Bristol Fields Horse Camp primarily serves equestrian campers in primitive conditions. Located along several forest service roads, this horse-oriented campground features multiple camping areas with designated spots for horses and camping equipment. The site includes a creek boundary suitable for cooling off after trail rides. No drinking water is available on-site, and facilities are limited to vault toilets and picnic tables. The campground connects directly to forest riding trails that extend throughout the surrounding Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest region.
What to do
Trail riding access: Bristol Fields Horse Camp offers direct trail connections with varied difficulty levels. According to one visitor, "The campground is primarily for horse oriented camping... There is direct access to horse and hiking trails that are not extremely scenic (as in no long views until you get to the top) but will give you a good vertical workout."
Fishing opportunities: Track Rock Campgrounds provides access to fishing spots with a stocked pond. A camper noted, "Tranquility. This place has absolutely breathtaking views, nice lake, well stocked little office store, nice game room, did not do the equestrian part, but I'm sure it's well worth it."
Water recreation: Don Carter State Park Campground features lakefront recreation with designated swimming areas. One visitor reported, "We love that it's on the lake because family members have boats and its just easy to jump on at the campsite dock. There is also a beach for the kids to play at as well, very well kept."
What campers like
Creek access: Many equestrian campers appreciate the natural water features at Bristol Fields. A reviewer described, "This whole area is bordered by a nice cold stream that is excellent for soaking your sore muscles in after a horse ride or hike... A nice feature someone created was a 'dam' of rocks with a round pool to sit in."
Shaded campsites: Standing Indian Campground offers cooler temperatures with forest cover. One camper stated, "This is my favorite campground for escaping the heat in August... The headwaters of the Nantaha River flow through the campground providing a gathering place for families to enjoy playing in a cold mountain stream."
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds provide better separation between sites. At Trackrock Campground & Cabins, a visitor noted, "Separated, serene lots. First time renting a teardrop trailer and camping in it, lot was tricky for us to back into but we managed and the set up was great with a fire ring, picnic table, potable water and hook up."
What you should know
Access limitations: Forest service roads to Bristol Fields require careful navigation. A camper explained, "I'm glad I arrived in daylight because my first drive in on the approximately 4 mile stretch of dirt and gravel road was a little nerve racking... there are some nice drop offs from the road. It is a wide road (about 1 1/2 lane) but passing in some areas would be interesting."
Seasonal considerations: Hurricane Creek Camp requires high-clearance vehicles, especially during wet periods. A visitor advised, "Definitely high clearance 4x4 or bikes. Sketchy but that's our style."
Limited facilities: Most equestrian camping sites in the region have minimal amenities. At Bristol Fields, there are "picnic tables, pit style latrines, and large fire pit areas throughout and a fire circle with wood chairs in the main area."
Tips for camping with families
Bring water containers: No running water means planning ahead. One visitor to Bristol Fields mentioned the need to bring all supplies: "What you bring is what you'll have."
Pack for creek activities: Natural water features provide recreation opportunities. A camper at Standing Indian noted, "A beautiful trout stream runs through the park, close to all the campsites. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Wonderful place to tent camp, van camp, or tow a SMALL trailer to."
Consider cabin alternatives: For families not ready for primitive camping, Oconee State Park Campground offers more amenities. A visitor shared, "We spent 2 nights in one of the cabins in this beautiful state park during a road trip through South Carolina. The cabin itself was very well kept. There was air conditioning, 2 bedrooms, 1 full kitchen, 1 full bathroom, and a fire place."
Tips from RVers
Measure access routes: Forest roads may have width restrictions affecting larger rigs. At Standing Indian, a camper warned, "The road to this campground is very narrow, the hill is very steep, and there is at least one very tight hairpin turn. Unless there is another way into this lovely park that I am unaware of, I would not attempt to tow a 5th wheel or other large trailer to this location."
Check site dimensions: Many equestrian sites are designed for horse trailers with camping gear, not necessarily dedicated RVs. A camper at Track Rock noted challenges: "Fifth Wheel Owners BEWARE!! Very steep and unlevel roads; especially when leaving. Our camper came in contact with the side of our bed and tailgate multiple times."
Consider alternatives: Sites with dedicated RV hookups may be better options than primitive horse camps. A visitor to Track Rock shared, "We were nervous about parking and getting set up- but they helped us get a spot that was easy to pull into. Great site managers and well appointed!"
