Best Equestrian Camping near Gaylesville, AL

Are you in need of a campground near Gaylesville, AL? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Gaylesville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Gaylesville, AL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Gaylesville, Alabama (5)

    1. Cherokee Rock Village

    33 Reviews
    Leesburg, AL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 523-3799

    $0 - $35 / night

    "We attended North Alabama trails and recreation’s Rock and Rig event here. The park is beautiful with amazing views."

    "the locals) since 2011, starting back when it was still largely undeveloped and free…totally worth paying for these days - they’ve made it such a great place: showers, bathrooms, dumpsters, plenty of walk-in"

    2. Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Guntersville, AL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (256) 571-5455

    "The campground is right on the banks of Lake Guntersville and it has a beach area so it's great if you want to play in the water."

    "This is a nice state park in a small town in north Alabama. The lake is really pretty and the campground has a nice view of it."

    3. Coleman Lake Rec Area

    14 Reviews
    Fruithurst, AL
    33 miles
    Website

    "Coleman Lake is in the Talladega National Forest and very remote. There is no cell phone service at all. We have been camping here all my life. It is one of my favorite campgrounds."

    "This can certainly be seen as a positive."

    4. Sawmill Lake Campsite

    6 Reviews
    Rising Fawn, GA
    29 miles
    Website

    "It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers."

    "This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead. Come here to try your hand at rock climbing and spelunking."

    5. Mountain Cove Resort

    3 Reviews
    Mentone, GA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 539-2683

    $25 - $30 / night

Show More
Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Gaylesville, AL

1 Photos of 5 Gaylesville Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Gaylesville, AL

98 Reviews of 5 Gaylesville Campgrounds


  • A
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Coleman Lake Rec Area

    Nature Lover's Dream

    Coleman Lake is in the Talladega National Forest and very remote. There is no cell phone service at all. We have been camping here all my life. It is one of my favorite campgrounds. Sites are first come, first serve, water and electric. There is a campground host on duty. A campground for equestrians is near the main campground. The Pinhoti Trail that extends from south Alabama to north Georgia goes right beside the lake and is a great section hike.

  • Abigail P.
    Jun. 13, 2019

    Sawmill Lake Campsite

    Primitive camping perfect for Rocktown climbers

    If you’re looking for amazing scenery, this is not the place. It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers. Meant we could spend most of the climbing, rather than making a long approach. My group went for several days over thanksgiving 2018, and the weather was absolutely beautiful. Nights turned a bit chilly, so make sure to pack layers if camping in the fall or winter season. I think you’re technically supposed to have a Georgia outdoors permit to stay here (which we did), but we did not encounter a single ranger during our six-day stay. Check the Rocktown forum on Mountain Project for up-to-date info on permit requirements.

    The road leading up to the campsite is extremely rough and washed out. We were in a Subaru Outback, and it was a very slow-going, bumpy ride — we bottomed out several times.

    You can pretty much set up camp anywhere there’s open ground. Plenty of trees around for hammock camping as well. My group of 10 people had no problem finding open areas to set up camp together. There are several man-made fire pits, and plenty of wood and brush lying around to scavenge for fire-making. There are no water hookups, so make sure to pack plenty of water with you. There is also an area at the campground for equestrian camping, though we didn’t check that out, as, alas, none of us had horses.

  • Ally B.
    Oct. 3, 2018

    Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    It's great if you want to be close to the water or see wildlife!

    The campground is right on the banks of Lake Guntersville and it has a beach area so it's great if you want to play in the water. It doesn't have as much shade as it used to due to tornados but it is still a really great campground. There are a lot of great hiking, biking, and horse-riding trails. On anygiven day you can drive through the park and see an abundance of deer. The state park is also home to a zip line and an excellent golf course and the lodge has a pool and a really great restaurant.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Cherokee Rock Village

    Rocks and Rigs

    We attended North Alabama trails and recreation’s Rock and Rig event here. The park is beautiful with amazing views. We camped on the “brow” not in the rv parking area so I can’t speak to the camping spots or amenities for RVs, but the staff and facilities are nice.

