2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
River Road RV Park & Horse Camp provides tent and RV camping with horse-friendly accommodations in Tennessee near Smyrna. The campground features drinking water, electric and sewer hookups, and dedicated areas for horses. Campers have access to standard amenities including showers, toilets, trash service, and picnic tables. The sites are suitable for campers with horses, though they are not designed for big rigs. The campground maintains a pet-friendly policy, allowing campers to bring both horses and domestic pets. Fire rings are available at sites with firewood for purchase. The campground is reservable and operates year-round, making it accessible for equestrian camping in all seasons. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Smyrna, Tennessee.
Ray of Hope Guest Ranch and Horse Motel offers another option for horse enthusiasts seeking accommodations in the region. This establishment provides tent and cabin camping with glamping and yurt options for those wanting a more comfortable equestrian camping experience. The ranch features basic amenities including drinking water, shower facilities, toilets, and trash service. Campfires are permitted with firewood available on-site. The location is accessible by vehicle with drive-in access. Unlike some larger commercial facilities, Ray of Hope maintains a more intimate setting with its specialized focus on horses. Twisted South Stables represents another equestrian camping option with three designated sites offering electric hookups with both fifty-amp and thirty-amp service along with water hookups. This facility accommodates both tent and RV camping and can handle larger rigs.
"Stayed overnight at the boat ramp in a large quiet lot next to the reservoir surrounded by trees. A few cars were in the lot in the morning but I didn’t hear a sound. There are no services here."
"Easy to get to, ample room between campers, close to local shopping."
"Chapel Hill, just to the north, offers all you might need with a hardware store, Dollar General, walk in clinic and restaurants."
"Yes, I received several dirty looks for driving on the road toward the tent area.) I parked in the restroom area as the road was completely blocked with children, inner tubes and adults."
Available this weekend
"Campground Review: Montgomery Bell State Park The Four Mile Campground is nestled in a hollow offering shade and creekage on one side plus several of the trailheads start nearby and you are close"
"It is a beautiful state park known as the"Queen of Tennessee's State Parks". There are 4,000 acres with mountain biking, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, kayaking/canoeing, and a golf course."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when available"Very close to the freeway. Great for overnight or extended stay. Nice pull through sites."
"Perfect distance to local attractions."
"Despite this campsite being surrounded by the Green River on 3 sides, water is hard to come by here, and hiking it in may be your best bet."
"Unfortunately the ferry is closed so it’s a long drive around to the backside. Turnhole Campsite is a short or long hike from the Maple Springs parking area."
"We stayed at River Road RV Park and Horse Camp and had a great experience."
from $30 - $65 / night
"The staff will come around and collect your trash for you (which isn’t necessary but a nice plus!)"
"This park is located in Manchester, TN right next to I-24, so if you are in the pull-throughs on the front row, you will hear the traffic. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful."
Available this weekend
from $32 - $85 / night
"Most campgrounds in Tennessee are buried in the woods, but not this yurt campsite at Ray of Hope. "
from $30 - $65 / night
ScoutThis campground is so nice. The people that work here are friendly. It’s clean and well-maintained. They worked us in on the last minute for a three month day and they’ve been nothing but cordial since we’ve been here. We have met so many nice people workers in camp campers alike.
TravelerSmall, yet amazing!!
TravelerStaff pleasant, site easy enough to get into, no shade for “short stays”, overall nice, quaint park for overnight parking on the way to another destination. I was disappointed- NO shower house for RVers, only for cabin guest.
GuideWe arrived just after sunset. We never saw a campground. Stayed overnight at the boat ramp in a large quiet lot next to the reservoir surrounded by trees. A few cars were in the lot in the morning but I didn’t hear a sound. There are no services here.
ScoutThis is a very nice campground. Quiet, nice sites, nice hosts, plenty of space, games and nice hangout areas. Perfect distance to local attractions.
ScoutThey say they have bathroom and showers for camper but that is not necessarily so. You have to rent one of their cabins to get to use the bathhouses.
Not worth the $65 per night.
Had I known before hand I would have went a few short miles down the road to the much cheaper state park that has bathhouses.
The not so friendly lady at the front desk didn’t say anything about no access to bathhouses until after I had paid and gotten my site number. The “oh yeah by the way” in regards to the bathhouses was kinda underhanded.
GuideWent camping with my brother back in May. They seem to have made a lot of improvements to the campground since my last visit years prior. There are new trails and the amenities at the sites appear to be new. The trails are very well maintained.
TravelerThis park is located in Manchester, TN right next to I-24, so if you are in the pull-throughs on the front row, you will hear the traffic.
The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They lead you to your site and stay to make sure you don't have any questions. Nice little store, well stocked with conveniences and RV needs, as well as souvenirs.
