Best Equestrian Camping near Dover, TN

Wranglers Campground in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area provides the most extensive horse-friendly camping facilities near Dover, Tennessee. The campground features electric and water hookups at most sites, with spacious pull-through options that accommodate large horse trailers. Campground amenities include showers, toilets, trash disposal, a sanitary dump station, and picnic tables at each site. Best horse campground in Kentucky according to regular visitors, Wranglers maintains clean equine facilities with multiple stalls and access points to an extensive trail system. Campers can choose from tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, or cabins for a more comfortable stay. Sites 49-51 are sometimes mislabeled online, so confirmation when booking is recommended. The campground store sells firewood and basic supplies, and pets are allowed throughout the property, though the environment includes typical horse sounds, barking dogs, and occasionally rowdy fellow campers.

The Land Between the Lakes trail system provides over 100 miles of designated riding trails directly accessible from Wranglers Campground. Riders can explore diverse terrain including lakeside paths, wooded areas, and open fields throughout the 170,000-acre recreation area. Trail difficulty ranges from beginner-friendly flat routes to more challenging paths with hills and natural obstacles. Colson Hollow Group Camp offers an alternative for larger equestrian gatherings, featuring a more primitive camping experience with vault toilets and group picnic areas but no horse-specific facilities. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season from March through October when the equestrian campgrounds experience high demand. The trails remain open year-round, though seasonal conditions may affect accessibility after heavy rainfall. Campers staying in cabins enjoy clean and comfortable accommodations positioned near the shower facilities and horse stables, yet far enough away to avoid stable odors.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Dover, Tennessee (10)

    1. Lake Barkley State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-1131

    $17 - $25 / night

    "the staff was helpful and friendly. the park had a great beach area. make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites. i only gave it 4 stars because of"

    "Although this is a remote campground, it is situated in a State RESORT park, so it is more like glamping."

    2. Montgomery Bell State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Burns, TN
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 797-9052

    "Campground Review: Montgomery Bell State Park The Four Mile Campground is nestled in a hollow offering shade and creekage on one side plus several of the trailheads start nearby and you are close"

    "It is a beautiful state park known as the"Queen of Tennessee's State Parks". There are 4,000 acres with mountain biking, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, kayaking/canoeing, and a golf course."

    3. Wranglers Campground

    4 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    $6 - $10 / night

    "We didn’t have any neighbors and were located close to the showers and some horse stables (but far enough away from them so as to not smell horses the whole time lol)."

    "Fun experience staying with all the horses! I didn’t really know it was a thing to bring horses to camp and ride them on the trails! Loved it. Spots are pretty close together but fine for big rigs."

    4. Colson Hollow Group Camp Land Between the Lakes

    2 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2044

    $40 / night

    "It was quiet, secluded from other campers, and we had close access to the lake where we were parked. We will definitely be camping here again!"

    5. KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point

    14 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 522-3762

    "You can't beat having a lake next to you while you are camping. This is something my family and I always look for when we are camping. Water is always a great place to entertain the kids and family."

    "Most sites have great views of Lake Barkley! Large camp store with a restaurant that serves sandwiches, pizza, beer and sodas... Golf cart rentals and the marina has boat rentals."

    6. Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE

    21 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 362-4840

    $20 - $256 / night

    "Right outside Grand Rivers , Ky and along the canal that connects the two lakes. Reserve WAY ahead if you want one of the premium sites."

    "The area is feels like you stepped back in time. You’ll never want to leave because everyone is so nice."

    7. Camping Off The Grid

    Be the first to review!
    Clarksville, TN
    15 miles

    $20 / night

    8. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

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

    $12 - $40 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    9. Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access

    7 Reviews
    Kuttawa, KY
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Tucked away on an old dead end road (Forrest Service Rd 118), Craven's Bay campground is remote back country camping, right on the lake, but far away from any visitor attraction in Land Between the Lakes"

    "This gem in the Land Between the Lakes Rec area is a great spot to set up camp if you don’t mind the lack of showers."

    10. Loretta Lynn's Ranch

    6 Reviews
    Waverly, TN
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 296-7700

    "They have equestrian spots, RV spots, tent spots, and cabins for rent. Plus so much to do on the property!"

