Owl Creek Horse Camp provides equestrian-focused camping in a section of Bankhead National Forest where the surrounding terrain varies from 300 to 700 feet in elevation. The campground sits within a 180,000-acre forest system that features mixed hardwoods and pine forests surrounding limestone canyons and sandstone cliffs. Located approximately 80 miles from Madison, Alabama, Owl Creek is part of Alabama's network of public lands that accommodate horse riders and their mounts.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: Access 22 miles of connected equestrian trails from Owl Creek Horse Camp. "We rode our bikes, the trails are more geared for the equestrian rider, but was friendly enough for bikes," notes camper Gregg G., who stayed at the site.
Stargazing in open spaces: Enjoy night sky viewing at Sharon Johnston Park, which has minimal light pollution. "This park is a bit out of the way but a local favorite. The nights sky is wonderful," according to a reviewer. The open field design creates excellent conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Fossil hunting by creek beds: Explore creek areas near Red Coach Resort, where campers report finding ancient fossils. "Did I mention fossils? All over the place some of the oldest creatures to crawl the earth are there for you to find! I'm not kidding we saw trilobites everywhere along the creek," shares Bruce G.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The restrooms at Lake Guntersville State Park Campground receive consistently positive reviews. One camper noted, "Super clean bathrooms, beautiful view of the lake," highlighting the well-maintained facilities despite high visitor numbers.
Year-round water access: Horse campers appreciate the reliable water sources at Owl Creek Horse Camp throughout all seasons. "Here you can find potable water from the spickets all year long," reports one visitor, which is especially valuable for riders needing to hydrate their horses.
Family-friendly activities: Sharon Johnston Park offers numerous recreation options beyond camping. A visitor explained: "It's a great site to bring the kids. In the summer the pool is open which is great for the hot days. There's also a track, a baseball field, and soccer fields."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly at horse campgrounds near Madison, Alabama. At Owl Creek Horse Camp, you can expect "2 bars of Verizon 4G LTE," while at Walls of Jericho backcountry sites, reviewers report "no cell phone service with Verizon."
Reservation requirements: Some equestrian camping areas don't accept reservations, while others require them. At Red Coach Resort, you'll need to book in advance as it's a private facility with limited spaces for horse trailers.
Weather considerations: Trails can become challenging after rainfall. One Walls of Jericho visitor cautioned: "The only thing you have to be cautious of is it can get pretty muddy if it has rained heavy recently."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sharon Johnston Park offers dedicated play areas for different age groups. "There's also a playground with different equipment for all ages," mentions a camper, making it suitable for families with children of varying ages.
Swimming options: During summer months, look for campgrounds with water features. "In the summer the pool is open which is great for the hot days," notes a Sharon Johnston Park visitor, providing relief from Alabama's heat.
Educational opportunities: Fairview Campground at Tims Ford State Park offers water-based learning experiences. "Great for kayaking, fishing, swimming, and family gathering," says Becky S., making it ideal for introducing children to nature activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: When camping with horses near Madison, choose pull-through sites when available. "We had a boondocking site and had to go fill and empty tanks and could do so easily," notes a Red Coach Resort guest, highlighting accessibility even with large rigs.
Limited hookup availability: Most dedicated horse campgrounds have minimal RV amenities. At Owl Creek Horse Camp, expect no electric hookups or sewer connections, requiring self-containment for RV campers traveling with horses.
Road conditions: Access roads to equestrian campgrounds can be challenging. A Red Coach Resort visitor mentioned, "I cannot judge access really as they were still working on the roads," indicating the importance of checking current road conditions before bringing large rigs to horse camping facilities.
