Best Equestrian Camping near Columbus, GA
Looking for the best horse camping near Columbus? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Georgia campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Columbus, GA (2)
1. F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Pine Mountain Valley, Georgia53 Reviews•252 Photos•229 SavesAt 9,049 acres, Georgia's largest state park is a hiker's and backpacker's haven. Many visitors are surprised to find rolling mountains 80 miles southeast of Atlanta. Above King's Gap is Dowdell's Knob where President Franklin D. Roosevelt sometimes picnicked and pondered world affairs. A life-size sculpture of the president now welcomes visitors to the overlook. Several park amenities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, including cottages and the Liberty Bell Swimming Pool fed by cool springs. A wooded campground sits near the edge of a small fishing lake, and privately operated stables offer guided horseback rides. In 1921, FDR came to this part of Georgia to swim in naturally warm springs that offered relief from polio. Today, nearby Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site invites visitors to see his modest home, a museum and the pools that first drew him here. 9,049 Acres 22 Cottages 109 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites 16 Backcountry Campsites 2 Picnic Shelters Group Shelter (seats 95) Group Camp (sleep 75) Pioneer Campground 2 Lakes (15-acre Lake Delanor and 25-acre Lake Franklin) Liberty Bell Swimming Pool Trading Post
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$10 / night
2. R. Shaefer Heard Campground
West Point, Georgia34 Reviews•168 Photos•166 SavesOverview
R. Shaefer Heard Campground is a waterfront facility on the southern shore of West Point Lake, which spans parts of Alabama and Georgia. This man-made lake has 525 miles of shoreline that provide excellent opportunities for fishing, camping, boating and other recreational activities.
Recreation
Whether sailing or power boating, West Point Lake is a boater's paradise. There are boat ramps in 34 public recreation areas around the lake, including R. Shaefer Heard, as well as two privately owned full-service marinas. Fishing is one of the most popular activities on the lake. A dozen creeks and more than 40 square miles of lake provide plenty of good fishing spots for the thousands of anglers who fish here regularly. The lake abounds with bass, catfish, crappie and bream. Bank fishing is excellent at many locations, including public fishing piers at Hardley Creek, Rocky Point and McGee Bridge parks. Several trails wind along the lake and through the landscape, including the Lakeside Trail, which is perfect for mountain biking. A wildlife management area of nearly 10,000 acres, located at the upper end of the lake, provides habitat for many types of wildlife. This area offers excellent hunting opportunities.
Natural Features
Surrounded by rolling fields and deep forests that display outstanding fall foliage, West Point Lake extends 35 miles along the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia state line. The campground is forested and overlooks the 25,900-acre lake.
Nearby Attractions
The lake offers 25 day-use parks. While many people visit the lake to boat and camp, the parks offer a variety of other recreation facilities including tennis courts, ball fields, basketball courts, fishing piers with fish attractors, hiking trails and picnic shelters for individuals or large groups.
Charges & Cancellations
Changes and Cancellations: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see NRRS Reservation Policy
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$34 / night
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Columbus
84 Reviews of 2 Columbus Campgrounds
Tia K.
Guide
R. Shaefer Heard Campground
Go-to Campsite
Great for spring/summer camping, kind camp hosts, and great fun paddleboarding and jetskiing on Lake West Point. My family’s go-to spot!
Angela C.
Ranger
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Pretty state campground
We had some flubs with this campground. We put the wrong address in our GPS resulting in us arriving too late to use the pool. Then we neglected to pick up our paperwork and had to drive back to the main building to get it and we drove past the campground host on duty so we didn’t get firewood. Our campsite was pretty: flat, spacious, shaded with trees, but it was frustrating to drive past the even prettier spots right on the lake and realize that’s what I should have booked!! Several people were out enjoying evening fishing as we drove past to our more woodsy loop.
We were here all of 12 hours - it was a nice stopover on our route further south. Really quiet and absolutely spotless bathhouse! I really was bummed about not getting to the pool (it was not open the next day) - we will come back!
- Allen S.Guide
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Nice site, well maintained
I am getting back into camping for the first time in a very long time. Went to FDR State Park because it’s only about 30 minutes from home. Booking site 111 was easily done online. I arrived after the office had closed but my reservation sheet with instructions was left in a box on the door for me to pick up. Great park with nice lake for fishing, kayaking, paddle boating as well many hiking trails. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained. Visited Dowdell’s Knob which gives a fantastic view…no wonder it was FDR’s favorite picnicking site when visiting Warm Springs. I would definitely recommend and will be back, but next time will be spring or fall because summer was just too hot.
Crystal G.
ScoutF.D. Roosevelt State Park
Great 👍
I love the amenities
Pam & Steve S.GuideF.D. Roosevelt State Park
Nature at its best
Easy booking, check in, and hook up to electric and water. Beautiful, serene surroundings. We didn’t get to do all the fun stuff available like the pool and the hiking trail since it was just an overnight stop but we will be back.
Caitlin S.GuideR. Shaefer Heard Campground
Spacious lakefront sites
Great, quiet park with lots of walking and biking trails nearby. All the sites are wooded and spaced out so you don’t have any issues with privacy. From what we could tell, all of the sites have direct lake access. We visited in July and because of the tree coverage, we were able to sit outside most of the day without getting too hot. This is definitely one of our new favorite parks!
Lauren W.
LegendR. Shaefer Heard Campground
Fantastic
Site 16 Back in Gravel 50 amp Water Amazing site on the water! Spacious site, plenty of privacy. Very clean cg. Bathrooms nearby, but showers are around the corner. Very clean, just older. Plenty of walking, and biking over the dam into Alabama! Beautiful lake for swimming, canoes, or kayaking.
Lorilee S.RangerR. Shaefer Heard Campground
Beautiful campground
This campground is so beautiful. We walked all of the loops. Some are pretty steep. We were in a buddy site that backed up to the lake. The water was a bit icky looking (not just from the red clay, but it had a layer of algae on it). We rode our bikes to the damn area, which was really cool!
- nnatae
TravelerR. Shaefer Heard Campground
Lovely
Breathtaking views
- nnataeTraveler
R. Shaefer Heard Campground
Private
Love this spacious site quite loop beautiful place
- nnataeTraveler
R. Shaefer Heard Campground
Beautiful sunsets
So clean friendly staff. Quite. Beautiful scenery
Terry P.GuideR. Shaefer Heard Campground
Nice lake for kayaking
Campsites vary from forested and shaded to open and sunny. Most campsites offer lake views. Kayaks can be launched from some sites. Some sites are close together and others are spaced farther apart and offer more privacy. Restrooms and showers are spaced around the campground. I preferred the 17-39 section because it seemed more wooded.
- JJ A.Guide
R. Shaefer Heard Campground
Too open
The campground is well maintained. Gorgeous lake, clean plots. The problem is the lack of privacy. Even their more private spots are still just kind of in the open. If you’re seeking seclusion, which most people are when they try and get away from the city, you won’t find it here. The public bathrooms are also less than desirable. Wet concrete floors and tile walls just makes it feel dirty. For what they charge, the bathrooms should be in far better shape across the grounds. The couple that runs the visiting booth are way too strict. They legitimately lock you into the grounds after 10pm… idk how that’s legal, but they do it.
Rick G.LegendF.D. Roosevelt State Park
Great Spring Trip
Booked a couple of adjacent sites to explore the area with friends. The State Park is very well maintained, sites offered enough privacy, bathhouse was very clean, and the weather couldn’t have been better. Visited the Little White House State Historic site and enjoyed the Wild Safari and some good B-B-Q.
MickandKarla W.LegendR. Shaefer Heard Campground
Nice COE
The campground(CG) is fairly easy to get to as you follow the signs to West Point, Lake. Our RV GPS and Waze took us right to the West Point Project sign(per reservation email) that showed R. Shaefer Heard CG. Check-in at the gate was quick, and we proceeded to back-in site 106 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP). The site entrance is lined with railroad ties, so we had to be precise with our backing. However, the road turns at the site, so you get a straight shot to back in. The reservation website states that the site is limited to a 30’ RV. We had zero problems fitting in, leveling, and parking our 39’ 5th wheel and F450. Site 106 is on the end of a row, so it has plenty of privacy, plus right on the lake. As with most COEs, the water pressure is very good, so we used a reducer. We got 2 bars on Verizon. There’s a clear shot south for satellite, and we were able to get a shot north through mature trees for Starlink. Our site was right on the water and would be an easy launch for a kayak. As we were here in early January, we pretty much had the loop to ourselves. The last time we were here was during warmer weather a couple of years ago, and this CG was pretty much full. We enjoyed walking our dogs along the CG roads. We enjoyed our two-day stay.
