Equestrian camping options near Arlington, Tennessee remain limited but accessible with proper planning. Most established campgrounds in the region primarily serve RV travelers and offer minimal dedicated facilities for horses. While Agricenter International and surrounding parks lack horse corrals or direct trail access, many visitors trailer their horses to nearby riding areas for day use. The Memphis area experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing nights.
What to do
Farmer's market exploration: Campers at Agricenter International RV Park can easily walk to the adjacent farmer's market building. "Full hookups and convenient location. We have stayed there several times," notes camper Brent M., highlighting the accessibility of local produce and goods during market days.
Memphis attractions access: The strategic location serves as a practical base for regional attractions. "Graceland was about 30-40 min from the park, The Miami Zoo was about 20 min from the park," reports camper M E., indicating the campground functions primarily as a staging area for Memphis sightseeing rather than a destination itself.
Mobile equestrian setup: Horse owners staying at Cook's Lake RV Resort and Campground must plan for self-contained equestrian setups. The campground lacks dedicated horse facilities despite allowing pets, requiring riders to trailer to public lands or private riding facilities in surrounding areas.
What campers like
Security considerations: Safety ranks high for campers seeking overnight accommodations. "It is in the nicer part of Memphis, so if you are looking for a safe place to stay here, this is it," explains camper Nikki R. about Agricenter International RV Park, noting its location in a more secure area of the city.
Extended stay options: Some campgrounds accommodate longer-term visitors. One reviewer mentioned that while Agricenter International advertises a "3 month maximum but I do know of some who are staying longer," providing flexibility for seasonal equestrian visitors or those working in the region.
Responsive management: When issues arise between neighboring campers, staff responsiveness matters. "We actually ran into a problem with our 'buddy neighbor'. The problem was taken care of by the manager of the park," reports M E., indicating that despite the crowded conditions, management addresses conflicts promptly.
What you should know
Limited equestrian infrastructure: No dedicated horse corrals exist at established campgrounds near Arlington. Riders must provide portable containment systems and haul water for horses separately from campground utilities.
Bathroom limitations: Facility quality varies significantly even within the same campground. At Agricenter International RV Park, "The bathrooms are quite a walk if you are further into the park. There are 2 restrooms with a shower in each. One bathroom was really clean and had a nicely tiled shower. The other bathroom was always dirty," reports camper M E.
Weather considerations: The Memphis region experiences significant seasonal flooding. "When it rains you are in a swamp," notes camper Nikki R., highlighting drainage issues at Agricenter International that particularly affect those with horses and equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Limited recreational appeal: Parents should set appropriate expectations. "This is not the kind of park you come to for the camping experience. This is the kind of RV park that you come to to go look at the close attractions," explains M E., suggesting families plan off-site activities rather than expecting on-site recreation.
Privacy challenges: The site configuration affects family comfort. "Almost all of the sites are buddy sites where your front door is facing your neighbor's. There is no privacy at all," warns camper M E. about Agricenter International RV Park, indicating families should prepare for close quarters.
Worker-dominated environment: The social atmosphere may not suit families seeking recreational connections. At Cook's Lake, one camper noted, "Workers mainly. Ton of construction, trade, and 0500-1700 workers. This was great from a sleeping standpoint (no one was ever loud) but kids didn't have a scene so to speak."
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience: For travelers passing through, some campgrounds offer late arrival accommodation. "Got us in late held our spot," reports Anthony G. about Agricenter International RV Park, indicating flexibility for those with unpredictable travel schedules.
Weather exposure awareness: RVers should prepare for minimal protection from elements. Cook's Lake was described as "Exposed. In the sun, rain, wind, etc. It was an old mobile-home park, so very exposed to elements," requiring appropriate awnings, stabilizers, and temperature management equipment.
Parking lot expectations: Visualize urban RV parking rather than natural camping. "This is basically a parking lot for RV's, not a campground. Campers are stacked on top of each other," explains Shana D. about Agricenter International, setting appropriate expectations for the camping environment.
