Big Foot Horse Trail and Camp offers free primitive horse camping with toilet facilities for equestrians and non-horse campers. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs in a big-rig friendly setting. Located in Mississippi near the Alabama border, this United States Forest Service site maintains trails suitable for horseback riding throughout the surrounding forest. The campground features picnic tables at each site and allows pets, creating a relaxed outdoor experience for visitors with animals. Fires are permitted at designated spots, though the facility does not provide firewood.
Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to the established forest service trail network. The area has earned a perfect 5-star rating from visitors who appreciate the well-maintained paths and natural setting. While the campground offers basic amenities, visitors should note there is no drinking water, electric hookups, or shower facilities available on-site. Campers need to bring their own water supply for themselves and their horses. The non-reservable sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, making weekday arrivals advisable during peak riding seasons. The trails accommodate both experienced riders and those seeking gentler terrain for novice horses or riders. Horse campers near Semmes benefit from a network of forest service paths that suit varying skill levels without requiring advance reservations.
"Located on a historic battle ground. 21 - 26 miles of trails to hike, bike or horse ride. Gorgeous surroundings."
"**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."
"Kayaking trails all around in the park and local. Close by to big city life but camping in the wild yonder"
"It is very close to Mobile, but also very secluded. There is alot of space between sites and lots to see and do within the campground also."
from $27 - $37 / night
"Campgrounds are beautiful with line forests surrounding the sites. Utilities are primitive but expected for a free campground. Watch where you step! Lots of horse poop."
"The campground is nice and quiet with the exception of nearby shooting. There also appears to be a ton of great trails for horses, walking, running etc. Pretty spot!"
TravelerThe lady on the gate was very helpful both on the phone and in person. Once I found the drive through site I found it very relaxing albeit with barely any cell signal (TMobile) Will definitely be back!
TravelerTook my teen with me to go test out the new can camping setup at Blakely State Park. We stayed in the primitive campground (unimproved) and it was absolutely beautiful. The sunset and sunrise were awe-striking. The spaces were disperse enough that our non-stop music didn’t disturb anyone camping nearby, nor were we disturbed by them. The hiking trails are immaculate and well marked. Can’t wait to stay again!
GuideThis is a really pretty wide open dispersed camping area. Although it may get crowded. I am here on a cold day in the beginning of February and there are four other campers here. The campground is nice and quiet with the exception of nearby shooting. There also appears to be a ton of great trails for horses, walking, running etc. Pretty spot!
GuideWe 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. It was very quiet at night with barely any lights. The cell service was pretty good since it close to town. We didn't stay for long, but the historic park was nice to check out and the sunset at the water was beautiful. Overall the campground was great, good amenities, very quiet, lots to see, and close to Mobile and Daphne.
ScoutSome of the sites are so unlevel. But the historical tour of the park is amazing. So much information about the civil war. Other than the rv sites being so unlevel the park is really nice.
Legend2000 acres Walking auto cell phone tours of civil war Boat tours Big pull through rv spots and a tent campground. Awesome
GuideCampgrounds are beautiful with line forests surrounding the sites. Utilities are primitive but expected for a free campground. Watch where you step! Lots of horse poop.
ScoutBeautiful park, love that it is smaller and felt secure. Enjoyed walking on the dock and view of the water. Went on a treed hike. Not to bad in shade with the water breeze for June.
ScoutBig camping spaces- semi private. Kayaking trails all around in the park and local. Close by to big city life but camping in the wild yonder
Big Foot Horse Trail and Camp provides primitive equestrian camping near Semmes, Alabama, approximately 25 miles northwest of Mobile. Located in De Soto National Forest just across the Mississippi state line, the area features longleaf pine forests typical of the Gulf Coastal Plain region. The free camping area sits at a modest elevation and experiences the humid subtropical climate characteristic of the region, with hot summers and mild winters.
Trail riding experiences: The established Forest Service trails connect directly to camping areas, with routes suitable for both novice and experienced equestrians. According to one visitor, "Campgrounds are beautiful with line forests surrounding the sites. Utilities are primitive but expected for a free campground. Watch where you step! Lots of horse poop."
Historic exploration: Visit Blakeley State Park for a combination of natural and historical experiences. A camper notes, "There are bathrooms and bath houses, fairly secluded campsites, along with 26 miles of trails which are easy to moderate with a flat surface. You will walk through historic civil war sites, trails that were once the streets of the town of Blakeley."
Water activities: At Blakeley State Park, campers can access waterways via the boat launch. One reviewer mentioned, "Boat tours not running when we were there. There is a boat launch if you want to bring your own."
Spacious sites: The camping area at Blakeley State Park Campground provides ample space between sites. A camper shared, "It is very close to Mobile, but also very secluded. There is alot of space between sites and lots to see and do within the campground also."
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting attracts various wildlife. As one camper observed at Apalachee Campground, "Bugs are not nearly as bad as I expected. Lots of wildlife including deer that come very close."
Quiet atmosphere: Campers consistently mention the peaceful environment. A visitor to Blakeley State Park noted, "Two nights under stars and immaculate quiet. (To the point where we couldn't help but laugh (quietly) when our fire cracked loudly a couple times. We set up at dark and the stillness was so calming."
Seasonal considerations: The area can be visited year-round, but summer heat and humidity may be challenging. Spring and fall typically offer more comfortable temperatures for horseback riding and hiking activities.
Water supply: Bring sufficient water for both you and your horses at Big Foot Horse Trail and Camp. Unlike some nearby campgrounds, this primitive site does not provide drinking water facilities.
Reservation policy: Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak seasons (spring and fall), weekday arrivals provide better chances of securing preferred spots.
Junior ranger activities: Blakeley State Park offers educational programs for children. A family camper shared, "Woke up to begin the junior ranger packet for our kiddos (provided at checkout) and hiked and explored all day."
Bike-friendly trails: The same park provides safe cycling options for younger visitors. According to a parent, "Loved seeing the horses on the trails and the easy bikes for our 5 and 7 year old."
Food options: Some parks occasionally have food services available. A family mentioned, "We were super happy at the food truck that was there so we didn't have to go off site for lunch. (Probably just a weekend thing?)"
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds in the area require additional equipment for RV leveling. At Anchors Aweigh RV Resort, a visitor noted, "The spot was somewhat flat but we had to maneuver to get even and then still needed leveling blocks."
Site selection: When camping with an RV near Big Foot Horse Trail, request sites that accommodate larger vehicles if available. The area is generally big-rig friendly but some specific sites may present challenges.
Utilities planning: For equestrian camping with RVs, recognize the primitive nature of the facilities. Unlike some nearby campgrounds with full hookups, primitive equestrian sites typically lack water and electrical connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Semmes, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Semmes, AL is Blakeley State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Semmes, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Semmes, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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