2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Coleman Lake Recreation Area offers equestrian facilities within the Talladega National Forest near Lineville, Alabama. A dedicated campground for equestrians is located near the main camping area, separate from the standard vehicle camping loops. The equestrian section provides basic amenities for horse owners who want to explore the surrounding forest trails. The Pinhoti Trail, which extends from south Alabama to north Georgia, passes beside Coleman Lake and provides excellent opportunities for horseback riding. Several campers note the campground's remote location with no cell service, creating an undisturbed natural experience for trail riders.
The equestrian camping area provides direct access to forest service roads and trail systems suitable for horseback riding. Horses are permitted on designated trails within the Talladega National Forest, offering miles of scenic woodland riding opportunities. The main campground includes 39 sites with water and electric hookups at $16 per night, while more primitive options are available in the overflow area for $6 nightly. When planning a horse camping trip, riders should bring all necessary supplies as the nearest services are several miles away. Trail users appreciate the well-maintained paths and the ability to access multiple connecting routes directly from the campground. The natural setting with minimal development makes this location particularly suitable for riders seeking a primitive horse camping experience.
"Lots of trees and lots of waterfront lots on the shores of one of Alabamas most beautiful lakes."
"Of course you are on the at one time largest man made lake so all those water activities. There are nice trails that are adequately marked. Once again updates would be nice."
Available next weekend
"Bathrooms nearby, but showers are around the corner. Very clean, just older. Plenty of walking, and biking over the dam into Alabama! Beautiful lake for swimming, canoes, or kayaking."
"The campground is located on West Point Lake, where bald eagles soar."
Available next weekend
from $36 - $72 / night
"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."
"We stayed in the horse camp section because the RV area was full. They use the horse camp area as overflow. Plenty of space there with power and water."
"We stayed for the weekend so we would be close to relatives for a visit. The sites are nice and paved with full hookups. There was even a dish at are site for satellite. Nice paved trails for hiking."
from $25 - $50 / night
"I cleaned up a bit of trash around my site when I arrived. The camp host drove around selling firewood."
"We live close by so for a night trip this is a perfect little getaway."
GuideWell, another review from Hank and I about three weeks ago in October we stayed at McIntosh reserve in Whitesburg Georgia. We stayed for a week. They have no power, but we have a solar generator and a regular generator they have water Spicket spread out sporadically throughout the park, they do have restrooms and a shower house. Very nice park. Very nice host.
LegendThis is a typical park where not all sites are created equal. Some are paved, some are gravel. Some have 50 amp, some are 30-amp. Some are perfectly level and some have really steep grades. Some sites are pull-thru, some are back-in. Some are really long, some are much shorter. The roads in the campground are paved, free of potholes, and fairly easily navigable for big-rigs. All sites are pet-friendly and have water and electric. There are no sewer sites. Campsites 1-27 and 85-106 have 50-amp electric while the others are 30-amp. Some sites (40, 47, 50, 52, 65, 80, 84, 87, 89, 101) are “double-unit” (or buddy) sites which is reflective in the $60/night price. There are bathrooms scattered throughout the campground in each loop but there are only two shower houses in the entire campground. Sites 1-16 are perfectly level as are a few others. Reservations can be made online and the website has pictures and descriptions as well as length of site. The campground is very dark at night with the only lights being at the bathrooms. We love dark campgrounds where the moon and stars are bright. Unfortunately, numerous campers left their lights all night which we find really annoying. Our Verizon phone was very spotty and not reliable. We were able to use our portable Dish satellite to get television. There is a dump station located conveniently on your way out which is quite busy on Sundays at check out.
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.
GuideI was the only occupied site tent so I had the entire area to myself. Plenty of trails to walk/bike on. Bathrooms were clean, just felt like they could be updated.
GuideWe stayed here in June, Thursday through Monday, two people with a tent. The experience was... memorable, though not always for the right reasons.
The bathhouses are something out of a post-apocalyptic travel journal— rusted fixtures, broken tiles, and enough cockroaches and spiders to start a nature documentary. Yes, they are“cleaned” occasionally, but whatever’s happening isn’t winning the war. They’re not just in the mist of past centuries— they’re lost in a heavy, choking fog.
