Equestrian camping near Jay, Florida centers around several facilities in Blackwater River State Forest. The area features sandy soil and pine forest terrain with elevation changes ranging from 50 to 200 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter lows can drop to 40°F, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons.
What to do
Floating trips on Blackwater River: The river offers recreation for campers not focused on horseback riding. At Wilderness Landing, "the river is sand bottom and fairly clear" and provides cooling relief during hot weather according to Stealie F. The facility also has "a boat launch and two pavilions with tables and barbeque grills right on the beach."
Fishing in stocked ponds: Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve offers fishing opportunities without additional licensing requirements. Mark S. notes, "Ponds have fish to catch, don't even need an Alabama fishing license to fish."
History tours: About an hour from Jay, Blakeley State Park offers historical exploration alongside camping. Kevin L. describes "Walking auto cell phone tours of civil war" sites and "boat tours" throughout the 2000-acre property.
What campers like
Privacy and quiet camping: Peaceful Camping in the Woods offers secluded sites for those seeking solitude. Christopher M. explains, "walked back into the woods along a trail and chose one of several camp clearings. Level ground, dry, lots of deer."
Clean facilities: Despite being a free camping area, Wilderness Landing maintains good facilities. Salvador G. reports a "Good spot for free. Clean showers/toilet building. Pavilions and grills by the river." Donna G. agrees, noting "Beautiful views, clean restrooms, and free."
Direct water access: Campsites positioned near water are particularly valued. At Coldwater Equestrian Campground, Jennifer P. mentions, "A lot of the campsites are right on the water. You even have a private huge sandbar for campers only."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Some locations have connectivity challenges. At Coldwater Equestrian Campground, Terran B. reports, "Cell service was on the struggle bus the whole time, but overall this is a great little place."
Gate closure times: Operating hours vary by location and season. At Apalachee RV Campground, facilities remain accessible year-round, but other locations have restricted hours. Stephen D. noted at Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve, "Gate closes at 4:00 PM (Feb)."
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds require driving on rough roads. At Wilderness Landing, Donna G. mentioned giving only 3 stars due to "the rough drive getting there" despite otherwise positive experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Ranger interactions: Coldwater Equestrian Campground offers exceptional staff engagement with younger guests. Jennifer P. shares that ranger Faye "came by at least twice a day to give her [3-year-old granddaughter] a ride on the golf cart and printed of pages she could color on rainy days."
Playground availability: Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve features play areas, though opinions vary on noise. One visitor appreciates the "sprawling playground that aligns the campsites" while others note this creates higher noise levels.
Educational opportunities: The junior ranger program at Blakeley State Park engages children while camping. Nicole G. reports, "Woke up to begin the junior ranger packet for our kiddos (provided at checkout) and hiked and explored all day."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks at many area campgrounds. At Blakeley State Park, John W. notes, "Some sites are level some are more difficult to level," while Aaron D. explains, "The spot was somewhat flat but we had to maneuver to get even and then still needed leveling blocks."
Full hookup availability: The availability of services varies between facilities. Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve offers "about 50+ sites. Most are full hook up with less then 20 being power and water only," according to Angela.
Space between sites: Site privacy differs significantly between campgrounds. Dale W. notes about Coldwater Recreation Area, "Only complaint is the the campsites are right next to each other with no screening between sites."
