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Coleman Lake Recreation Area in the Talladega National Forest features a dedicated equestrian campground separate from the main camping area. The horse-friendly section accommodates riders with ample space for trailers and direct access to the Pinhoti Trail that extends from south Alabama to north Georgia. The campground is first-come, first-served with water and electric hookups available. Campers experience complete disconnection from technology as there is no cell phone service in this remote location. The equestrian campground provides a convenient base for exploring miles of forested trails on horseback.
Located within the Talladega National Forest, Coleman Lake offers riders excellent access to the extensive Pinhoti Trail system, making it ideal for multi-day trail rides. The surrounding forest provides natural shade and protection for horses and riders during hot Alabama summers. Primitive camping is available for those seeking a more rustic experience. The campground remains open from March through December, allowing for seasonal riding opportunities throughout most of the year. Visitors frequently observe abundant wildlife along the trails, including deer and various bird species. The remote setting creates a peaceful atmosphere for both horses and riders, though campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies as the nearest reliable services are approximately six miles away.
"We attended North Alabama trails and recreation’s Rock and Rig event here. The park is beautiful with amazing views."
"the locals) since 2011, starting back when it was still largely undeveloped and free…totally worth paying for these days - they’ve made it such a great place: showers, bathrooms, dumpsters, plenty of walk-in"
from $19 - $30 / night
Check Availability"The campground is right on the banks of Lake Guntersville and it has a beach area so it's great if you want to play in the water."
"This is a nice state park in a small town in north Alabama. The lake is really pretty and the campground has a nice view of it."
"Coleman Lake is in the Talladega National Forest and very remote. There is no cell phone service at all. We have been camping here all my life. It is one of my favorite campgrounds."
"This can certainly be seen as a positive."
"It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers."
"This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead. Come here to try your hand at rock climbing and spelunking."
from $25 - $30 / night
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TravelerThis is a great family friendly spot to camp the lots are not the most leveled but I think that’s part of the fun, clean bathrooms/showers and definitely plenty to do to keep the kids entertained
ScoutClean and easy to get to.
TravelerWe had a great time! Campsites are spaced out JUST enough for a little privacy. Short walk from our site to clean, warm bathhouses!! Sites in the main campground have power hookups and water spigots. Lake access is limited from the campground, there are only 1 or 2 “lake view” sites. Fishing was limited, lake is very grassy. Loop around the lake was beautiful. The “overflow” campsites were more spaced out and private but do not have shower house or power/water hook ups.
TravelerWe went to Guntersville State Park campground for our first camping trip and really enjoyed it. We went on Labor Day weekend so it was pretty full. Even though nearly every campsite was booked, there was plenty of room for kids to roam, ride bikes, and play. I was really surprised how quiet it was despite the number of people there. No noise issues (other than my own kids). We spent alot of time at the playground and also a morning on the beach area. We’ll definitely be back one day.
GuideWe attended North Alabama trails and recreation’s Rock and Rig event here. The park is beautiful with amazing views. We camped on the “brow” not in the rv parking area so I can’t speak to the camping spots or amenities for RVs, but the staff and facilities are nice.
GuideThis park is an attraction to hikers and rock climbers according to the lady at the camp store. The views are absolutely spectacular! To register for the night you will need cash unless there's someone in the store. Best I can tell, there are more day visitors than campers. I stayed in the tent area, but there appeared to be quite a few places to park a small RV. I chose the tent area because it seemed a bit better for level parking. It was also closer to the restroom. Note there are lots of signs stating no parallel parking in the tent area, so I guess the way the space is laid out if you are towing a trailer you couldn't park there. The tent sites are scattered along half the loop through the park, but there are no specific sites with numbers. Instead there are lots of picnic tables and fire rings and it seems you just pick an open spot. Absent are any tent pads, so you just put out your tent under the trees. There is a restroom building that includes showers, but the showers are those single button things you have to keep pressing. The restroom was reasonably clean given there were a few groups of kids there during the day. Overall this is a pretty good place to camp for the night. The staff was friendly and the park well maintained. I slept in my truck quite comfortably and had a peaceful night. It's June as I visit, and the full rate is $19 to camp. They gave me a senior discount.
