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Best Equestrian Camping in Alabama

314 Reviews

With over 20 state parks, more inland waterways than any other state, and multiple Appalachian peaks, more and more outdoor lovers are turning to Alabama for adventure. While football is still king in this southern state, tourists enjoy the serenity of Alabama's white sand beaches and the thrill found within its carved canyons. So lace up the boots or grab a paddle – it is time to find camping in Alabama!

Alabama's shores have always been a hot spot for southern beach bums, but with the growing popularity of events like Hangout Festival, Gulf Shores is quickly becoming a bucket list destination for many. Fortunately, coastal camping is a reality in the Heart of Dixie.

Beach camping can be one of the most challenging experiences of your life, and simultaneously, the most peaceful. Find camping in Alabama along the sandy coastline of Gulf Shores and wake up to the sound of crashing waves. Warm waters and comfortable year-round temperatures make Gulf Shores a desirable stop for locals and visitors alike.

Looking to escape the crowds? Head north to camp primitively or grab a cabin close to Dismals Canyon. Not only will you find waterfalls and natural bridges at Dismals Canyon, but you can also find "dismalites," a rare fly that emits blue-green light in its larval form. Many explorers tour the canyon at night to catch a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of this natural light show.

Water lovers might prefer exploring the state by winding through all 631 miles of The Alabama Scenic River Trail instead. As the longest water trail in any single state in the country, this waterway takes paddlers from northeastern Alabama into the Gulf, passing through the heart of the state in the process. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Alabama along the way.

Map showing campgrounds in AlabamaExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites in Alabama (23)

    1. Oak Mountain State Park Campground

    95 Reviews
    Hoover, AL
    Website
    +1 (205) 620-2520

    "But regular RV campers are allowed at the Equestrian center. We are close to the farm/petting zoo. Also the horses are next to the campground. Very quiet and reasonably priced."

    "It's the largest state park in Alabama."

    2. Wind Creek State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Alexander City, AL
    Website
    +1 (256) 329-0845

    "Lots of trees and lots of waterfront lots on the shores of one of Alabamas most beautiful lakes."

    "We stayed at site 100 it was an excellent site right on the water next to us was like a private beach. This is the only public access to Lake Martin. Large lake for swimming, boating, fishing."

    3. Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Guntersville, AL
    Website
    +1 (256) 571-5455

    "This is a nice state park in a small town in north Alabama. The lake is really pretty and the campground has a nice view of it."

    "The campground is right on the banks of Lake Guntersville and it has a beach area so it's great if you want to play in the water."

    4. Cherokee Rock Village

    33 Reviews
    Leesburg, AL
    Website
    +1 (256) 523-3799

    $0 - $35 / night

    "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"

    5. Blakeley State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Spanish Fort, AL
    Website
    +1 (251) 626-5581

    "**When you think Alabama this is the kind of beauty you imagine. The water, huge oak and cypress trees, Spanish moss, boardwalks are all lovely to explore."

    "Located on a historic battle ground. 21 - 26 miles of trails to hike, bike or horse ride. Gorgeous surroundings."

    6. Coleman Lake Rec Area

    14 Reviews
    Fruithurst, AL
    Website

    "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."

    7. Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Estillfork, AL
    Website
    +1 (931) 968-6215

    "Park at either the Alabama or the Tennessee trailhead (make sure not to park at the horse trailhead earlier on the road) and descend down into the canyon."

    "The Clark Cemetery campsite is a moderate sized campsite along the Walls of Jericho trail and is located just yards from the Clark Cemetery and the Turkey Creek Bridge."

    8. Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve

    8 Reviews
    Atmore, AL
    Website
    +1 (251) 446-3423

    "Ponds have fish to catch, don’t even need an Alabama fishing license to fish. Super quiet."

    "Lakes and rivers everywhere and the views were incredible. Lots of waterfront sites available. We had our annual multi family meet up with a fifth wheel and our converted bus."

    9. Blue Springs State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Clopton, AL
    Website
    +1 (334) 397-4875

    "This is a gem in south Alabama with the most perfect cold water to cool that Alabama heat. The cabins are more like FEMA trailers but they have some sort of AC."

    "I tried it but found it too cold even though August in Alabama is very hot. Campground seemed a little cramped but acceptable. Bugs became a real issue as the sun began to set."

    10. St. Stephens Historical Park

    5 Reviews
    Silas, AL
    Website
    +1 (251) 247-2622

    "The horse flies really seemed to atack the dogs. We had a great relaxing weekend but next time will bring repelant"

    "Limestone lake, great history on trail, nice to kayak but not for fishing"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos in Alabama

12 Photos of 23 Alabama Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews in Alabama

314 Reviews of 23 Alabama Campgrounds

  • J
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Oak Mountain State Park Campground

    Stayed at Equestrian Campground

    Very happy at this campground. But there aren't many campers here. I think they are at the main campground. But regular RV campers are allowed at the Equestrian center. We are close to the farm/petting zoo. Also the horses are next to the campground. Very quiet and reasonably priced.

