Best Equestrian Camping near Elberta, AL

When you think Alabama this is the kind of beauty you imagine. The water, huge oak and cypress trees, Spanish moss, boardwalks are all lovely to explore. The Civil War history is interesting and the rangers are well-versed in history (I think they have reenactments sometimes). Great hiking trails (all easy, not too long) that are horse friendly (BYOH). There’s a nature center and lots of different ecosystems.

Yay: Campgrounds are shaded in fairly dense forests for good privacy. They have simple campsites to full RV campsites, all have a fire ring and similar atmosphere. There are a few different campgrounds, one is tent only. They also have relatively new camping shelters that get you out of the bugs.

Nay: Close to Mobile so can be crowded. A little expensive for camping. Some areas have just a pit toilet and some have full flush.

Surprise: amazing cruises along the Delta with lots of wildlife viewing and history!! They have sunset cruises, seafood cruises, and seasonal themed cruises. Definitely the highlight of visiting this whole area. Loved the boardwalk.

If you bring nothing but a love of history this is the perfect spot for you.

If you bring your family, this is the perfect spot for you.

If you bring a horse, a bike, or good hiking shoes this is the perfect spot for you.

If you bring a need for getting back to nature, a good book and a tent, this is the perfect spot for you.

We booked in the improved camping section and came in a little later than I had wanted to set up. We arrived at 7:00pm. I have never been greeted by a more enthusiastic staff member who just kept saying we would love it. She had know idea how true her words would be for us.

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. We set up at dark and the stillness was so calming. We had a group with a baby next to us so we were trying to be extra quiet but everyone was so behaved I was taken aback- never had a camping trip so serene.

We heard coyotes at a distance which was amazing.

Woke up to begin the junior ranger packet for our kiddos (provided at checkout) and hiked and explored all day. 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?) Loved seeing the horses on the trails and the easy bikes for our 5 and 7 year old. Second night we got back to the campsite and enjoyed some down time then woke up to explore the civil war battlefield again before we left.

Sites were immaculate with water and power. Bathrooms were fine, no sinks but sanitizer and again water at our site.

My husband didn’t have any interest in coming, now he wants to make it a biannual (at least, event).

Most of the sites from #16 to #56 are shaded, some more than others. All the sites are not the same size, some being larger than the others. Very friendly staff especially the Rangers. Faye (one of the rangers) is great. We had our 3 year old granddaughter with us and she came by at least twice a day to give her a ride on the golf cart and printed of pages she could color on rainy days. She didn’t discriminate either..all the children at the campground got to take a ride. Lots of trails to ride your horses. A lot of the campsites are right on the water. You even have a private huge sandbar for campers only. The showers and bathrooms were always clean and nice. Even though we didn’t use it, there’s a large community center on site to use. We stayed on site #56 and it was right on the water. It was also next to the road. The site was extra super sandy (beach sand) and would be a lot better if they removed some of it. All the other campers were super friendly. We will be back.

Blakely State Park is a very large State Park, with different choices for camping. There are larger primitive tent sites, smaller tent sites with power/water hookups, RV sites, two primitive cabins and 2 newer cabins which are very nice. There's TONS of hiking, a battleground for history buffs, a playground, a boatdock, lots of hiking, horseback riding etc.

I stayed in one of the two Squirrels Nest, which are primitive cabins. Basically open air cabins. 2 walls, a roof and 2 walls of screens. There are two wooden platforms for beds. A twin and a queen, and barstools to sit inside and look out into the woods, over the hill in which they are nestled. There's a sink (but no water) and a cabinet, and outside a large deck with bench seating. Below is a fire pit and picnic table. There is a shared porta potty outside of the two cabins. These cabins are a bit of a drive out in the woods, so make sure your vehicle is up to it. It's very peaceful out there. My cabin was inhabited by mice at night, so I kept my food in airtight plastic paint bucket containers & my belongings covered by garbage bags on one of the platforms and had my air mattress inside a pop-up mosquito tent, so the mice did not bother me. I was after all in their house. I sprinkled peppermint oil around my gear & my bed platform to keep the mice away. Next time I will have my food in a large cooler so that the wildlife is not attracted.

There are hiking trails by these sites, as well as, steps down the hill, leading off into another trail.

i would stay there again. Great place to get away.

Blakeley State Park could be described as being "frozen in time". There's a lot of cool Civil War history to witness, as well as a beautiful walking path/deck along the bay. We were not expecting the $5/person charge to enter the park, so be sure to come prepared for that. No sign of trash on the ground anywhere throughout the park, so I at least know the money is actually being used for good. Map/trails are a little confusing. We had a hard time navigating the park, but the accidental detour allowed for us to watch a turtle lay eggs in the ground. We also managed to run into someone's pet rabbit-- which you can see in the picture provided. The only other thing you need to know is that there are yellow flies and they do bite hard (and can cause an allergic reaction in some people.) Definitely bring bug spray and sunscreen!