Trail Rides and Horse Camps in Kentucky USA including trail riding through the Daniel Boone National Forest and around Mammoth Cave in the U.S. state of Kentucky
Trail riding anywhere in Kentucky is an exhilirating experience, one not to be missed if you’re the adventurous type.
Riding in Kentucky
You’re spoilt for choice, with dozens of horse camps featuring everything from the most primitive setups to Kentucky trail camps that can only be described as complete luxury.
The Cumberland River was wide a ten-lane highway dividing a wilderness of granite and the Daniel Boone National Forest. Crystal clear, the water rushed forward catching in swirls and small rapids that glistened in the bright afternoon sunshine. The trail boss, Bill, let his horse pick her way between the rocks and pick a spot to cross. His arm waved us forward. Wait until I’m across, then head out. Keep your eyes on the other side. Don’t look down or you’ll get dizzy. Keep your horses out of the rapids, where it’s safe.Kentucky Trail Ride Boss
Redhill Horse Camp
Redhill Horse Camp is located in Rockcastle County Kentucky – (606)758-4706
We are approximately 15 miles from Interstate 75 South. The camp is 5 miles off US Hwy.25 at Livingston, Kentucky on Hwy. 1955. We have miles and miles of trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest, old logging roads and country roads. We have many streams and mountains on our trails.
We have organized trail rides in the summer and fall with a trail boss. Redhill Horse Camp has over 40 campsites with water and electric available. There are showers and restrooms available …
Stampede Run Horse Camp
2150 Beulah Heights Rd. Whitley City, KY 42653 – (606) 376-9666
Stampede Run Horse Camp located off Hwy. 27 on 1045 between Somerset and Whitley City. Come and enjoy the trails of the Daniel Boone National Forest. 40 miles of trails that offer lots of rock houses, the historical Sheltowee Trace and riding where four hundred coal miners use to live and mine the coal. Barren Fork Horse Camp behind Stearns Ranger Station, is within riding distance of this camp. Ride the same trails of the Barren Fork Horse Camp …
D Bar K. Horse Camp
510 Ollie Rd. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky 42259 – 502-348-2031
70+ miles of trails. We have 12 electric and water sites along with picnic
tables. There are thirteen 12×12 pens. We also have primitive sites. Restrooms
and showers are available, 22 covered stalls. We are located just past
the Lincoln trailhead on Ollie Rd. …
Bear Creek Horse Camp
Open April 1st to Nov. 30 – Located near Stearns, KY (on US 27) via KY 92 and KY 742 – 423/569-9778
Big South Fork NRRA – Rt. 3, Box 401 -Oneida, TN 37841
24 Improved sites with water and electric hookup – Modern bath house – Potable water – Tie stalls – Camp fire circle
Approximately 20 miles of designated trails already connect to horse camps at Station Camp, TN, and Bandy Camp, TN. Connections to Bell Farm and Barren Fork proposed. Also offers fishing, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting, and includes the Blue Heron historic site and railroad
Barren Fork Horse Camp
Daniel Boone National Forest – Stearns District – PO Box 429 – US Highway 27N – Whitley City, KY 42653 – 606/376-5323
Located just off US 27, north of Whitley City. Access road is at Stearns District ranger office. 41 primitive sites – Horse water from pond – City water from faucets – Large gravel circle for day use – 2 sets toilets – No showers
Extensive trail system in Daniel Boone National Forest, including Sheltowee Trace. Nearby abandoned mining area being evaluated for possible development as historic site. Within 20 miles of multiple recreation sites, including General Burnside Island State Park and the Cumberland River. The Forest Service is now charging for the use of the BARREN FORK HORSE CAMP.
Little Lick Horse Camp
Daniel Boone National Forest – London Ranger District, 761 Laurel Rd – London, KY 40744 – 606/864-4163
Located south of KY 192 at Mt. Victory off Forestry Service (FS) Road 122.
Eight primitive sites – Water for horses – Bring Drinking Water – Pit toilets – Hitching rail – Extensive trail system in Daniel Boone National Forest. Marked trails to Little Lick and Nathan McClure.
Bell Farm Horse Camp
Stearns District Ranger, USFS – PO Box 429 – US Highway 27N – Whitley City, KY 42653 – 606/376-5323
One hour for the 18-mile drive from Stearns. Not recommended for large rigs. Primitive camp – Tie stalls – Creek for horse water – Extensive trail system in Daniel Boone National Forest.
Rudy’s Ranch and Horsecamp
606-768-6544
Salt Lick, Adjacent Daniel Boone National Forest in Eastern Kentucky. The trails connect to the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. Take exit 121 between Morehead and Lexington, KY. Go 12 miles east on Route 36. Rudy’s entrance is located near where Route 36 and Route 211 intersect.
Off I-64 at exit #123. Go South onto Hwy 36 (Go 12 miles). Turn Left onto Hwy 211. Rudy’s Ranch is the first Right off Hwy 211.
White Sulfur Horse Camp
Daniel Boone National Forest – Cumberland District – Rt. 801 Morehead, KY 40351 – 606/784-6428
Located near Daniel Boone National Forest near Cave Run Lake; south of Salt Lick off KY 211, then off FS Road 129 near Clear Creek Lake
30 primitive sites – Picket lines – Chemical toilets – Horse water from pond
More than 90 miles of local trails, including the Sheltowee Trace, with more planned. Extensive outdoor recreational opportunities in Cave Run Lake area.
