Big Foot Horse Trail and Camp near Grand Bay, Alabama provides primitive equestrian camping opportunities in the Mississippi National Forest. Located approximately 30 miles from Grand Bay, this free United States Forest Service campground features spacious camping areas designed to accommodate horse trailers. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system. The campground sits within a pine forest ecosystem common to the Gulf Coast region and maintains accessible trails throughout most of the year despite seasonal weather variations.
What to do
Trail riding: Explore miles of marked trails through the National Forest surrounding Big Foot Horse Trail and Camp. One visitor notes, "Campgrounds are beautiful with line forests surrounding the sites. Utilities are primitive but expected for a free campground. Watch where you step! Lots of horse poop."
Historical tours: Visit Blakeley State Park where trails pass through Civil War historical sites. According to a camper, "You will walk through historic civil war sites, trails that were once the streets of the town of Blakeley. A beautiful hike on boardwalks along the Blakeley River then through a swamp on deep into woods amongst ancient oaks."
Water activities: Access nearby waterways for fishing and boating when staying at horse campgrounds near Grand Bay. As one visitor to Apalachee RV Campground mentioned, "Kayaking trails all around in the park and local. Close by to big city life but camping in the wild yonder."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Equestrian campgrounds in the Grand Bay vicinity offer ample room for rigs and horse trailers. At Blakeley State Park, campers appreciate the generous spacing: "HUGE sites, very secluded. If I look really hard through the woods I can see a neighbor. Very clean, well kept."
Natural setting: Pine forests provide shade and wildlife viewing at horse-friendly campgrounds. One camper at Big Pine observed deer approaching the campground regularly, while others mention the surprisingly manageable insect populations: "Bugs are not nearly as bad as I expected. Lots of wildlife including deer that come very close."
Affordable options: Free and low-cost camping opportunities exist at several equestrian campgrounds near Grand Bay. One camper described Big Foot Horse Trail as "Primative but free," while others note the value at nearby established campgrounds compared to commercial alternatives.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most horse camps have basic facilities only. At Big Foot Horse Camp, toilets are available but no drinking water, showers, hookups or sanitary dump stations. Campers must bring sufficient water for themselves and their horses.
Varying site conditions: Some campgrounds have challenges with leveling. At Blakeley State Park Campground, one camper noted, "Some of the sites are so unlevel. But the historical tour of the park is amazing."
Seasonal considerations: Trail conditions vary throughout the year. Summer months bring heat and humidity requiring extra water supplies, while spring and fall generally offer more comfortable riding conditions with milder temperatures and drier trails.
Tips for camping with families
Junior ranger programs: Structured activities for children at nearby parks provide educational opportunities. One family reported, "Woke up to begin the junior ranger packet for our kiddos (provided at checkout) and hiked and explored all day."
Manageable trails: Select appropriate trail sections for younger riders. According to visitors at Anchors Aweigh RV Resort, the surrounding area offers "Small friendly very clean park. All paved and pets welcome," making it suitable for beginners and families looking for easier terrain.
Pack additional supplies: No stores exist at primitive horse campgrounds. Families should bring all necessary food, water and supplies. Some weekends, food trucks may visit certain parks: "We were super happy at the food truck that was there so we didn't have to go off site for lunch."
Tips from RVers
Trailer positioning: Place horse trailers and RVs strategically at Big Foot Horse Camp to create functional camping areas. Sites are generally level enough for most rigs but may require some adjustment.
Waste management: Plan for proper waste disposal as sanitary dump stations are not available at primitive horse campgrounds. The nearest dump facilities may be 20-30 miles away at more developed campgrounds.
Size considerations: While sites accommodate large rigs, access roads may present challenges for oversized vehicles. One camper at Apalachee RV Campground advised, "Some sites are level some are more difficult to level," suggesting bringing leveling blocks and stabilizers.