  • Bounding Around The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2020

    Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    Beautiful lake

    This is a nice state park in a small town in north Alabama. The lake is really pretty and the campground has a nice view of it. The facilities were really nice and there is a store and restaurant all within the park. It’s a bit of a drive to get to town so try to get the essentials before setting up camp. The campground is nice– a definite recommend!

  • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 15, 2024

    Cherokee Rock Village

    Sandrock Sanctuary

    I’ve camped at Cherokee Rock Village (affectionately known as Sandrock to the locals) since 2011, starting back when it was still largely undeveloped and free…totally worth paying for these days - they’ve made it such a great place: showers, bathrooms, dumpsters, plenty of walk-in and car camping sites. Best climbing in the southeast, bouldering and sport, and a lot of RC car rock crawling, etc. Sandrock is a must go-to spot in Alabama. The views are awesome, climbing is awesome & camping is awesome. Charcoal grills at most sites, fire rings, firewood available at the front gate/office, etc. Good Verizon coverage, too. Plenty of gas stations and grocery stores within 20min, too.

  • Brandon D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Cherokee Rock Village

    So many memories at Sand Rock!

    A long-time Alabama climbing institution, Sand Rock has had a colorful and sometimes dubious history. For many years, it seemed that lowlifes were in direct competition with climbers. Sand Rock was a destination for ATV riders, drunken late-night partiers and other examples of southern stereotypes. Broken beer bottles and overturned portapotties were common sights, and the cliffs were despoiled with spray-painted graffiti. 

    In recent years, the aesthetics of Sand Rock have vastly improved. Ownership of the site was taken over by Cherokee County which turned it into a county park. Sand Rock now has on-site managers, improved parking, picnic areas, a playground for kids and a nice bathhouse. Much of the litter and graffiti has been cleaned up. 

    Admission to Sand Rock is currently $5 per car. Camping is abundant near the parking lot and along the entrance road; be sure to register at the park office if you plan to camp.

  • Katrin  S.
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Lake Guntersville State Park Campground

    Primitive campsites at the water

    We chose a primitive site for a quieter camping night. Although the furthest away from a bathhouse, we truly enjoyed this site. It’s “pick your own” and we picked the site next to Seals hiking trail along the water. Each site has a fire pit and is mostly level. No table, so bring your own. No water spigot so make sure you have your own. Beautiful location with amazing sunsets.

  • Dan C.
    Oct. 5, 2019

    Cherokee Rock Village

    Hidden Away

    I’d never heard of this place but accompanied a friend here that was doing some climbing. I picked a site away from the bluff near the boulders. Nice and quiet. Of course it’s primitive but there is a bathhouse and water within a short walk. General store has a little bit of everything for camping and lots of nice climbing gear. I’m impressed. Beautiful view of Weiss Lake from the bluff side of the park.


Guide to Gaylesville

Horse camping in Alabama offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • Cherokee Rock Village provides well-maintained sites with picnic tables and fire rings, making it a comfortable spot for horse campers.
  • Mountain Cove Resort features electric hookups and drinking water, ensuring a convenient stay for both you and your horse.
  • Coleman Lake Rec Area offers spacious sites with sanitary dumps and clean bathrooms, ideal for those traveling with horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Cherokee Rock Village, visitors can enjoy top-notch climbing and bouldering, making it a great spot for adventurous horse campers.
  • Sawmill Lake Campsite is close to hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities, perfect for those looking to explore the area on foot after a day of riding.
  • Lake Guntersville State Park Campground offers various outdoor activities, including fishing and hiking, ensuring a full itinerary for equestrian visitors.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused features

  • Mountain Cove Resort allows pets, making it a welcoming choice for horse owners who want to bring their furry friends along.
  • Coleman Lake Rec Area is situated within a national forest, providing a natural setting for horseback riding and exploration.
  • Lake Guntersville State Park Campground features a variety of camping options, including sites suitable for horse camping, ensuring a diverse experience for all visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gaylesville, AL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gaylesville, AL is Cherokee Rock Village with a 4.8-star rating from 33 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gaylesville, AL?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Gaylesville, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.