Oak Mountain State Park offers designated areas for horseback riders traveling with their animals near Sylacauga, Alabama. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the region provides varied terrain across multiple state parks and recreational areas. Winter temperatures average 50-60°F during daytime, making off-season trail riding comfortable compared to summer months when temperatures can exceed 90°F.
What to do
Mountain biking at Oak Mountain: The park maintains extensive trail systems beyond the equestrian paths. A visitor notes, "This place has everything, mtn bike, gravel bike, trail running, road running, road biking, golf, equestrian, sailing and fishing" and highlights that "It has wifi throughout and almost everywhere in the park has cell reception."
Backcountry camping: For those seeking a more secluded experience than the equestrian campground, Oak Mountain Backcountry Site offers primitive sites. "The site we stayed at was only a short walk, maybe 15 min from the road but it felt like a totally different world... We couldn't hear a single car and it felt very secluded from the rest of the park."
Watersports on Lake Martin: Wind Creek State Park Campground provides lake access just 25 miles from Sylacauga. "This is a great family campground with a boat launch on lake Martin. Good swimming, adequate shade," reports one camper. The park serves as the primary public access point to Lake Martin.
What campers like
Clean facilities year-round: The general campground at Oak Mountain receives high marks for maintenance. A camper reports, "So clean. Shower house and bathrooms clean and big. Gorgeous views. Lots of things to do in the park."
Off-season tranquility: Winter camping provides a different experience at Wind Creek State Park Campground. "We were the only trailer in loop D. It was quiet and very enjoyable! Being right on the lake and having the ducks swim up really thrilled our dogs. The bathrooms were very clean."
Trail variety: The region offers hiking options beyond horseback trails. Campers at Oak Mountain recommend "a 5.5 mile roundtrip hike that starts near the beach area and ends at the falls. On a hot summer day you can take a dip to cool off before you hike back out."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Oak Mountain State Park gets crowded during peak seasons. One visitor recommends making reservations well in advance: "Reserved 363 days prior to arriving."
Hookup variations: Sites at Wind Creek have different utility options. "If you look at the map you'll see that some sites are full hook-up and some are not. We stayed in C section with full hook-ups."
ATV options: For off-road enthusiasts, Chilton County Minooka Park offers an alternative to equestrian trails. "Lots of trails to hit on the dirt bikes or ATVs. We go for day riding trips once a month or so."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple recreational options: Oak Mountain provides diverse activities beyond horseback riding. A family reports finding "a petting zoo, very neat trail with rescued owls, turkeys and red hawks, and more. Great camping area for RV's or tents. Big lakes for fishing, swimming or canoeing."
Beginner-friendly sites: First-time campers find Oak Mountain accommodating. "My campground was great for true car campers. The campsite was only a few strides from my car and there was a water spigot 5 steps away."
Hurricane evacuation option: Wind Creek serves as a regional safe haven during coastal storms. "Tent camping with family during Hurricane evacuation. Beautiful park, numerous bath houses, laundry, camp store, playgrounds, mini golf, and so much more."
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Wind Creek: Waterfront sites offer the best experience. "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."
Navigation challenges: Oak Mountain has multiple entrances that can confuse first-time visitors. "Poor signage upon entering Park... Campground directional signs after we got through that gate. Glad we didn't arrive in the dark!"
Recent improvements: Chilton County Minooka Park has undergone renovations. "This RV destination has seen significant improvements overs the last 2 years and they are still working on things. Right now there's about 30-40 spots, spaced out well, and lots of trails!"
