Horse enthusiasts looking for equestrian facilities near Smyrna, Tennessee can find several dedicated campgrounds within a reasonable drive. The area around Smyrna sits at approximately 550 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate that allows for year-round camping opportunities. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F while winter temperatures rarely drop below 30°F, creating favorable conditions for both horse and rider.
What to do
Trail riding at Henry Horton State Park: Located about 45 minutes from Smyrna, this park offers trails along the Duck River. "The trails we hiked were well maintained and there is a quiet paved road suitable for bicycling," notes Randy C., who appreciated the park's accessibility and facilities. The park offers both backcountry and established camping areas.
Historical exploration: Montgomery Bell State Park provides opportunities to connect with Tennessee history while camping with your horse. "There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church," writes Faith S., highlighting the historical sites within the park. The park maintains several miles of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding.
Fishing opportunities: Many equestrian campgrounds provide access to fishing spots. At Henry Horton State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing along the "wide river" as Rebecca P. describes it. The park maintains fishing access points suitable for campers with horses, allowing for multi-activity outings.
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Horse campers appreciate the quiet settings at Montgomery Bell State Park Campground. Tammy P. notes it's a "very clean and quiet" campground where "children can wade in the creek all day, why parents enjoy sitting outside under all the shade trees."
Community feel: Equestrian camps often foster community connections. At River Road RV Park & Horse Camp, Christie B. describes it as feeling "safe, grounded, and community-oriented" with "kind people and good access to outdoor adventure." This makes it ideal for horse owners seeking camaraderie.
Year-round access: Many horse campers value the ability to visit in different seasons. Gabe W. mentions Henry Horton offers an "enjoyable stay" even during colder months, noting "the bathrooms are nice and warm in the winter and clean." This extends the riding season for horse enthusiasts.
What you should know
Train proximity: Some horse campgrounds are located near train tracks, which could startle some horses. At River Road RV Park & Horse Camp, Danna D. mentions "there's a train track nearby" but notes "it didn't wake me at night." First-time visitors should prepare horses accordingly.
Seasonal variations: Campground experiences can differ significantly by season. Ashley F. notes about Henry Horton: "I visited in the off season (Nov 24) - the bathrooms were clean, the sites were quiet and it was beautiful." Winter camping offers less crowded trails for riding.
Limited cell service: Cell coverage varies at horse campgrounds. At River Road RV Park, Danna reports "No service for TMobile and almost none for Verizon," which might affect emergency communications while trail riding.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: When bringing children to equestrian campgrounds, look for those with additional activities. Laur H. recommends Henry Horton State Park, noting it's "perfect for families" with "plenty of places for the kiddos to ride their bikes."
Beginner-friendly trails: Families new to horse camping should consider parks with easier trails. Amanda C. suggests Henry Horton for beginners: "The backcountry campsites are just a short trek from the camp store, the hike itself follows the river." These accessible trails work well for families with varying riding abilities.
Off-season benefits: Consider camping with horses during less busy times. Ashley F. found Henry Horton particularly pleasant in November when "the bathrooms were clean, the sites were quiet and it was beautiful." Lower occupancy means more space for families with horses.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: When bringing both RVs and horses, select sites strategically. At Manchester KOA, MickandKarla W. found site 27 to be "the easiest pull through we've ever had as its angled straight in from the street, no turns or maneuvering to center the rig." This makes parking with horse trailers much easier.
Hookup locations: RVers with horse trailers should check utility placement. At Manchester KOA, MickandKarla W. appreciated how "utilities are located smartly in the middle of the pad to include an extra sewer connection near the pad's front." This practical design helps when positioning both RV and horse trailer.
Level sites importance: For horse owners with RVs, finding level sites is crucial. At Campers RV Park, Jessica L. notes "The pull thru sites have been widened and are more accommodating for larger RVs... The sites are gravel and mostly level." Level sites make for safer and more comfortable accommodations for both horses and humans.
