Chickasaw State Park Campground offers a dedicated seasonal horse camping experience located 18 miles southeast of Bolivar, Tennessee. The terrain consists of hardwood forests at approximately 400 feet elevation, with moderate temperatures throughout spring and fall months. The park maintains over 15 miles of equestrian trails through the surrounding 14,000-acre state forest, with trail maps available at registration.
What to do
Trail riding options: At Big Hill Pond State Park Campground, horse trails connect to a variety of natural features. "We did some backcountry hiking and camping here, hike was awesome, very peaceful and great for just getting away for a few days," notes Sammy C. The park combines equestrian trails with boardwalks across wetlands.
Water recreation: Lake Placid within Chickasaw State Park provides fishing opportunities year-round. "Excellent campgrounds, for both tent and RV, and the lake felt amazing," reports William. Paddleboats and canoes are available for rent at the boathouse from April through October.
Observation opportunities: Big Hill Pond features an observation tower accessible via trail. "Go to the tower!" recommends Chris B., who adds that visitors can "rent a canoe or bring your own or hike all day!" The fire tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding forest.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Chickasaw State Park Campground maintains modern bathhouses. "Nice campground with clean bathhouse. We arrived very late at night and the staff were very nice and helpful," explains Nikki W. The park recently renovated many facilities.
Multiple activity options: Beyond equestrian camping, Chickasaw offers diverse outdoor recreation. "This park has camping, hiking trails, horse back riding and geocaching just to name a few things to do here," says Amanda F. The park maintains separate camping areas for different user groups.
Peaceful atmosphere: The Wrangler camping area at Chickasaw provides a quieter experience away from the main campground. "It was so beautiful and peaceful! We love horses so this was no problem for us, and everyone was very welcoming and nice," writes Brandon C. about his experience in the equestrian section.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites at Chickasaw require advance booking through the Tennessee State Parks reservation system, especially during spring and fall peak seasons. "This is a great place to go RV camping, tent camping or even wrangler camping," notes Nancy N.
Terrain considerations: Some campgrounds in the region feature challenging terrain. Milan City RV Park offers a flatter alternative with "nice facilities, good facilities, but no shower," according to Kyle D., though he notes "there was a lot of traffic late at night."
Weather impact: Trails can become muddy after rain, particularly in spring. The camping areas have gravel sites to mitigate mud issues. "The sites at this park are beautiful and it's been one of my favorite camping spots for as long as I can remember," writes Wendy C. about Big Hill Pond, adding that the "new renovations make it top notch."
Tips for camping with families
Boardwalk exploration: The wetland boardwalks at Big Hill Pond State Park provide safe viewing platforms for children. "The boardwalks and observation deck were really fun for the kids, but most of the trails were too long for us so we didn't see the whole park," says Kim B.
Playground access: Chickasaw offers playground equipment near the main camping area. Big Hill Pond provides "a small playground close to the entrance," according to Shana D., who adds that there are "lots of hiking trails and a fire tower that you can climb!"
Space considerations: Select sites based on equipment needs. "A few of the campsites are a little small for your needs, but there are several that have the perfect amount of space," advises Jared H. about Big Hill Pond. Sites vary in size and layout.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When staying at Agricenter International RV Park near Memphis, choose sites away from the buddy setup if possible. "Almost all of the sites are buddy sites where your front door is facing your neighbor's. There is no privacy at all," warns M E.
Campground size limitations: Not all area campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. Big Hill Pond works best for "small to medium sided campers," according to Brian T., while Thomas W. specifically notes it's "not for RVs over 26 feet."
Hookup variations: Agricenter International RV Park offers full hookups for extended stays. "Full hookups and convenient location. We have stayed there several times," reports Brent M. Milan City Park provides similar amenities with "the lots a little closer than I like but everything's here," according to William N.
