Henry Horton State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Henry Horton was the former governor of Tennessee, and it just so happens that this park was built in the 1960’s right on his estate. When you bring your RV to Henry Horton State Park, you’ll get to see what remains of the gristmill and bridge that the family actually used so many years ago. You can also see Duck River, which holds one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. But that’s not all. Henry Horton State Park is a great place to go year-round offering a wide range of activities and facilities.
Enjoy the 18-hole golf course, disc golf course, and even a trap and skeet range. There are also plenty of hiking and biking opportunities as well. Hiking is a fantastic way to get out and explore during your RV camping trip. There is something for everyone to do including the Tree Identification Trail, which is ADA-accessible. When you'd like to cool down after a busy day of fun activities, check out the Olympic-size swimming pool.
While you’re here, you should also check out the Governor’s Table Restaurant. There are a variety of accommodation options available to overnight visitors. The park has an inn, cabins, and a campground for RV and tent campers - there is something to suit everyone's needs.
Radnor Lake State Park is just 45 miles north of the park, off the I-65. This day-park is a haven for nature enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Check out the ADA-accessible Lake Trail where you will find a wide variety of flowers and wildlife.
RV Rentals in Henry Horton State Park
Transportation
Driving
The park is about 50 miles south of downtown Nashville. There are a few roads you can take out of Nashville to find your way onto the US-31 ALT S, which will take you to the park's entrance. RVers will find lower clearance areas on the US-31-ALT S around Chapel Hill, not far from the park's entrance. You should have no problems getting around the park in your RV as the roads are mostly tarred. There is a well-maintained bridge that connects both sides of the park on the Duck River, which all vehicles can use with peace of mind.
The little town of Chapel Hill is just two miles to the north of the park. Here you'll be able to stock up on food and supplies and do your laundry. There are also a few gas stations within a couple of miles from the park entrance.
Parking
There are various little parking lots located all through the park, so you shouldn’t have much difficulty with finding parking. To avoid any complications, it is best to park your RV at a campsite before venturing out, especially during the peak season and on weekends and holidays.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Henry Horton State Park
Campsites in Henry Horton State Park
Reservations camping
The Campgrounds at Henry Horton State Park
When you bring your RV to Henry Horton State Park, you’ll have 56 RV sites to choose from, all of which are located along the beautiful Duck River. This is a lovely campsite that is shaded and paved. Each site offers 20-, 30-, and 50-amp electric hookups, along with water hookups. All campsites have their own picnic table and fire ring for your convenience. If you need firewood you can buy some from the camp store. You’ll find two bathhouses located nearby for you to use, and one even stays open during the wintertime for those that choose to come camping during the off-season.
You can have up to six people at each site, and campers are welcome to bring pets along as long as they're on a leash. An added bonus is that free WiFi is available in the campground. If you need anything at all during your stay, you’ll likely be able to find what you’re looking for at the camp store. Whether it’s snack and drinks, camping supplies, or souvenirs, they have it here. There are so many great options when you come RV camping at Henry Horton State Park.
Backcountry and Hammock Campsites
If you're feeling adventurous and wanting to do a hike and camp in the backcountry, Henry Horton State Park has something especially for you! The park has two sites on the Adeline Wilhoite River Trail Loop. They can only be accessed by foot, so park your car at the camp store and hike the 1.5 miles to the campsite. The hike takes you along the Duck River before looping inland and is an easy walk. Remember to bring your own water as none is available at the campsite. Up to six people can camp on a site, which offers seating and a fire pit. There is also a primitive outhouse. The campsites must be reserved in advance.
Henry Horton State Park also features six unique hammocking sites. These are rustic campsites behind the RV campground, where you can set up a hammock and enjoy being surrounded by nature. This is a great option if you want to leave the camping trailer behind. Keep in mind that you'll have to hike to access these sites, and you must take your garbage with you when you leave. You'll be able to cook on the provided fire ring/grill and enjoy your meals at the site's picnic table. As an added perk, Wi-Fi is available.
Alternate camping
Stay in a Cabin
If you’re looking for someplace that you can stay comfortably for a longer period of time, renting a cabin is a good idea. You can choose between a standard and a rustic cabin. All of them are fully equipped with appliances, linens, cookware and utensils, and house cleaning supplies, although the standard cabins are going to have a few nicer amenities than the rustic cabins. When you go to make reservations, you choose the cabin that will work best for you. Reservations require a minimum stay of two nights.