20 minutes west of Morehead Ky. Take Rt.211 S. off Rt 60 Turn left onto forest Rd 129. (Three way intersection National forest sign: Clear Creek, Zilpo etc.) turn left on gravel road past deli.(good place to stop for directions)
Camp ground: The Forest Service is now charging for the use of the WHITE SULPHUR Horse camp . $$10.00 per night to camp and ride or $5.00 a day to park and ride. Day camp areas at horseman’s camp and clear creek.
Double J Stables and Campground
542 Lincoln School Rd. PO Box 6, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259 – 800/730-4773
Located off Rt. 1827 north of Mammoth Cave National Park
20 sites with water and electric hookups – Additional primitive sites – Room for groups – Picket lines – Tie stalls – Turn-out area for horses – Lounge and Recreation Room with vending machines, ice, and showers
Access to Mammoth Cave National Park trail system has 75 miles of well marked trails. They are hilly, rocky, and very pretty. The group camping area has seven sites with water and electric hook ups. There are stalls available and pens outdoors. There is one modern bathroom with a nice shower and two porta potties. You must cook your own
food. There is plenty of room for additional campers, but they wouldn’t have electric or water. Mammoth Cave is only a few miles from the campground.
D and H Western Village
Rt. 1, Box 219A1 – Hillsboro, KY 41049 – 606/876-5591
Located off Rt. 32 north of Morehead – * Horseshoe Cafe 606/876-2442
Modern and primitive sites – Summer-use camps – Cabins – Heated modern bath house – Potable water – Covered stalls – Tie rails – Camp and tack store – Indoor equestrian center – Lessons – Group programs – Group area – Swimming pool – Rental horses available
Trail system in nearby Daniel Boone National Forest. Other recreational opportunities are available in the camp area, in the Daniel Boone National Forest, or nearby Cave Run Lake. Bed & Breakfast available.
Sand Hill Conservation Camp
Rt. 1, Box 467 Whitley City, KY 42653 – 606/376-9333
Located 8.8 miles west of Cumberland Falls on Highway 700 east of Highway 27, or from Whitley City at the 10-mile marker on Highway 700.
27 acres of county property – 7-acre grass field for horses/trailers – Water available – Hot showers for campers – RV park has electric and water hook-ups – Primitive Camping – No Charge for Day Rides – Two shelters – Horse show area available – Open year-round, 24-hours a day.
Lazy Gait Horse Camp
1624 Halfway Branch Carter, KY 41128 – (606) 474-4316
The trails vary between gently rolling to near mountainous. 50 miles of marked and mapped trails. On the trails you will see caves, water falls, spectacular overlooks, rock formations and mountain streams. Also, you can ride your horse into a small town close by, tie up and eat at a restaurant.
The horse camp has water for horses, however bring drinking water, shower, vault toilet, playground and public swimming pool nearby at Carter Caves State Park. 14 electric sites; 8 primitive sites; 25 stalls;
Directions: Lazy Gait Horse Camp 40 miles west of Huntington WV; 80 miles east of Lexington, KY; 120 south of Columbus, Ohio.
Eagle Creek Horse Motel and Trails
7101 Cincinnati Road Sadieville, Kentucky – 502-857-0609 859-806-2788
We have 11 electric and water campsites on Eagle Creek. The barn has 6 stalls and there is a 60′ round pen. Temporary pens are also allowed. Trails range from easy to moderate and cover 150 acres of wooded hills. Pets are welcome but must be kept on leash.
We are just off I-75 at Exit 136 in Kentucky Eagle Creek Horse Motel and Trails
Taylorsville Lake State Park and Horse Camp
502/477-8713 – Located on state land south of Shelbyville. This area is open for day riding.
10 graveled electric and water sites with grills – No Charge for Day Rides – Modern Bath House and restrooms – Horse washing area – Hitching posts in the shade for the horses 16 miles of trail
Mammoth Cave National Park
Maple Springs Group Campground – Located off KY Hwy. 1352, off KY Hwy. 1827 – Mammoth Cave National Park- Mammoth Cave, KY 42259 – 270/758-2424
270/758-2180/Chief Ranger’s office ext.39 – 877/444-6777 Reservation Line
Four large, primitive sites, each site accommodates up to 24 people and eight horses Potable water – Picket lines – Group area – 80 miles of trails open to horses – Reservations required.
The National Park includes the world’s longest cave system, a World Heritage Site, and an International Biosphere Reserve. Other activities include cave tours, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, boating, scenic boat ride, wildlife, and nature study.
Dale Hollow Lake State Park
6371 State Park Rd. Bow, KY 42717 – 270/433-7431
Located from KY 90 go south on KY 449, then left at the Y with KY 1206 and into the park
24 Electric and water sites – Primitive sites – holiday camping – Coggins and Health Papers Required – Modern bath house – Pool nearby – Picnic tables and grills – Lake with marina and boat ramp one mile away – Hitching posts – May use picket lines and portable corrals
20 miles of official trail with access to additional trails. No Charge for Day Rides
Willow Creek Outpost And Campground
Cadiz, Kentucky – (270) 522-0808
Willow Creek is a recreational area of more than 1000 acres that adjoins the 7000 acre West Vaco bordering Lake Barkley. Willow Creek offers horseback riding and hiking through trails of wooded, rolling lush terrain dotted with ponds and lakes for fishing and streaming with creeks. A nature lovers paradise, campers and sightseers will love it too.