Equestrian camping opportunities abound within the Bankhead National Forest area, where riders can access extensive trail systems. Woodland settings predominate at these horse campgrounds near Danville, Alabama, with elevation ranging from 500-1000 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional frost, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for equestrian camping trips.
What to do
Trail exploration by horseback or foot: The backcountry trails through Sipsey Wilderness offer hikers access to unique geological features. "Different times of year provide completely different experiences whether its the exciting and boundless blooms of spring, the overgrown wild of summer, the bold and expansive colors of fall, or the high river levels and easy boating access of winter," notes Asher K. from Sipsey Wilderness Backcountry Site.
Fossil hunting along creek beds: The creeks in this region contain remnants of ancient marine life. "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," reports Bruce G. from Red Coach Resort.
Visit local recreational facilities: County parks in the region provide additional amenities beyond camping. "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 so I've seen many athletic events held there," shares M&P M. when describing activities at Sharon Johnston Park.
What campers like
Direct trail access: Horse campers appreciate the convenience of campsites that connect immediately to riding paths. "The major advantage to this site is its access to the horseback riding trails," explains Asher K. about Owl Creek Horse Camp, noting its strategic location for equestrian activities.
Wooded campsites with privacy: Natural settings with tree cover enhance the camping experience at equestrian facilities near Danville. "The campground is very nice and woodsy. The campsites have water and electric hookups. They have nice paddocks for your horses," states Belinda H. about Faye Whittemore Farms Inc.
Year-round water access: Water availability during all seasons provides reliability for campers and their horses. "Here you can find potable water from the spickets all year long. It is essentially a large field with some very large loblolly pines," describes Gregg G. regarding facilities at Owl Creek Horse Camp.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: River levels fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, affecting water crossings and activities. Asher notes at Sipsey Wilderness: "Just make sure to always do your research and plan ahead since it can change so drastically depending on when you go. My favorite is either fall or spring since the summer can be particularly hot and buggy."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs between campgrounds in the region. "We enjoyed staying here after being out of cell service for a few days at brushy lake, so we were able to catch up and coordinate our next destination," mentions Gregg G., noting "2 bars of Verizon 4G LTE" at Owl Creek.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience external noise factors. At Sharon Johnston Park, "There is a gun range across the street and down the road. You can hear people practicing when it's open but it's in the distance," reports M&P M.
Tips for camping with families
Creek access for children: Water features provide natural entertainment for younger campers. "We really enjoyed all of the trees and being able to take the kids to play in the small creek in the back of the property. They have a nice playground and a koi pond with a little deck to sit on," shares Lizzy S. about family activities at Red Coach Resort.
Open play spaces: Large undeveloped areas allow for free exploration. "When we go, our kids run free -- there are 200 acres of open space and a lake so they have a great time -- and there is a Pioneer Village they can explore and an open wedding pavilion for hours of pretending they are at a wedding," describes M&P M. about Sharon Johnston Park.
Beginner-friendly options: Some locations specifically cater to new campers with families. "We loved Sharon Johnson. Really good camp for littles and good spot for first time campers. Camp host was awesome," recommends RON M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites along natural boundaries when possible. "There are three rows of sites and the best ones in my opinion are the ones located against the treeline/creek. There are pull-through sites, but they were closer together and out in the open," advises M&P M. about Sharon Johnston Park.
Maneuverability considerations: Some equestrian campgrounds can accommodate larger rigs despite rustic settings. Bruce G. notes about early visits to Red Coach Resort: "We have a 44 ft DRV and with a little care were easily able to get around. We had a boondocking site and had to go fill and empty tanks and could do so easily."
Social atmosphere expectations: Campgrounds vary in their social environment. Jason S. cautions about Sharon Johnston Park: "The camp lots were too close for my liking. Too much noise and I couldn't find firewood anywhere. More of a family, social type park."
