1 campground with availability next weekend
Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area offers primitive horse camping at Sawmill Lake Campsite near Menlo, Georgia. The free camping area includes designated sites where equestrians can set up camp with their horses, though no dedicated horse corrals or stalls are provided. Horse owners typically use highlines or portable corrals they bring themselves. The campground features multiple man-made fire pits with plenty of scavenged wood for fires. Camping areas have enough open ground for setting up tents near horses, with trees available for those who prefer hammock camping. The campsite's proximity to multiple trail systems makes it ideal for riders looking to explore the area. The road leading to the campsite can be rough and washed out, requiring careful navigation with horse trailers.
Located on Pigeon Mountain, this horse-friendly camping area provides access to numerous trails suitable for riding. Equestrians need to purchase a Georgia Lands Pass to camp and ride in the wildlife management area, costing approximately $60 annually. While the campground lacks dedicated equestrian facilities like wash racks or permanent corrals, the open layout accommodates horse trailers and provides ample space for portable corrals or highlines. The campground's primitive nature means no water hookups are available, so riders must bring sufficient water for themselves and their horses. Despite limited amenities, the natural setting offers excellent opportunities for trail riding through varied terrain. Most equestrians visiting the area spend several days exploring the extensive trail system that connects to rock climbing areas, caves, and scenic overlooks.
"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."
from $25 - $30 / night
"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
"The campground is right on the banks of Lake Guntersville and it has a beach area so it's great if you want to play in the water."
"Although the furthest away from a bathhouse, we truly enjoyed this site. It’s “pick your own” and we picked the site next to Seals hiking trail along the water."
Available next weekend
"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."
"There is a parking lot right off the road after a fun ~30 minute drive through residential roads right on the water, then sites with fire pits are scattered throughout a small clearing."
"You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite. Nice wooded area with a trail to the water. There are 5 sites with fire pits."
"It is also at an easy access point to the falls as well as the other trails in the area. The site has easy access to water most of the year and can provide space for over 10 tents."
"Park at either the Alabama or the Tennessee trailhead (make sure not to park at the horse trailhead earlier on the road) and descend down into the canyon."
from $2 - $38 / night
"This lightly developed site has two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables."
"About 45 mins outside Chattanooga, it’s a beautiful drive. Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance."
ScoutI was worried that I would arrive and find all the campsites occupied. This was not the case. When I got there around 5:30 there was only one other site taken. I didn’t see them until the next morning. By morning, there were two other sites occupied.
TravelerHard to find, really busy but most of them were hikers let left at nightfall.
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
GuideAbsolutely beautiful. Took a couple of rounds of trial and error to find the spot, which is just a pro for me personally. Once we got there, the place was beautiful. Logging is going on right now, so we were woken up around 6:30 am by the beautiful sounds of machinery and whatnot. Did not catch anything in the pond unfortunately. That’s to be expected when you’re only armed with a Barbie fishing pole and no patience. I have saved the spot and will always be returning whenever I visit Chattanooga!!
GuideThe road to get to the sites is long, bumpy, and very curvy (so you’ve got to go slow). The sites themselves were full of trash, graffiti, and a homeless camp. We elected to not stay.
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.
GuideYou take a sometimes single lane road to get there. Very windy at points. There is a parking lot to hold 4+ cars. You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite. Nice wooded area with a trail to the water. There are 5 sites with fire pits. There is one private site past the marked site if you keep going you will find a large level gravel lot with a single fire pit that would be much better for van or truck camping. Past this point it turns back into residential.
TravelerWe went to Guntersville State Park campground for our first camping trip and really enjoyed it. We went on Labor Day weekend so it was pretty full. Even though nearly every campsite was booked, there was plenty of room for kids to roam, ride bikes, and play. I was really surprised how quiet it was despite the number of people there. No noise issues (other than my own kids). We spent alot of time at the playground and also a morning on the beach area. We’ll definitely be back one day.
Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area offers equestrian camping near Menlo, Georgia at an elevation of approximately 1,400-2,000 feet. The mountainous terrain features limestone formations, caves, and diverse hardwood forests that provide a natural setting for riders and their horses. Fall temperatures range from 45-70°F with colorful foliage, while summer months can be hot and humid with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F.
Rock climbing access: Cherokee Rock Village in nearby Alabama provides excellent climbing opportunities. "This is a hidden gem! We camped at one of the primitive sites under a huge boulder. Wonderful climbing and spectacular views! They also have clean bathrooms with a shower, covered picnic tables and a playground centrally located," notes Dori H.
Cave exploration: Petty John Cave sits near Sawmill Lake Campsite, offering spelunking adventures. "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," writes Lisa.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes in the area provide fishing options. At Davis Pond Campsite, "The little pond is a breeding ground for lots of bugs, but it's peaceful and pretty to look at. Not many fish biting this time of year. We did see a couple go out on an inflatable boat," according to Tessa B.
Off-grid experience: Many campers appreciate the disconnected nature of equestrian camping near Menlo. At Mountain Cove Resort, "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," shares Nathan T.
Fire pit availability: Established fire rings make camping more convenient. At Tennessee Wall Camp, campers enjoy "Great sites with fire pits" and note "plenty of firewood to collect on site," according to Suzie K.
Budget-friendly options: Free and low-cost camping appeals to many visitors. "Great FREE site near plenty of hiking trails, world class rock climbing, etc.," reports Brandon M. about Sawmill Lake Campsite, while Sierra Y. mentions staying for an extended period: "Stayed 13 days. I came from the west and had no problems getting my 23ft camper up the mountain."
Permit requirements: Georgia Wildlife Management Areas require permits. "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. about Sawmill Lake Campsite.
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging, especially with trailers. "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," warns Abigail P.
Campsite selection strategy: Finding the right spot requires planning. "If you come in summer when it's busy, I would recommend going to the first open field when you enter which is to the right. I decided to go all the way back down the gravel road to the back and every spot was taken so I wasted about 30 minutes," advises Mitchell M.
Seasonal considerations: Plan your family equestrian camping trip according to weather patterns. At Coleman Lake Rec Area, "This is an incredibly family forward campground. I camped there on Halloween with my grandkids. My Frankie's dressed in costume for me but the camp host saw them and made a point of inviting them for campground trick or treating," reports Evan S.
Bathroom facilities: Check bathroom availability before traveling with children. "The bath house is very clean and up to date," notes Micheal S. about Coleman Lake, while Davis Pond Campsite has less appealing facilities: "While there is a two-station pit toilet, it's a bit of a horror show with a lot of trash accumulating in the structure."
Activity options: Choose campsites with built-in activities. "There is a Beach area and playground in the day use area," mentions Lisa W. about Coleman Lake, making it suitable for families with children who need entertainment options.
Trailer access routes: Lake Guntersville State Park Campground offers better accessibility for larger rigs. "We went to the state park for the weekend. Stayed in the A area which we were told had sewer (it does not but it's very close to the dump station). Spots were average for a state park," notes Alanna R.
Limited shade considerations: "Full hookup sites. Great views. Due to tornados in recent years, there are not many trees," reports Jaime W. about Lake Guntersville, which affects RV temperature management in summer.
Vehicle clearance requirements: "The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance," warns Tessa B. about Davis Pond access, important for RVers to know before attempting the drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Menlo, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Menlo, GA is Sawmill Lake Campsite with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Menlo, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Menlo, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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