Dale Hollow Lake provides the primary equestrian camping destination near Granville, Tennessee. The lake spans 27,700 acres across the Tennessee-Kentucky border with over 620 miles of shoreline. Horse camping options range from full-service stables with direct trail access to primitive sites where riders can tie up their mounts along backcountry routes.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Fall Creek Falls State Park features Tennessee's highest waterfall at 256 feet. "So many trails, so little time. One of the best hiking parks I've ever been to. Miles and miles of trails; short, long, loops, overnights. This place has it all. Make sure you do three things while you're there: hike to the bottom of the big waterfall (Fall Creek Falls), swim in the cascades next to the nature center, and stand on the edge of the bluff at Buzzard's Roost," notes Myke C. from Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground.
Horseback trail riding: Access extensive riding networks from East Fork Stables where riders can find accommodations for both themselves and their horses. "Campground has Cabins, Bunk house, full hook-ups and primitive spots. There are stalls and tie lines with round pens and paddocks scattered around. Trail system is wonderful with all the views anyone could ask for," writes Jason M.
Primitive island camping: Explore Dale Hollow Lake's backcountry campsites accessible only by boat. "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," reports Andy K. from Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping.
What campers like
Cedar forest camping: Cedars of Lebanon State Park offers sites surrounded by unique cedar glade ecosystems. "We had a nice clean site, number 62. It had a fire pit, grill and picnic table. The site location was great for us because we had our 5 dogs with us and there was room at this site to let them out with ease and we were right next to a hiking trail for their walks," shares Ashley U. from Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground.
Loop-style campground design: Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park features distinctive circular campsite arrangements. "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. from Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote setting of some campgrounds provides exceptional night sky viewing. "Very dark at night time, especially with little moon, the stars were jaw dropping," notes Joseph M. about Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground.
What you should know
Water access challenges: Despite riverside locations, water access can be difficult at some primitive sites. "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. from Turnhole Backcountry Campsite.
Primitive campsite navigation: GPS coordinates are essential for finding some remote sites. "Beautiful spot close to the water. Secluded area that can be reached via GPS coordinates ONLY (we learned this after trying to check in at the Dale Hollow campground). There was no dumpster for trash, hike in spot with vault toilet," explains Melody S. about Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping.
Site spacing variations: Campgrounds vary widely in site proximity and privacy. "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. Every time a camper came in, people panicked fearing their cars were going to get hit because the road is so unbelievably narrow," cautions Andrea S. about Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal activities: Halloween camping events offer family-friendly experiences. "Their halloween weekend is a great time of fun for the kids!" says Justin L. about Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground.
Beginner-friendly facilities: Some parks specifically cater to new campers with comfortable amenities. "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. from Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground.
Access considerations: Some primitive sites require careful planning for vehicle access. "Taylor's Ford primitive campsite is down a steep windy track not suitable for big rigs. There are about 4 lakeside sites available all with good lake views," advises Andy K. about Dale Hollow Lake.
Tips from RVers
Hookup distances: Be prepared with extra-long utility cables at some sites. "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," shares Beth H. about Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park.
Section selection: Research specific campground areas before booking. "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. I would recommend them over section 1," suggests Gregory G. about Cedars of Lebanon State Park.
Campsite grading: Check site leveling requirements before arrival. "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out. We are definitely going back in summer to get wet in the falls and creeks. Can't swim in lake but you can kayak. Arrived in the dark, do not recommend as there are not much lighting to see especially if the sites is tight with others," advises Richard F. about Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Legend