Stay at the Inn
The Inn located in the park has 68 rooms. They have ADA-accessible rooms, and you can also upgrade to a suite if you like. The suites have a kitchenette and living area included with the room, so they have a bit of a nicer and homier feel to them. Regardless of what kind of room you choose, you’ll be guaranteed the opportunity to enjoy a nice continental breakfast each weekday morning that you stay here.
Seasonal activities in Henry Horton State Park
Off-Season
Visiting the Restaurant
The Governor’s Table Restaurant is a wonderful place to enjoy a cooked meal. The restaurant serves fresh local food accompanied by herbs and produce grown on the premises. They offer a nice selection of beer, including the Tennessee State Park Beer. When you visit during the off-season, it can be a great way to escape from the cold winter weather for a while with a warm meal.
Golfing
If you like to go golfing, the golf course at Henry Horton State Park is the place to be. The course measures 5,625 yards from the Forward Tees and 7,020 yards from the Championship Tees. The course is a lovely place to spend the day, surrounded by hardwood trees on sprawling greens and wide fairways. They also have 37 bunkers, and tees that can accommodate golfers of all skill levels. Facilities also include a practice green, driving range, pull-carts, and a snack bar.
Birding
There is a large variety of birds to see at this Park and year-round you'll be able to enjoy the bird population that lives here. There are over 70 different bird species that reside here, so there’s always plenty to see. One of the great benefits of visiting during the off-season is that you get the opportunity to see migratory birds too. You'll get to see the warblers, woodpeckers, owls, and even the Carolina Chickadee.
The park covers a few different types of terrain, each one with its own little ecosystem. Venturing out on the various hiking trails will give you the opportunity to see different birds in their different habitats.
Fishing
There are lots of opportunities at Duck River for those that enjoy fishing. You can catch different kinds of bass, as well as catfish and redeye. And the best part is that when you come fishing during the off-season, you’ll be able to enjoy the silence and solitude that surrounds you. The river meanders through the park, and there are lots of spots to fish from. Small boats can easily move along the river, or you can fish from the banks. If you're into flyfishing, you'll find opportunities for that in some sections of the river too.
Trap and Skeet
This range isn’t just any range - it’s one of the finest in the state. Here they offer Skeet, Trap, Wobble Trap, and Five Stand Shooting. You won’t need to worry about bringing much along with you either because they’ll provide you with rental guns, ammo for you to buy, and earmuffs to protect your hearing. The range is open over weekends so check the schedule in advance. Younger shooters are welcome to join in as long as they are accompanied by an adult and have a Hunter Education card.
In-Season
Disc Golfing
If you like playing disc golf or simply want to try it out, you can do so for free here in the park. This 18-hole course is rumored to be one of the best disc golf courses in the state of Tennessee, according to people who know about these things. Using the same rules as golf, players must throw a disc at a metal target. This is a fun, challenging course to play on and something the whole family can do together.
Picnicking
There are four picnic shelters available for reservation here in the park. These pavilions are perfect for any big occasion or special event, as they can accommodate anywhere between 75 and 150 people, depending on the pavilion that you choose. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
There are also many picnic tables dotted around the park, particularly along the river. Whether you're visiting for the day or overnighting, this is a beautiful, serene place to enjoy a picnic lunch.
Swimming
Some visitors enjoying swimming in the Duck River - it's a lot of fun! In the summer months, the swimming pool is open and is a great place to cool off. The pool is Olympic-sized and also has a diving board, so there is plenty of space to practice your strokes or just splash around. If you're all hot and sweaty after a game of golf or a hike around the park, you'll find the pool a fun place to relax and get refreshed!
Biking
While there really aren’t any trails that are ideal for biking, cyclists are allowed to ride on any of the paved roads in the park. There are plenty of paved roads here, and taking the bike through the park instead of a vehicle is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, all while protecting the environment. There are also bikes available to use for an hour at a time so don't worry if you don't have any of your own.
Hiking
This is a beautiful park to explore on foot. There are over ten miles of hiking trails available for you to choose from. Most of the trails are labeled as moderate in difficulty level, but each one provides a unique experience in nature. The park offers a variety of ecosystems as you venture through different terrain and you're bound to enjoy some wildflowers, birds, and wildlife along the way. Trails can take you through wooded areas, over rugged boulders, along Duck River, past historical landmarks, and among the diverse wildlife.
