Are you planning a trip to Stillhouse Hollow Lake with your horse? We've got you covered. Finding a place to camp in Tennessee with your horse is easier than ever. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Tennessee horse camping excursion.
$25 - $30 / night
Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline offer campers a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat; while a few can be reached by country road. Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. Campers desiring on-site attendant, security and law enforcement services are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where such services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping.
Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake.
Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about three miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American bald eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made locally at the lake.
$5 / night
This recreation area is part of Dale Hollow Lake
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.
Pet friendly primitive campsite on 1.5 acre mini-farm. Leashed pets welcome. Water available. Stalls available for additional fee. Bring your horses and explore the local State and Federal Parks. Horse trails, hiking trails, and waterfalls nearby. Max. 2 horses. Maximum stay, 2 nights/3 days.
$10 - $20 / night
Scout
Great spot. Full hook ups at many spots. Sites are in cul de sacs. Lake is beautiful and really close. Staff is super nice and helpful. Nice playgrounds and pools. WiFi is not currently working. AT&T and Verizon service is good. Lots of wildlife around. Nice hiking trails.
Guide
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!
GuideWe 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!
GuideOverall 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.
Legend
I only spent 3 nights at Kemper Flats primitive campground for a fishing trip. We reached Kemper by pontoon boat from Willow Grove Marina a short 20 min ride. Nice site primitive cabin toilet no water faucet. Bring it in, take it out.
LegendI camped at Eagle Point for a quiet relaxing few days , but due to a group of young lads who camped near me that was not going to be the case. They were loud and annoying and did not care for anybody else's privacy.
The camp site was ok , reached down a very bumpy track not suitable for RV or similar.
There was a porta toilet which was a bonus but lots of trash left behind by other campers.
The site is on the top of a high cliff so no water swimming was possible. Very shady area. There is a boat ramp next to the site which was in constant use day and night.
Legend
Jake here with the Dyrt! I had the chance to speak with Laura, the owner at King's Coach Stop, and hear about the little oasis she has setup for campers. There are spots to fit up to a 50' RV and on the property as well! Check it out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!
LegendWe took a pontoon boat out to Kemper Flats on Dale Hollow lake for a few days relaxing fishing. Primitive site, island with a porta toilet. Camp right on the side of the lake, very quiet and peaceful
LegendTaylor’s Ford primitive campsite is down a steep windy track not suitable for big rigs. There are about 4 lakeside sites available all with good lake views
LegendCove Creek at Dale Hollow lake in TN is a primitive campsite with lakeside camping. There are water faucets for drinking water and a pit toilet available. Great views of the lake and plenty of sites available
TravelerWe have been attending the Halloween event for over 3 years now and we absolutely love it!
RangerWe were here during the week and it was almost empty. The campground is set up in “pods” with 8 sites per pod. Would be great for family and friend camping together. Bath house was clean!!!
ScoutWe tent camped for two consecutive weekends at Cedars of Lebanon. We are local novice campers. The campsites were well maintained with electric and water hookups. The bathhouse at Campground 2 is quite clean and is newer than Campground 1. Both of our stays were in Campground 2 near the bath house. Our first visit was with our dog, second was without. The fire ring in our second stay was weirdly located. Firewood is for sale inside the park and late afternoons the campground host drives thru on a gator like vehicle and offers bundles for sale at $6 each. The place is busy and active but very chill.
We hiked a little on Saturday midday. When I say “hike” I mean we strolled on a trail. Very nice time.
Any critiques by us would be unwarranted. Folks who work there were quite nice. We are very early on the learning curve. That we were able to go and tent camp and have a good time at our age proves that COL is a great place for newer campers to enjoy. We plan to go back a lot.
LegendWe liked this park a lot! Great bath houses and laundry on site. They sold ice and firewood at check in. There are larger sites on the first loop, middle loop is a bit tight with many transient people living out of vehicles. Loop closest to the store is all pull throughs so very convenient but you are stacked in close. Overall cute trails, splash pad was not open when we were there, programs for kids on the weekend and nice playground. Caves were very fun, some need permits!
GuideWe stayed three nights camp ground area 1 is very small sites but quite camp ground area 2 is newer and much larger sites but no sewer hook ups definitely not a deal breaker would stay again
TravelerNice campground with friendly staff. As others have noted, the sites are a bit close to each other. There are a few tent only sites, but they are interspersed with the RV sites.
TravelerLots of beautiful cedars. Shade. Quiet and neighbors far enough away.
GuideFull Time Travelers here.
Stayed at Dale Hollow October 27-31/2021. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see too much of the park/area as it rained for most of our stay.
Great sites, back in. The only issue I had with this camp was the way the sites were situated. They were in sets, like a cul-de-sac shape, and put you really close to your neighbors. Aside from that, it was a nice setup in general. Beautiful sights to see.
The grounds were kept pretty decent, however, I went through the areas close to our site and picked up a lot of trash from each section. It was mostly candy wrappers.
They have a little store near the sites, very friendly staff.
We visited Dale Hollow Sweets, the fudge is fantastic!!!! We didn't get any of the other sweets they had, but it all looked incredibly delicious. The staff there were friendly and courteous. Overall, it was a decent stay for the few nights we were there.
GuideQuite a bit of road noise.
TravelerThis campground has been fun for my partner and I. The shower rooms were a little gross, but we just wore our shower shoes and didn’t touch any walls lol. The hiking trails and frisbee golf has been super fun! We would definitely stay again, just in a more remote spot. Our site was in area 2 and they are very close to one another.
Scout
Campground has Cabins, Bunk house, full hook-ups and primitive spots. There are stalls and tie lines with round pens and paddocks scattered around. Trail system is wonderful with all the views anyone could ask for. Love this place will be coming back!!!
ScoutWe got there late for a primitive site and all the sudden the mgr and police show up mind u the mgr passed us 3 times instead of stopping as a professional mgr should he calls police and tells me the website does not state primitive lol. It was cluttered loud and tacky.
GuideI love staying here. After full-timing since October, this is the first place we have come back to. The park is so clean, has many trails and you have pretty big spaces available to camp.
Only downfall is that we didn’t have sewer hookup, but that
ScoutLarge sites and the facilities were well maintained.
GuideThe sites are pretty close together but it does indeed live up to the resort part in the name. You can purchase WiFi access. There’s a pool, cabin, golf course. It’s also a horse camp with several miles of trails.
GuideClose to town and accessible. Great nature center, trails, and even a small cave for spelunking. Clean sites and friendly staff.
TravelerEveryone including staff was pleasant and helpful. Sites are adequate, plenty of shade, dump station, trash bins and bath house was easily accessible. Enjoyed our stay, will visit again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Stillhouse Hollow Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Stillhouse Hollow Lake is Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 47 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Stillhouse Hollow Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Stillhouse Hollow Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
