Owl Creek Horse Camp occupies a section of Bankhead National Forest with approximately 15 miles of designated equestrian trails. The campground sits at an elevation of around 800 feet among loblolly pines in a cleared field area. Temperatures range from 30-50°F in winter to 75-95°F during summer months, with higher humidity levels from June through September.
What to do
Trail riding: At Owl Creek Horse Camp, riders can access 22 miles of connected trails directly from the campground. "We rode our bikes, the trails are more geared for the equestrian rider, but was friendly enough for bikes," notes Gregg G., who appreciated the versatility of the trail system.
Fossil hunting: Red Coach Resort features creek beds containing prehistoric 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," reports Bruce G., highlighting this unique geological feature.
Rock climbing: Just 90 minutes from Baileyton, Cherokee Rock Village offers numerous climbing routes for all skill levels. "There are so many climbing routes that I love. There's near by water falls and cliff jumping called High Falls," shares Jess C., who visits regularly throughout the year.
What campers like
Cell service availability: Unlike some wilderness areas, Owl Creek Horse Camp maintains reliable connectivity. "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... 2 bars of Verizon 4G LTE," explains Gregg G.
Spacious campsites: At Faye Whittemore Farms, another equestrian-friendly option near Baileyton, campers appreciate the generous space. "The campground is very nice and woodsy. The campsites have water and electric hookups. They have nice paddocks for your horses," notes Belinda H.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained amenities. "The showers are always clean and warm," reports Jess C. about Cherokee Rock Village, while families at Sharon Johnston Park appreciate that "campgrounds were nice and clean."
What you should know
Water access: Year-round potable water is available at Owl Creek Horse Camp. "Here you can find potable water from the spickets all year long," notes Gregg G., an important consideration for both riders and their horses.
Seasonal conditions: Summer heat can make camping challenging, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. The best seasons for horse campgrounds near Baileyton tend to be spring and fall, when temperatures moderate to 60-80°F.
Site limitations: Many equestrian campsites lack permanent corrals. At Lake Guntersville State Park, located 45 minutes east of Baileyton, a tornado changed the landscape. "A few years ago a tornado took out a lot of the big pines so it's a bit hot with very little shade," explains Greg H.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sharon Johnston Park offers substantial recreational facilities. "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," recommends M&P M., who notes the 200-acre property provides plenty of space for children.
Swimming options: During summer months, several campgrounds offer water recreation. "We like to SUP, which was great there," mentions Emily C. about Lake Guntersville State Park, referring to stand-up paddleboarding on the lake.
Beginner-friendly sites: Some campgrounds specifically cater to new campers. "Really good camp for littles and good spot for first time campers. Camp host was awesome," notes RON M. about Sharon Johnston Park, making it a good option for families new to equestrian camping near Baileyton.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Sharon Johnston Park, location within the campground matters. "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.
Hookup availability: The equestrian campgrounds vary widely in amenities. Faye Whittemore Farms provides electric and water hookups at wooded sites, while Owl Creek Horse Camp offers more primitive camping with a $5 per night fee.
Noise considerations: Some campers note proximity issues at certain campgrounds. "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," Jason S. shares about Sharon Johnston Park, suggesting those seeking solitude might prefer the more remote Sipsey Wilderness backcountry sites.
