Tracy D.
Traveler
TravelerCherokee Rock Village
Dry camping, but hot showers, water. Stunning views, clean property. Rock climbing, hiking, playground.
Equestrian Camping near Cedartown, GA
Search destinations
Add dates
Coleman Lake Recreation Area in the Talladega National Forest provides equestrian camping options for horse owners. The park includes a separate horse campground area near the main campground with water access and room for trailers. Equestrian sites are first come, first served with no reservations accepted. The trails around Coleman Lake connect directly to the Pinhoti Trail system, providing extensive riding opportunities through the Alabama woodland. Sites accommodate both horses and riders with basic amenities. The horse campground offers primitive camping with space for portable corrals or highlines for securing horses overnight.
Little Tallapoosa Park in Carroll County offers another horse-friendly camping option near Cedartown with water and power hookups in the equestrian section. The park maintains dedicated horse trails throughout the property, with plenty of space for trailer parking. The horse camp area serves as overflow when the main RV section fills up. Multiple creek crossings and natural water sources are available along the trail system. The park features wide, well-maintained riding paths through varied terrain with both wooded areas and open fields. Trail maps are available at the entrance, and the paths connect to several ponds and a small lake. Most horse trails are gentle enough for beginners while offering enough variety to keep experienced riders engaged. Horse owners appreciate the spacious campsites that accommodate rigs of various sizes.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Cedartown (6)
1. Coleman Lake Rec Area
"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."
2. Little Tallapoosa Park
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $50 / night
3. Cherokee Rock Village
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $19 - $30 / night
4. McIntosh Reserve Park
"I cleaned up a bit of trash around my site when I arrived. The camp host drove around selling firewood."
"Well, another review from Hank and I about three weeks ago in October we stayed at McIntosh reserve in Whitesburg Georgia. We stayed for a week."
5. Sawmill Lake Campsite
"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."
6. Mountain Cove Resort
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $30 / night
Drive Time
- 23 min from Rome, GA
- 56 min from Atlanta, GA
- 57 min from Anniston, AL
- 57 min from Gadsden, AL
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Cedartown, GA
1 Photos of 6 Cedartown Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cedartown, GA
87 Reviews of 6 Cedartown Campgrounds
Earl W.
GuideMcIntosh Reserve Park
Well, another review from Hank and I about three weeks ago in October we stayed at McIntosh reserve in Whitesburg Georgia. We stayed for a week. They have no power, but we have a solar generator and a regular generator they have water Spicket spread out sporadically throughout the park, they do have restrooms and a shower house. Very nice park. Very nice host.
Chase R.TravelerCherokee Rock Village
Our weekend stay at rock village
This 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
- BBenjamin G.
ScoutCherokee Rock Village
Great last minute trip
Clean and easy to get to.
kelsie S.TravelerColeman Lake Rec Area
Great place for tents and campers!
We 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.
- Jason D.Guide
Little Tallapoosa Park
Quiet weekend
I 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.
- RRobert G.Guide
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.
Kent H.GuideCherokee Rock Village
Safe place to spend the night
This 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.
Sarah S.ScoutMcIntosh Reserve Park
New bathhouse with shower, water spigot
Camping is first come first served basis, no reservations. $20 per night, parking for one vehicle included. Extra vehicles require $5 parking pass per day. They take credit card. Pull up to the booth at the entrance before 5pm or see the camp host 5-8pm. After 8pm, the park gate closes. I was given a gate code in case I needed to leave and return during the closed hours.
The camping layout falls somewhere between dispersed camping and a traditional campground. When I checked in, I was told I could pull up to any site with a fire pit. There were picnic tables and trash cans at most sites. There are no hook ups at the sites, but there is a good amount of space on flat ground in the trees. Several cars, tents, or small campers would fit on each site. Bigger campers could opt for sites 8 or 9 which don’t have trees. I cleaned up a bit of trash around my site when I arrived. The camp host drove around selling firewood.
Many of these reviews seem older, so I wanted to add that there is a newer block bathroom with flush toilets, electricity and a shower stall, and outdoor water spigot near the stretch of campsites marked 1-20 along the river. It was clean. Driving in, you’ll see a sign that points you to “Main Camping.” The sites stretch down a lane that follows the river to a dead end, the river and sites are on the left and there is a large grassy airfield on the right. There was no airplane traffic while I was there and no signage to stay off of it, so perhaps it is no longer in use.
There is a boat ramp past site 20. I saw a sign at the bathhouse for paddling the river and various parks to camp along the way. There are signs for horse camping only at sites 18-20. One of the trails runs between the river bank and the campsites, with red blazes - “River Trail” - so don’t set up equipment there in case hikers or horses come through. I saw people fishing in the Chattahoochee River right off of their campsite. There is a small rapid that stretches across the river near sites 1-10, so you get that nice water flowing sound to fall asleep to!
There are also sites in other areas of the park, if you turn left instead of following the “Main Camping” sign. I’m not sure if they are numbered, and they seem more scattered. There is another bathhouse with running water and a shower that is older next to the cabin called “Old Ranger’s Station.”
