Top Horse Camping near Portland, TN
The Dyrt can help you find the perfect horse camping site near Portland. Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. Search nearby equestrian campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Portland, TN (6)
1.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky134 Reviews397 Photos366 SavesOverview
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.
Recreation
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.
Facilities
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.
Natural Features
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.
Nearby Attractions
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.
contact_info
For local information, please call (270) 758-2424 or call (270) 758-2180 for general information.
Charges & Cancellations
For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$50 / night
2.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
Lebanon, Tennessee47 Reviews136 Photos199 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$25 - $30 / night
3.
Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky12 Reviews35 Photos80 SavesOverview
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.
Recreation
Avid horseback riders head to Maple Springs to explore the lush backcountry trails. Hikers will also find these trails enjoyable.
Facilities
Avid horseback riders head to Maple Springs to explore the lush backcountry trails. Hikers will also find these trails enjoyable.
Natural Features
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.
Nearby Attractions
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.
Charges & Cancellations
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
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$50 / night
4.
Barren River Lake Resort Lodge & Cottages — Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Lucas, Kentucky2 Reviews9 Photos17 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
5.
Turnhole Backcountry Campsite — Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky2 Reviews17 Photos23 SavesThe 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
6.
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp — Mammoth Cave National Park
Sweeden, Kentucky1 Review11 Photos9 SavesMammoth Cave Horse Camp is nestled on the fringe of Mammoth Cave National Park in south central Kentucky. While staying here you will experience approximately 60 miles of back country trails offering incredible views of big timber, caves, rivers, waterfalls, creeks, four seasons of color and an abundance of wildlife.
While in camp you will enjoy first class amenities including water, electric, picnic tables, fire rings and a modern restroom and shower facility, as well as large covered 10x12 stalls for the horses. Book your stay with us, because there's no other place like it!
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$25 / night
Recent Equestrian Reviews In Portland
198 Reviews of 6 Portland Campgrounds
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Great Campground and Location
We 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.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Great Choice
We 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.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
Great Campground, Large Paved Pads, Close to Nashville, BUT CONSTRUCTION!
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!
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Great park campground
Really 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.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Easy access/ clean spot
Got 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.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Closest proximity to Cave
The 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).
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Nature Lovers Paradise
Site 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.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Great spot in a cool camp
My spot was a nice quite one (24B). Lots of room for tents, hammocks, chairs, or your dog to explore.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Quaint spot for National Park
I 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.
Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Maple Springs Camp Group Sites
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.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
Scenic with lots to do, but sites were tight
We 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!
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Nice spot for camping
Nice spot to camp but unfortunately the tours of the caves get sold out so fast
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Pretty standard National Park
Clean 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.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
Great trails but lots of speed bumps!
Overall 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.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Beautiful & private
This 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.
Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Amazing space
Large 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
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Nice clean and organized
Stayed here one night but was nice. Get here early enough to collect wood for your fire pit.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
Love the Halloween events
We have been attending the Halloween event for over 3 years now and we absolutely love it!
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Amazing first solo trip
Stayed here during my first solo camping trip and it was great. The sites aren't the most secluded but there's plenty of trees to give some privacy between most sites, and I lucked out with no neighbors on the side with no trees. There's a trail right next to the campground which I liked to start my mornings on. It's also nice and close to the visitor center and camp. No outside firewood is allowed in the park so the store sells compressed sawdust logs. Would go back.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Close to the cave
I enjoyed 5 days in this primitive campground with my travel trailer. There is no internet or WiFi and I would occasionally get 1bar ATT to send a text message but usually not even that. Generators are allowed 8am to 8pm (but mine wasn’t working so I didn’t get to try it out). The shower house offers showers at $1.50 for 4.5 minutes. More time for more quarters. Great pressure and plenty of hot water. Bring quarters or there is a change machine for $1s and $5s. Great wildlife and trees, bathrooms were always clean and air conditioned so they were my favorite place some days. You can easily walk to the camp store/showers/laundry, quick drive to the visitor center. I would stay there again but would either plan for no electricity or bring a working generator. Solar did not do much in the dappled shade.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Easy camping
Nice clean campground but the site’s are to close. No much privacy and very little cell service. I enjoyed my visit.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Yuck
Camp sites are literally on top of one another. If you like being stared at all evening, while everyone tries to stay library quiet, stop on by! So much potential quiet space wasted.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Large private sites in National Park
Wonderful campground with large private sites, very quiet. Camping within the national park was great, easy access to hiking and biking trails, close to the cave attractions. Bathrooms were reasonably clean and adequate. Coin operated showers were good, 3 minutes is plenty long enough!