  • A
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Coleman Lake Rec Area

    Nature Lover's Dream

    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. Sites are first come, first serve, water and electric. There is a campground host on duty. A campground for equestrians is near the main campground. The Pinhoti Trail that extends from south Alabama to north Georgia goes right beside the lake and is a great section hike.

  • C
    Oct. 24, 2020

    Oak Mountain State Park Campground

    Fun for the whole family

    Oak mountain state park has been a favorite of mine since I was a child. There's so much to do; and its always growing. It's the largest state park in Alabama. Theres lakes, waterfalls, nature trails, basket ball court, volley ball, a petting zoo, horses back riding, water sports, dirt bikes trails, BMX course, archery, cabins, primitive camping and rv's , a beach, a wildlife rescue center and so much more. If you're in the area do yourself a favor and check it out.

  • Mary S.
    Nov. 5, 2018

    Oak Mountain State Park Campground

    Close to Birmingham; close quarters

    This state campground in the Birmingham AL metro area is a quick getaway for city and suburban dwellers. We were looking for continued warm fall weather on a slow trip north; this met the warmth and fall criteria in late October. The proximity to the city made it a good choice for exploring Birmingham.

    Campground as Hotel

    We left in the morning and came back in the evening. Using the campground strictly for accommodations worked out well; it wasn't a place where we would have wanted to hang around the campground all day. The large RVs crammed on sites that weren't very large gave us a closed in feeling. We pulled down the shade in our teardrop to avoid the light pollution from the campers who leave ground lights and other decorative lights on all night. (Do they leave their outdoor holiday lights on all night at home?)

    Tent Only Sites

    • The tent only sites are the best feature of this park. You can pitch your tent among the trees away from the RVs packed together in the rest of the park. 

    • There's no power or water at these sites.  

    • These sites are listed as tent only, but the park office attendant told us there were a few where we could fit our vehicle and teardrop. We declined because we thought we'd be too close to the road although we later saw several that would have been fine

    • Site 42B is the BEST SITE IN THE PARK! You walk down to the site from the parking area, and then there's a great view of the water. I took a photo looking back at the site from the beach area.

    Other Sites

    • All sites not designated tent only have electricity and water. There are some sites with sewer hookup as well as 50 amp power. See site map photo.

    • Loop A's sites are more spread out than sites in Loop B.

    • Loop B: B33 was ok. I recommend sticking to the outside of this loop because there are two roads down the center where you'll have sites on both sides, across the road and behind you. Inside the loop seemed crowded because there were large RVs.

    Restrooms

    Several restrooms are spread throughout the park. They each have a couple toilets and a shower along with hot and cold water in the sinks. Restrooms are clean and a checklist indicates they're inspected 2 or 3 times per day. Everything works fine, but they could use an update inside. If the usage at the end of October is any indication of overall usage, this park is heavily used. It's close to Birmingham which has over a million people, one-fourth of Alabama's population. The state of Alabama should step up and do some renovation.

    Site Taxes are HIGH

    Be prepared for a significant jump to the cost when taxes are applied. Our campsite fee was a reasonable $22.65/night which included a 15% senior discount. Regular price is $26.65. Taxes and a $4.50 one-time fee were added for a grand total of $85.62 for 3 nights. If you're counting, that's 20+% in taxes.

    Things To Do In The Park: boating, fishing, swimming, hiking. You can purchase a detailed hiking map for $1. If you aren't from the area and want to take in some Birmingham history, there are options.

    • Red Mountain Park has hiking trails along with old iron ore mines. There's an adventure park with zip lining, climbing, etc.

    • The base of Vulcan, Alabama's entry in the 1904 World's Fair, is the best place to see Birmingham. The museum next to the statue was well done; it provides a history of this steel city.

    • The park across from the 16th Street Baptist Church (site of the bombing on 9/15/1963 that killed 4 young girls) is a window into the sad part of Birmingham's history. There's also a civil rights museum nearby.

    • The craft breweries (Good People and Avondale) were good. And great barbecue at Saw. Pizza was good at Post Office Pies but they need to put more basil on a pizza advertised as a white basil pizza, not 5 little scraps.

  • Jeff A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 8, 2021

    Oak Mountain State Park Campground

    Add this place to your list!