    "Area is beautiful but sites were close together and the ground outside of my trailer was very unusable, all hill and large rocks. No way to spend time outside of the camper."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Dover, TN

5 Photos of 10 Dover Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Dover, TN

156 Reviews of 10 Dover Campgrounds


  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2019

    Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

    Campground with a Lot of Activities but Doesn't Feel like a Gated Community

    Pennyrile Forest State Park was a pleasant surprise, especially compared to the many state parks I visited in my earlier years in North Carolina. However, when you reserve your site make sure you ask about the specific site’s terrain. Site 48, where I was, was sloped with no grass and had just been repaired. There were a lot of grassy sites, and they were much better. 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. There is a camp store, although it is small and limited, but they do sell firewood. Not only does this state park have a putt putt course, but it also has an 18-hole golf course complete with pro shop. The thing I enjoyed best about his state park is the waterfront. There is a large sandy beach and a place to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats. Also at the beach are picnic tables, grills, a playground, and concessions. From the beach area, you can hike the lake trail, but it is moderate. There is a good view of the lake from the trail, and if you walk to the left before crossing the wooden bridge, you can see a very small waterfall. Even though you have to drive a little from the campground to get to it, there is a swimming pool and a lodge. Other activities include tennis courts and basketball. Staying at the campground, other than the sloping site, was a pleasant experience. It was not crowded and the bathrooms have hot showers, but I would suggest paying the extra$15.00 to get one of the equestrian sites.

  • L
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Wranglers Campground

    Awesome Campground

    Was greeted by friendly staff, splurged on a cabin and it was clean and comfortable. We didn’t have any neighbors and were located close to the showers and some horse stables (but far enough away from them so as to not smell horses the whole time lol). Great stay and would definitely recommend checking out this spot

  • Tessa C.
    Dec. 4, 2020

    Wranglers Campground

    Unique spot

    Fun experience staying with all the horses! I didn’t really know it was a thing to bring horses to camp and ride them on the trails! Loved it. Spots are pretty close together but fine for big rigs. Drawbacks: Sites 49-51 are mislabeled online. Booked a pullthru spot on 49 but it wasn’t. Campground was pretty full and we weren’t offered a lot to correct that the website was wrong. I could pay more for a different site... ended up taking “49” back in with ample space. Horses neigh, lots of barking dogs and some rowdy late night campers. If you are looking for a quiet getaway reconsider. We enjoyed being in it all and near the horses.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2017

    Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

    Going down

    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. There is also a site for the Pennyrile Trail which is a 75 mile driving loop connecting several Kentucky parks.

    The park is multi-leveled with the views and some cool rock formations. The beach has some confusing parking signs, but we figured it off. It was busy and had some loud visitors with loud vehicles and loud vehicles. Not surprising considering the neighborhood it is located in.

    The campground has some interesting sites all along the roadway. The campground and horse campground are connected. Several of the sites can be challenging due to not being level or being shallow, but they are workable.

    I'm not sure if biking would be great due to the hills but it would be challenging. Hiking and backpacking definitely and of course swimming and horseback riding( on your own horse)

  • Amelia R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2024

    Loretta Lynn's Ranch

    Lots of options

    I love Loretta Lynn's! Lots of options for all types of camping. They have equestrian spots, RV spots, tent spots, and cabins for rent. Plus so much to do on the property! Can get busy on holiday weekends when the weather is nice or if they are doing any events there! Otherwise you can easily find a spot here!

  • Kacie E.
    Aug. 22, 2018

    Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

    Beautiful and Spacious

    First of all, the drive to Dawson Springs is GORGEOUS. Rolling hills, farmland, trees, really gets you in the mood! Upon arrival, the camp store worker was very friendly, gave us a campground map and hiking map and answered all of our questions. We stayed in the regular campground but they also have a campground for people with horses/horse trailers, as the park has horse trails to go on as well! We didn’t swim in the lake, but it did look beautiful and looked to be a nice place to swim and kayak and paddle boat (which they have for rental as well). The hiking trails are gorgeous and vary in length and intensity. The spot that we were at had plenty of room to spread out and relax. One side had the picnic table and fire pit, and the other side was a grassy area with trees where we hung our hammock. It was stunning! We will definitely be back!