Facilities are very limited, and it’s clear this campground wasn’t designed with tent campers in mind. You’ll wait in line for restrooms, and you won’t enjoy it.
The sites themselves? Old, worn, and could desperately use even a single coat of fresh paint— but the lawns are mowed, and the forest is real. If you value privacy, you’ll love the layout: each site is tucked deep into the woods, with excellent space and seclusion.
But beware: the gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy. Installing a simple keypad would save everyone time and dignity.
Starlink users: take note— if the lake is high, the shoreline disappears, and with it, any chance of a clear shot to the sky. Reception through the trees was very poor.
Wildlife is busy here— armadillos, raccoons, and rabbits all feel quite at home on your tent pad. It’s charming, if you’re into that kind of thing.
The lake sees constant activity: motorboats, water skiing, even boats creeping along at night. It’s not peaceful water. If you came to paddle in silence or sleep early, this might not be your dream spot— unless the noisy party crowd is your own.
ScoutCamping is first come first served basis, no reservations. $20 per night, parking for one vehicle included. Extra vehicles require $5 parking pass per day. They take credit card. Pull up to the booth at the entrance before 5pm or see the camp host 5-8pm. After 8pm, the park gate closes. I was given a gate code in case I needed to leave and return during the closed hours.
The camping layout falls somewhere between dispersed camping and a traditional campground. When I checked in, I was told I could pull up to any site with a fire pit. There were picnic tables and trash cans at most sites. There are no hook ups at the sites, but there is a good amount of space on flat ground in the trees. Several cars, tents, or small campers would fit on each site. Bigger campers could opt for sites 8 or 9 which don’t have trees. I cleaned up a bit of trash around my site when I arrived. The camp host drove around selling firewood.
Many of these reviews seem older, so I wanted to add that there is a newer block bathroom with flush toilets, electricity and a shower stall, and outdoor water spigot near the stretch of campsites marked 1-20 along the river. It was clean. Driving in, you’ll see a sign that points you to “Main Camping.” The sites stretch down a lane that follows the river to a dead end, the river and sites are on the left and there is a large grassy airfield on the right. There was no airplane traffic while I was there and no signage to stay off of it, so perhaps it is no longer in use.
There is a boat ramp past site 20. I saw a sign at the bathhouse for paddling the river and various parks to camp along the way. There are signs for horse camping only at sites 18-20. One of the trails runs between the river bank and the campsites, with red blazes - “River Trail” - so don’t set up equipment there in case hikers or horses come through. I saw people fishing in the Chattahoochee River right off of their campsite. There is a small rapid that stretches across the river near sites 1-10, so you get that nice water flowing sound to fall asleep to!
There are also sites in other areas of the park, if you turn left instead of following the “Main Camping” sign. I’m not sure if they are numbered, and they seem more scattered. There is another bathhouse with running water and a shower that is older next to the cabin called “Old Ranger’s Station.”
The park has wide trails for horseback riding. I hiked the 2 mile Eagle Loop Trail and saw a mountain biker as well. I saw signs for an Orienteering Course. There is a splash pad and a new looking playground that from a glance, might be ADA accessible. There are many signs prohibiting swimming in the river due to the strong current. There is no beach and in most places, the river bank is steep. John Tanner Park has a swimming beach.
The park map is not great and the information available online is insufficient, but I do recommend coming to explore the area and camp! I’ll be back now that I have an understanding of the layout.
ScoutGreat location, water views. Only negative is that the wifi is not strong, but Verizon signal is great.
GuideWe were the only trailer in loop D. It was quiet and very enjoyable! Being right on the lake and having the ducks swim up really thrilled our dogs. The bathrooms were very clean. I imagine that summer is a very different experience, but we enjoyed it!
GuideOlder facilities but the views make up for it. Water and power year round even in winter. Some spots are a little closer than others but most have woods in between so they are somewhat private. The lake is down right now because they are repairing the dam so it was fun to walk along the banks.