TravelerDidn’t expect anyone to be out in the front office but they were in there and gave a detailed description of the campsite and locations. Nice and quiet camping area great to just get away for a day or three will definitely come back
GuideGreat camping option for first come. Glad to get plenty of options for sites. Long drive in. Hosts were great and even deliver firewood to your site. Clean bathrooms, showers, and overall campground. Only had one guest with many kids playing late into night, past quite hours (if any are posted), but we found out it was Fall break and kids were out of school all week. Great hike around the lake and boatramp for trolling motors only.
TravelerSomewhat crowded, but it was a holiday weekend. Very clean bathrooms and campground. Employees were extremely friendly, inviting, and knowledgeable!
Coleman Lake Recreation Area offers equestrian camping near Leesburg, Alabama in the Talladega National Forest. The dedicated horse camping section sits separate from the main camping area, with specific amenities for riders and their horses. The equestrian section remains open from March through December, providing access to the Pinhoti Trail system that connects south Alabama to north Georgia.
Explore Pettyjohn Cave: Located near Sawmill Lake Campsite, this cave system attracts spelunkers and adventure seekers. "This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead. Come here to try your hand at rock climbing and spelunking," notes Lisa.
Fishing at Coleman Lake: The recreation area features a lake stocked with fish for anglers of all skill levels. "Caught 3 bass in the lake. You can't beat the price," reports Jason G. about his experience at Coleman Lake.
Rock climbing at Cherokee Rock Village: Located within driving distance of Leesburg, this area offers numerous climbing routes. "There's so many climbing routes that I love. There's near by water falls and cliff jumping called High Falls," shares Jess C. who frequently visits Cherokee Rock Village.
Complete digital disconnect: The remote setting of Coleman Lake provides a true break from technology. "There is absolutely no cell service at all. The nearest reliable service is literally 6 miles down the road. This can certainly be seen as a positive," explains Evan S. who camped at Coleman Lake Rec Area.
Clean facilities: The maintained bathhouses and campground areas receive consistent praise. "The bath house is very clean and up to date. Sites are level and well spaced," reports Micheal S. about Coleman Lake Recreation Area.
Horse-friendly environment: The equestrian campground accommodates riders with dedicated space for trailers and direct trail access. "A campground for equestrians is near the main campground. The Pinhoti Trail that extends from south Alabama to north Georgia goes right beside the lake and is a great section hike," notes AMANDA D.
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads that require careful navigation. "Make sure you use Highway 78 to enter. Google Maps will send you on a 11.5 mile mountain trail (Dugger Mountain Road) that is a dirt 2 track over the mountain...an interesting trip with a camper," warns Micheal S. about approaching Coleman Lake.
Water availability: While some campsites offer water hookups, others require bringing your own supply. "There are no water hookups, so make sure to pack plenty of water with you," advises Abigail P. about staying at Sawmill Lake Campsite.
Reservation systems: Coleman Lake operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making advance planning essential during busy periods. "Sites are first come, first serve, water and electric. There is a campground host on duty," explains AMANDA D.
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds offer special events for children during holidays. "I camped there on Halloween with my grandkids. My Frankie's dressed in costume for me but the camp host saw them and made a point of inviting them for campground trick or treating. Almost every camp site gave candy and the kid turn out was impressive," shares Evan S. about Lake Guntersville State Park Campground.
Recreation options: Look for campgrounds with amenities specifically for children. "Has a Beach area and playground in the day use area," notes Lisa W. about Coleman Lake Recreation Area.
Trail difficulty assessment: When horseback riding with children, evaluate trail difficulty beforehand. The Pinhoti Trail sections vary in difficulty, with some sections better suited for experienced riders and others appropriate for beginners.
Site selection strategy: At some campgrounds, certain areas offer better accommodation for RVs than others. "I would recommend going to the first open field when you enter which is to the right. I decided to go all the way back down the gravel road to the back and every spot was taken so I wasted about 30 minutes," advises Mitchell M. about Mountain Cove Resort.
Hookup availability: Confirm utility connections before arrival as they vary by campground. "$16/nt. Overflow area has no hookups," notes David M. about Coleman Lake Recreation Area's facilities.
Road condition awareness: RV drivers should research road conditions, especially when accessing more remote horse camping locations. "The road leading up to the campsite is extremely rough and washed out. We were in a Subaru Outback, and it was a very slow-going, bumpy ride — we bottomed out several times," warns Abigail P.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Leesburg, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Leesburg, AL is Cherokee Rock Village with a 4.8-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Leesburg, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Leesburg, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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