2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Owl Creek Horse Camp provides primitive camping with direct trail access for equestrian visitors near Belle Mina, Alabama. Located in Bankhead National Forest, the camp features sites specifically designed for campers with horses, offering easy access to over 22 miles of connected equestrian trails. The campground consists of a large field surrounded by tall loblolly pines with potable water available from spigots year-round. Basic amenities include pit toilets, a few picnic tables, and sufficient space for horse trailers. Campers appreciate the convenient location directly on horse trails, allowing riders to set up camp and access riding routes without additional transportation.
Trail connections from Owl Creek Horse Camp link to multiple routes throughout Bankhead National Forest, creating extensive riding opportunities for horse enthusiasts. The trails are primarily designed for equestrian use but accommodate other non-motorized activities as well. Water access for horses is available near the campsite areas. The camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis with fees of $5 per night or $3 for day use. Riders can enjoy miles of forest trails while maintaining access to necessities. The campground's position provides a strategic starting point for exploring the wilderness areas within Bankhead National Forest. Local riders report that the site's location offers an excellent base camp for day-long trail rides, with enough space for multiple horse trailers and reasonable spacing between campsites.
"A beautiful large creek runs through it, with miles of walking paths, a horse barn, and spaces to play and relax."
"This park is tucked away in a private neighborhood on about 80 acres. There are a lot of RV sites as well as primitive camping in the back."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $50 / night
"The campground is right on the banks of Lake Guntersville and it has a beach area so it's great if you want to play in the water."
"This is a nice state park in a small town in north Alabama. The lake is really pretty and the campground has a nice view of it."
Available this weekend
"The park is about 200 acres and the RV sites are located through gate one. There are three rows of sites and the best ones in my opinion are the ones located against the treeline/creek. "
"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."
"Park at either the Alabama or the Tennessee trailhead (make sure not to park at the horse trailhead earlier on the road) and descend down into the canyon."
"It is also at an easy access point to the falls as well as the other trails in the area. The site has easy access to water most of the year and can provide space for over 10 tents."
"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."
ScoutI really appreciated the customer service, they really made check-in easy. I enjoyed everything about this place. It is a great value for the price, and I liked the newly developed facilities too.
TravelerThis park is tucked away in a private neighborhood on about 80 acres. There are a lot of RV sites as well as primitive camping in the back. We really enjoyed all of the trees and being able to take the kids to play in the small creek in the back of the property. They have a nice playground and a koi pond with a little deck to sit on. The only negative is I feel like they “nickle and dimed” us to death.
TravelerWe went to Guntersville State Park campground for our first camping trip and really enjoyed it. We went on Labor Day weekend so it was pretty full. Even though nearly every campsite was booked, there was plenty of room for kids to roam, ride bikes, and play. I was really surprised how quiet it was despite the number of people there. No noise issues (other than my own kids). We spent alot of time at the playground and also a morning on the beach area. We’ll definitely be back one day.
TravelerSomewhat crowded, but it was a holiday weekend. Very clean bathrooms and campground. Employees were extremely friendly, inviting, and knowledgeable!
LegendVisited Lake Guntersville State Park, for the day. After taking our granddaughter to Screaming Eagle Zip-line Adventures, located at the gorgeous Lodge, we visited the Campground…and it’s amazing! At the office, we were helped by Rocky, who was friendly and knowledgeable! We received CG info and a map, as well as rates. We are already planning our next trip to visit! The general store was stocked with necessities, as well as souvenirs. Of course we had to get some ice cream! There are several types of sites, monthly, cabins and tent camping. There are boat slips (local rentals) and a Pavilion on the water, basketball and tennis courts, playground, shady dog park, splash pad, and clean bathhouses. Firewood and ice can be purchased at the store. There are also many trails to hike and bike . It is easy to see that this SP is well maintained! The SP Lodge is worth visiting, which has a nice restaurant. LGSP has a golf course, and the quaint town is close by and has shopping and several restaurants.
TravelerWe stayed three nights in primitive camping and it was fantastic. Our site was right on the water and far away from any other campers. The RV camping is not as secluded. Bath houses were very clean and tons of fun things for kids to do around the park.
TravelerGreat place for the kids our neck of the woods was very quite and right next to where the deer like to graze, nothing like seeing Bambi and friends in the mornings and nights. Come prepared very few items at the camp store
GuideA great beautiful lake. Lots of deer. Also numerous thunderstorms, unfortunately. Avoid area B where we stayed. Had no choice since we were there for our first Oliver Owners Rally and didn’t book soon enough. Those along Lake are best then F. Town of Guntersville has what you need, restaurants, etc.
