Horse-friendly camping options near Rome, Georgia are limited, with no dedicated equestrian facilities found in the immediate area. The nearest camping that might accommodate horses is Sawmill Lake Campsite on Pigeon Mountain, approximately 30 miles from Rome. While this free primitive camping area includes an equestrian section, reviews don't specifically mention horse amenities or facilities. Campers report setting up anywhere there's open ground, with plenty of trees available for hammock camping and several man-made fire pits. The site serves primarily as a base for rock climbers visiting Rocktown.
The gravel road leading to Sawmill Lake Campsite presents challenges for horse trailers, with users describing it as extremely rough and washed out. Visitors accessing the campground from the east have encountered 180-degree sharp turns up the mountain that could prove difficult for trailers. A land pass is required for staying at this location, costing approximately $60 according to recent visitor reports. Despite limited amenities, the campground offers reasonable proximity to several trail systems. Cherokee Rock Village in Leesburg, Alabama, about 25 miles southwest of Rome, offers additional camping options but doesn't advertise specific horse facilities. Campers seeking full hook-ups with horses may need to venture further from Rome to find appropriate accommodations.
"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."
"You can pick a spot right next to a mountain rock or pick a spot with views for miles and miles that are breathtaking. The bathrooms and showers were close by and clean."
from $19 - $30 / night
"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."
"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."
from $25 - $30 / night
"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."
"We stayed for the weekend so we would be close to relatives for a visit. The sites are nice and paved with full hookups. There was even a dish at are site for satellite. Nice paved trails for hiking."
from $25 - $50 / night
from $2 - $38 / night
TravelerThis is a great family friendly spot to camp the lots are not the most leveled but I think that’s part of the fun, clean bathrooms/showers and definitely plenty to do to keep the kids entertained
ScoutClean and easy to get to.
TravelerWe had a great time! Campsites are spaced out JUST enough for a little privacy. Short walk from our site to clean, warm bathhouses!! Sites in the main campground have power hookups and water spigots. Lake access is limited from the campground, there are only 1 or 2 “lake view” sites. Fishing was limited, lake is very grassy. Loop around the lake was beautiful. The “overflow” campsites were more spaced out and private but do not have shower house or power/water hook ups.
GuideI was the only occupied site tent so I had the entire area to myself. Plenty of trails to walk/bike on. Bathrooms were clean, just felt like they could be updated.
GuideWe 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.
GuideThis park is an attraction to hikers and rock climbers according to the lady at the camp store. The views are absolutely spectacular! To register for the night you will need cash unless there's someone in the store. Best I can tell, there are more day visitors than campers. I stayed in the tent area, but there appeared to be quite a few places to park a small RV. I chose the tent area because it seemed a bit better for level parking. It was also closer to the restroom. Note there are lots of signs stating no parallel parking in the tent area, so I guess the way the space is laid out if you are towing a trailer you couldn't park there. The tent sites are scattered along half the loop through the park, but there are no specific sites with numbers. Instead there are lots of picnic tables and fire rings and it seems you just pick an open spot. Absent are any tent pads, so you just put out your tent under the trees. There is a restroom building that includes showers, but the showers are those single button things you have to keep pressing. The restroom was reasonably clean given there were a few groups of kids there during the day. Overall this is a pretty good place to camp for the night. The staff was friendly and the park well maintained. I slept in my truck quite comfortably and had a peaceful night. It's June as I visit, and the full rate is $19 to camp. They gave me a senior discount.
TravelerDidn’t expect anyone to be out in the front office but they were in there and gave a detailed description of the campsite and locations. Nice and quiet camping area great to just get away for a day or three will definitely come back
GuideGreat camping option for first come. Glad to get plenty of options for sites. Long drive in. Hosts were great and even deliver firewood to your site. Clean bathrooms, showers, and overall campground. Only had one guest with many kids playing late into night, past quite hours (if any are posted), but we found out it was Fall break and kids were out of school all week. Great hike around the lake and boatramp for trolling motors only.
GuideThis campground is side by side hook ups. Not a tree one in the site area. Beautiful view of the mountain. We did not stay the night.
For equestrian campers seeking horse-friendly accommodations near Rome, Georgia, alternatives exist within driving distance. The terrain features rolling hills and varied elevation, ranging from 600 to 1,800 feet above sea level. While dedicated horse facilities aren't plentiful, several campgrounds within 30-50 miles offer trail access and spaces that can accommodate horses and trailers.
