Equestrian camping near Union Grove, Alabama offers access to diverse terrain across northern Alabama and southern Tennessee. The region sits at the southern edge of the Cumberland Plateau with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,400 feet, creating varied riding conditions through hardwood forests and open pastures. Seasonal temperature fluctuations can be significant, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter overnight lows dropping below freezing.
What to do
Trail riding at nearby state parks: Henry Horton State Park, located about 75 miles from Union Grove, connects to multiple riding trails. "For several months while living in TN, we spent almost every weekend at Henry Horton State Park. It's not quite an hour from Nashville. We always got a primitive site, shady site. I was never disappointed by any of our sites and never felt cramped or too close to other campers," reports RL from Henry Horton State Park Campground.
Fishing in local waterways: Lake Guntersville State Park provides excellent fishing opportunities for equestrians wanting to combine activities. "Great camping and fishing. We had a great time. Very clean place and great fishing!" notes Collin D. who stayed at Lake Guntersville State Park Campground.
Hiking with breaks for horses: The region offers multi-use trails where riders can dismount for hiking portions. "We've enjoyed many picnics and birthday parties in the group pavilions, as well as enjoyed the campgrounds. The park is about 200 acres and the RV sites are located through gate one," shares M&P M. about Sharon Johnston Park.
What campers like
Secluded natural settings: Walls of Jericho offers primitive backcountry camping with natural features. "A little bit of a hike in but totally worth it. Close by the creek and close to the Walls. Super peaceful and super beautiful," says Sarah M. about Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite.
Waterfront access for horses: Several camping areas permit horses access to water features. "The campsite is level and large enough to accommodate many tents. There are also many trees that would be suitable for hammock camping. You can choose from a shaded space to a sunny space depending on which side of the site you set up on," notes Steve V. about his experience at Walls of Jericho.
Spacious sites for trailers: Some campgrounds specifically accommodate horse trailers with extra parking space. "We were on site 18 and it was very level, paved and double wide. Parking was easy and it accommodated the 38' RV and a SUV. The sites all seem to be well shaded and spaced sufficiently apart," explains Randy C. about his stay at Henry Horton State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "We reserved one of the spots with a fenced in area for our pups that connected to the camper. They loved having a place to stretch their legs and running around in the grass after 2 days on the road," shares DeLuvPups D. about their stay at Rvino - The Broken Banjo.
Limited horse facilities at some locations: Not all campgrounds have dedicated equestrian amenities. "While lacking traditional horse corrals, some ranches provide specialized services for horse owners passing through the area," notes a visitor.
Seasonal challenges: Weather conditions can impact trail access. "When we go, our kids run free -- there are 200 acres of open space and a lake so they have a great time -- and there is a Pioneer Village they can explore and an open wedding pavilion for hours of pretending they are at a wedding," explains M&P M. about Sharon Johnston Park, highlighting the seasonal activities available.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly locations: Choose sites with easy terrain for young riders. "The backcountry campsites are just a short trek from the camp store, the hike itself follows the river. We only saw one other couple and no one else was staying at the second site so it was such a secluded weekend! Definitely recommend for quick overnight trips!" advises Amanda C. from Fairview Campground — Tims Ford State Park.
Additional activities for children: Look for campgrounds with non-equestrian options. "It's a great site to bring the kids. In the summer the pool is open which is great for the hot days. There's also a track, a baseball field, and soccer fields so I've seen many athletic events held there," reports M&P M. about their experience at Sharon Johnston Park.
Safety considerations: Research facilities with appropriate horse-human separation areas. "We loved Sharon Johnson. Really good camp for littles and good spot for first time campers. Camp host was awesome. We will go back," writes RON M. about his family's experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: Choose pull-through sites when available with your horse trailer. "The sites are big and even. Only a few minutes away from town where you can get groceries, find restaurants, and a couple big-rig friendly gas stations. Full hookups," reports Danna D. about River Road RV Park & Horse Camp.
Hookup considerations: Check for appropriate electrical capacity for your rig and horse equipment. "This park is tucked away in a private neighborhood on about 80 acres. There are a lot of RV sites as well as primitive camping in the back. We really enjoyed all of the trees and being able to take the kids to play in the small creek in the back of the property," shares Lizzy S. about Red Coach Resort.
Road access limitations: Some horse trails have restricted vehicle access points. "I've taken a few pictures and videos so you can get a feel for the lay of the land. It really is wide open spaces," notes M&P M., highlighting the open terrain at Sharon Johnston Park that's beneficial for horse camping.