TravelerWe arrived one day early which was semi planned, but we were not in the spot we were staying for 11 days. Thank goodness because the pic on the site Vs reality was a pretty big difference. We have a big rig and no way we would fit. I figured I would have to finagle something in my own to get us a different site. NOPE! They guy at the gate helped us out and 5 min later we had a site! Store has a few things in it, including some Lake stickers/shirts/etc with Lake Guntersville on them. There is a little library box by the store with books people have put in after reading. There are sites for full hookup, water/electric, or primitive. There are long term sites as well. There is plenty to do! Beach, boat, water pad, basketball and tennis courts. Laundry available. Nice bathrooms and bathhouse. Dog park for bigs and Littles! The power went out once for a couple minutes and then again due to an accident on the mountain. There are neat things within the park to see and do. Hike/trails, golf, fish, zip line, horseback riding. A must stop is to see the donkeys, goats and emus. Towing to get here is interesting, but doable! We have a 42 ft RV with a 16 ft boat behind and we made it. Close enough to town but you have to go over the mountain. There are some neat stores down town and a farmers market.
Owl Creek Horse Camp sits at the heart of equestrian trail systems in Bankhead National Forest. The campground occupies a level clearing surrounded by loblolly pines approximately 40 miles south of Belle Mina, Alabama. Located at 34.32 degrees north latitude and 87.24 degrees west longitude, the horse camp serves as a central hub for riders accessing more than 20 miles of connected forest trails. The area experiences typical northern Alabama weather patterns with humid summers reaching 90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below freezing.
Trail riding from camp: Access 22 miles of connected equestrian trails directly from Owl Creek Horse Camp. The trail system is designed primarily for horseback riding but accommodates other non-motorized activities. "We rode our bikes, the trails are more geared for the equestrian rider, but was friendly enough for bikes," notes camper Gregg G.
Hiking in Sipsey Wilderness: Explore rugged forest terrain at nearby Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site, a 20-minute drive from Owl Creek. The wilderness area features intersecting creeks and waterfalls. According to Asher K., "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."
Swimming and water activities: During warmer months, visit Lake Guntersville State Park, approximately 45 miles east, for lake access and water recreation. "We like to SUP, which was great there," shares Emily C. about her experience at Lake Guntersville State Park Campground.
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote horse campgrounds near Belle Mina, Alabama, Owl Creek offers reliable connectivity. "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... 2 bars of Verizon 4G LTE," reports Gregg G.
Year-round water access: The camp maintains potable water regardless of season. "Here you can find potable water from the spickets all year long," notes a camper about the reliable water supply at Owl Creek.
Strategic location: The camp's position makes it ideal for accessing multiple trail systems. "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," writes Asher K. about Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite, another equestrian-friendly option in the region offering similar trail access benefits.
Basic facilities only: Amenities are minimal at Owl Creek. "As far as campground amenities outside of what's already been covered there are a handful of picnic tables and a pit toilet," explains Gregg G. Expect to be self-sufficient.
Fee structure: The camp operates on a pay-per-use basis rather than reservations. "Cost is $5 a night or $3 for day use," according to recent visitors.
Weather considerations: The area can become challenging in wet conditions. At nearby Sharon Johnston Park, a camper notes: "Be cautious of weather because the trail can get fairly muddy if it has rained in the area in recent days." Similar conditions apply at Owl Creek.
Large open spaces: The campground layout provides room for children to play safely. At Sharon Johnston Park, about 25 miles northeast of Belle Mina, M&P M. reports: "It's a great site to bring the kids. In the summer the pool is open which is great for the hot days... our kids run free -- there are 200 acres of open space."
First-time camper friendly: The area offers good introduction to camping for families. "Really good camp for littles and good spot for first time campers," writes RON M. about Sharon Johnston Park.
Consider alternatives during peak seasons: For families seeking more amenities during busy periods, Red Coach Resort offers additional facilities. "We really enjoyed all of the trees and being able to take the kids to play in the small creek in the back of the property. They have a nice playground and a koi pond with a little deck to sit on," says Lizzy S.
Limited hookup options: Equestrian campgrounds near Belle Mina typically lack RV hookups. RVers should be prepared for dry camping at Owl Creek. For full hookups, consider Lake Guntersville State Park Campground, where one visitor notes, "Full hookup sites. Great views."
Spacing considerations: Some nearby campgrounds provide better RV site separation than others. Jason S. at Sharon Johnston Park cautions: "The camp lots were too close for my liking. Too much noise... More of a family, social type park." Plan accordingly if seeking privacy.
Accessibility challenges: Large rigs may struggle at horse-focused campgrounds like Owl Creek. Bruce G. describes his experience at Red Coach Resort: "We have a 44 ft DRV and with a little care were easily able to get around. We had a boondocking site and had to go fill and empty tanks and could do so easily."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Belle Mina, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Belle Mina, AL is Red Coach Resort with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Belle Mina, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Belle Mina, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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