3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Paddle Creek Horse Camp provides primitive camping sites for equestrians near Beech Fork Lake, with direct access to the bridle trails in Wayne National Forest. This rustic campground accommodates tent campers and small RVs with horse trailers, though lacks developed amenities like electric hookups, running water, or shower facilities. The campground offers basic facilities designed specifically for horse owners, with ample space for trailer parking adjacent to campsites. Trail riders note the ground remains usable even after moderate rainfall with proper site preparation.
Located approximately 30 miles from Beech Fork Lake, Paddle Creek serves as a strategic base for exploring the extensive network of horse trails in the Wayne National Forest. The horse trails connect to multiple loops of varying difficulty levels, allowing riders to customize their experience from easy day rides to challenging terrain. Most campsites provide sufficient space for portable corrals or highlines, though permanent stalls are not available. Visitors should come prepared with all necessary supplies including water for both riders and horses, as the nearest supply points are several miles away in nearby towns. The campground operates primarily during spring through fall seasons, with primitive bathroom facilities maintained during peak usage periods.
"Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."
"We stayed on the upper end by the veterans cemetery, even though it's close to the pool and playground, it was pretty quiet. Sites were a bit unlevel, but easy to back into."
from $55 - $85 / night
"Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."
"Greenbo is a small state park tucked away in beautiful greenup co a very quit peaceful park. With a little known secret outside of the area world class bass fishing."
Available this weekend
from $25 - $55 / night
"The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach) , kayaking, and fishing."
"Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren’t right beside someone - and shaded."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $20 / night
"This is a beautiful state park with breathtaking views of creeks along the roadway, wonderful landscape designed by nature, good hiking trails, peaceful campground, and a nice lodge."
"We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees."
Available this weekend
from $25 - $85 / night
"If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge."
"Great location to earn some backpacking miles. Feels quite remote, but along the trails there are shelters, bathrooms, trash reciprocals, and other useful hookups."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $52 / night
"The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults. Giovanni's pizza restaurant on site has wifi. This campground is located out in God's country. "
from $20 / night
"No water or electricity at the primitive campground, but you’re within walking distance of the main bathhouse which was nice and clean during my stay. "
"There was creek nearby and walking paths all over. We went over to the lodge and was able to swim in the pool and hot tub as part of the price of our campsite."
from $16 / night
"The park’s along the lake and has hiking, birding, a restaurant, and a nice surprise: an open air theatre with shows outside all summer."
"I lived in the Dewey Lake-JWSP area with family members, until 2002. Currently, I live about 10-15 minutes away from JWSP and visit the park at least once a month, depending on the weather."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $45 / night
"For an extra fee ($15 I think, we don't have horses) you could board your horse in the barn. Campsites are a reasonable price with no hookups, $15."
"this campsite is not for the new camper, very limited on the nicer things at a campsite. but easy access to the lake. And great view"
GuideGreenbo is a small state park tucked away in beautiful greenup co a very quit peaceful park. With a little known secret outside of the area world class bass fishing. Yelp that’s right you wouldn’t ever guess that by the size of the lake but it’s fact and the restaurant at the lodge. Is outstanding
TravelerNice pool, most sites I could see have sewer. Water pressure was low. Very few shady sites on top level.
TravelerWe were surprised to find the store open when we arrived at 6, but woman inside was a trip. She could not seem to figure out how to do anything and talked to herself the whole time. Check in took about 20-30 minutes! She was very friendly though and explained how to get to our site. Tried to get propane- first she said she didn't know how to do it, then she decided she did, but wound up being clueless. She did let us change our site because it was so far from the bathroom. We had to go down a crazy steep narrow hill to get to the lower area. Thought it might be quiet but wound up on top of a busy road. Ok for an overnight. Huge street lights over us. Sites a little junky looking.
GuideThe equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.
GuidePrimitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway.
TravelerPlenty of spots, including pull thrus. More affordable than some of the nearby state “resort” parks, though without much in the way of shade or scenery. Staff is very kind, helpful, and understanding. Perfect for an overnight.
RangerBeen going to Greenbo since I was a kid in the 70s. Facilities are well maintained and clean. The campground has been recently paved. Plenty of full service sites with sewer, but lots of other shady sites without sewer. Was there July 13-16, 2025 -- VERY HOT. Staff are friendly and just excellent. The operating hours of marina and other activities are out of date/wrong on the parks.ky.gov web site, just call the park for hours.
Oh, if you want firewood, the campground office is at the marina. Go there, pay for the firewood, and it will be delivered to your site while you go enjoy the park.
Mini golf is in good shape, get clubs and balls at marina. Be prepared, the course is hard, but in a fun way.
Very bike friendly.
GuideSmall sites but full hookups. Many amenities. multiple pools in the area, mini golf, animal exhibit although closed when we were there. Both trails we went on weren’t maintained well but the area was pretty.
