Equestrian campgrounds near Walling, Tennessee offer dedicated facilities for horse owners seeking trail access across the Cumberland Plateau region. Most horse-friendly sites operate seasonally from spring through fall when trail conditions remain optimal. Camping options range from primitive sites to full-service facilities with water and electrical connections.
What to do
Trail riding at varied skill levels: East Fork Stables maintains extensive trail networks with difficulty ratings. "There are miles and miles of trails. Waterfalls, overlooks and scenery," reports Shelly S., who stayed during a Cumberland Plateau Stage Race event.
Explore water features: Multiple swimming areas provide cooling options during summer months. According to Myke C. from Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground, visitors should "swim in the cascades next to the nature center, and stand on the edge of the bluff at Buzzard's Roost."
Cable trail challenge: More adventurous visitors can tackle technical routes that require moderate physical ability. "Plenty of hikes that lead to wonderful waterfalls and great scenery. My favorite is the cable trail," notes Tyler J., mentioning this trail is accessible from camping areas.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions across the region. "Very dark at night time, especially with little moon, the stars were jaw dropping," explains Joseph M. about his experience at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground.
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk offer prime viewing times for native species. Sandra V. mentions "daily deer sightings" among the park's attractions, along with "a lovely fishing lake and bike trails."
Accessibility without driving: Trail networks often connect camping areas to main attractions. Rebecca P. notes, "There is a great trail that connects the campgrounds with the Woodland Trail. Once you've parked at the campground, there's no need to get in your car until you leave!"
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Campground layouts differ greatly in terms of privacy and distance between sites. Andrea S. warns about Area C at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground: "The camp slots on area C are so close to one another that most people couldn't use their fire pits for fear of burning their own tent, or their neighbor's."
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Twisted South Stables near Walling has only three designated sites, making early reservations essential.
Highway noise considerations: Some locations experience traffic sounds due to proximity to interstates. At Manchester KOA, now called Rvino - The Broken Banjo, Craig M. notes: "Highway about 100 yards away so that was an issue. Not much you can do about that."
Tips for camping with families
Activity variety for children: Select campgrounds offering dedicated recreation areas. Sandra V. recommends Fall Creek Falls for new campers because "modern bathhouses located in each camping area, swimming pool, golf course and restaurant make roughing it easier for those who need more comfort while camping."
Water feature access: Families with children should consider proximity to swimming areas during summer stays. Brandie D. highlights Turnhole Backcountry Campsite for its "awesome swimming holes, and even an olympic pool with diving boards and a snack shack for the kiddos."
Trail difficulty assessment: Research trail ratings before hiking with younger children. Mandy C. cautions about certain trails: "We decided to do a day hike on the Sal Hollow Trail. It ended up being pretty exhausting: we believe it is a lot longer than the markers suggest, and a lot of the trail seems pretty unused/not kept up."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparation: Many campgrounds in this region have uneven terrain requiring adjustments. Richard F. advises: "Pay attention to grades of sites when booking, you might need extra supports to level out."
Arrival timing: Planning daylight arrivals improves setup experience. Richard F. continues with practical advice: "Arrived in the dark, do not recommend as there is not much lighting to see especially if the sites is tight with others."
Satellite reception limitations: Tree coverage impacts communication services in wooded areas. MickandKarla W. notes about Manchester KOA: "Satellite could be iffy due to the amount of mature trees. We did see Starlink antennas at some of the sites."
