Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Lafayette? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Lafayette campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
Mammoth Cave Campground puts campers in a prime spot to explore the depths and overland treasures of Mammoth Cave National Park. Mammoth Cave is an underground passageway containing more than 400 miles of naturally sculpted limestone and sandstone. It is the longest recorded cave system in the world. The grand-scale chambers and long, winding passageways were the inspiration behind the park's name. The campground doubles as an entry point to 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. It's also a five minute walk to the visitor center, where cave tours begin.
A must-do activity in the park is exploring Mammoth Cave. Walking tours of the caverns leave from the visitor center daily. There are also miles of bike trails and hiking trails within the park.
The campground is tucked inside Mammoth Cave National Park, which boasts scenic valleys along the Green River. The river is within walking distance of the camp, and the hilly Kentucky countryside expands beyond the valley. Deer and turkeys commonly stroll around the campground, so visitors are likely to see them grazing in the early morning and at dusk.
Nearly 30 miles of the Green and Nolin rivers offer canoeing and boating through the park. Commercial outfitters outside the park rent canoes, kayaks and safety equipment.Most trails north of the Green River are open for horseback riding. Commercial liveries outside the park rent horses and some may provide organized excursions.
For local information, please call (270) 758-2424 or call (270) 758-2180 for general information.
For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
$50 / night
$25 - $30 / night
Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline offer campers a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat; while a few can be reached by country road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. Campers desiring on-site attendant, security and law enforcement services are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where such services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping.
Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake.
Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about three miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American bald eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made locally at the lake.
$5 / night
This recreation area is part of Dale Hollow Lake
The park offers thirteen designated backcountry campsites that are accessible only by hiking or horseback. Backcounty sites are primitive, with only a fire ring and horse hitching posts available. All sites except McCoy Hollow have a nearby water source, but campers should boil and treat water before drinking, or plan to carry in drinking water. Campsites are limited to one party up to eight people in size. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Reservations through Recreation.gov. Overnight camping is permitted along floodplains and on islands along the Green and Nolin Rivers. Camping in these areas is only accessible by boat. When camping on floodplains, campers must camp at least ½ mile away from Green River Ferry, Houchin Ferry and Dennison Ferry Day Use Area. Know where you are. Riverside camping on private lands outside the park may not be permitted. Sudden rainstorms can cause rapid flooding along riverways and river levels and currents fluctuate dramatically, particularly during winter months. Always check the river level and weather forecast before launching or camping along the rivers. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Permits available online, up to a week in advance. Permits are subject to cancelation due to river levels. River levels must remain below 20 feet.
At Maple Springs, visitors can enjoy the serenity of the campground and surrounding backcountry trails, or spend their days exploring Mammoth Cave. Campers can explore up to ten miles of the cave through a variety of tours available at the Visitor Center. With more than 400 miles (644 km) of mapped passageways, Mammoth Cave ranks as the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave is named for its grand size and scale. Visit the Rotunda for an idea of just how large this underground world is. The World Heritage Site was explored by Native Americans more than 2,000 years ago, and Europeans discovered its existence at the turn of the 19th century.
Avid horseback riders head to Maple Springs to explore the lush backcountry trails. Hikers will also find these trails enjoyable.
This campground is part of Mammoth Cave National Park, a 52,800-acre park that includes the Green River Valley, rolling Kentucky hillsides, and the expansive Mammoth Cave with grand-scale chambers and long, winding passageways. This remote campsite is quiet, peaceful and ideal for those who want to be immersed in nature. Wildlife includes deer, turkey, and coyotes.
Take a tour of Mammoth Cave and see landmark cave areas like the Cathedral Domes and Mammoth's famous formation, Frozen Niagara. Or hike above the caverns to explore sinkholes like Cedar Sink.