  • J K.
    Nov. 1, 2019

    Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

    tons of water activities

    Great place to visit. Is beautiful with a lot of walking trails 10 things to do. In summer for swimming and rental boats paddle boats and some battery powered boats.I was there for a fall photography contest it was a little too soon and theirwas very little color. You can camp in tents or campers you can ride horses or enjoy the lake and many miles of walking trails. They also have hotel rooms and cabins if you care to spend multiple nights the beautiful Park and I highly recommend it to anybody that enjoys outdoor Beauty.This year 2019 makes the fifth year tha I've gone to Pennyroyal for the fall photography contest I've also been there a few springs for the spring photography contest. These photos are not the best cuz I took them from the restaurant through a window screen so you can kind of see it in the in the images I'll try to upload better ones later.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 18, 2017

    Montgomery Bell State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Montgomery Bell State Park and SARIS SuperClamp EX bike rack

    Campground Review: Montgomery Bell State Park The Four Mile Campground is nestled in a hollow offering shade and creekage on one side plus several of the trailheads start nearby and you are close to the lakes.

    Our sites were on the edge of the woods and near the restroom. Large sites, room for multiple tents and people. The only Con I had was we were on the entry road so a little busy with vehicles and foot traffic. There was a trailhead right next to our sites.

    Awesome hike, rolling trail with just enough challenge. Very cool natural spring right by one of the primitive campsite. Also historical area to discover. Will be back soon!

    On other visits we have explored several of the connector trails. They offer more challenging single track. There is also an extensive mountain bike trail system.

    Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I get to review outdoor products. I had the opportunity to review the Saris SuperClamp EX bike rack. Which was good because I usually stuff my bike in the back of my truck.

    The Saris was super easy to assemble and attach to the back of my truck. The tools needed came with the rack. Once on my truck I could easily fold it down out of the way or tilt it out for rear hatch access.

    Loading and securing the bikes was a simple process. There are two “J” shaped arms that tilt out of the way for loading/unloading that tilt in to stabilize the bikes. Cables which are part of the assembly pull out , are run through the frame and then locked in the frame with key included.

    We were at the park for a Triathlon and I was able to load my bike and my friends on the Saris and yaks on the top of my truck. This left plenty of room in my truck for my other gear and dogs.

    The only Con I saw was that with my friends Jeep the rear door swings out so even with the tilt feature the assembly still had to be removed for access to the rear of the vehicle. Even with that though it was one easy step to remove the Saris EasyClamp EX . She then used the cable lock to secure the Saris to a tree.


Guide to Dover

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area spans 170,000 acres across western Kentucky and Tennessee, with campgrounds situated around Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Located near Dover, Tennessee, these campgrounds range from fully developed facilities to primitive sites with minimal amenities. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures, affecting seasonal camping availability.

What to do

Fishing access points: Canal Campground offers multiple lake entry points for anglers. "Right outside Grand Rivers, Ky and along the canal that connects the two lakes. Reserve WAY ahead if you want one of the premium sites," notes Shelly S. who highlights the variety of fishing opportunities at Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE.

Swimming at state beaches: Lake Barkley State Resort Park maintains a designated swimming area popular during summer months. According to Ann D., "the park had a great beach area. Make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites." The beach area provides a refreshing break from summer heat at Lake Barkley State Resort Park.

Wildlife observation: Cravens Bay campground offers opportunities to spot native wildlife including bald eagles. One camper reports, "Nothing like seeing a Bald Eagle hunting fish while drinking coffee first thing in the morning." The secluded location creates ideal conditions for wildlife viewing, particularly during early morning hours.

Historical site visits: Beyond horse trails, the area offers historical attractions. Faith S. notes that Montgomery Bell State Park has "lots of hiking and historical sites. There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church." These historical elements provide additional activities beyond the equestrian focus.

What campers like

Lake access for water sports: Campers appreciate the direct water access at many sites. Rachel T. shares her experience at Canal Campground: "i love everything about this campground. They have a small playground, beach, several bath houses, a group camping 'pad', boat ramp, boat dock and easy roads for cycling."