The park has wide trails for horseback riding. I hiked the 2 mile Eagle Loop Trail and saw a mountain biker as well. I saw signs for an Orienteering Course. There is a splash pad and a new looking playground that from a glance, might be ADA accessible. There are many signs prohibiting swimming in the river due to the strong current. There is no beach and in most places, the river bank is steep. John Tanner Park has a swimming beach.
The park map is not great and the information available online is insufficient, but I do recommend coming to explore the area and camp! I’ll be back now that I have an understanding of the layout.
Guide to Cedartown
The Chattahoochee National Forest surrounds Cedartown, Georgia with a rolling landscape that transitions between 700-1,500 feet in elevation. The area experiences mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures and warm summers that can reach into the 90s. Forest Service roads throughout the region provide access to designated equestrian camping areas where riders can stage trail excursions directly from their campsites.
What to do
Trail riding with direct access: At Coleman Lake Recreation Area, the trail system connects directly to the Pinhoti Trail. "The Pinhoti Trail that extends from south Alabama to north Georgia goes right beside the lake and is a great section hike," notes Amanda D., highlighting the extensive riding opportunities through varied terrain.
Fishing from campsites: Coleman Lake offers productive fishing opportunities right from the camping area. "Caught 3 bass in the lake. You can't beat the price," reports Jason G., who enjoyed the lake access during his stay. The area features both lake and stream fishing options with multiple water sources.
Hiking marked trails: Several trail systems with color-coded blazes make navigation straightforward for hikers. At McIntosh Reserve Park, "There are wide trails for horseback riding. I hiked the 2 mile Eagle Loop Trail and saw a mountain biker as well. I saw signs for an Orienteering Course," explains Sarah S., describing the multi-use trail options.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The campground bathhouses receive regular maintenance at most horse-friendly sites. "The bath house is very clean and up to date. Sites are level and well spaced," reports Micheal S. about Coleman Lake Recreation Area, noting the well-maintained infrastructure that supports both equestrian and standard camping.
Spacious sites for rigs: Little Tallapoosa Park offers ample room for horse trailers and camping equipment. "Plenty of space there with power and water. Sewer hookup is only available in the RV section. Tons of walking/horse trails to go along with a creek and a couple of lakes," mentions Hollis K., who stayed in the horse camp area.
Water features: Multiple water access points enhance the camping experience. "This is a great camping spot with a beautiful lake. The trail around the lake was perfect," shares Jason G. about his experience at Coleman Lake, pointing out the recreational opportunities that water features provide for campers and their horses.
What you should know
Reservation policies vary: Some equestrian campgrounds operate on a first-come basis while others accept reservations. "Camping is first come first served basis, no reservations. $20 per night, parking for one vehicle included. Extra vehicles require $5 parking pass per day," explains Sarah S. about McIntosh Reserve Park's policies.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity can be spotty in forest campgrounds. At Cherokee Rock Village, "The only negative is that there is absolutely no cell service at all. The nearest reliable service is literally 6 miles down the road," reports Evan S., highlighting the communication challenges that horse campers should prepare for.
Road conditions matter: Access roads to some horse campgrounds require careful navigation. "Make sure you use Highway 78 to enter. Google Maps will send you on a 11.5 mile mountain trail (Dugger Mountain Road) that is a dirt 2 track over the mountain...an interesting trip with a camper," warns Micheal S. about approaching Coleman Lake with a horse trailer.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Sawmill Lake Campsite provides free primitive camping with nearby activities for families. "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," suggests Lisa, noting activities beyond horseback riding that families can enjoy.
Playgrounds and splash pads: Some equestrian campgrounds include family-friendly amenities. "Just camped here recently with some friends and our kids. Took the kids to the splash pad and enjoyed cooking out and hanging out over night," shares Ryan N. about McIntosh Reserve Park, mentioning the water play area that children can enjoy after trail rides.
Holiday activities: Seasonal events enhance family camping experiences at equestrian sites. "I camped there on Halloween with my grandkids. My Frankies dressed in costume for me but the camp host saw them and made a point of inviting them for campground trick or treating. Almost every camp site gave candy and the kid turn out was impressive," describes Evan S., highlighting community aspects at Coleman Lake.
Tips from RVers
RV parking considerations: Mountain Cove Resort offers level sites for RVs with horse trailers, though with limited shade. "This campground is side by side hook ups. Not a tree one in the site area. Beautiful view of the mountain," notes Sarah H., providing insights about the open layout.
Equestrian overflow options: Horse camping areas sometimes serve dual purposes. "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," explains Hollis K. about Little Tallapoosa Park, showing how equestrian and RV camping overlap.
Senior discounts available: Many public campgrounds offer reduced rates for older campers. "Only $12 for the night. All in all, a good camp ground," reports Cass P. about McIntosh Reserve Park, while another reviewer notes, "They gave me a senior discount" at Cherokee Rock Village, making horse camping more accessible for older equestrians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Cedartown, GA?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cedartown, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cedartown, GA is Coleman Lake Rec Area with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Cedartown, GA?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cedartown, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Cedartown, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring