Camping opportunities near Livingston, Tennessee center around the Cumberland Plateau region, which rises to elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet. The area features sandstone bluffs, numerous creeks, and mixed hardwood forests that create distinct seasonal camping experiences. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 50-70°F range.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: The Big South Fork area offers extensive trail systems for equestrians. At Bear Creek Horse Camp, trails connect directly to the campground. "Very open and well maintained. Make sure you have the horse power for the hills going out. I had to back down the gravel hill and get a second run to make it up!" reports Shelly S.
Water activities: Dale Hollow Lake provides numerous water recreation options. "We 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," writes Andy K. about Dale Hollow Lake's primitive camping areas.
Hiking opportunities: The region features trails for all skill levels. Martin M. noted about Bandy Creek Campground: "The recreation area was a real nice surprise in terms of scenery. The rafting looked great at the right time of year... I'd check out Yahoo Falls which was really nice. Even though there was low water it was a nice and easy hike along the river."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide ample room between sites. At Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, "The sites are laid out like 8 spokes in a wheel, with plenty of space between sites. The facilities are kept clean. The staff is very helpful, nice and friendly," according to Greg F.
Scenic water views: Waterfront camping is popular in the region. Andy K. reports about primitive sites: "Taylor'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."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained amenities are consistently mentioned in reviews. At True West Campground & Stables, Heather S. notes: "Bathrooms/bathhouses were spotless! Free sawdust to campers for their stalls. Water all throughout the barn and easy to get to."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most horse campgrounds near Livingston operate seasonally. For example, East Fork Stables is open from April 1 to November 1, while Bear Creek Horse Camp runs from April through October.
Water access variations: Water availability differs significantly between sites. At Great Meadows Campground, "Water spigots were available at the campground, but no dump station or trash cans. So be prepared to pack your shit out," advises GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
Cell service limitations: Many areas have limited connectivity. Aaron R. notes about Great Meadows: "The drive there is a little long and no cell service for the most part but isn't that what camping is about anyway."
Reservation requirements: Some locations have first-come, first-served policies. Sara S. mentions: "We were told that getting a spot is difficult during the busy summer because this is first come, first serve but in the fall we seemed to have good luck getting a nice site, though the other sites did fill in quickly."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Families appreciate swimming options during summer months. Beth H. mentions about Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park: "Very good for families. Kids can ride their bikes around the circle. Playgrounds are everywhere. Very clean. Full hookups. Nice pool and mini golf too!"
Kid-friendly layouts: Some campgrounds have family-oriented designs. Kenny P. notes: "Campsites are on loops off the main loop/road. It puts 7-8 sites in a circle so it's possible for families to rent multiple site in same loop. Plenty of room for kids to play and also has a swimming pool!"
Trail difficulty considerations: Some trails may be challenging for young children. Chelsea D. shared about Bandy Creek Campground: "The sites are pretty private and mostly wooded. There were acorns everywhere that our littles kept getting ahold of, and most of the trails are much longer than 2 miles, so there wasn't much to do with our two toddlers."
Tips from RVers
Site layout awareness: RV sites at some campgrounds have unique configurations. At Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Jovee S. notes: "The only issue I had with this camp was the way the sites were situated. They were in sets, like a cul-de-sac shape, and put you really close to your neighbors. Aside from that, it was a nice setup in general."
Hookup distances: Be prepared for varying utility placement. Beth H. cautions: "I also wish they would have mentioned the length to water hookup. We ended up having to go buy a longer water hose bc the hookup was more than 30 foot away. We now keep a 50 foot hose, but didn't realize at the time there was actually hookups that far away."
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. When considering equestrian campgrounds near Livingston, Andy K. warns about one location: "I camped at Eagle Point for a quiet relaxing few days... The camp site was ok, reached down a very bumpy track not suitable for RV or similar."