Quiet, secluded camping areas: For those seeking peace away from busier horse campgrounds near Dover, Tennessee, Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access offers seclusion. Benjamin C. reports: "We stayed here in the middle of July in 2019! Wow was it hot! It also had a bit of flooding, however it made it easier for our girls to launch their kayaks and swim. Great spot for kayaking and tent camping. We were the only ones there so it was perfect!"

Family-friendly facilities: Montgomery Bell State Park Campground receives praise for its amenities. Tammy P. explains: "Montgomery Bell State Park is very clean and quiet. We really enjoyed our spot by the creek. Children can wade in the creek all day, why parents enjoy sitting outside under all the shade trees. The park has tons of activities and good hiking trails."

Seasonal activities calendar: The parks maintain scheduled events throughout camping season. According to one visitor, "Lake Barkley State Park offers so many activities and is right on the edge of Land Between The Lakes that I have been going to both for years and still not gotten to all of the sites available."

What you should know

Site leveling challenges: Multiple campgrounds require additional equipment for RV leveling. At Pennyrile Forest State Park, John R. notes: "Only reason I don't give campground a 5 is due to the very sloped sites. Most are very difficult to level up." Bring leveling blocks and extended stabilizers.

Reservation timing: For equestrian facilities near Dover, David R. states Wranglers Campground is the "Best horse campground in ky," but its popularity means planning ahead, especially during peak season from April through October when demand is highest.

Utility hookup positioning: Several campgrounds have unusual utility placement. Holly S. reports Lake Barkley has "electric far from pads - bring extension cord," while another camper noted similar issues at multiple sites throughout the region.

Weather preparedness: The region experiences sudden weather changes, particularly during spring and fall. Storms can cause flooding in lower campground areas, with some campers noting temporary closures of facilities during severe weather events.

Tips for camping with families

Creek access for children: Families appreciate water play areas away from main lakes. "Children can wade in the creek all day, why parents enjoy sitting outside under all the shade trees," shares Tammy P. about Montgomery Bell State Park, making it a good alternative to busier equestrian campgrounds.

Playground locations: Colson Hollow Group Camp Land Between the Lakes provides group facilities with playground access. Matt S. explains: "We had this received for a large group and it was great! Tons of room to spread out especially with the water as low as it was. Vault toilets on site and a few fire rings. Multiple picnic tables available."

Family cabin options: For families wanting more comfort near equestrian facilities, Laura H. recommends: "Was greeted by friendly staff, splurged on a cabin and it was clean and comfortable. We didn't have any neighbors and were located close to the showers and some horse stables (but far enough away from them so as to not smell horses the whole time)."

Activity scheduling: Plan morning activities during summer months as afternoon temperatures typically exceed 90°F with high humidity, leading to uncomfortable conditions for children. Early morning trail rides or lake activities followed by afternoon rest periods work best for families.

Tips from RVers

Extension cord requirements: Multiple campgrounds require additional electrical cords and water hoses due to hookup placement. One camper at Lake Barkley State Resort Park advises: "make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites."

Site selection strategy: When camping at KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point, Brad S. recommends: "Most sites have great views of Lake Barkley! Large camp store with a restaurant that serves sandwiches, pizza, beer and sodas... Golf cart rentals and the marina has boat rentals. Full hookups on most sites including cable, and lakeside sites have the 'honey wagon' that comes around to empty tanks."

Arrival timing tips: For easier setup at equestrian campgrounds, plan arrival during weekdays rather than weekends when facility traffic increases significantly. This allows more maneuvering room for larger rigs with horse trailers and avoids congestion at water and electrical hookups.

Site verification: Tessa C. warns about Wranglers Campground: "Sites 49-51 are mislabeled online. Booked a pullthru spot on 49 but it wasn't. Campground was pretty full and we weren't offered a lot to correct that the website was wrong." Always call ahead to confirm site details when bringing larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dover, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dover, TN is Lake Barkley State Resort Park with a 4-star rating from 19 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dover, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Dover, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.