Blackwater River State Forest provides extensive equestrian camping options near Robertsdale, Alabama. Located approximately 40 miles northeast of Robertsdale, the forest spans over 210,000 acres across three Florida counties. Campers can access multiple equestrian trails ranging from 4 to 18 miles in length, with terrain varying from sandy paths to creek crossings. Seasonal fluctuations in water levels affect trail conditions from November through April.
What to do
Explore Civil War sites: Blakeley State Park maintains 26 miles of trails through historic civil war battlefields and the former streets of the town of Blakeley. The park offers both walking and auto cell phone tours of these sites, with Blakeley State Park Campground providing convenient access. "You will walk through historic civil war sites, trails that were once the streets of the town of Blakeley. A beautiful hike on boardwalks along the Blakeley River then through a swamp on deep into woods amongst ancient oaks," notes Julie D.
Creek access: Coldwater Creek runs along the north edge of Coldwater Equestrian Campground with easy water access from camp sites. Campers have a private sandbar for recreation. Jennifer P. reports, "A lot of the campsites are right on the water. You even have a private huge sandbar for campers only."
Fishing opportunities: Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve offers fishing in several small lakes and creek access without requiring an Alabama fishing license. "Ponds have fish to catch, don't even need an Alabama fishing license to fish," explains Mark S.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently appreciate the generous site spacing at Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve. "Large sites with plenty of space between. They rent tubes to float the creek or canoes to paddle the ponds in the park," says Mark S. The reserve maintains a balance between privacy and accessibility to water features.
Forest solitude: Some camping areas offer genuine seclusion for those seeking quiet retreats. "Parked in a clearing with 2 5th wheel renters on it...walked back into the woods along a trail and chose one of several camp clearings. Level ground, dry, lots of deer," describes Christopher M. about his experience at Peaceful Camping in the Woods.
Equestrian facilities: The stabling options for horse owners complement trail access in the region. "This beautiful equestrian campground offers 55 RV/tent campsites and one tent only site and 60 horse stalls. All campsites have water and electrical hookups," explains Dale W. about Coldwater Equestrian Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Many forest camping areas have restricted connectivity. "So well maintained, it is way back in the woods. Cell service was on the struggle bus the whole time," reports Terran B. about Coldwater Equestrian Campground.
Uneven terrain: Some campgrounds require additional preparation for comfortable setup. "Some of the sites are so unlevel. But the historical tour of the park is amazing," warns Michael about Blakeley State Park Apalachee Campground.
Variable site privacy: Site selection matters for privacy preferences. "Most sites have some privacy but a few are close to neighboring sites. Its a short walk to the bathhouse and tons of hiking trails are nearby," notes Chirleen E. about Blakeley State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve offers affordable tubing and canoe rentals for families. "They do not allow you to bring your own floats, but tubing with theirs is $5 per person. General admission was $5 per person. They have canoes," Sherry P. explains.
Ranger interactions: Staff at Coldwater Recreation Area actively engage with young visitors. "Faye (one of the rangers) is great. We had our 3 year old granddaughter with us and she came by at least twice a day to give her a ride on the golf cart and printed of pages she could color on rainy days," shares Jennifer P.
Junior ranger programs: Some parks offer educational opportunities specifically for children. "Woke up to begin the junior ranger packet for our kiddos (provided at checkout) and hiked and explored all day," reports Nicole G. from Apalachee RV Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Research specific site numbers when making reservations. "We stayed at spot RV Spot 2. It was a pull through spot and easy to get into. The spot was somewhat flat but we had to maneuver to get even and then still needed leveling blocks," advises Aaron D. about Blakeley State Park.
Utility connections: Full hookups are available at select campgrounds with varying amperage options. "Super friendly staff and the spots, wowza, they are huge and all pull through. Bring your bikes, lots of roads to explore with little traffic. Oh, and all sites also have sewer!" notes DALLEEN about Apalachee RV Campground.
Shared facilities: Bathhouse traffic can fluctuate with day-use visitors. "Bathhouse has restrooms on one side and showers on the other. The bathhouse serves as the public restroom for day use as well which made it very crowded at times," observes MomSolo from Blakeley State Park.