Coleman Lake Recreation Area sits within the Talladega National Forest at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet. The recreation area contains a 21-acre lake surrounded by pine and hardwood forest, creating a sheltered environment for camping. Temperatures in this region range from winter lows around 30°F to summer highs in the 90s, with rainfall distributed relatively evenly throughout the year.
Horseback riding on forest trails: Several designated horse trails wind through Little Tallapoosa Park, located within driving distance of Lineville. "They have 3 camping areas. Section 1 is for tents and pop ups. Section 2 is full hookups for campers, 5th wheels and motor homes. Site 3 is for equine camping," notes camper Shirley D. The park offers dedicated equestrian camping with trail access.
Fishing in Coleman Lake: The 21-acre lake at Coleman Lake Recreation Area provides fishing opportunities for species including bass. "Caught 3 bass in the lake. You can't beat the price," reports Jason G. The lake allows trolling motors only, creating a quieter fishing environment than larger motorboat lakes in the region.
Hiking the Pinhoti Trail: This long-distance trail passes directly through the Coleman Lake Rec Area and extends from south Alabama to north Georgia. "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. Day hikers can access trail segments directly from the campground.
Remote location with no cell service: Many campers appreciate the disconnected nature of camping in the Talladega National Forest. "Coleman Lake is in the Talladega National Forest and very remote. There is no cell phone service at all," shares AMANDA D. This creates an environment where visitors can fully disconnect.
Clean facilities despite primitive setting: The basic but well-maintained amenities receive consistent praise. "The bath house is very clean and up to date. Sites are level and well spaced," reports Micheal S. at Coleman Lake Recreation Area. Bathhouses with showers and flush toilets are available at most established campgrounds in the area.
Abundant wildlife viewing: The natural forest setting attracts wildlife that campers often encounter. McIntosh Reserve Park offers riverside camping where visitors report spotting various species. "Loved walking the river bank looking for drift wood," mentions Nick C., highlighting the natural exploration opportunities along waterways.
Access road challenges: Forest roads in the Talladega National Forest can be challenging, especially for larger vehicles. "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 accessing Coleman Lake.
Limited services nearby: The area around Lineville offers few amenities, requiring advance preparation. "We stayed in the equine section. Total of 12 sites. Only 3 of us there. Nice and quiet," reports Shirley D. about Little Tallapoosa Park. Bring all necessary supplies as services can be 20+ miles away.
Gate closure times: Some parks enforce strict gate closure policies. "They lock the gate at 10, sharp, and tend to have some trouble with sewerage during rainy seasons," notes Jan P. about R. Shaefer Heard Campground. Check individual campground rules regarding access hours before booking.
Halloween camping events: Seasonal activities can enhance family camping experiences. "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 Coleman Lake Recreation Area.
Water recreation options: Several parks offer water features for children. "Just got home from a great weekend at LTP. Sites are nice we were at site 11 pull thru with full hook up. Splash park was fun and clean for the kids as well as really nice walking trails we enjoyed," reports Andy M. about Little Tallapoosa Park.
Biking opportunities: Many campgrounds have bike-friendly terrain for children. "My kids enjoyed biking around the camping loop and we did some geocaching. For the price ($15/night), this is a pretty great place to camp," notes Sarah F. about their tent camping experience.
Site selection for large rigs: RVers should research specific sites that accommodate larger vehicles. At R. Shaefer Heard Campground, camper Ward advises: "Reserved out spot long in advance to get a spot on the lake, please do like all campgrounds all sites are not created equal. Most all are concrete pads and level but if your camper is over 25' or so length may cause a problem."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited in national forest campgrounds but available at some county parks. "Great campground. Secluded with electrical and water hookups," reports Micheal S. about Coleman Lake, while county-operated campgrounds like Little Tallapoosa Park offer more extensive hookups.
Equestrian camping with rigs: Horse owners with trailers have dedicated options near Lineville. Equestrian camping areas typically provide more open spaces for larger trailer combinations and direct trail access. These specialized camping areas often have different amenities than standard campgrounds, so confirm facilities before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lineville, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lineville, AL is Wind Creek State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 47 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lineville, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Lineville, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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