Little Tallapoosa Park offers equestrian camping near Cartersville, Georgia with 12 dedicated sites that include water and electrical hookups. The campground has separate areas for tent, RV, and horse camping, allowing different camping styles to coexist comfortably. Most visitors report the equestrian section remains less crowded than other camping areas, creating a peaceful environment for overnight stays with horses and direct access to riding trails without trailering.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: At Hickey Gap in Cohutta WMA, campers can access a waterfall about a mile from the campsites. One visitor notes, "There's a giant waterfall down the trail if you can make the trek," making this a rewarding day activity for equestrian campers looking to stretch their legs without their horses.
Creek swimming: Hickey Gap provides natural swimming opportunities adjacent to campsites. A camper reports, "There's a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!" The creek offers a refreshing break after trail riding, especially during summer months when temperatures rise.
Disconnect completely: For those wanting to truly unplug during their horse camping trip, Mountain Cove Resort offers a digital detox. "There is no cell service and no Wi-Fi. Off the grid," explains one visitor. This creates an opportunity to focus entirely on the equestrian experience without digital distractions.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: The solitude at Jacks River Fields attracts equestrians seeking peaceful surroundings. A camper shares, "The first time we camped here, we were the only ones at the whole site. The most recent time, there were just two other couples so it was still very low key." The campground includes paddocks specifically for horses.
Creek-side camping: Jacks River Fields Campground provides camping alongside flowing water, creating a soothing backdrop for horse campers. "We picked a spot right beside a stream," reports one visitor, noting the serene environment despite chilly morning temperatures.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers appreciate the regular upkeep at sites near Cartersville. A Jacks River visitor observed, "Well kept and clean. I was there on Wednesday and no one was there." This consistency in maintenance extends to horse facilities, including paddock areas and equestrian trails.
What you should know
Bear awareness: Sawmill Lake Campsite and other areas require proper food storage due to bear activity. A Hickey Gap camper notes, "There's also a bear box and signs clearly indicating there are bears around and that you should keep all food in your vehicle or use the box." Horse campers must secure both human food and horse feed properly.
Road conditions: Access to some equestrian campgrounds involves challenging roads. One camper at Hickey Gap warns, "The road up there is all rock/dirt with a several hundred foot drop-off on the right side and no guardrail. There were a few hairpin turns." Larger vehicles towing horse trailers require careful navigation.
Permit requirements: Some areas require permits for camping and trail access. A Sawmill Lake camper explains, "You do need a land pass to be here, the website is on the sign coming in and it was around $60." Check requirements before arrival to avoid disruption to your equestrian camping trip.
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal water features: Families with children can enjoy water recreation at several campgrounds. One Little Tallapoosa visitor mentions, "Super quiet, lots of trails to follow - including paved ones (bonus for us as we have a baby in a stroller), full hook ups (w,e,s), and has a splash park during the summer time." This provides entertainment options beyond horseback riding.
Tent camping amenities: Little Tallapoosa Park offers family-friendly tent sites with conveniences. A camper reports, "I love the separate tent & RV campsites. The tent sites are decent size and there is some wooded space between each one so it felt quiet and semi-private... The tent sites have electricity, too." This allows families to maintain some comforts while camping.
Playground access: Some campgrounds provide dedicated children's areas. One visitor notes, "Small water park and play ground for little ones," providing activity options for younger family members when not participating in equestrian activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should research specific campground layouts before arrival. At Mountain Cove Resort, a recent visitor cautions, "This campground is side by side hook ups. Not a tree one in the site area." This lack of shade affects comfort levels during summer months.
Overflow options: When primary RV sections fill up, alternative camping areas may accommodate larger vehicles. A visitor to Little Tallapoosa Park reports, "We stayed in the horse camp section because the RV area was full. They use the horse camp area as overflow. Plenty of space there with power and water." This flexibility helps during busy periods when traveling with horses and RVs.
