Equestrian camping near Dunlap, Tennessee offers several options within driving distance of the city. Located in the Sequatchie Valley at approximately 750 feet elevation, Dunlap experiences hot summers with temperatures averaging 88°F in July and mild winters with January lows around 28°F. The surrounding Cumberland Plateau provides varied terrain that ranges from heavily wooded forests to open meadows suitable for horse-friendly activities.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: At Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, visitors can explore multiple hiking trails that connect throughout the park. "There is a great trail that connects the campgrounds with the Woodland Trail. Once you've parked at the campground, there's no need to get in your car until you leave!" notes Rebecca P. The park features "miles and miles of trails; short, long, loops, overnights. This place has it all," according to Myke C.
Fishing access: The Fairview Campground offers water activities alongside camping. "Great campground on the water and spacious sites. Water access at your campsite to swim or kayak," writes Clinton N. This location provides both shoreline fishing and deeper water access for those with boats.
Swimming options: Natural swimming holes near Davis Pond Campsite provide relief during summer months. "The park also has a scenic loop drive of the gorge, multiple waterfalls to visit, miles on end of hiking trails in which some cross rope bridges, awesome swimming holes, and even an olympic pool with diving boards and a snack shack for the kiddos," shares Brandie D. about recreational opportunities in the area.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: At Gee Creek Campground, campers appreciate the layout. "Nice, spacious campsites. Pull through campsites with picnic tables, grills, fire rings and water spigots," notes Anna M. The campground offers various site configurations accommodating different camping styles.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide optimal wildlife spotting times in the region. Sandra V. mentions, "Add to this several beautiful waterfalls, daily deer sightings, a lovely fishing lake and bike trails and you have a park that appeals to many!" This regular wildlife activity enhances the camping experience.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain good standards for comfort. "The campgrounds are spacious and have great clean bathrooms," writes Brandie D. While not all locations offer full amenities, those that do typically maintain them well, with some cleaning "multiple times a day" according to Anna M.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating challenging roads. Mitchell M. advises regarding Sawmill Lake Campsite: "If you have a trailer or rv I recommend coming in from the west direction, if you can tell from maps. The east way had 180 degree sharp turns up the mountain, so may be difficult."
Site selection: Campground layouts vary significantly, with some offering more privacy than others. Andrea S. cautions, "The camp slots on area C are so close to one another that most people couldn't use their fire pits for fear of burning their own tent, or their neighbor's." Researching specific loops or areas within campgrounds before booking helps avoid disappointment.
Permit requirements: Some camping areas require permits or passes. Sierra Y. notes, "You do need a land pass to be here, the website is on the sign coming in and it was around $60." Check requirements before arrival as enforcement varies by location and season.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families new to camping. "We love to camp at Fall Creek Falls State Park and think this would be a great park for novice campers due to the fact that the facilities are very nice. Modern bathhouses located in each camping area, swimming pool, golf course and restaurant make roughing it easier for those who need more comfort while camping," recommends Sandra V.
Kid-friendly activities: Seek out campgrounds with built-in entertainment options. Brandie D. shares, "There's tons to do from hiking, to swimming, waterfall gazing, rock climbing, ziplining, and much more," describing the variety of activities available for children of different ages.
Playground access: The Walls of Jericho and neighboring campgrounds often include play areas. Mickey L. notes appreciating a "clean facilities and nice playground" with the added benefit of natural sounds: "Whippoorwill called through the evening which was cool."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region require preparation for uneven terrain. Richard F. advises, "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out," highlighting the importance of bringing leveling blocks.
Hookup variability: Full hookups aren't universal across all campgrounds. Becky S. points out, "Some sites have Full Hook-up, 50 amp. (Sewer not available on water sites.)" This varies by campground and sometimes by specific site within a single campground.
Arrival timing: Setting up in daylight makes the experience much easier. Richard F. notes from experience, "Arrived in the dark, do not recommend as there are not much lighting to see especially if the sites is tight with others." Planning arrival well before sunset allows time to navigate campground roads and set up properly.
