Best Equestrian Camping near Portland, TN

The Dyrt can help you find the perfect horse camping site near Portland. Finding a place to camp in Tennessee with your horse is easier than ever. These scenic and easy-to-reach Tennessee campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Portland, TN (6)

    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    1. Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    137 Reviews
    397 Photos
    375 Saves
    Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

    Overview

    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.

    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

    Camper-submitted photo from Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground

    2. Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    136 Photos
    202 Saves
    Lebanon, Tennessee
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    3. Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    12 Reviews
    35 Photos
    84 Saves
    Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

    Overview

    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.

    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

    Camper-submitted photo from Barren River Lake Resort Lodge & Cottages — Barren River Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Barren River Lake Resort Lodge & Cottages — Barren River Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Barren River Lake Resort Lodge & Cottages — Barren River Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Barren River Lake Resort Lodge & Cottages — Barren River Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Barren River Lake Resort Lodge & Cottages — Barren River Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Barren River Lake Resort Lodge & Cottages — Barren River Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turnhole Backcountry Campsite — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turnhole Backcountry Campsite — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turnhole Backcountry Campsite — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turnhole Backcountry Campsite — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turnhole Backcountry Campsite — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turnhole Backcountry Campsite — Mammoth Cave National Park

    5. Turnhole Backcountry Campsite — Mammoth Cave National Park

    2 Reviews
    17 Photos
    24 Saves
    Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

    The 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Horse Camp — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Horse Camp — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Horse Camp — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Horse Camp — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Horse Camp — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Horse Camp — Mammoth Cave National Park

    6. Mammoth Cave Horse Camp — Mammoth Cave National Park

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    9 Saves
    Sweeden, Kentucky

    Mammoth 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

202 Reviews of 6 Portland Campgrounds


  • amna S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Sep. 22, 2024

    Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

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  • amna S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    seo

    Thank you for your article. 4.0 gpa scale We had similar issues when we created our GPA calculator to help students evaluate their academic performance by converting letter grades to a numerical scale. This is to convert a Grade GPA 4.0 system where an"A" equals 4.0 and an"F" equals 0. To calculate GPA: assign points to each grade based on the course credits, sum these points, and divide by the total credits attempted. Or, use our free GPA to Letter grade conversion chart and GPA Calculator.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Aug. 8, 2024

    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.

  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Jul. 14, 2024

    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.

  • Megan C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
    Apr. 29, 2024

    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!

  • Angela C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Apr. 8, 2024

    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).

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Mar. 31, 2024

    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.

  • Lance W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Oct. 2, 2023

    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.

  • Aloha M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Jul. 2, 2023

    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.

  • JOANNA M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
    May. 15, 2023

    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!

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Mar. 31, 2023

    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.

  • Whistle P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground
    Mar. 19, 2023

    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.

  • Ian O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Maple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Nov. 15, 2022

    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

  • Syd W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Oct. 20, 2022

    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.

  • Lisa C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Sep. 26, 2022

    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.

  • Mike L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Jul. 29, 2022

    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!



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 137 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.