3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Davis Pond Campsite in the Prentice Cooper State Forest accommodates horseback riders with primitive campsites accessible via multiple trail systems. The campground features two picnic tables and basic fire pits in a large meadow area capable of hosting numerous tents and vehicles with ample space for horse trailers. While there are no dedicated horse corrals on-site, the expansive open space allows riders to create temporary paddocks or use highlines between trees. The two-station pit toilet facility receives minimal maintenance and visitors frequently note its poor condition. The campground sits adjacent to a small fishing pond and includes a gravel parking lot with a trail map and sign-in sheet. Some clearance is needed for vehicles navigating the last half-mile of access road.
Multiple equestrian trails traverse the surrounding wilderness management area, connecting to an extensive network suitable for day rides from the campsite. The trail system offers varied terrain through forested landscapes with routes specifically designated for horses, hiking, and ATVs. Trail access begins directly from the camping area, eliminating the need to trailer horses to trailheads after setting up camp. Water for horses is available from the small pond, though quality may vary seasonally. Riders should note that the area includes a shooting range located far from the camping area near the entrance to the wilderness management area. The gravel roads leading to the campsite stretch approximately 7 miles from the main road, with sections becoming dusty during dry periods and potentially challenging during wet weather.
"There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water, then sites with fire pits are scattered throughout a small clearing."
"You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite. Nice wooded area with a trail to the water. There are 5 sites with fire pits."
"This lightly developed site has two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables."
"About 45 mins outside Chattanooga, it’s a beautiful drive. Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance."
from $2 - $38 / night
"It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers."
"This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead. Come here to try your hand at rock climbing and spelunking."
from $25 - $30 / night
"Park at either the Alabama or the Tennessee trailhead (make sure not to park at the horse trailhead earlier on the road) and descend down into the canyon."
"It is also at an easy access point to the falls as well as the other trails in the area. The site has easy access to water most of the year and can provide space for over 10 tents."
"Some really nice sites on lake and shaded. Inner sites are nice as well and have sewer. Good space between sites. 30 and 50 amp. The old section that was for yearly rental is gone."
"Gravel drives & pads with water & electric at sites. Our site #28 had an exceptional view out the kitchen window & from the pinic table of the lake. Newer shower house centrally located."
Available this weekend
"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
"This was a beautiful little spot next to a creek. There are 5 sites in all. It was a Monday in August, and there were two spots available."
"There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!"
"Lovely little spot next to a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river - very popular with locals, and I imagine would be packed on weekends."
ScoutI was worried that I would arrive and find all the campsites occupied. This was not the case. When I got there around 5:30 there was only one other site taken. I didn’t see them until the next morning. By morning, there were two other sites occupied.
TravelerHard to find, really busy but most of them were hikers let left at nightfall.
TravelerWhat a beautiful area to camp. We tent camped in a 12 person tent and had plenty of space on the grass to put the tent up. The other spots are more for RVs. The view is incredible! You can fish right on most of the sites including 41. We have 3 teenagers and they all have asked to come back to camp on this site. Plenty of privacy. We did have a bunch of kids that came through our site to visit the water which I was not a fan of but other than that it's truly a fantastic site. This place is wonderful! Oh, and our tmobile was spotty but still worked!
TravelerSmall, clean. Nice modern, renovated RV /tent sites. Easy to leave your boat or kayak in the water near your site. Nice, clean, easy to walk to beach. Only one waterfront site has full hook ups. One row back was great.
GuideHopefully they open it up soon but we drove about an hour to get here just for it to be closed. The whole road seems to be closed for the time being for road work. I hope this helps someone!.
The 5-8 miles up to this area do seem a little sketchy but we were hoping the actually site would be nice and hopefully it will be after the work they are doing right now.
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.
GuideAbsolutely beautiful. Took a couple of rounds of trial and error to find the spot, which is just a pro for me personally. Once we got there, the place was beautiful. Logging is going on right now, so we were woken up around 6:30 am by the beautiful sounds of machinery and whatnot. Did not catch anything in the pond unfortunately. That’s to be expected when you’re only armed with a Barbie fishing pole and no patience. I have saved the spot and will always be returning whenever I visit Chattanooga!!