Group Facilities - Overnight -$10.00 cancellation fee AND forfeit the first night's use recreation use fee if cancelled less than 14 days before the arrival date (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
$50 / night
Guide
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GuideWe really enjoyed the four days we spent at the Mammoth Caves Campground, right in the national park. I have to correct some information on this listing, though. There are no electric hookups. There is water available at spots throughout the campground, but not at the sites. There is one difficult to use dump station. Also, internet connections are terrible. You need to rely on the WiFi at the visitor center and lodge.
Setting that aside, it’s a beautiful, wooded campground with large and generally level sites. You’re right in the middle of the park, with all it has to offer. Its about a ten-twelve minute walk to the Visitor Center, which is where all the cave tours and many of the hiking trails start. The Visitor Center also has a great exhibit explaining the geology and history of the park and area. It is connected by a pedestrian bridge to the park lodge, which has several restaurants. Both buildings are wonderfully air conditioned, which helped a lot in the August heat.
Also helping with the heat are the caves themselves, which are spectacular and not to be missed. Other activities right in the park are lots of hiking opportunities and canoe and kayak rental.
There are modern and very clean bathrooms throughout the campground. It’s a mystery why they didn’t include showers when they built those bathrooms. Instead there are paid showers in the building housing the camp store. You insert six quarters and get a decent amount of time. For me, this was the only real downside of the campground, one I could put up with given all the other advantages.
Site 35B was a great site and was next to a small field, giving us extra space and privacy.
TravelerWe loved our visit here! We stayed two nights with our dog and felt very safe. Campsites appear close at first but actually felt comfortably private. People walk and bike along the roads and it felt very friendly. Bathrooms are clean and cool. There’s a camp store, Caver’s, with food, souvenirs, showers, and bathroom. Super close to the visiting center for tours.
Scout
Great spot. Full hook ups at many spots. Sites are in cul de sacs. Lake is beautiful and really close. Staff is super nice and helpful. Nice playgrounds and pools. WiFi is not currently working. AT&T and Verizon service is good. Lots of wildlife around. Nice hiking trails.
Guide
We camped here for 2 full weeks. The campground at Cedars of Lebanon State Park deserves 5 stars for their proximity to Nashville, the large paved pads for campers, the peaceful woods, and their overall cleanliness.
However, we were here when there was construction going on. It was LOUD from 8am to 4, 5, and even 6pm somedays with working trucks and digging up the Tennessee Rock.
The weekends were peaceful without the construction, and the trails are all easy and flat. The showers worked well and were the typical campground showers.
The wifi that is listed on the website is basically nonexistent, so don't count on that for anything important. But Verizon had good service, while AT&T was fair.
Only Campground 3 was open during our stay and you can see the work they are doing here is going to make a huge difference to be big rig friendly. Enjoy!
RangerReally enjoyed our 3 night stay in Mammoth Cave campground. Level sites, tables, fire rings, running water bathrooms, spigots. Great location walkable to the camp store, lodge, visitor center, and cave tours.
GuideGot in on a Sunday evening for tent camping. Nice woman working the entrance let us switch campsites without any hassle.
The site was well maintained and had a nice fire pit. Concrete picnic table in the space.
RangerThe actual campground is pretty basic. Sites are woodsy and spread out, there is a picnic table and fire ring, bathhouses and water spigot can be a little bit of a walk depending on your campsite, and the atmosphere overall was quiet. We experienced terrible weather so we didn’t explore much and would agree with some of the other reviewers that the RVs seemed out of sync with the more rustic vibe. What I appreciated was how easy and quick it was to drive to the Visitor Center the next morning for our bright and early tour of Mammoth Cave (and yes, book ahead).
TravelerSite 46B is an exceptional site. Extra large with unobstructed views of the woods away from the roads So much to see and do beyond the cave! This campground is set in the woods with lots of hiking and biking trails within walking distance. Yes, the caves are amazing but don’t forget to explore the surface through hiking, horseback riding and kayaking. The campground has lots of tent campers to big rigs and everything in between. Big rig generators can put a major dent into the campground experience unfortunately but it’s still a beautiful family friendly experience. Bath houses were very clean. Sites are level. The dump station leaves a lot to be desired. It’s a two person operation. One person to use their foot to hold drain open and the other to deal with hose. Wish they offered electric at sites but still one of my favorite campgrounds. Very clean friendly and accessible to activities in the park.
GuideMy spot was a nice quite one (24B). Lots of room for tents, hammocks, chairs, or your dog to explore.
GuideI took my family for two nights and we were surprised how quiet and well behaved everyone was. The spots are right up on each other but no loud music, generators or drunks. Dumpster is by the corner store that also makes sandwiches if you don’t want to grill out. Fire ring and picnic table with enough room for two small tents. Bathroom was very clean and the walk to the visitor center was 10 minutes.
Guide
Peace and quiet, awesome set up for our 40ft fifth wheel “the big kahuna”. 4 nights, electric and water hookup. Dump site is on the mammoth cave side, only downside is the 45 minute drive around to the dump site, other than that 10/10 for campground and amenities.
GuideWe were so impressed with how much there was to do at this campground! There are so many trails, playgrounds, and bike/walk friendly roads. Our family of 6 stayed for 3 nights and had a lovely time. The sites were a bit cramped (our rig is 31') and parking our truck was a bit tricky. The store was convenient ands the staff were helpful and very friendly. Would definitely stay again-- it was absolutely beautiful!
GuideNice spot to camp but unfortunately the tours of the caves get sold out so fast
TravelerClean campground, bathrooms well maintained. Easy access to the camp store and a quick walk to the visitor’s center for cave tours. Sites are well-spaced: you don’t feel crowded. Most sites are pull-through, keep that in mind if you have a camper - you’ll be backwards if your site is on the left.
GuideOverall this is a nice place. We didn’t see any “transients,” which seems like an unkind way to refer to car campers. There’s a fully paved trail that is very nice when the other trails are muddy. The bathrooms were regularly cleaned, showers were free and hot.
We didn’t love that there are 5 speed bumps before you get to campgrounds 2-3. Prepare to jiggle your camper! Also, most people used rope lights and left them on all night. There was a lot of light pollution.
Legend
I only spent 3 nights at Kemper Flats primitive campground for a fishing trip. We reached Kemper by pontoon boat from Willow Grove Marina a short 20 min ride. Nice site primitive cabin toilet no water faucet. Bring it in, take it out.
LegendI camped at Eagle Point for a quiet relaxing few days , but due to a group of young lads who camped near me that was not going to be the case. They were loud and annoying and did not care for anybody else's privacy.
The camp site was ok , reached down a very bumpy track not suitable for RV or similar.
There was a porta toilet which was a bonus but lots of trash left behind by other campers.
The site is on the top of a high cliff so no water swimming was possible. Very shady area. There is a boat ramp next to the site which was in constant use day and night.
LegendWe 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
LegendTaylor’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
LegendCove 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
RangerThis is THE place to camp if you plan to visit Mammoth Cave NP. Sites are well spread out & most back up to forest. Very close to Mammoth Cave visitor center/trail head. (5 min bike ride). Bathrooms/showers were clean and updated.
ScoutLarge area and peaceful get away. The pull in line up could be a bit better for some of the spaces (site 3 you better reverse traffic). Sewage would be a nice upgrade especially with no showers there but the Camp bathrooms ease some of that burden. Beautiful scenery and some great things to check out at the cave. My verizon signal worked great here, used a Hotspot to stream movies when inside for a rain storm
ScoutStayed here one night but was nice. Get here early enough to collect wood for your fire pit.
TravelerWe have been attending the Halloween event for over 3 years now and we absolutely love it!
Horse camping in Tennessee offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lafayette, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lafayette, TN is Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 138 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lafayette, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Lafayette, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
