill. It is a strenuous hike, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes and take plenty of water and snacks. The trail is well marked but often is muddy for days after a rain shower. Several streams have to be crossed, so plan on getting wet. Be advised that stream levels rise quickly during thunderstorms and crossing them can be hazardous in swift water. Plan on a minimum of six hours to make the round trip, which includes a two-hour stay in the gorge.
Horse Boarding Facility, specializing in boarding horses. Full care, horse sitting, and overnight stay
Tent and Rv sites available
Property is well maintained and spacious, RV camping area and Tent camping is flat land for easy maneuvering, roads are wide with easy turn and pull through, so no stress backing up.
if you would like pony rides or lessons we would be more than happy to accommodate. There is wonderful hiking areas near by.
Wake up next to the the sounds playful horses.
Bring your family for a fun filled experience!
*We have a fire pit available to use
*Small fish pond is on the grounds.
**Feel free to reach out with any additional questions Thank you!**
$30 - $65 / night
The park offers thirteen designated backcountry campsites that are accessible only by hiking or horseback. Backcounty sites are primitive, with only a fire ring and horse hitching posts available. All sites except McCoy Hollow have a nearby water source, but campers should boil and treat water before drinking, or plan to carry in drinking water. Campsites are limited to one party up to eight people in size. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Reservations through Recreation.gov. Overnight camping is permitted along floodplains and on islands along the Green and Nolin Rivers. Camping in these areas is only accessible by boat. When camping on floodplains, campers must camp at least ½ mile away from Green River Ferry, Houchin Ferry and Dennison Ferry Day Use Area. Know where you are. Riverside camping on private lands outside the park may not be permitted. Sudden rainstorms can cause rapid flooding along riverways and river levels and currents fluctuate dramatically, particularly during winter months. Always check the river level and weather forecast before launching or camping along the rivers. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Permits available online, up to a week in advance. Permits are subject to cancelation due to river levels. River levels must remain below 20 feet.
Legend
We followed our RV GPS right to the campground (CG) that is located right off I-24. Check in was quick and easy. We were then escorted to one of their“long” pull through sites with FHUs, site 27. What we first noticed was the large cement patio with table, chairs, bench, stand up barbecue, and fire pit. The utilities are located smartly in the middle of the pad to include an extra sewer connection near the pad’s front. Water pressure was okay at around 45 psi. They have cable but we did not use it. Their Wifi was about average for a CG this size. We got 3 bars on Verizon and used our MiFi on this overnighter. Satellite could be iffy due to the amount of mature trees. We did see Starlink antennas at some of the sites. The sites are decently spaced and site 27 was the easiest pull through we’ve ever had as its angled straight in from the street, no turns or maneuvering to center the rig. They have glamping cabins, teepees, and a covered wagon with nice patio decor. There’s also a swimming pool, pickleball court, catch& release pond plus other amenities. There’s also laundry and propane. The staff was very nice and helpful. We were impressed with this CG with the only caveat that there’s quite a bit of highway noise from the interstate. However, the noise did not overweigh our satisfaction and we will definitely mark this CG for another overnighter or longer stay in the future.
LegendWe have stopped here several times in the past when it was a KOA. The new owners have fixed it up. The roads are still gravel but in better shape, the pads are nicer, and there is more room between sites. 30/50 amp electric, water & sewer. Lots of trees, there is a big dog park. The pool was closed when we were there. Bathrooms and showers were nice, but dated. Tent sites, cabins. Lots of road noise!
Guide
We camped here for 2 full weeks. The campground at Cedars of Lebanon State Park deserves 5 stars for their proximity to Nashville, the large paved pads for campers, the peaceful woods, and their overall cleanliness.
However, we were here when there was construction going on. It was LOUD from 8am to 4, 5, and even 6pm somedays with working trucks and digging up the Tennessee Rock.
The weekends were peaceful without the construction, and the trails are all easy and flat. The showers worked well and were the typical campground showers.
The wifi that is listed on the website is basically nonexistent, so don't count on that for anything important. But Verizon had good service, while AT&T was fair.
Only Campground 3 was open during our stay and you can see the work they are doing here is going to make a huge difference to be big rig friendly. Enjoy!
Ranger
Stayed with our van in the primitive sites here and had a great time! Very affordable and not many other campers (but if the group camp sites are booked I’d go elsewhere, they’re very close). The bathroom is super far away, but there was a portable potty for a few days until they inexplicably took it away. If you have a camping bathroom setup and are comfy going to get water if needed, it’s a great value and gives you want more privacy.
Also the showers here are the best I’ve ever experienced at a campground. They have signs saying you can shower for $5 even if you don’t camp here.
RangerPros: The staff are all incredibly friendly. We loved interacting with them (especially Eric!) during our stay. The laundry and bathrooms are very clean and spacious. The staff will come around and collect your trash for you (which isn’t necessary but a nice plus!) The location is directly off the highway and close to stores if you need a late night run for anything. The dog park was cute and offered a lot of extras. The heated pool was nicely taken care of and would be fantastic for the summer season. The camp store had lots of necessities and cute decor plus a dvd rental library and a pizza place onsite!
Cons: There was a massive cell phone tower within walking distance from our RV. Literally on the property of the RV park behind their utility shed and next to the playground. The highway traffic is quite loud. The campsites are very close together! The playground and fun type amenities in the back of the park weren’t kept up very well it seemed. A lot of the stuff was missing or broken.
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TravelerCute little campground with lots of fun activities. Super friendly staff. Premium sites are very nice with paved patios and fire pits. Traffic is loud from interstate, doesn’t bother us, but may some!