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park
Campsites are good sized & come with standard picnic table & fire ring. As in most National Park campgrounds, don’t expect to have a lot of privacy between sites. There is also a fairly busy road just outside the campground. Wildlife has become accustomed to people & within a few minutes of being here, we had a deer & fawn at our site; turkeys just down the road. Bathrooms are standard, showers located just down the road at the camp store. You have to purchase firewood, which are kiln dried blocks of sawdust. Not a lot to do in the park except the cave tours. The hiking and biking trails are relatively easy & short. Park staff & visitor center are excellent. It’s not exactly a wilderness experience, but comfortable and convenient if you want to enjoy Mammoth Cave & the surrounding area.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Just Plain Nice
Stayed one night in tent. No neighbors to left or right. Really nice sites, picnic tables, bathrooms, tent pads etc. You have to use their special wood, otherwise no fires. Lots of birds. Little general store. Friendly staff. We thought it was a wonderful campground.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Lots of shade and quiet
We really liked this campground. Spaces were decently spread (compared to many national & state parks), shade was abundant, and bathrooms were clean. It's walking distance to showers (pay so bring coins), cave tours, visitors center and a lit of hiking. Once we parked and set up we didn't drive again until we were driving away.
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Good NP site
Good site for a National Park. Bathrooms and nice camp store within good walking distance. Walking distance to the visitor center.
Guide to Portland
Camping near Portland, TN, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.
What to do:
- Explore Mammoth Cave National Park: Just a short drive from Portland, this park is famous for its extensive cave system. One visitor at Mammoth Cave Campground said, "We really enjoyed the four days we spent at the Mammoth Caves Campground, right in the national park."
- Hiking: There are plenty of trails for all skill levels. A camper at Montgomery Bell State Park Campground mentioned, "We walked a couple of the trails through the woods which were perfect after a long drive."
- Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Nolin Lake State Park Campground, offer access to lakes for fishing and boating. One camper noted, "The hike to the waterfall was muddy... but we loved that hiking in Mammoth Cave National Park was only 15 min away!"
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Edgar Evins State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms are always clean. Showers have hot water fast."
- Friendly staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Montgomery Bell State Park Campground shared, "The staff came by to check on every camper to make sure we were all inside and safe."
- Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having enough room to spread out. A camper at Baileys Point mentioned, "Great level gravel site... The sites are spaced just right."
What you should know:
- Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or showers. A camper at Edgar Evins State Park Campground noted, "There is a hill between you & anything you’re wanting to do."
- Seasonal access: Some campgrounds, like Nolin Lake State Park Campground, are only open from April to October. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is very well maintained and the restrooms are very clean."
- Crowded during peak times: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Defeated Creek Campground said, "We enjoyed our stay. The bathrooms were clean, bring your own hand soap."
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized events. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave said, "The events and activities scheduled throughout the day were great at keeping the kids busy."
- Choose spacious sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A camper at Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is quiet, clean, beautiful."
- Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a store. A visitor at Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground noted, "Firewood is for sale inside the park."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site dimensions: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A reviewer at Montgomery Bell State Park Campground shared, "The back-in was a little interesting as we had to pull forward on the road."
- Look for full hookups: Some campgrounds offer better amenities for RVs. A camper at Nashville KOA said, "The campground is clean with tons of amenities, great pool, playgrounds, etc."
- Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds can feel cramped, especially during busy times. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave mentioned, "The 'Deluxe' cabin is small... Crowding. Spaces are small, so there are BIG RVs boxing you in everywhere."
Camping near Portland, TN, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Portland, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Portland, TN is Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 134 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Portland, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Portland, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.