RangerWe just spent a long weekend at Greenbo Lake State Park. It’s a clean campground, but sites are packed in pretty tight. Not my ideal kind of camping. The kids had fun because there were about 100 kids in the campground running around. There was a vacation bible school going on. Our kids were invited to take part in activities. Really nice people all over the campground. They advertise the sites with 30 and 50 amp hookups. What they didn’t say was that you had to share a post. The people beside me already had the 50 amp. I pulled everything to run on propane that I could and plugged into the 30 amp. We just had to watch and not use electrical appliances while the air was on. It was just way too busy and loud to relax for me. I think I’m just way too spoiled by Twin Knobs. There were way too many young kids on electric bikes that were turned loose. We were almost ran over a couple of times. We were standing beside the road once talking to the camp host in his golf cart and one teen flew between us and I had to grab my 87 year old mother to get her out of the way. The host didn’t seem to care. I was just on edge the whole time trying to keep my grandkids and mom from getting ran over. There were also a bunch of golf carts driving around as late as 2 am. I sound like an old fart, but I’m just putting it out there for future campers. We were on site 53 along the creek. There was no AT&T service, but Verizon had service.
Paddle Creek Horse Camp serves equestrians in the eastern Kentucky-Ohio border region near Wayne National Forest. The primitive camping area sits at approximately 700 feet elevation, providing direct trail access within 30 miles of Beech Fork Lake. This equestrian-focused site functions primarily during spring through fall seasons when trail conditions remain suitable for riding.
Trail riding exploration: The extensive bridle trail network at Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius connects multiple loop options. "Tons of hiking trails around the lake. We will definitely be back!" notes reviewer Corey M. The trails offer diverse terrain options suitable for both beginner and experienced riders.
Fishing opportunities: Lake access points near horse camps provide fishing spots after trail rides. At German Bridge - Dewey Lake, "easy access to the lake. And great view" according to reviewer Leah P. The lake contains multiple species including bass, crappie and catfish.
Swimming spots: Several waterways near horse camps offer swimming areas for both riders and horses. "The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults," reports Andrew S. about nearby recreation areas. These natural swimming areas provide cooling options during summer rides.
Natural setting: The wooded campgrounds maintain separation between sites. At Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, "The camp sites were nicely spread out within the forest" according to Justin S. This provides both privacy and shade during peak summer months.
Trail access: Direct connections to riding trails rank high among equestrian campers. "The fishing isn't bad at Vesuvius, but the shore access can be crowded... We also hiked the Whiskey Run Trail, which was short and hilly, but conveniently located right off the campground," reports Brew W., highlighting the convenience of trails starting directly from camping areas.
Ground conditions: The stability of camping and parking areas receives frequent mention. "The ground remains usable even after moderate rainfall with proper site preparation," note multiple visitors. Many horse campgrounds feature gravel pads that drain well during wet conditions.
Water access planning: No running water exists at most horse campgrounds near Beech Fork Lake. At Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, visitor Karen P. advises, "We were on site 53 along the creek. There was no AT&T service, but Verizon had service." Bring sufficient water containers for both human and equine needs.
Trailer parking considerations: Site layouts determine trailer positioning options. "Some sites are more difficult for parking a camper than others," notes Wendi L. about regional campgrounds. Scout potential sites before bringing large horse trailers into tight camping areas.
Seasonal limitations: Most horse camping facilities operate from April through October. "Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you aren't boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway," shares Paul K. about off-season visits. Call ahead during shoulder seasons to confirm facility status.
Safety measures: Keep children away from horse areas unless supervised. At Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground, "We went to the campground during the Halloween festivities in October 2017. There are a lot of activities to do while at the state park, caving, hiking, kayaking, mini golf, golf, etc," reports Karen P.
Activity planning: Bring additional activities for children between trail rides. "Great place for the kids. It is a small camping area that has everything you need to stay a while. It's right off the back waters of Dewy lake. So great to kayaking or any small boats," suggests David O. about regional camping options.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature wildlife observation areas. "There's a wildlife center where you can see bears, bobcats and raptors in enclosures for a $2.00 donation," notes Jennifer B. about regional attractions. These provide educational opportunities between riding sessions.
Hookup limitations: Most equestrian campsites offer limited or no electrical service. At Chief Logan State Park Campground, "Our site was full hook up and very level. There was creek nearby and walking paths all over," reports Jeremiah S. Come prepared with alternative power sources if staying at primitive horse camps.
Water pressure variations: When hookups exist, water pressure may be inconsistent. "Beautiful place to camp. Some sites are more difficult for parking a camper than others... the water pressure was extremely high," warns Wendi L. about regional campgrounds. Consider using pressure regulators when connecting to available water sources.
Extension cords and hoses: Hookup locations often require extended connections. "What's odd is that you share a water spigot with a neighbor so you have to have a long hose to go across your whole section," explains Pamela S. Bring extra-length connections to reach available utilities from parking positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Beech Fork Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Beech Fork Lake is Ashland Huntington West Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Beech Fork Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Beech Fork Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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