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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