Trail riding opportunities: Cherokee Rock Village in Leesburg, Alabama offers multiple trails suitable for day visits. "We did some hiking in the rocks and they were impressive to see even without having climbing gear. If you are in the area and willing to take a little drive up the mountain this site is well worth your time," notes Asher K.
Rock climbing access: Cherokee Rock Village serves as a hub for climbers. "The climbing seemed to go on and on and you would never run out of top rope, lead, and bouldering routes and the area is well maintained," shares one visitor. Another camper adds, "This campground was awesome! Great trees for hammocking, bathrooms were well-kept and clean, and it's right next to the crag."
Lake activities: Little Tallapoosa Park provides water recreation options. "Tons of walking/horse trails to go along with a creek and a couple of lakes," reports Hollis K. Fishing is popular, with convenient lake access from some campsites: "My site, #7 had a path that led right down to the lake," notes Lisa W.
Cave exploration: Sawmill Lake Campsite serves as a base for spelunking. "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. The permit was 15 dollars to access Rock Town and the Caves," reports Lisa.
Affordability: Coleman Lake Recreation Area offers full hookups at budget-friendly rates. "Very nice campground with FHU for $16," shares Lisa W. Another camper notes, "You can't beat the price. Caught 3 bass in the lake."
Natural setting: The forests surrounding Rome provide a sense of seclusion. At Coleman Lake, one visitor reports, "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."
Quiet environment: Coleman Lake Rec Area offers peaceful camping. "Nice, quiet campground. The quiet is nice, however all lights were out by 9, which was a little early for me and my group," mentions Jess N. Another camper adds, "Nice little lake to play on and around. Very family and pet friendly."
Digital detox: Mountain Cove Resort provides a true off-grid experience. "It is absolutely beautiful! The most beautiful I've stayed. There are not a lot of amenities but the beautiful site of those mountains. Be warned... There is no cell service and no Wi-Fi. Off the grid," reports Nathan T.
Road conditions: Access to horse camping areas can be challenging. For Sawmill Lake Campsite, a camper warns, "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."
Permit requirements: Some areas require passes or permits. At Sawmill Lake, "You do need a land pass to be here, the website is on the sign coming in and it was around $60," notes Sierra Y.
Facility limitations: Mountain Cove Resort has minimal amenities. "There is a country store on site with minimal need items. The staff was amazing and super friendly!" shares Nathan T. Another camper notes, "This campground is side by side hook ups. Not a tree one in the site area."
Alternative access routes: Consider approaching from different directions. For Sawmill Lake, "If you have a trailer or rv I recommend coming in from the west direction, if you can tell from maps. The east way had 180 degree sharp turns up the mountain, so may be difficult."
Playground access: Little Tallapoosa Park offers dedicated recreational areas. "Splash park was fun and clean for the kids as well as really nice walking trails we enjoyed," shares Andy M. Another camper mentions, "It had nice grassy areas and swing set and bike and walking trails."
Tent camping options: Little Tallapoosa Park has separate tent areas. "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," notes Sarah F.
Seasonal activities: Cherokee Rock Village offers year-round options. "I have camped here at least once every season and gone around 7 times. It's my favorite place to camp! The showers are always clean and warm. There's so many climbing routes that I love," shares Jess C.
Budget-friendly amenities: Little Tallapoosa offers good value. "For the price ($15/night), this is a pretty great place to camp," notes Sarah F. "The tent sites have electricity, too. My kids enjoyed biking around the camping loop and we did some geocaching."
Site selection: At Cherokee Rock Village, positioning matters. "To register for the night you will need cash unless there's someone in the store. I stayed in the tent area, but there appeared to be quite a few places to park a small RV. I chose the tent area because it seemed a bit better for level parking," advises Kent H.
Hookup availability: Coleman Lake provides essential services. "Beautiful, mostly shaded sites. Very nice bath house with shower and flushing toilets," reports Lisa W. The campground offers water and electric hookups.
Layout considerations: For those traveling with horses, Little Tallapoosa Park has dedicated areas. "They have 3 camping areas. Section 1 is for tents and pop ups. Section 2 is full hookups for campers, 5th wheels and motor homes. Site 3 is for equine camping," explains Shirley D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rome, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rome, GA is Cherokee Rock Village with a 4.8-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rome, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Rome, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