GuideWe were so impressed with how much there was to do at this campground! There are so many trails, playgrounds, and bike/walk friendly roads. Our family of 6 stayed for 3 nights and had a lovely time. The sites were a bit cramped (our rig is 31') and parking our truck was a bit tricky. The store was convenient ands the staff were helpful and very friendly. Would definitely stay again-- it was absolutely beautiful!
TravelerClean, safe. Nice laundry facilities! Little noisy from I24…
LegendThis is a beautiful campground!
Bathrooms/showers were very clean & nicely decorated.
Campground was laid out very well. We had site 6, which is a short pullthrough. Almost too short for us, since we didn't unhitch. There were tent sites in the back by the pond, which looked nice.
We had to pull in late & leave early, so I couldn't explore the hiking trail.
The worst thing you can say about this campground is the traffic noise from I-24. The campground is easy on- easy off the interstate, but it's only a few hundred yards from it. The noise never lets up.
We camped at The Broken Banjo RV Park in a Travel Trailer.
GuideOverall this is a nice place. We didn’t see any “transients,” which seems like an unkind way to refer to car campers. There’s a fully paved trail that is very nice when the other trails are muddy. The bathrooms were regularly cleaned, showers were free and hot.
We didn’t love that there are 5 speed bumps before you get to campgrounds 2-3. Prepare to jiggle your camper! Also, most people used rope lights and left them on all night. There was a lot of light pollution.
TravelerGreat quiet place to camp. Secluded with great hiking trails. Loved the pool area with concessions.
TravelerI just feel like in this area you could find a better spot. Nice field near campsite. Hikers close by and idk about the bathroom situation but I couldn’t find them. Literally fine and clean though
TravelerWe have been attending the Halloween event for over 3 years now and we absolutely love it!
ScoutNice campground located on the Duck River in a TN state park. Enjoyed walking along the river. It is not secluded and is right off a local highway but has many conveniences. Across the street is the main park area with nice amenities -- kids playground, pool, disc golf, camp store, golf course and newly renovated park restaurant & visitor's center. Everyone that I came into contact with was friendly and helpful. It is a great place to relax but you still have many things to do.
ScoutWe tent camped for two consecutive weekends at Cedars of Lebanon. We are local novice campers. The campsites were well maintained with electric and water hookups. The bathhouse at Campground 2 is quite clean and is newer than Campground 1. Both of our stays were in Campground 2 near the bath house. Our first visit was with our dog, second was without. The fire ring in our second stay was weirdly located. Firewood is for sale inside the park and late afternoons the campground host drives thru on a gator like vehicle and offers bundles for sale at $6 each. The place is busy and active but very chill.
We hiked a little on Saturday midday. When I say “hike” I mean we strolled on a trail. Very nice time.
Any critiques by us would be unwarranted. Folks who work there were quite nice. We are very early on the learning curve. That we were able to go and tent camp and have a good time at our age proves that COL is a great place for newer campers to enjoy. We plan to go back a lot.
LegendWe liked this park a lot! Great bath houses and laundry on site. They sold ice and firewood at check in. There are larger sites on the first loop, middle loop is a bit tight with many transient people living out of vehicles. Loop closest to the store is all pull throughs so very convenient but you are stacked in close. Overall cute trails, splash pad was not open when we were there, programs for kids on the weekend and nice playground. Caves were very fun, some need permits!
GuideWe stayed three nights camp ground area 1 is very small sites but quite camp ground area 2 is newer and much larger sites but no sewer hook ups definitely not a deal breaker would stay again
TravelerNice campground with friendly staff. As others have noted, the sites are a bit close to each other. There are a few tent only sites, but they are interspersed with the RV sites.
TravelerWe reserved one of the spots with a fenced in area for our pups that connected to the camper. They loved having a place to stretch their legs and running around in the grass after 2 days on the road heading home from our Disney stay.
RangerNicer than average KOA with a great pool, kids areas, lots or cabins and tent spaces. Very quiet setting and great camp hosts.
TravelerLots of beautiful cedars. Shade. Quiet and neighbors far enough away.
Traveler
Staff was friendly and the campgrounds were nice and clean. The camp lots were too close for my liking. Too much noise and I couldn’t find firewood anywhere. More of a family, social type park.
GuideQuite a bit of road noise.
TravelerThis campground has been fun for my partner and I. The shower rooms were a little gross, but we just wore our shower shoes and didn’t touch any walls lol. The hiking trails and frisbee golf has been super fun! We would definitely stay again, just in a more remote spot. Our site was in area 2 and they are very close to one another.
ScoutCampground was very neat (fall in TN with leaves everywhere is a huge feat but they did it!) Bathhouse was clean and general store was great to have onsite. Staff was very friendly, just like fellow campers, as usual.
GuideWent well. Camp staff were friendly and provided dry firewood. It was December so everything was too damp. Only reason I don't give it a 5 star rating is because I feel that the 2 dispersed sites were still a little too close. They sit about a few hundred feet apart so I could still see and hear my neighbors. Great trip regardless
GuideThe primitive camping sites are directly across from three group sites, each of which accommodate up to FIFTY people. The problem with this is that most folks, like me, book primitive campsites because they are looking to get away from the noise in the RV campground. There was no peace and quiet to be had, unfortunately, because there were several gigantic groups of kids camping in the group sites across from us. The noise was truly constant up until quiet hours. We were camping with another couple who was unable to get their young child to sleep until very late because of all the noise. Speaking of kids, one of the parents in the jamboree across the street thought it was acceptable to bring her kids over to play in our campsite.
If you're looking for a Bonnaroo type camping experience with lots of cars, activity, and noise, you will enjoy the primitive sites here. If not, I would actually suggest booking in the main RV campground or camping elsewhere.
On the plus side, the sites were well-maintained and site 15 was scenic and spacious.
Horse camping in Tennessee offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bell Buckle, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bell Buckle, TN is Henry Horton State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bell Buckle, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Bell Buckle, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
