Fall Creek Falls State Park offers equestrian camping options for visitors looking to combine trail riding with an overnight stay. Located about 75 miles from Center Hill Lake, the park maintains horse-friendly sites with water access and hitching posts. The area encompasses several horse campgrounds near Center Hill Lake that accommodate trailers and provide necessary equestrian facilities. Tennessee state parks and surrounding private facilities support equestrian tourism through well-maintained trail systems that traverse the Cumberland Plateau region.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: Fall Creek Falls State Park features extensive hiking options near multiple waterfalls. "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.
Horseback trail riding: East Fork Stables maintains an extensive trail system for riders of all skill levels. "Trail system is wonderful with all the views anyone could ask for. Love this place will be coming back!!!" writes Jason M. The facility operates seasonally from April 1 to November 1, making summer the prime time for equestrian activities.
Stargazing: The limited light pollution in certain camping areas creates optimal night sky viewing. At Fall Creek Falls, camper Joseph M. reports: "Very dark at night time, especially with little moon, the stars were jaw dropping." Primitive camping areas at Dale Hollow Lake offer similar dark-sky opportunities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses at established campgrounds. At Fall Creek Falls, Sandra V. explains: "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."
Lake access options: Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping provides lakeside sites with water views. Andy K. shares: "Cove Creek at Dale Hollow lake in TN is a primitive campsite with lakeside camping. There are water faucets for drinking water and a pit toilet available. Great views of the lake and plenty of sites available."
Equestrian accommodations: Horse owners value the specialized facilities at Twisted South Stables, which offers RV sites with both 50-amp and 30-amp electrical hookups specifically for horse owners. These sites accommodate large trailers and provide water hookups, making them functional for extended stays with horses.
What you should know
Campsite spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds have tightly packed sites while others offer more privacy. Andrea S. cautions about Fall Creek Falls: "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."
Road conditions to primitive sites: Access to some horse-friendly camping areas requires navigating rough terrain. At Turnhole Backcountry Campsite, Shelly S. explains: "The trails are used by hikers and horseback riders, are well marked and lotsa fauna to see. No major vistas here, just woods."
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season from April through October. At East Fork Stables, all equestrian camping requires reservations, with limited availability during popular riding weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campground sections strategically: At Fall Creek Falls State Park, Richard F. advises: "Campground A & B are great for families with kids. C & D are more quiet. Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out."
Look for parks with diverse activities: Manchester KOA (now Rvino - The Broken Banjo) offers family-oriented amenities. Russ G. notes: "Nicer than average KOA with a great pool, kids areas, lots of cabins and tent spaces. Very quiet setting and great camp hosts."
Plan for water activities: Several campgrounds near Center Hill Lake provide swimming options beyond the lake itself. At Fall Creek Falls, Brandie D. shares: "The campgrounds are spacious and have great clean bathrooms. The park itself has a scenic loop drive of the gorge, multiple waterfalls to visit, miles on end of hiking trails in which some cross rope bridges, awesome swimming holes, and even an olympic pool with diving boards and a snack shack for the kiddos."
Tips from RVers
Select pull-through sites when available: At Manchester KOA, MickandKarla W. report: "We were then escorted to one of their 'long' pull through sites with FHUs, site 27. What we first noticed was the large cement patio with table, chairs, bench, stand up barbecue, and fire pit. The utilities are located smartly in the middle of the pad to include an extra sewer connection near the pad's front."
Plan for highway noise: Many accessible RV parks have highway proximity issues. Scotty W. notes about Manchester KOA: "This park is located in Manchester, TN right next to I-24, so if you are in the pull-throughs on the front row, you will hear the traffic."
Consider leveling needs: When booking at state parks with equestrian camping, note that many sites require leveling equipment. At Fall Creek Falls, campers recommend bringing additional supports as the terrain can be uneven, especially in the more secluded loops.