Gravel roads and level pads. We stopped overnight and did not have to disconnect, as we were perfectly level. Heated swimming pool and splash pad at the entrance, with other "entertainment" for kids in the back of the park (giant chess board, putting green, playground, etc. next to the small lake)
We were amazed to see park staff cleaning and picking up until 1900 at night. One was literally filling bags with pine cones from the road and sites.
The "Premium" sites, such as site 2, has a concrete patio with wrought iron table and chairs, along with a fire-pit and grill.
TravelerWe loved our stay at HHSP. Check-in was a breeze, setup was simple with a level site, and everyone there, from the park rangers to the camp store staff to the campground hosts, was friendly and helpful. Sites are fairly close together but still provide some privacy. Be sure to venture across the river to the restaurant! Clean bath houses. Plenty of places for the kiddos to ride their bikes. We loved it here and will definitely return.
Horse enthusiasts looking for equestrian facilities near Smyrna, Tennessee can find several dedicated campgrounds within a reasonable drive. The area around Smyrna sits at approximately 550 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate that allows for year-round camping opportunities. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F while winter temperatures rarely drop below 30°F, creating favorable conditions for both horse and rider.
Trail riding at Henry Horton State Park: Located about 45 minutes from Smyrna, this park offers trails along the Duck River. "The trails we hiked were well maintained and there is a quiet paved road suitable for bicycling," notes Randy C., who appreciated the park's accessibility and facilities. The park offers both backcountry and established camping areas.
Historical exploration: Montgomery Bell State Park provides opportunities to connect with Tennessee history while camping with your horse. "There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church," writes Faith S., highlighting the historical sites within the park. The park maintains several miles of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding.
Fishing opportunities: Many equestrian campgrounds provide access to fishing spots. At Henry Horton State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing along the "wide river" as Rebecca P. describes it. The park maintains fishing access points suitable for campers with horses, allowing for multi-activity outings.
Peaceful atmosphere: Horse campers appreciate the quiet settings at Montgomery Bell State Park Campground. Tammy P. notes it's a "very clean and quiet" campground where "children can wade in the creek all day, why parents enjoy sitting outside under all the shade trees."
Community feel: Equestrian camps often foster community connections. At River Road RV Park & Horse Camp, Christie B. describes it as feeling "safe, grounded, and community-oriented" with "kind people and good access to outdoor adventure." This makes it ideal for horse owners seeking camaraderie.
Year-round access: Many horse campers value the ability to visit in different seasons. Gabe W. mentions Henry Horton offers an "enjoyable stay" even during colder months, noting "the bathrooms are nice and warm in the winter and clean." This extends the riding season for horse enthusiasts.
Train proximity: Some horse campgrounds are located near train tracks, which could startle some horses. At River Road RV Park & Horse Camp, Danna D. mentions "there's a train track nearby" but notes "it didn't wake me at night." First-time visitors should prepare horses accordingly.
Seasonal variations: Campground experiences can differ significantly by season. Ashley F. notes about Henry Horton: "I visited in the off season (Nov 24) - the bathrooms were clean, the sites were quiet and it was beautiful." Winter camping offers less crowded trails for riding.
Limited cell service: Cell coverage varies at horse campgrounds. At River Road RV Park, Danna reports "No service for TMobile and almost none for Verizon," which might affect emergency communications while trail riding.
Kid-friendly amenities: When bringing children to equestrian campgrounds, look for those with additional activities. Laur H. recommends Henry Horton State Park, noting it's "perfect for families" with "plenty of places for the kiddos to ride their bikes."
Beginner-friendly trails: Families new to horse camping should consider parks with easier trails. Amanda C. suggests Henry Horton for beginners: "The backcountry campsites are just a short trek from the camp store, the hike itself follows the river." These accessible trails work well for families with varying riding abilities.
Off-season benefits: Consider camping with horses during less busy times. Ashley F. found Henry Horton particularly pleasant in November when "the bathrooms were clean, the sites were quiet and it was beautiful." Lower occupancy means more space for families with horses.
Site selection for horse trailers: When bringing both RVs and horses, select sites strategically. At Manchester KOA, MickandKarla W. found site 27 to be "the easiest pull through we've ever had as its angled straight in from the street, no turns or maneuvering to center the rig." This makes parking with horse trailers much easier.
Hookup locations: RVers with horse trailers should check utility placement. At Manchester KOA, MickandKarla W. appreciated how "utilities are located smartly in the middle of the pad to include an extra sewer connection near the pad's front." This practical design helps when positioning both RV and horse trailer.
Level sites importance: For horse owners with RVs, finding level sites is crucial. At Campers RV Park, Jessica L. notes "The pull thru sites have been widened and are more accommodating for larger RVs... The sites are gravel and mostly level." Level sites make for safer and more comfortable accommodations for both horses and humans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Smyrna, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Smyrna, TN is Cook - J. Percy Priest Reservoir with a 3.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Smyrna, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Smyrna, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
