Equestrian camping near Murfreesboro, Tennessee offers access to rolling hills and hardwood forests across the Highland Rim region at elevations ranging from 500-1000 feet. The area experiences mild winters with occasional snow and hot summers with high humidity. Most horse-friendly camping options stay open year-round with peak usage from April through October when daytime temperatures average 70-85°F.
What to do
Trail riding at Henry Horton State Park: Located 30 miles west of Murfreesboro, this park provides well-maintained trails with river views. "We took a walk around section 2, and section 3. There was a lot more room, and seemed a little more private," notes a camper who appreciated the spacious layout for horses and equipment.
Kayaking on Duck River: Just 5 minutes from River Road RV Park & Horse Camp, the Duck River offers gentle paddling suitable for all skill levels. According to a visitor, "Duck River is just 5 minutes away, and Henry Horton State Park is close by—great for fishing, hiking, or kayaking."
Hiking at Cedars of Lebanon State Park: The cedar glades habitat supports rare plant species not found elsewhere. A visitor mentioned, "Cedars of Lebanon is a great State Park in middle TN for camping and for day hikes. It has a great pool, and the natural area where it's located features tons of endemic species to the area!"
What campers like
Quiet, peaceful settings: Many equestrian campgrounds prioritize tranquility for both riders and horses. At Henry Horton State Park Campground, one camper noted, "For several months while living in TN, we spent almost every weekend at Henry Horton State Park. I was never disappointed by any of our sites and never felt cramped or too close to other campers."
Wildlife viewing: The countryside around Murfreesboro offers frequent wildlife sightings. As one camper at River Road RV Park & Horse Camp observed, "There's some wildlife to enjoy—rabbits, birds, squirrels—and even a couple of mini ponies in the pasture."
Campground amenities: Most horse-friendly campgrounds provide basic facilities. At Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground, a visitor reported, "We had a nice clean site, number 62. It had a fire pit, grill and picnic table. The site location was great for us because we had our 5 dogs with us and there was room at this site to let them out with ease."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across the region. A camper at Ray of Hope Guest Ranch noted, "There is limited cell service for most carriers except AT&T" in the area, making it important to download maps in advance.
Site selection tips: Equestrian sites vary in size and layout. At Turnhole Backcountry Campsite, a camper advised, "The cool thing about this campsite is your sorta on a peninsula of the river. Very private and it's not on a loop trail so no foot traffic passing by."
Weather preparedness: Summer temperatures routinely reach 90°F with high humidity. At Fairview Campground, a visitor recommended bringing extra water for horses, noting "Beautiful, clean, well-maintained campground along Tims Ford Lake. Most campsites are on the water with incredible views."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to families with horses. At Manchester KOA, a camper shared, "Activities everywhere! There are pavilions and out buildings setup with games, hammocks, and all kinds of fun family-friendly things to see and do."
Educational opportunities: Local state parks often offer ranger-led programs. At Cedars of Lebanon State Park, one visitor mentioned, "Interactive heritage festivals and other activities frequently came to the center across the street."
Safety considerations: Most equestrian campgrounds separate horse activities from general camping areas. At Fairview Campground, a camper noted, "Great campground on the water and spacious sites. Water access at your campsite to swim or kayak. Nice bathhouse, clean facilities."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some horse-friendly campgrounds have narrow roads. At Cedars of Lebanon, a camper advised, "The only thing that was not ideal were how tight the roads were between campsites but it may have felt that way because we are new to hauling a camper."
Hookup availability: Many equestrian campgrounds offer full hookups for horse trailers with living quarters. At Campers RV Park, one RVer shared, "The pull thru sites have been widened and are more accommodating for larger RVs. They are working on adding a few more pull thru sites as well. The sites are gravel and mostly level. All sites are FHU."
Winter camping options: Several equestrian facilities remain open year-round. According to one visitor at Henry Horton State Park, "Enjoyable stay. The campground is well maintained with plenty of shade at the sites. The bathrooms are nice and warm in the winter and clean."