    What an amazing campground! Alabama knocked this one out of the park. From the first time you enter the park, which isn’t too far from BHam or the interstate, you’re transported to a different place where things move much more slowly just the way we like it. The campground is a 5 mile ride from the main entrance. A beautiful winding road takes you all the way, deep into the property. If you’re lucky, you will see plenty of wildlife (we saw 7 deer and one rabbit). The campsites are very spacious, we stayed in site A30 which was great! But if you want a view, try A26 which overlooks the lake. There is a general store on property that even has propane. If you’re active, they offer bike and hiking trails, horse riding, kayak and paddle boat rentals, and a couple of beaches. Don’t wait, book your stay here ASAP!

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2017

    Owl Creek Horse Camp

    Stopped by on our way through

    While staying in the area we stopped by and checked out this campground and associated trails. It is in a wonderful part of Bankhead and close to so many trail access points. Additionally the campground is located directly on the horse trail so you can stay here with your animals and get up and go trekking the next day. For people like me who are more hikers than riders you just drive 15 min down the road and you are right in the heart of Sipsey wilderness. The campground doesn't have much in terms of amenities but if you prefer a little more you can stay at Brushy lake nearby. The major advantage to this site is its access to the horseback riding trails.

  • Ethan K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2017

    Oak Mountain State Park Campground

    Great camping close to Birmingham

    Oak Mountain is a great camping spot for people that want to have a quick escape from the city of Birmingham. It is located only about 20-40 min outside downtown. Oak Mountain has several of options of things to do away from just camping and hiking (which of course are also great to do here). The roads offer a great opportunity for a nice long bike ride. There is a huge lake which is perfect for swimming and family picnics, especially on a hot and humid Alabama summer day. We had a fantastic time camping at Oak Mountain and will definitely be back!

  • Lynn G.
    Sep. 30, 2017

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Civil war history and beautiful scenery

    When you think Alabama this is the kind of beauty you imagine. The water, huge oak and cypress trees, Spanish moss, boardwalks are all lovely to explore. The Civil War history is interesting and the rangers are well-versed in history (I think they have reenactments sometimes). Great hiking trails (all easy, not too long) that are horse friendly (BYOH). There’s a nature center and lots of different ecosystems.

    Yay: Campgrounds are shaded in fairly dense forests for good privacy. They have simple campsites to full RV campsites, all have a fire ring and similar atmosphere. There are a few different campgrounds, one is tent only. They also have relatively new camping shelters that get you out of the bugs.

    Nay: Close to Mobile so can be crowded. A little expensive for camping. Some areas have just a pit toilet and some have full flush.

    Surprise: amazing cruises along the Delta with lots of wildlife viewing and history!! They have sunset cruises, seafood cruises, and seasonal themed cruises. Definitely the highlight of visiting this whole area. Loved the boardwalk.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2017

    Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite

    Great backpacking

    The walls of Jericho are an incredible site to see if you are willing to make the backpacking adventure to them. The hike in takes only about an hour and is all downhill. Park at either the Alabama or the Tennessee trailhead (make sure not to park at the horse trailhead earlier on the road) and descend down into the canyon. When you reach the bottom of the trail and cross a river there are several campgrounds that you can set up at. After getting settled keep following the trail back into the canyon and you will get to the first waterfall/pool. Don't stop there though cause the real view is the waterfall at the back of the canyon that takes a little scrambling to get to. While there recently with my wife we spent 2 nights camping at the horse campground and spent our full day doing a loop hike into Tennessee. The only thing you have to be cautious of is it can get pretty muddy if it has rained heavy recently. I would suggest going in spring cause that is when everything is blooming and so beautiful.

Guide to Alabama

Horse camping in Alabama offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for riders and their horses.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Gunter Hill features spacious lots with easy access to the Alabama River, perfect for those looking to enjoy a scenic ride.
  • Cherokee Rock Village provides ample space for horse camping, along with beautiful views and climbing opportunities nearby.
  • Faye Whittemore Farms Inc offers well-maintained paddocks and multiple trails, making it an ideal spot for equestrian enthusiasts.

Equestrian campgrounds include various activities

  • Blakeley State Park Campground allows for horseback riding along its scenic trails, providing a great way to explore the park's natural beauty.
  • Wind Creek State Park Campground features trails suitable for horseback riding, along with fishing and swimming opportunities for a full day of fun.
  • Sharon Johnston Park offers a family-friendly environment with trails that are perfect for horseback riding and exploring the park's expansive grounds.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and facilities

  • Lake Guntersville State Park Campground is well-reviewed for its extensive trails that cater to horseback riders, along with beautiful lake views.
  • Coleman Lake Rec Area provides a peaceful setting with trails for horseback riding, allowing campers to enjoy the tranquility of nature.
  • Chilton County Minooka Park features dirt bike and ATV trails, making it a versatile location for those who enjoy both horseback riding and motorized activities.

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