Best Equestrian Camping near South Carthage, TN
Turnhole Backcountry Campsite at Mammoth Cave National Park offers horse-friendly camping with hitching posts at individual sites. Located on a secluded peninsula surrounded by the Green River on three sides, this primitive campsite features dedicated horse hitches, tent pads, fire rings with attached grates, and hooks for lanterns or packs. The campsite is approximately 3 miles from the Maple Springs parking area via either the Buffalo Trail (direct route) or the longer Sal Hollow Trail. The trails are well-marked and shared between hikers and horseback riders. The privacy of this peninsula location ensures no through traffic passes by the site during overnight stays.
The horse trails throughout Mammoth Cave National Park form an extensive network that many visitors overlook when focusing solely on cave tours. Trail access from Turnhole campsite connects riders to the Buffalo Creek and Sal Hollow trail systems. Water access can be challenging, with the Green River banks difficult to reach through dense brush, requiring riders to pack in water for horses or filter from occasional creeks. The Green River Ferry is often non-operational, so checking the status hotline (270-758-2166) before arrival is essential for planning access routes. The campsite requires check-in at the visitor center before use. Winter months provide better viewing opportunities through the forest with reduced foliage. The surrounding woodland offers plentiful seasoned wood for campfires during horse camping stays.