- AApril J.Traveler
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
FDR State Park
Nice spot. Trails are nice. If you arrive after hours, look up instructions for check in beforehand. Sites are pretty private. Quiet. Clean bathrooms.
Brittany V.LegendR. Shaefer Heard Campground
Beautiful park
We can’t even get past the fact that this spot is only $30! COE outdid themselves with this park. Site was pretty level and only needed a few adjustments, but it’s so worth it. Private deck overlooking the lake with steps leading down to your private lake front and fire pit. Spacing from neighbors was decent as well. We’ll 100% be back to enjoy this park more.
Rachel G.LegendF.D. Roosevelt State Park
Great park
This is a large park with many loops and sites. There are many good trails in this area. Most sites were large with plenty of extra space. Some sites had decks overlooking the pond. Many were pull through.
- Brittney P.Guide
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Mud hole
This was not my favorite state park. Our first site was a mud hole. They were nice and moved us, but most site were covered in mud if you weren't up top.
- Lorilee S.Ranger
R. Shaefer Heard Campground
Beautiful park
This park is so pretty! We had buddy sites and we had so much space. We sat outside all the time. Nice breeze coming off the lake. Kids loved going in the water. It was a little tricky getting in the spot because it was an odd angle, but it wasn’t horrible. We rode our bikes to the dam, which was pretty cool! The bathhouse can use some serious renovation. There are several toilet houses and only two shower houses. They’re older for sure and can use some serious help.
- RRebecca L.Guide
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Beautiful Lake Delanor
This review is for FDR #115. Although small, this site has a commanding view of beautiful Lake Delanor. The state park allows 2 tents per site, and we couldn’t have fit 3 anyway. There was just enough room for our Tahoe in the parking area next to the tent pad. Our family enjoyed fishing, walking through the park, and visiting Dowdell’s Knob. We cooked all our meals on our grill and Coleman stove. The picnic table is large and is positioned on a new balcony area, apparently just renovated. The bathhouses are very nice and having a hot shower while camping is really fantastic. Almost every site was occupied during the weekend we were visiting and save a few loud campers on Saturday night, likely off the grid at one of the primitive sites, the main campground was absolutely quiet after 10:00 PM. Some Canadian geese and turtles visited us. The lake itself is stocked with bass and bluegill but no one was really biting. Lovely to sip on your coffee and watch the fog lift off the lake. This state park is a treasure. We loved it and hope to return someday.
- David R.Scout
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Can’t make reservations on website
Tried numerous ways to get help or make reservations without out any luck so after 30 minutes gave up - let me know when your website gets fixed and you can answer your phone
Brandon R.GuideF.D. Roosevelt State Park
Soul searching
I drove up from Florida on a whim, went back country camping. The hike was a little surprising, but I loved the peacefulness of the trails and camp. Definitely plan on going back for another trip.
Latika Y.RangerF.D. Roosevelt State Park
Beautiful and expansive park!
Cabin 1 (one of the original CCC cabins) was perfect for a long Thanksgiving weekend. The cabin feels both rustic and has a modern kitchen, which is great for cooking a celebratory feast. It also has two interior wood-burning stoves, one in the living room and one in the bedroom, so perfect for those chilly nights. We saw some stunning sunsets from the rocking chairs on the side porch. The view over the ridge really makes it feel like you’re in the mountains. We did miss the peak of the fall leaves by a couple of weeks, but we had great hikes every day. Really relaxing trip.
- JJustin W.Scout
R. Shaefer Heard Campground
Tent Campers Delight
We were there back in June. We had spot 96 and we tent camped. The spot was recommended in another review and it was wonderful. Right beside the water so the kids were able to play in the water most of the time. My family enjoyed it and it was our first camping trip. We are looking forward to going back.
- Margie B.Traveler
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Perfect fall or spring family camping
We found some great spots with plenty of room but there are also “adjoining” type sites if you are camping with other families. Bathrooms are clean but no ventilation. I personally wouldn’t shower in the bathhouse if it’s over 80 degrees outside because it is sweltering. Firewood at the outpost was very reasonable at $5 for a large bundle. