Coleman Lake Recreation Area in the Talladega National Forest includes a dedicated equestrian campground near the main camping area. The horse camp provides access to the Pinhoti Trail system that extends from south Alabama to north Georgia, offering an extensive network for trail riding. Equestrian campers can enjoy multiple trail options directly from the campground while keeping their horses on site. The horse camping area remains separate from the main camping loop, providing a quieter experience for riders and their animals. The campground is very remote with no cell phone service, creating a true nature immersion experience for horse enthusiasts.
Little Tallapoosa Park in Carrollton, Georgia, approximately 45 minutes from Oxford, accommodates horses in its overflow camping section when the main RV area reaches capacity. The park features numerous walking and horse trails with convenient water and electrical hookups for equestrian campers. Horse trails wind through the property alongside a creek and multiple lakes, creating varied terrain for riding. Trail access begins directly from the campground, eliminating the need to trailer horses to riding locations. The park charges $30 per night for full hookup sites with senior discounts available. Golf carts are permitted on the trails, allowing family members who don't ride to enjoy the same scenic routes as equestrians.
"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 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
"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
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.
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 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.
GuideWe spent one night here on the way down to Florida. It is first come first serve and we had no issue finding a space on a Thursday. The lake and surrounding area are full of birds and wildlife. The sites are well maintained, level, with clean bathrooms. So happy we stumbled on this national forest campground!
No cell service. Poorly marked trail around the lake, still worth checking out! Just follow the lake!
Coleman Lake Recreation Area offers equestrian camping in the Talladega National Forest at elevations around 1,000 feet, providing cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The area features specific camping sections for riders with horses, separate from standard camping areas. Trail access ranges from beginner-friendly paths to challenging routes with significant elevation changes.
Fishing opportunities: Coleman Lake Recreation Area has a stocked lake where campers regularly catch bass. "Caught 3 bass in the lake. You can't beat the price," reports Jason G., who enjoyed combining fishing with camping near the water.
Hiking trails: The area features multiple trail options varying in difficulty. At Cherokee Rock Village, visitors can explore unique rock formations. "We explored the caves and climbed the rock formations. There are also trails to hike, run or bike," notes Dori H.
Water activities: Some campgrounds offer water features beyond fishing. Little Tallapoosa Park includes a seasonal splash park that families enjoy. "Splash park was fun and clean for the kids as well as really nice walking trails we enjoyed," writes Andy M.
Complete disconnection: The remote location of some campgrounds means no cellular service, creating a true wilderness experience. "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," shares Evan S. about Coleman Lake Rec Area.
Clean facilities: Many campers note the well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. "The bath house is very clean and up to date. Sites are level and well spaced," mentions Micheal S., highlighting the comfort available despite the remote setting.
Budget-friendly options: Camping in this region offers excellent value compared to more commercial destinations. "For the price ($15/night), this is a pretty great place to camp," says Sarah F. about the tent camping options at Little Tallapoosa Park.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have access roads that aren't well-marked on GPS systems. "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.
Site selection considerations: When staying at Cherokee Rock Village, understand the layout before setting up. "I picked a site away from the bluff near the boulders. Nice and quiet. Of course it's primitive but there is a bathhouse and water within a short walk," explains Dan C.
Seasonal variations: Fall break and other school holidays affect campground atmosphere. "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," notes Wendy L.
Halloween camping: Some horse campgrounds near Oxford, Alabama offer special seasonal activities. "I camped there on Halloween with my grandkids. My Frankies 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," reports Evan S.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Lots of level tent sites next to pavilions with playground equipment. Very calm and quiet park," mentions Danna D. about Little Tallapoosa Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Oxford, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Oxford, AL is Coleman Lake Rec Area with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Oxford, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Oxford, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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