Most people know what to expect at a standard campground, where RV and tent campers come to sleep under the stars in nature. But fewer campers know about the joys of equestrian camping. Equestrian campgrounds offer special facilities for riders and their horses, like easy access to horseback riding trails, and horse-focused amenities, such as horse washing stations and stables. Equestrian campgrounds exist all over the country, and we rounded up nine locations so that you know exactly where to go for a weekend in the wilderness with your four-legged friends.
1. Kentucky Horse Park Campground, Kentucky
Kentucky Horse Park is more than just a campground, itโs an entire equine theme park and equestrian facility designed to celebrate the relationship between people and horses. While this is the only campground on the list where horses are not allowed at the campground, it still makes our roundup because there are so many horse-centric things to do. The park itself is a working horse farm that hosts kids horse camp, horse and pony trail rides, and year-round equestrian events. Enjoy the park by day, and settle into the 260-site modern campground by night.
2. Northrup Creek Horse Camp, Oregon
Designed for equestrians, Northrup Creek Horse Camp offers eight specialty corral campsites, each with parking for a horse trailer. The large parking lot at Northrup Creek also has room for large vehicle and horse trailer parking. A horse-friendly trail network begins at the parking lot, with plenty of opportunity for adventure. The campground is basic, with vault toilets, a water hand pump and manure bins, but its location amongst Douglas firs makes for a magical camping experience.
3. Keyhole State Park, Wyoming
Keyhole State Park is located on the edge of the Black Hills just west of Sundance. There are three sets of horse corrals with water located within the Homestead Campground. You may also picket your livestock in the field adjacent to the corrals. Just behind the corrals is a trail to explore the scenic wooded park. Bring your fishing pole, binoculars for birding, or simply relax along the shores of Keyhole Reservoir.
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4. Hard Labor Creek State Park, Georgia
Best known for its lakeside beach and golf course, which has โthe hardest starting hole in Georgia,โ Hard Labor Creek State Park is a local favorite for horseback riders, too. The park offers more than 24 miles of wooded trails for hiking and horseback riding, and the on-site equestrian campground has 11 horse campsites and 40 stalls. The equestrian campsites have electricity and water, amenities that arenโt always readily available at equestrian campsites.
5. Hill Country State Natural Area, Texas
Located, as the name suggests, in Texas Hill Country, this state natural area is a beautiful and rugged place of deep canyons and scenic plateaus on the site of a former ranch. The campground has six primitive equestrian campsites with two overnight horse pens and access to a 40-mile equestrian trail system. There is also a large group equestrian campsite called Chapas Camp. Chapas Camp can accommodate 40 people and 20 trailers and has a barn for the horses. Guide services to help your group explore this primitive area are available for horseback riding, hiking, and biking.
6. Mueller State Park, Colorado
Offering visitors stunning mountain views and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, Mueller State Park is a beautiful place to ride the trails. This Colorado park has two equestrian campsites (sites 133 and 134) that can fit either a tent or an RV. There are corrals available for the horses as well as interior stalls within the barn. Only two horses are permitted per site and campers must bring their own feed, water bucket, and tools to clean up after their horses. There is a dump station, bathroom facilities, and coin-operated showers available to campers.
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7. Coldwater Equestrian Campground, Florida State Forest
This campground is located in the largest state forest in Florida, Blackwater River. The area provides access to 55 miles of equestrian trails that take horseback riders through some of the most scenic woodlands in Florida including lakes, streams, and even access to a sandbar along the creek. The campground offers three corrals, 60 barn stalls, and 56 campsites withe electric hookups for RVs and tents. You’ll also have the convenience of the dump station, restrooms, and showers.
8. Farragut State Park, Idaho
Located in the mountains of northern Idaho, this state park has an abundance of unique activities to keep you busy, including disc golf, a radio-controlled airplane field and a WWII museum. Horse lovers have access to 20 miles of equestrian trails on the north side of the park, accessible from the equestrian camping area at Corral Campground. The horse-friendly campground has six equestrian sites offering central water and vault toilets.
9. Brown County State Park, Indiana
The largest equestrian campground featured on this list, Horseman Campground at Brown County State Park offers 118 modern electrical sites with horse tie-ups and 91 primitive sites with horse tie-ups. An annual horse tag is required for each horse that will be camping at Horseman Campground. The park has 70 miles of bridle trails that take riders up and down steep, forested hills. You can ride your own horse, or participate in a guided trail ride from the Saddle Barn.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.