Blakeley State Park provides equestrian accommodations in eastern Alabama, located within a 25-mile drive of Eight Mile. The park features over 2,000 acres with 26 miles of trails suitable for riders of various skill levels. Trail surfaces are primarily flat and well-maintained, traversing historic civil war sites, ancient oak forests, and riverside areas. The park maintains distinct camping areas including both RV sections with full hookups and more rustic tent camping options.
What to do
Trail riding and history tours: Blakeley State Park offers extensive trail networks for horseback riding through historic grounds. As Kevin L. notes, the park features "2000 acres, walking auto cell phone tours of civil war, boat tours, big pull through rv spots and a tent campground." Riders can explore former streets of the abandoned town of Blakeley while experiencing the historic battlefield.
Water activities: Blakeley State Park Apalachee Campground provides access to multiple water recreation opportunities. "Kayaking trails all around in the park and local," mentions Christie M., highlighting the paddling options. The park's location near Mobile Bay and the Blakeley River creates diverse waterway experiences for boaters and paddlers.
Junior Ranger programs: Family educational activities include structured programs for younger visitors. One camper describes their experience: "Woke up to begin the junior ranger packet for our kiddos (provided at checkout) and hiked and explored all day." These programs encourage children to engage with the park's natural and historical features while earning recognition.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently praise the generous site dimensions at Blakeley State Park Campground. Laurie A. describes, "HUGE sites, very secluded. If I look really hard through the woods I can see a neighbor." The separation between sites creates a sense of privacy even during busy periods.
Natural quiet: The serene atmosphere ranks highly among visitor experiences. Nicole G. shares, "Two nights under stars and immaculate quiet. (To the point where we couldn't help but laugh (quietly) when our fire cracked loudly a couple times." The peaceful environment makes it ideal for those seeking tranquility while horseback riding or camping.
Convenient location: Despite feeling remote, the park offers accessibility to urban amenities. Aaron D. notes it's a "Hidden spot close to Mobile" with "very quiet at night with barely any lights. The cell service was pretty good since it close to town." This combination of wilderness experience with proximity to services appeals to many equestrians and campers.
What you should know
Terrain and leveling challenges: Some RV sites require additional equipment for proper setup. "Some of the sites are so unlevel. But the historical tour of the park is amazing," reports Michael. Bringing leveling blocks is advisable, especially for larger rigs or trailers hauling horses.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect trail conditions throughout the year. While generally accessible year-round, the "weekend for Mother's Day... was cooler than normal with lows in the 50s. Friday night it rained," according to MomSolo. Spring visitors should prepare for potential cooler temperatures and precipitation.
Facility sharing: During peak periods, certain amenities experience higher usage. "The bathhouse serves as the public restroom for day use as well which made it very crowded at times," notes one camper. Weekend visitors should anticipate more people using shared facilities, especially during special events or holidays.
Tips for camping with families
Bring bikes: Apalachee RV Campground offers excellent cycling opportunities for all ages. Nicole G. mentioned "Loved seeing the horses on the trails and the easy bikes for our 5 and 7 year old." The relatively flat terrain makes cycling accessible for younger riders while adults can explore more extensive routes.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy spotting native animals throughout the park. "Lots of wildlife including deer that come very close," reports John W. Morning and evening hours typically provide the best chances for wildlife observation along the trails and near camping areas.
Weekend amenities: Special services sometimes appear on weekends. "We were super happy at the food truck that was there so we didn't have to go off site for lunch. (Probably just a weekend thing?)" shares Nicole G. Checking the park's schedule before arrival helps families plan for potential on-site food options or special programs.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Anchors Aweigh RV Resort offers an alternative with more consistent leveling. John G. describes it as a "Small friendly very clean park. All paved and pets welcome." For those visiting horse campgrounds near Eight Mile, Alabama who prefer paved sites, this provides an option with easier setup.
Pull-through accessibility: Many sites accommodate larger vehicles with trailers. Aaron D. stayed at "RV Spot 2. It was a pull through spot and easy to get into. The spot was somewhat flat but we had to maneuver to get even and then still needed leveling blocks." Horse owners should request sites specifically designed for trailers when making reservations.
Utility hookups: Full-service connections are available at select sites. Dalleen mentions, "Super friendly staff and the spots, wowza, they are huge and all pull through... Oh, and all sites also have sewer!" These amenities make extended stays more comfortable for RVers visiting equestrian facilities in the region.