GuideThe road to get to the sites is long, bumpy, and very curvy (so you’ve got to go slow). The sites themselves were full of trash, graffiti, and a homeless camp. We elected to not stay.
TravelerSmall, yet amazing!!
Equestrian camping near Whiteside, Tennessee offers trail riders multiple options in Prentice Cooper State Forest beyond Davis Pond Campsite. The region features elevation changes between 1,200-1,600 feet with mixed hardwood forests and limestone outcroppings. Seasonal temperature fluctuations can be significant, with summer highs regularly reaching 90°F and winter nights sometimes dropping below freezing.
Creek exploration: Camping at Tennessee Wall Camp provides access to several water features. "We really enjoyed our night tent camping here. There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water, then sites with fire pits are scattered throughout a small clearing," notes Suzie K.
Waterfall hiking: The trails at Hickey Gap connect to impressive cascades. "There's a giant waterfall down the trail if you can make the trek," reports Julia B. This area is particularly popular during warmer months as John B. explains, "There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!"
Fishing options: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities beyond Davis Pond. Anglers can try their luck at smaller bodies of water or larger lakes depending on preference. "The little pond is a breeding ground for lots of bugs, but it's peaceful and pretty to look at. Not many fish biting this time of year. We did see a couple go out on an inflatable boat," shares Tessa B.
Natural swimming areas: During summer months, campers appreciate cooling off in natural water features. At Hickey Gap, visitors enjoy "a beautiful little spot next to a creek" according to Mike H., who adds that there are "5 sites in all" making for a more intimate experience.
Ample camping space: Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground offers spacious sites for larger groups or those wanting more room. Sandra V. notes that "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."
Wildlife viewing: The forests surrounding Whiteside provide opportunities to spot native animals. Bob P. recommends caution, reporting "I saw 3 copper heads at the creek" when staying at Hickey Gap, highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness when camping in this region.
Road conditions: Access to many camping areas requires navigating unpaved roads. Tessa B. describes the route to Davis Pond: "Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance." This is similar to several horseback riding destinations in the region.
Bathroom facilities: Expect basic or rustic facilities at primitive sites. Mike H. notes at Hickey Gap, "There was a pit toilet with plenty of toilet paper and it was quite clean," which can vary dramatically from one campground to another.
Bear safety: Some camping areas require extra precautions with food storage. "There's also a bear box and signs clearly indicating there are bears around and that you should keep all food in your vehicle or use the box," warns Mike H. about camping at Hickey Gap.
Activity options: Fairview Campground offers family-friendly amenities near water. "Great campground on the water and spacious sites. Water access at your campsite to swim or kayak. Nice bathhouse, clean facilities," shares Clinton N.
Pack entertainment: Horse camping families should bring additional activities for children during downtime between trail rides. "Every time a camper came in, people panicked fearing their cars were going to get hit because the road is so unbelievably narrow and inches close to tents and parking spaces," warns Andrea S. about one crowded campground area.
Weather preparedness: Summer camping requires appropriate gear for heat and sudden storms. Julia B. recommends "Bring a bathing suit and some good hiking shoes" for Hickey Gap visits, as weather conditions can change rapidly in the Tennessee mountains.
Site selection: Rvino - The Broken Banjo (formerly Manchester KOA) offers dedicated RV spots with various amenities. "We reserved one of the spots with a fenced in area for our pups that connected to the camper. They loved having a place to stretch their legs and running around in the grass," reports DeLuvPups D.
Road navigation challenges: RV and horse trailer drivers should research access routes carefully. "The road up there is all rock/dirt with a several hundred foot drop-off on the right side and no guardrail. There were a few hairpin turns. And then the driveway to and from the camp area is quite steep," cautions Mike H. about one camping area.
Hookup availability: When planning horseback camping trips with RVs, check for full hookup availability. MickandKarla W. notes at one campground, "The utilities are located smartly in the middle of the pad to include an extra sewer connection near the pad's front. Water pressure was okay at around 45 psi."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Whiteside, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Whiteside, TN is Tennessee Wall Camp with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Whiteside, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Whiteside, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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