Chickasaw State Park offers dedicated horse-friendly accommodations within its 14,000-acre grounds of rolling wooded terrain. Located in southwest Tennessee, this park maintains multiple camping options throughout the year regardless of weather conditions. The equestrian camping near Stanton, Tennessee provides direct access to designated horse trails while maintaining reasonable proximity to other park attractions.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: The extensive trail system at Big Hill Pond State Park Campground connects riders with diverse terrain and wildlife viewing. "We did some backcountry hiking and camping here, hike was awesome, very peaceful and great for just getting away for a few days," notes Sammy C.
Geocaching opportunities: Search for hidden caches throughout Chickasaw's woodland areas where GPS coordinates lead to concealed containers. "This park has camping, hiking trails, horse back riding and geocaching just to name a few things to do here," explains Amanda F.
Water recreation: Spend time at the park's lake with rentals available for those without personal watercraft. "Excellent campgrounds, for both tent and RV, and the lake felt amazing," shares William, highlighting the refreshing water access during warmer months.
What campers like
Renovated facilities: Many campgrounds in the region have undergone recent improvements. At Big Hill Pond State Park Campground, "The sites at this park are beautiful and it's been one of my favorite camping spots for as long as I can remember. The new renovations make it top notch," reports Wendy C.
Clean bathhouses: Most parks maintain regularly serviced restroom facilities. "Nice clean bath house. Very friendly staff and ranger. Great hiking!" continues Wendy C., noting the maintained facilities that enhance the camping experience.
Wildlife observation: The natural setting provides opportunities to spot native species. "The boardwalks and observation deck were really fun for the kids," Kim B. explains, pointing to structured viewing areas that make wildlife spotting more accessible.
What you should know
Site variations: Campsite quality and size can vary significantly even within the same park. At Milan City RV Park, "The lots are a little closer than I like but everything's here," notes William N., highlighting the compact nature of some camping areas.
Seasonal popularity: During peak seasons, reservations become essential, particularly for equestrian sites which tend to fill quickly. "My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our maiden voyage to Chickasaw State Park this past weekend. The campsite for RVs was full so we decided to camp with the Wranglers!" explains Brandon C.
Water conditions: Swimming areas may have varying water clarity depending on recent weather and usage. "The water was BROWN. very dirty. My daughter came out brown. Her suit was brown," reports one camper about a lake swimming area after heavy use.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies throughout the region with many parks having limited coverage. "No cell service and pay as you go park WiFi," notes Don L. about connectivity challenges at Chickasaw.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some parks offer dedicated play areas near camping loops. At Cook's Lake RV Resort and Campground, families should note the demographic mix: "Workers mainly. Ton of construction, trade, and 0500-1700 workers. This was great from a sleeping standpoint (no one was ever loud) but kids didn't have a scene so to speak," explains Paul C.
Trail difficulty assessment: Evaluate trail lengths and difficulty before heading out with younger children. "Most of the trails were too long for us so we didn't see the whole park," mentions Kim B., suggesting families should plan accordingly.
Astronomical viewing: Consider camping during new moon phases for optimal stargazing. "This is a dark sky area, so come during the new moon phase for views of the Milky Way!" recommends Shana D. about Big Hill Pond State Park.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for encounters with local wildlife, including waterfowl. "The only bad thing about this place is all of the Geese at the swimming area," notes Nikki W., indicating potential interactions with birds around water features.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds feature sloped terrain requiring careful positioning. "We stayed in site 11 which was AAA and level at the top. Only negatives were a steep incline to back into site," reports Don L.
Size restrictions: Larger RVs face limitations at certain parks. At Agricenter International RV Park, "Full hookups and convenient location. We have stayed there several times," notes Brent M., highlighting the accessibility for larger rigs.
Weather preparation: The open layout of some campgrounds offers little protection from elements. "In the sun, rain, wind, etc. It was an old mobile-home park, so very exposed to elements," warns Paul C., suggesting awnings and shade structures are essential during summer months.
Loop selection strategy: Different camping loops offer distinct experiences within the same park. "The trailer/RV loop is on the side of a hill. It was amazing the way they got so many half way level sites into this area. Very, very tight," explains Gary P., recommending careful research before booking.
