Natchez Trace State Park offers multiple equestrian camping options across its 48,000-acre expanse in western Tennessee. Located 15 miles from Eva, Tennessee at approximately 500 feet elevation, the park experiences mild spring and fall temperatures with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F. Winter camping remains available with temperatures typically ranging from 30-50°F, though occasional freezing conditions occur.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Wranglers Campground at Land Between the Lakes provides extensive equestrian access with 100+ miles of designated horse trails. A visitor notes, "Was greeted by friendly staff, splurged on a cabin and it was clean and comfortable... located close to the showers and some horse stables (but far enough away from them so as to not smell horses the whole time)."
Fishing access: Pin Oak Campground offers multiple fishing spots along its shoreline. As one camper explains, "Pin Oak is the only motor lake. Cub lake has a larger swim area with paddle boat, Jon boat and kayak rentals. The rentals are only weekends. Browns Creek Lake also has honest system rentals of Jon boat but for fishing purposes only and you have to pay for a lake permit."
Historical exploration: Visit the historic sites within a 30-minute drive from horse campgrounds near Eva, Tennessee. At Loretta Lynn's Ranch, "The tours of Loretta's homestead replica, her mansion and the museums was AMAZING! That would be the only reason I would ever return."
What campers like
Peaceful weekday stays: Many equestrian campsites remain uncrowded during weekdays, creating ideal conditions for horse owners. At Natchez Trace Wrangler Camp, one visitor reported, "Completely Empty on a Fall Tuesday. Nice trails right out of campground. Meant for horse camping but no horses (or anyone but Host)."
Lake swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming zones separate from fishing areas. According to a Pin Oak Campground visitor, "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."
Full hookup convenience: The campgrounds cater to various camping styles from primitive to full-service. A Pin Oak reviewer notes, "Every site has full hookups. Two nice bath houses, a pavilion, playground, beach area, and boat dock. It is very open with several trees, but not not a lot of shade."
What you should know
Site selection challenges: Reservation systems sometimes show inaccurate availability. One Wranglers Campground camper shared, "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."
Limited cell service: Connectivity remains limited in many horse camping areas. A visitor at Montgomery Bell State Park Campground mentioned they "chose to stay in the tent only camping sites. They are spread out far enough that you don't feel like you are in one another space. However, they are all together in the center of the RV camping loop."
Off-season benefits: October through April offers less crowded conditions at equestrian campgrounds. A camper at Natchez Trace reported, "Super quiet, dark and cool the first week of October. We stayed in the Wrangler site, which is typically for horses. Trees haven't changed yet. Would definitely come again."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity consideration: Campsite selection affects noise levels from family areas. Montgomery Bell campers advise, "With a great pavilion, Vb court, ball diamond, and playground, the far side of the camp is perfect for families, groups, and events. Our fave sites are 1-8... If you don't want kiddos walking through your campsite to get to the playground, you may want to choose a higher number."
Creek access for children: Select sites with natural water features for added entertainment. At Montgomery Bell, "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."
Group camping options: Colson Hollow Group Camp accommodates larger family gatherings with shared amenities. A visitor shared, "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."
Tips from RVers
Level site importance: Many equestrian campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring advance planning. At Loretta Lynn's Ranch, one RVer reported challenges: "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. After I leveled it the bottom of the front steps had a 2 foot drop and the rear were on the ground."
Site spacing considerations: Some equestrian campgrounds position RV sites closer than others. A Milan City RV Park visitor noted, "Nice and quiet. The lots are a little closer than I like but everything's here."
Hookup location variability: RVers should verify utility placement when booking. At Montgomery Bell, one camper mentioned, "The site I had was a little awkward backing into and the water hookup was on the wrong side for my camper. Nice facilities."
