Looking for a horse-friendly vacation? Head for the Kentucky, the Bluegrass State.

Sandwiched between Indiana to the north and Tennessee to the south, Kentucky is part of the USA's upper south region. The state has a history of agriculture, coal mining, auto manufacturing, world-famous fried chicken, bourbon, and of course -- horse racing. Combine a Kentucky horse camping vacation with your trip to the 2024 Kentucky Derby, or plan a visit at almost any time of year. 

We've explored ATV/UTV and snowmobile trips in the USA and Canada with ALCOM trailers before, and now, we're road-tripping to Kentucky. This beautiful state offers the ultimate family vacation for horse people.     

Prepare to Travel

Traveling with horses requires careful planning. Trailering horses is a much different experience than hauling ATVs or snowmobiles. You'll stop more frequently, and may not want to travel as far, or as fast, as you might with other cargo. Crossing state lines may require certain health testing and paperwork for your horses, like a negative Coggins test, so you should always check in with your vet before traveling. Food, water, and other comfort and safety considerations are critical for happy, safe horses while traveling.  

Get the Right Trailer

Frontier Trailers by ALCOM are designed specifically for horses and other livestock. Frontier brings the ALCOM all-aluminum advantage to specialty trailers for very important cargo. With options for smaller livestock, and one to four horses, Frontier Trailers are designed with your animals' safety and comfort in mind. 

Whether you need a gooseneck or bumper pull trailer, Frontier builds a range of options to help you get your horses there safely. For smaller breeds, a 7' height Colt or Strider model makes an ideal choice. For larger horses, opt for a 7'6" height Ambassador or Fast Track model. Whichever trailer you choose, it comes standard with all-aluminum construction, plus safety and comfort features for your horses. Additional upgrades like Rumber flooring, drop-down feed windows, and interior insulation make your trailer complete.

Horse Camping in Kentucky

Once you've selected the perfect trailer and started your pre-trip planning, it's time to decide where in Kentucky you'll travel. Horse Country -- the parts of Kentucky where horses are bred, raised, and trained -- includes the "Horse Capital of the World," Lexington, and the surrounding area. Even while camping, you can enjoy a guided tour of a Thoroughbred farm or visit a city for dining, bourbon tasting and more. 

Kentucky is home to more than 450 horse farms, and more than a dozen horse campgrounds. Four of Kentucky's state parks and a number of private facilities welcome human and equine campers together. Bring your horses in their Frontier trailer, then set up camp for your family on site while your horses enjoy stalls and tie-outs in campgrounds designed for their comfort. 

Where to Camp 

We've rounded up some Kentucky equestrian campgrounds to help you get started planning your Kentucky camping vacation.  

• Mammoth Cave Horse Camp - Nestled against the edge of Mammoth Cave National Park, this campground offers 60 miles of riding trails. 
• Maple Springs Campground - Take the ferry to this backcountry campground in Mammoth Cave National Park and enjoy a totally unplugged experience.  
• Daniel Boone National Forest - Seasonal camping is available at Bell Farm Horse Camp and Barren Fork Horse Camp. These primitive sites connect to miles of trails in historic logging and mining areas. 
• Double J Stables - A welcoming family campground featuring heated bathrooms, campsites with electric and water hookups, and other amenities near Mammoth Cave. 
• Willow Creek Horse Campground - Discover 8,000-plus acres of horseback riding with trails ranging from beginner level to advanced, exploring hills, meadows and forests.  
• Green River Stables - Enjoy 30 miles of horseback riding trails with views of Green River Lake, then kick back at camp or head for karaoke night with your fellow campers. 
• Red Hill Horse Camp - Explore the foothills of southeastern Kentucky near the Daniel Boone National Forest. Campsites offer electric and water hookups for a comfortable stay. 
• Wranglers Campground - Visit Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and enjoy 100 miles of trails, modern facilities and on-site blacksmith and farrier services. It's the campground where horses have the right of way!    

Most horse campgrounds offer stall rentals, and some have expanded services like bath houses, on-site laundry, entertainment, food, and internet. You can also find the most up-to-date lists, recommendations, and reviews online to help you choose the perfect horse-friendly campsite for your Kentucky vacation. 

Off the Trail

When you aren't exploring Kentucky's trails on horseback, venture into town to sample local cuisine and cultural experiences.    

Lexington, the capital of Horse Country, Kentucky, has hundreds of restaurants to choose from, historic homes and working horse farms to tour, and an inviting downtown. Kentucky Horse Park is a unique destination featuring museums, tours, and hands-on education. 

Louisville, home of the Kentucky Derby, is Kentucky's largest city, and there's always something to do. If you're staying near Louisville, enjoy the vibrant food scene, the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum, and the Louisville Zoo. 

If you're staying near Land Between the Lakes, check out the small, charming city of Paducah, where you'll find delicious food, historical murals, an exciting downtown, and the National Quilt Museum.   

Ready to Roll?

If you still need to find the perfect Frontier trailer for your horses, it's time to reach out to your local Frontier Trailers dealer and get started. Choose a trailer that suits your horses' needs, from stall sizes, to padded dividers and convenient feeding windows. Straight or slant load styles are available, and you can choose a bumper pull or gooseneck trailer.

Once you've selected the ideal ride for your horses, you're ready to plan your Kentucky equestrian camping vacation. We'll see you on the trail! 

Sources

• Transporting Horses and Other Equids (American Veterinary Medical Association)
• Long Distance Hauling with Your Horse (Circle Z Ranch)
• Finding the Type of Trailer That is Right For You (Horse Illustrated)
• 14 Cozy Things to Do in Kentucky in Winter (Let's Go Louisville) 
• Kentucky; Thoroughbred (Wikipedia)
• Equestrian Campgrounds in Kentucky (The Dyrt)
• Kentucky Horse Camps (Kentucky Tourism)
• 13 Best Things to Do in Paducah, KY (Southern Living)
• Top 13 Things to Do in Lexington, KY (Visit Lex)