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Best Equestrian Camping near Gulf Shores, AL

37 Reviews

Blakeley State Park Campground offers extensive horse-friendly trails and camping options near Gulf Shores, Alabama. The park features 21-26 miles of trails suitable for horseback riding throughout its 2,000-acre property. Campsites accommodate horses with ample space between sites and room for horse trailers. The park maintains multiple camping areas including improved tent sites, RV sites with hookups, and cabin options, all with access to the equestrian trail system. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and water access. The campground layout provides good privacy with most sites surrounded by woods on multiple sides, creating a secluded atmosphere for campers with horses. Sites are immaculate with water and power available.

The extensive trail network winds through diverse ecosystems and historic Civil War battlegrounds, making for interesting rides with educational components. Trails are well-marked and maintained, offering easy to moderate terrain with flat surfaces ideal for horses. Riders can explore historic civil war sites, trails that were once streets of the town of Blakeley, and scenic boardwalks along the Blakeley River. The park's location provides a balance of seclusion while remaining accessible to nearby amenities. Big rig-friendly access ensures horse trailers can navigate the campground roads comfortably. The park's natural setting attracts abundant wildlife, with deer frequently spotted near the campsites. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with summer months being particularly hot and buggy, while fall and winter provide more comfortable riding conditions.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Gulf Shores, Alabama (4)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Gulf Shores, AL

37 Reviews of 4 Gulf Shores Campgrounds

  • Rebecca C.
    Nov. 19, 2019

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Beautiful getaway

    Located on a historic battle ground. 21 - 26 miles of trails to hike, bike or horse ride. Gorgeous surroundings.

  • Lynn G.
    Sep. 30, 2017

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Civil war history and beautiful scenery

    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.

  • Nicole G.
    Mar. 15, 2021

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Quiet nights, beautiful days

    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).

  • Chirleen E.
    May. 13, 2020

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    We love Blakely!

    Great tent campground. Most sites have some privacy but a few are close to neighboring sites. Its a short walk to the bathhouse and tons of hiking trails are nearby. Rates are reasonable, picnic tables, and fire rings at the sites. Our favorite nearby camlground!

  • Christie M.
    Mar. 11, 2023

    Apalachee RV Campground - Blakeley State Park

    Big camping spaces- semi private

    Big camping spaces- semi private. Kayaking trails all around in the park and local. Close by to big city life but camping in the wild yonder

  • Karen L.
    May. 17, 2018

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Very large park, hiking, camping, battlegrounds

    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.

  • Kaylin R.
    May. 2, 2019

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Rich in History and Nature

    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!

  • J
    Jul. 24, 2021

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Beautiful historic park

    This place is rich in history and is absolutely beautiful. We came in on a Tuesday in July and had the tent section to ourselves. It was quiet and secluded. The ground was a bit wet from the morning rain but we were able to find a dry spot to set up camp. There are numerous trails to explore and they are all marked for easy exploration. The only downfall about this place was the showers. The water pressure was basically non existent. Besides the shower situation this place is a 10 out of 10. If you are a nature lover and historic buff then this is the place for you !!

  • L
    Mar. 24, 2021

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Giant Spots!

    Giant Rv spots that were very spaced and secluded. Staff were great although not very attentive. We left out in the evening to visit friends and they wanted to know what time we’d be back. We said we weren’t sure and they seemed a little out off because they had to “close the gate”. They just said if we came back “late” and the gate was closed to close it behind us. Lol.

    Don’t plan on bathrooms cause the facilities are basically porta potties. Not a problem for us though but could be for others.

Guide to Gulf Shores

Blakeley State Park Campground encompasses 2,000 acres of historically significant terrain in Spanish Fort, Alabama, approximately 30 miles from Gulf Shores. The park features multiple camping areas designed for equestrian access with adequate space for horse trailers and direct connections to the extensive trail system. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity while winter months provide more comfortable riding conditions with temperatures ranging from 40-65°F.

What to do

Historical exploration: Blakeley State Park offers 26 miles of trails that pass through Civil War battle sites and former town streets. "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," notes Julie D. from Blakeley State Park Campground.

Wildlife viewing: The dense forest setting attracts abundant wildlife throughout the seasons. "We heard coyotes at a distance which was amazing," reports Nicole G. who camped at Blakeley. "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."

Delta cruises: Several boat tour options depart directly from the park. "Amazing cruises along the Delta with lots of wildlife viewing and history. They have sunset cruises, seafood cruises, and seasonal themed cruises," explains a visitor at Apalachee RV Campground. Tours generally last 2-3 hours and require advance reservations.

What campers like

Spacious campsites: The equestrian-friendly campsites at Blakeley State Park provide substantial spacing for privacy. "HUGE sites, very secluded. If I look really hard through the woods I can see a neighbor," writes Laurie A. about her travel trailer stay at Blakeley State Park.

Multiple ecosystems: The diverse natural environments create varied riding experiences. "There are a few different campgrounds, one is tent only. They also have relatively new camping shelters that get you out of the bugs," explains a visitor describing the layout of camping areas relative to the different terrain types.

Weekend amenities: The park occasionally offers additional services during peak periods. "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?)," notes Nicole G. about her family's stay. Weekends typically see higher occupancy, especially during spring and fall riding seasons.

What you should know

Site levelness: Some RV sites present challenges for larger rigs despite being marketed as big-rig friendly. "Some of the sites are so unlevel. But the historical tour of the park is amazing. So much information about the civil war. Other than the rv sites being so unlevel the park is really nice," cautions Michael from Anchors Aweigh RV Resort.

Bathroom facilities: Bathroom access varies by camping section with some limitations. "Bathrooms were fine, no sinks but sanitizer and again water at our site," notes a visitor. The bathhouse serves day visitors as well, which can lead to congestion during busy periods.

Equestrian regulations: Horse owners must bring their own water troughs and clean up after horses on trails and in camping areas. Trail maps marking horse-accessible routes are available at the ranger station. Certain trail sections close seasonally due to wet conditions.

Tips for camping with families

Junior Ranger program: Educational activities keep children engaged with the park's history and natural features. "Woke up to begin the junior ranger packet for our kiddos (provided at checkout) and hiked and explored all day," shares Nicole G. about her family's experience at Apalachee RV Campground - Blakeley State Park.

Biking opportunities: The park's extensive road network provides safe cycling options for various skill levels. "Bring your bikes, lots of roads to explore with little traffic," recommends DALLEEN. Most equestrian trails also permit bicycles, though riders should yield to horses.

Proximity to attractions: Despite its secluded atmosphere, the park offers convenient access to nearby destinations. "It is very close to Mobile, but also very secluded. There is alot of space between sites and lots to see and do within the campground also," notes Alana R. about the strategic location.

Tips from RVers

Pull-through accessibility: Most equestrian sites feature convenient pull-through designs that accommodate horse trailers. "Super friendly staff and the spots, wowza, they are huge and all pull through," explains DALLEEN, who appreciated the ease of parking with a trailer.

Utility connections: Full hookup sites provide necessary amenities for extended stays. "All sites also have sewer!" notes a pleased camper, indicating the complete utility connections available at horse-friendly sites. Water pressure remains consistent even during peak usage periods.

Seasonal considerations: Bug activity varies significantly by season, affecting camping comfort. "Bugs are not nearly as bad as I expected. Lots of wildlife including deer that come very close," reports John W. about his experience at the park. Summer months typically see higher mosquito and fly activity, particularly troublesome for horses in the evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gulf Shores, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gulf Shores, AL is Anchors Aweigh RV Resort with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gulf Shores, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Gulf Shores, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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