Village Creek State Park offers dedicated equestrian camping about 60 miles west of Memphis, Tennessee. The horse camp features covered stalls with water access and specialized parking for horse trailers. This specialized camping area occupies part of Loop C within the park's campground system. Trail riding opportunities include several miles of bridle paths directly accessible from the camp area, with terrain varying from flat meadows to gentle hills through wooded sections of Crowley's Ridge.
What to do
Fishing at Bear Creek Lake: Mississippi River State Park Campground has excellent fishing opportunities surrounding its campsites. "Beautiful and kept very clean. Sites are full hookup. The bath house is very clean," notes Elizabeth L. The lake is popular among anglers, with many sites offering direct water access.
Golf near horse trails: Village Creek State Park maintains a 27-hole golf course alongside its equestrian facilities. According to Bob M., "The golf course here is really nice, hiking trails good as well." This combination makes it possible to split activities during a weekend trip.
Kayaking cypress forests: Water activities extend beyond fishing at parks near Memphis. At Mississippi River State Park, guided experiences provide unique perspectives. "The kayak tour of Cypress forest was the highlight of the trip," reports Chad L., who appreciated seeing water "from every side of our camper."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Village Creek State Park Campground gets high marks for site spacing. As Brittany R. explains, "The sites are very spread out with privacy though and we loved that!" This separation provides a more secluded camping experience compared to other parks in the region.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention bathroom cleanliness at horse campgrounds near Memphis. According to Teresa M. at Village Creek, "the bathrooms are clean, the staff is friendly and the area feels safe." This sentiment is echoed across multiple campgrounds in the area.
Geological uniqueness: The Crowley's Ridge region where several Memphis-area campgrounds are located offers distinctive terrain. Laura G. notes that the area contains "unique geological formations, soil and plant life unlike anywhere else in Arkansas," making hikes particularly interesting.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly at campgrounds near Memphis. Teresa M. reports at Village Creek: "We had no signal on ATT but there is free WIFI by the office which you can connect to day or night." Similarly, Mississippi River State Park Campground has "ATT cell worked fair but no Verizon," according to Gary P.
Weather considerations: The Memphis region experiences significant seasonal variations. Kali D. advises against summer tent camping: "Wish we weren't staying in a tent and would have come at a cooler part of the year. Was too hot to do anything at the beginning of July. Ended up leaving early."
Trail maintenance issues: Some parks experience seasonal closures due to weather. Holly C. found at Village Creek that "more than half the trails and park were closed due to flooding" during her visit, limiting hiking options significantly.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Agricenter International RV Park provides urban wildlife exposure while maintaining proximity to Memphis attractions. "Local attractions: The Farmer's Market (it's an easy walk from the park), Graceland (was about 30-40 min from the park), The Miami Zoo (was about 20 min from the park)," mentions M E., highlighting the educational opportunities.
Swimming areas: Some parks maintain designated swimming areas for cooling off in summer. Sean F. describes the beach at Mississippi River State Park: "We were right across from the swimming area which had a sandy wade-in. It was hot and humid at night but still reasonable for sleeping."
Ranger programs: Educational opportunities abound at state parks near Memphis. Lindsey P. recalls, "We met a park interpreter who was very nice and informative," making her family's experience at Mississippi River State Park more engaging and educational.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Cook's Lake RV Resort and Campground is noted for its practical setup. Paul C. mentions it's "Away from it all. But still close to Memphis. About 15 minutes to downtown, but within cell service," though he warns it can be "Exposed. In the sun, rain, wind, etc."
Full hookup availability: Mississippi River State Park offers premium sites according to Gary P.: "Only 17 sites, all level with full hook ups... pull thru & the rest backin on concrete pads with room for either a toad, truck or boat to the side."
Reservation timing: Popular equestrian campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. Bob M. advises about Village Creek State Park: "We stayed 4 nights in the B loop FHU area. The sites there are large, and spaced out pretty well," suggesting booking well in advance for these premium spots.
