Franklin D Roosevelt State Park offers equestrian camping about 45 miles from Smiths Station, Alabama. The campground sits within the rolling Pine Mountain terrain at elevations ranging from 600-1,400 feet. Sites throughout the park vary from standard tent camping with nearby water access to full-hookup RV sites with 30/50 amp electrical service.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: At Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground, visitors can access 40+ miles of trails suitable for different skill levels. "Very clean and shady sights, being upgraded this year. Many trails a lake and history," notes one regular camper.
Lake activities: The park's lake provides cooling recreation during Georgia summers. "Clean bathrooms, lots of shade, fresh water pump and electric at our site. Not much privacy but the lake is beautiful and you can rent boats, plus lots of hiking and history around," reports a recent visitor.
Local attractions: The Pine Mountain area contains several complementary destinations within short driving distance. "Very clean and family friendly place. Trading post available for firewood And supplies. Also short drive from the animal safari, and Callaway Gardens," writes one camper about the additional options beyond horseback riding.
What campers like
Site privacy: Many campers appreciate the well-spaced camping areas at R. Shaefer Heard Campground. "If you value privacy, you'll love the layout: each site is tucked deep into the woods, with excellent space and seclusion," explains a recent tent camper.
Family-friendly amenities: The park facilities cater to families with children. "My four kids and I had a blast at FDR state park. They have a lot of stuff to do there. We fished and swam, they also had a scavenger hunt that you kids loved doing," shares a parent who visited with multiple children.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts various animal species. "Wildlife is busy here—armadillos, raccoons, and rabbits all feel quite at home on your tent pad. It's charming, if you're into that kind of thing," describes one visitor to the equestrian camping areas near Smiths Station.
What you should know
Campground access restrictions: Some horse camping facilities near Smiths Station maintain strict gate hours. "But beware: the gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy," cautions a visitor to R. Shaefer Heard Campground.
Site selection matters: Not all campsites offer equal amenities or views. "I will admit my review is tainted because we were here in July and it was HOT! The saving grace was the big tree in our campsite (116) and the ability to float in the water," shares one summer camper.
Bathroom conditions vary: Facility quality differs between campgrounds. "The bathhouses are something out of a post-apocalyptic travel journal—rusted fixtures, broken tiles, and enough cockroaches and spiders to start a nature documentary," reports one camper, contrasting with Franklin Roosevelt State Park where "the bathrooms are all spotless and each area has a camp host constantly cleaning."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Some camping areas include dedicated play spaces for children. "We camped in campground 5 and from where our site was we could see the playground and also let our kids ride there bikes around the circle that the camp sites where on," notes a parent at Franklin D Roosevelt State Park.
Consider water access: Lakefront sites provide built-in entertainment. "We had spot 96 and we tent camped. The spot was recommended in another review and it was wonderful. Right beside the water so the kids were able to play in the water most of the time," shares a first-time camping family.
Check for organized activities: Some parks coordinate special events for younger visitors. "This park is great for hikers—lots of great trails. I went with my three kids and we all had a blast," reports a parent who found suitable activities for the whole family.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Large RVs require careful site selection at horse campgrounds near Smiths Station. "Reserved out spot long in advance to get a spot on the lake, please do like all campgrounds all sites are not created equal. Most all are concrete pads and level but if your camper is over 25' or so length may cause a problem," advises an RV camper.
Hookup availability: Water and electricity access continues year-round at some locations. "Older facilities but the views make up for it. Water and power year round even in winter. Some spots are a little closer than others but most have woods in between so they are somewhat private," notes a winter visitor to the area.
Connectivity challenges: Internet service varies throughout the region. "Starlink users: take note—if the lake is high, the shoreline disappears, and with it, any chance of a clear shot to the sky. Reception through the trees was very poor," cautions a tech-dependent camper about connectivity at some equestrian campgrounds.
