River Road RV Park & Horse Camp serves as one of several equestrian camping options near Lebanon, Tennessee. The facility sits 31 miles southwest of Lebanon in Chapel Hill and offers both full hookup and tent camping sites. Horses can be secured using portable corrals or highlines brought by campers, with drinking water available for both horses and humans. The campground provides direct trail access with connections to surrounding riding areas.
What to do
Trail riding access: At River Road RV Park & Horse Camp, riders access trails directly from their campsites. The location is convenient for day rides without trailering. According to Christie B., "Duck River is just 5 minutes away, and Henry Horton State Park is close by—great for fishing, hiking, or kayaking."
Scenic river exploration: Henry Horton State Park Campground offers river-based recreation near Lebanon. Amanda C. notes, "The backcountry campsites are just a short trek from the camp store, the hike itself follows the river. We only saw one other couple and no one else was staying at the second site so it was such a secluded weekend!"
Hiking trails: Explore hiking options at Mammoth Cave National Park, where Turnhole Backcountry Campsite provides access to extended trail systems. Shelly S. describes, "A lot of people don't realize the extensive trail system of Mammoth Cave. They come for the Cave and never take the time to enjoy the natural beauty of the area."
What campers like
Private camping areas: The Turnhole Backcountry Campsite at Mammoth Cave offers secluded camping areas. Mandy C. comments, "This is a nice, secluded spot. You are on the end of a ridge. Clear nights with a bright moon were magical here." The site includes a tent pad, lantern hooks, and fire ring with grate.
Equine-friendly atmosphere: The farm setting at River Road RV Park & Horse Camp appeals to horse owners. Christie B. reports, "It's a quiet, no-frills spot on a working farm—perfect if you're looking for a place to relax and recharge after a day of exploring." The camp includes mini ponies in the pasture for additional equine ambiance.
Water features: Barren River Lake Resort Lodge & Cottages provides lake access for boating and swimming. Erin R. notes, "the beach was amazing and clean," while Shelly S. mentions, "LOTS of boating options. Bring your own or rent. The lake is huge and busy with a marina."
What you should know
Limited shade options: Sites at equestrian campgrounds in the region vary in shade coverage. At Barren River State Resort Park, Shelly S. warns, "The middle sites have pretty much no shade and we sweltered our middays, chasing the limited shade."
Water availability: Water access can be challenging at backcountry sites. At Dad's Bluegrass Campground, Jon P. notes, "The water hookup is very close to the ground and leaked for me. Made it very hard to connect the hose and pressure regulator."
Train noise: Some horse campgrounds near Lebanon have rail lines nearby. At River Road RV Park, Danna D. mentions, "There's a train track nearby, but it didn't wake me at night," while Christie B. suggests, "light sleepers might want to bring earplugs just in case."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Campers RV Park offers family-oriented recreation areas. Jessica L. shares, "There is a playground, hammock hut, and game area for the kids to stay entertained." The facilities continue to improve with ongoing upgrades.
Beginner-friendly options: Henry Horton State Park offers accessible camping for families new to outdoor recreation. Amanda C. recommends, "Definitely recommend for quick overnight trips!" while Laur H. states, "Perfect for families! Plenty of places for the kiddos to ride their bikes."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping at Tennessee horse campgrounds requires preparation. Gabe W. says about Henry Horton, "The bathrooms are nice and warm in the winter and clean," making it suitable for cooler weather visits with children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Horse campgrounds near Lebanon often have varied terrain. At River Road RV Park, Christie B. notes, "The sites were level and clean, with both pull-through and back-in options." This contrasts with other regional campgrounds with more challenging setups.
Road navigation: Access to equestrian campgrounds sometimes involves narrow roads. Christie reports that at River Road, "Roads are a little narrow, but manageable," while Danna D. advises, "Easy to get to if you come in/out from 99, and not terribly difficult if you come the other way."
RV size limitations: RV length restrictions apply at many horse campgrounds. At Dad's Bluegrass Campground, Charlie M. mentions, "People were very nice and attentive with lots of RV manipulation help," indicating assistance available for positioning larger rigs at some facilities.
