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Best Equestrian Camping near Bankhead National Forest

5 Reviews

Owl Creek Horse Camp provides direct access to equestrian trails in Bankhead National Forest, offering a simple but practical base for riders. This large field campground features potable water available year-round from spigots and basic facilities including pit toilets. Campers can link together 22 miles of trails from this location, with paths primarily designed for equestrian use though also suitable for other activities. The campground sits under large loblolly pines providing some shade while maintaining cellular service with approximately 2 bars of Verizon 4G LTE coverage, making it convenient for riders who need to stay connected.

Located near the heart of Sipsey Wilderness, the horse camp serves as an excellent jumping-off point for trail riding adventures. The campground costs $5 per night or $3 for day use, making it an affordable option for equestrians exploring the area. While the site lacks luxury amenities, its strategic position provides riders immediate trail access without needing to transport horses. The nights sky offers remarkable stargazing opportunities after a day on the trails. For those seeking more facilities, Brushy Lake campground is located nearby. Faye Whittemore Farms offers an alternative with a more developed camping experience, featuring water and electric hookups in a wooded setting plus paddocks for horses and access to multiple scenic riding trails throughout the property.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Bankhead National Forest (3)

    1. Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site D)

    1 Review
    Bankhead National Forest, AL
    5 miles
    Website

    "Small but secluded backcountry site with easy access to the river for pumping water. This site is nice because it is level and removed from the water enough that there is no concern of flooding."

    2. Owl Creek Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Addison, AL
    10 miles
    Website

    "While staying in the area we stopped by and checked out this campground and associated trails. It is in a wonderful part of Bankhead and close to so many trail access points."

    3. Faye Whittemore Farms Inc

    2 Reviews
    Jasper, AL
    25 miles
    +1 (205) 300-7141

    $10 - $30 / night

    "They have nice paddocks for your horses.  The multiple trails are so beautiful .  I have been here many times."

    "Lots to do and amazing trails. Helpful and friendly farmers. Clean washrooms and near campsite. No too far from town."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Bankhead National Forest

2 Photos of 3 Bankhead National Forest Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Bankhead National Forest

5 Reviews of 3 Bankhead National Forest Campgrounds

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 28, 2020

    Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site D)

    Large easy access site along the trail

    Small but secluded backcountry site with easy access to the river for pumping water. This site is nice because it is level and removed from the water enough that there is no concern of flooding. This site does have less privacy though so take that into account. 

    Sipsey Wilderness is a protected but unmaintained area in Northwest Alabama that is well known for its intersecting creeks, streams, and rivers that play together with the many waterfalls and magical rock faces. The wilderness area is contained within the larger Bankhead National Forest and is accessible from a variety of different trailheads many of which are only reachable on dirt roads. Hiking here you definitely get the feeling that you have left the rest of the world behind and are in complete wilderness. Different times of year provide completely different experiences whether its the exciting and boundless blooms of spring, the overgrown wild of summer, the bold and expansive colors of fall, or the high river levels and easy boating access of winter. Just make sure to always do your research and plan ahead since it can change so drastically depending on when you go. My favorite is either fall or spring since the summer can be particularly hot and buggy. This trip we had planned to kayak down the river from the Sipsey River Trailhead to the Highway 33 Bridge take out but were thwarted by a recent lack of heavy rain and unusually low river levels for the season. Several sites online suggested over 4 feet gauge height would be fine but after talking to the Rangers we were told the only time that it was really navigable was in the winter or fall for a couple of days after a major rainfall. With that plan out the window, we decided instead to throw some packs in the car and move our gear around to make it a semi backpacking/hiking trip.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2017

    Owl Creek Horse Camp

    Stopped by on our way through

    While staying in the area we stopped by and checked out this campground and associated trails. It is in a wonderful part of Bankhead and close to so many trail access points. Additionally the campground is located directly on the horse trail so you can stay here with your animals and get up and go trekking the next day. For people like me who are more hikers than riders you just drive 15 min down the road and you are right in the heart of Sipsey wilderness. The campground doesn't have much in terms of amenities but if you prefer a little more you can stay at Brushy lake nearby. The major advantage to this site is its access to the horseback riding trails.

  • Gregg G.
    Feb. 10, 2021

    Owl Creek Horse Camp

    Horse Camp with cell Service

    This is off the beaten path a bit, but it has its perks. Here you can find potable water from the spickets all year long. It is essentially a large field with some very large loblolly pines. The nights sky is wonderful. Also, from here you can link together 22 miles worth of trail. We rode our bikes, the trails are more geared for the equestrian rider, but was friendly enough for bikes. We enjoyed staying here after being out of cell service for a few days at brushy lake, so we were able to catch up and coordinate our next destination.  As far as campground amenties outside of whats already been covered there are a had full of picnic tables and a pit toilet. 

    Cost is $5 a night or $3 for day use. 2 bars of Verizon 4G LTE.

  • Belinda H.
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Faye Whittemore Farms Inc

    The campground is wooded with electric and water hookups . Very nice!

    The campground is very nice and woodsy.  The campsites have water and electric hookups.  They have nice paddocks for your horses.  The multiple trails are so beautiful .  I have been here many times.

  • Adrienne D.
    Jul. 8, 2023

    Faye Whittemore Farms Inc

    Great time!

    Lots to do and amazing trails. Helpful and friendly farmers. Clean washrooms and near campsite. No too far from town.

Guide to Bankhead National Forest

Horse camping near Bankhead National Forest in Alabama offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.

Equestrian campgrounds include Owl Creek Horse Camp

  • At Owl Creek Horse Camp, you'll find a spacious area surrounded by towering loblolly pines, with access to 22 miles of trails designed for horseback riding.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like Faye Whittemore Farms Inc

  • Faye Whittemore Farms Inc features electric and water hookups, along with well-maintained paddocks for your horses, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bankhead National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bankhead National Forest is Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site (Trail 200 Site D) with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bankhead National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Bankhead National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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