Natchez Trace Wrangler Camp offers equestrian-focused sites within the expansive 48,000-acre Natchez Trace State Park system, located about 23 miles northeast of Medon, Tennessee. The camp sits at approximately 450 feet elevation in the gently rolling hills of western Tennessee, where the climate features hot summers with high humidity and mild winters. Equestrian facilities remain operational year-round with seasonal water availability restrictions during winter freeze periods.
What to do
Trail riding options: Equestrian trails connect directly from Chickasaw State Park Campground, giving riders immediate access to forest paths. According to Amanda F., "This park has camping, hiking trails, horse back riding and geocaching just to name a few things to do here."
Fishing access: Several lakes within 30 minutes of Medon provide fishing opportunities without requiring trailering horses back to camp. Nancy N. notes that Pin Oak Lake at Natchez Trace State Park is "the only motor lake" in the area, while "Browns Creek Lake also has honest system rentals of Jon boat but for fishing purposes only."
Evening activities: The dark skies at Big Hill Pond State Park Campground provide stargazing opportunities after sunset. As Shana D. shares, "This is a dark sky area, so come during the new moon phase for views of the Milky Way!"
What campers like
Variety of campground options: The state park system offers different campground styles for various preferences. Nancy N. explains, "There are 3 different campgrounds in this very large state park. Cub Lake is for tents or small campers with water & electric hookups. The Wrangler Camp is for horse riders with water & electric hookups. The Pin Oak Campground is for RVs."
Recently renovated sites: At Pin Oak Campground, camping areas have been updated with improved amenities. Beth LeVar L. reports, "Every site has grill, fire pit, table and lantern hook. We were #38 it was easy to back into and pretty level."
Peaceful atmosphere: Particularly during weekdays and off-season periods, the wrangler camp remains quiet. Susan M. describes visiting the Wrangler Campground as a "Completely Empty on a Fall Tuesday. Nice trails right out of campground. Meant for horse camping but no horses (or anyone but Host)."
What you should know
Water quality varies: Lake swimming conditions fluctuate seasonally with water clarity. Rachael H. shared about Chickasaw State Park: "The water was BROWN. very dirty. My daughter came out brown. Her suit was brown."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is limited throughout many horse campgrounds near Medon, Tennessee. Jennifer K. mentions at Pin Oak Campground — Natchez Trace State Park there is "virtually no Verizon service except close the water front."
Bathroom facilities: Bathhouse maintenance varies between campgrounds and seasons. Wendy C. notes about Big Hill Pond State Park, "Nice clean bath house. Very friendly staff and ranger," while Nicole B. reports that "our primitive loop bathrooms were filled with caterpillars."
Distance from provisions: Stock up before arrival as grocery stores require significant travel. Randy C. advises, "Take plenty of food as a trip to the store is a bit of a drive."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several parks offer designated swimming areas with varying facilities. Beth LeVar L. notes, "There is a small swimming area too at Pin Oak. There are a few lakes in the area... Cub lake has a larger swim area with paddle boat, Jon boat and kayak rentals."
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. Angela C. observed at Milan City RV Park, "There was a playground for smaller kids and several people were fishing and boating."
Recreational equipment rentals: Check operating hours as many rental facilities have limited availability. Beth LeVar L. clarifies that at Cub Lake, "The rentals are only weekends."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The parks feature native wildlife viewing possibilities. Jeremy H. mentions at Chickasaw, "They even have three birds of prey on display for visitors to enjoy."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Most equestrian camping areas near Medon require some leveling for RVs. Don L. reports about his experience at Chickasaw State Park: "We stayed in site 11 which was AAA and level at the top. Only negatives were a steep incline to back into site."
Campsite spacing: Sites vary significantly in terms of proximity to neighbors. Gary P. observed at Natchez Trace Wrangler Camp that "Some, as was ours are very,very close together. Most are pretty level and easy access."
Size restrictions: Not all equestrian campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. Thomas W. notes about Big Hill Pond State Park: "One of the nicest parks in West Tennessee but not for RV's over 26 feet."
Access roads: Approach routes may be challenging for larger rigs. Randy C. explains about Pin Oak, "Easy to access the park from I-40 but it is a bit of a drive from the exit. All good roads and location makes the campground quiet."
