Turnhole Backcountry Campsite offers equestrian camping opportunities in Kentucky, approximately 2.5 hours northwest of South Carthage, Tennessee. This remote site sits on a peninsula surrounded by the Green River and connects to an extensive network of horse trails throughout Mammoth Cave National Park. The campsite features dedicated horse hitching posts at individual sites, allowing riders to secure their animals while camping overnight.
What to do
Explore Kentucky's horse trail systems: Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park offers excellent riding opportunities. "There is a pool on site and cute little blue cabins to rent. Newer restrooms and a dumpstation. The horse campground was adjacent to the regular campground," notes Shelly S.
Fish at multiple lake access points: The numerous primitive sites at Dale Hollow Lake provide opportunities for anglers. "We took a pontoon boat out to Kemper Flats on Dale Hollow lake for a few days relaxing fishing. Primitive site, island with a porta toilet. Camp right on the side of the lake, very quiet and peaceful," shares Andy K.
Visit Cedar Forest: The unique cedar glade ecosystem at Cedars of Lebanon State Park showcases rare plant species. "Cedars of Lebanon is a great State Park in middle TN for camping and for day hikes. It has a great pool, and the natural area where it's located features tons of endemic species to the area!" explains Phoebe A.
What campers like
Privacy at horse-friendly sites: Many equestrian camping areas near South Carthage offer seclusion. "The cool thing about this campsite is your sorta on a peninsula of the river. Very private and it's not on a loop trail so no foot traffic passing by," says Shelly S. about Turnhole Backcountry Campsite.
Spacious campsite layouts: The campground design at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park creates community spaces. "Campsites are on loops off the main loop/road. It puts 7-8 sites in a circle so it's possible for families to rent multiple site in same loop. Plenty of room for kids to play and also has a swimming pool!" explains Kenny P.
Seasonal events: Many campgrounds host special activities throughout the year. "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" notes Justin L. about Cedars of Lebanon State Park.
What you should know
Water access challenges: At many sites, accessing water from nearby rivers or lakes can be difficult. "Despite this campsite being surrounded by the Green River on 3 sides, water is hard to come by here, and hiking it in may be your best bet. The river is at least 1/2 mile away, through extremely dense brush, and the banks are not easy to access, if accessible at all," warns Mandy C.
Ferry operations impact access: Transportation options can change seasonally. "The Green River Ferry seems to be non-operational a lot. Call the hotline the day of your drive in to see which route you should take: 270-758-2166," advises Mandy C.
Varying site privacy levels: Campground layouts differ significantly. "Keep in mind, while making reservations, section 1 has very small, cramped together sites. We took a walk around section 2, and section 3. There was a lot more room, and seemed a little more private," explains Gregory G. at Cedars of Lebanon.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Barren River Lake State Resort Park offers multiple recreation options. "Amazing little campground, it was clean, very friendly host, the beach was amazing and clean, the food at lodge very excellent," shares Erin R.
Wagon-wheel campsite layouts: Several parks feature circular campsite arrangements perfect for group camping. "I love the way this campground is set up. Sites are in sections in small loops. Very good for families. Kids can ride their bikes around the circle. Playgrounds are everywhere," reports Beth H.
Winter visibility benefits: Reduced foliage during winter months offers improved sightlines. Winter camping provides better visibility through the forest with fewer leaves blocking views, making it easier to monitor children's activities around the campsite.
Tips from RVers
Hookup planning: Dad's Bluegrass Campground requires careful setup. "My site was slightly uphill where I had to park to reach the water hookup. The water hookup is very close to the ground and leaked for me. Made it very hard to connect the hose and pressure regulator. Used all of my 25 foot hose to reach my connection," cautions Jon P.
Pack extra water hoses: Some equestrian camping facilities near South Carthage have widely spaced hookups. "I also wish they would have mentioned the length to water hookup. We ended up having to go buy a longer water hose bc the hookup was more than 30 foot away. We now keep a 50 foot hose, but didn't realize at the time there was actually hookups that far away," advises Beth H.
RV campsite selection: Research site layouts before booking. "We went with 4 stars is the fact that the camping spots are a little close together for my liking. Other than that, the staff were very nice, there are great amenities, and the bathrooms were clean," notes Thomas M.
