Wilderness Landing provides horse corrals for equestrian campers in a primitive setting on Blackwater River near Jay, Florida. The free camping area accommodates tent and RV camping with sites available for up to 14 days. While there are no hookups at the campsites, the facility maintains clean restrooms with hot and cold running water. Horse owners benefit from direct river access with a sand-bottom shoreline ideal for cooling horses after trail rides. The campground features pavilions with tables and barbecue grills positioned along the riverfront beach area. Sites are grassy with some shade, offering a rustic experience for riders exploring the surrounding trail system.
Coldwater Equestrian Campground in Blackwater River State Forest offers 55 horse campsites with water and electrical hookups plus 60 horse stalls for overnight accommodations. Located approximately 35 miles northeast of Jay, the well-maintained facility provides sanitary dump stations, restrooms with showers, and a dining facility available by reservation. Trail access connects directly to the forest's extensive equestrian trail network. The campsites positioned along Cold Water Creek allow convenient water access for horses after rides. Rangers maintain the grounds and provide excellent service to campers with children. While the sites from numbers 16 to 56 offer good shade coverage, some visitors note limited screening between neighboring campsites. Site 56 sits directly on the water with convenient trail access but features exceptionally sandy terrain.
"Lakes and rivers everywhere and the views were incredible. Lots of waterfront sites available. We had our annual multi family meet up with a fifth wheel and our converted bus."
"The spots at A1-7 are very tight together but it is away from everything else making it quiet and somewhat secluded. It would be a great area for a group event."
"Parked in a clearing with 2 5th wheel renters on it...walked back into the woods along a trail and chose one of several camp clearings. Level ground, dry, lots of deer. We will return!!"
from $15 - $24 / night
"This beautiful equestrian campground offers 55 RV/tent campsites and one tent only site and 60 horse stalls. All campsites have water and electrical hookups."
"Lots of trails to ride your horses. A lot of the campsites are right on the water. You even have a private huge sandbar for campers only. The showers and bathrooms were always clean and nice."
from $9 - $22 / night
from $47 - $63 / night
"Want to be away from it all - this is the place. Grass sites, some shade."
"It is located right on the Blackwater River and has a boat launch and two pavilions with tables and barbeque grills right on the beach. The river is sand bottom and fairly clear."
"Located on a historic battle ground. 21 - 26 miles of trails to hike, bike or horse ride. Gorgeous surroundings."
"If you bring a horse, a bike, or good hiking shoes this is the perfect spot for you. If you bring a need for getting back to nature, a good book and a tent, this is the perfect spot for you."
"Kayaking trails all around in the park and local. Close by to big city life but camping in the wild yonder"
"It is very close to Mobile, but also very secluded. There is alot of space between sites and lots to see and do within the campground also."
ScoutStayed in the back of the property being it was all that was left, but it worked out. The spots at A1-7 are very tight together but it is away from everything else making it quiet and somewhat secluded. It would be a great area for a group event. Would stay here again but in a different location in the campground.
TravelerThe lady on the gate was very helpful both on the phone and in person. Once I found the drive through site I found it very relaxing albeit with barely any cell signal (TMobile) Will definitely be back!
TravelerTook my teen with me to go test out the new can camping setup at Blakely State Park. We stayed in the primitive campground (unimproved) and it was absolutely beautiful. The sunset and sunrise were awe-striking. The spaces were disperse enough that our non-stop music didn’t disturb anyone camping nearby, nor were we disturbed by them. The hiking trails are immaculate and well marked. Can’t wait to stay again!
GuideWe stayed at spot RV Spot 2. It was a pull through spot and easy to get into. The spot was somewhat flat but we had to maneuver to get even and then still needed leveling blocks. It was very quiet at night with barely any lights. The cell service was pretty good since it close to town. We didn't stay for long, but the historic park was nice to check out and the sunset at the water was beautiful. Overall the campground was great, good amenities, very quiet, lots to see, and close to Mobile and Daphne.
ScoutSome of the sites are so unlevel. But the historical tour of the park is amazing. So much information about the civil war. Other than the rv sites being so unlevel the park is really nice.
ScoutIt's not on the big side of campgrounds but still has some of the amenities. No hookups at the campsites but there is running water (hot and cold) in the bath house with flushing toilets. Power outlets in the bath house as well. It is located right on the Blackwater River and has a boat launch and two pavilions with tables and barbeque grills right on the beach. The river is sand bottom and fairly clear. My big ol' malamute "Stealie" loves the river! The best part is it's FREE! For up to 14 days.
ScoutGood spot for free. Clean showers/ toilet building. Pavilions and grills by the river.
Legend2000 acres Walking auto cell phone tours of civil war Boat tours Big pull through rv spots and a tent campground. Awesome
ScoutOur family drove over an hour to fish here. Upon arriving at the gate, we weren’t even greeted. A older lady stood up and just stared at us with a mean look. After about a 30 second stare, she finally said“hi”. I said“hi”. Another 15 second stare and she said”can I help you?” Very rudely. I said“yes we’re here to fish”. She said“we’re closed”. I asked what time they close daily and mentioned that google says open 24hrs and their website doesn’t list hours and she said“4”. I said we drove an hour here and you don’t close for another 45 min can we just drive through and look around, it’s our first time here. She said well I’m not charging you. I said this place was recommended to me on Facebook-can we at least look around? She said“no we’re closed”. I said ok what’s the price? She said we’re closed. I said I understand what you’re saying but what is the price? She sat down and refused to answer me. We left. We probably won’t be back. I decided to check around to see their reviews and it seems this lady is rude to everyone. Why has she not been replaced? I believe her name is Tracy. I tried to find out who her boss was by calling and emailing. However, no one answers the phone and she told me via email she’s the supervisor. SHE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED! So many people complain about her!!
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Jay, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Jay, FL is Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve with a 3.7-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Jay, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Jay, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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