Natchez Trace Wrangler Camp offers dedicated equestrian facilities set within western Tennessee's forest landscape. The horse-friendly campground connects directly to over 40 miles of multi-use trails that wind through diverse terrain suitable for various riding abilities. Trails remain accessible year-round with seasonal conditions affecting ground stability, particularly after rainfall events. Sites accommodate horse trailers with electric hookups, water access, and toilet facilities.
What to do
Horseback riding on multi-use trails: Natchez Trace State Park maintains extensive trail networks specifically designed for equestrians. A visitor noted, "This is a great place to go RV camping, tent camping or even wrangler camping. It is a quiet park with hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, swimming, and much more."
Swimming at lakefront beaches: Pin Oak Campground offers lake access with designated swimming areas. "The park is great! Lexington is close for quick runs for anything you need," reports one camper. Another visitor mentioned, "Our kids enjoyed riding their bikes and playing on the small beach. There was a playground for smaller kids and several people were fishing and boating."
Fishing in multiple park lakes: The state parks near Jackson maintain several fishing lakes with different regulations. At Pin Oak, "There is a large lake on the campground that has a beach and swimming area. With your stay at the campground you do not have to pay for a permit to go fishing or kayaking on the lake or put in a boat," according to a reviewer.
Geocaching and nature exploration: Chickasaw State Park offers additional outdoor activities beyond horseback riding. "This park has camping, hiking trails, horse back riding and geocaching just to name a few things to do here," notes one visitor.
What campers like
Quiet, dark skies for stargazing: The Wrangler Camp's secluded location creates optimal night sky viewing conditions. "Wow! Super quiet, dark and cool the first week of October. We stayed in the Wrangler site, which is typically for horses," shares one camper who appreciated the peaceful setting.
Multiple lake options for different activities: The state parks near Jackson feature several lakes with varying purposes. According to a camper, "There are a few lakes in the area. Pin Oak is the only motor lake. Cub lake has a larger swim area with paddle boat, Jon boat and kayak rentals."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Big Hill Pond State Park receives positive feedback for its upkeep. "The campsites have been redone in the last couple of years. Fresh gravel and wooden railing. The bathhouse is clean and easy access from all campsites," reports one visitor.
Level, spacious campsites: Pin Oak Campground offers well-designed sites according to visitors. "Pin Oak Lake Campground is very nice. Well maintained with full hookups and plenty of space separating the sites. The lake is very clear water," notes one camper.
What you should know
Limited cell service in some areas: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. A visitor at Pin Oak notes, "There is virtually no Verizon service except close the water front," which can affect planning for longer stays.
Distance between facilities: Some campgrounds have widely spaced amenities. "The site is actually really far back into the park," reports one camper, while another mentions, "The beach area is also a drive from the camp."
Bathroom conditions vary by location: Natchez Trace Wrangler Camp has basic toilet facilities but lacks shower facilities. At other campgrounds like Milan City RV Park, a camper noted, "Nice park, good facilities, but no shower. The description said there was a 'bathhouse', I assumed it had a shower."
Driving distance to supplies: Many campgrounds are relatively remote. "Take plenty of food as a trip to the store is a bit of a drive," advises one Pin Oak visitor. Another camper adds, "Be prepared to have a drive to town for provisions & restaurants."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access varies by campground: Different parks offer varying children's facilities. At Pin Oak, "There was a playground for smaller kids and several people were fishing and boating," reports a family.
Observation tower exploration: Milan City RV Park provides a base for exploring nearby attractions. At Big Hill Pond, a visitor mentioned, "The boardwalks and observation deck were really fun for the kids, but most of the trails were too long for us so we didn't see the whole park."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The state parks host various wildlife viewing areas. One camper notes, "They even have three birds of prey on display for visitors to enjoy," adding educational value for children.
Paddleboat rentals for family outings: Seasonal boat rentals provide family-friendly activities. "Cub lake has a larger swim area with paddle boat, Jon boat and kayak rentals. The rentals are only weekends," advises a visitor about planning timing for family activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Campground selection matters for bigger vehicles. At Chickasaw, "One of the strangest parks we've been to. There are two campground loops. One for trailers/RV's, they call it, and the Wrangler, equesterian. The trailer/RV loop is on the side of a hill...The wrangler loop. A nice flat area more suited to larger rigs."
Site leveling considerations: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. A camper at Chickasaw noted, "Most sites appear to be fairly level," while another specified, "We stayed in site 11 which was AAA and level at the top. Only negatives were a steep incline to back into site, no cell service and pay as you go park WiFi."
Size restrictions at certain parks: Not all parks accommodate large RVs. At Big Hill Pond, a camper warns, "One of the nicest parks in West Tennessee but not for RV's over 26 feet," which is crucial information for planning equestrian camping with larger rigs.
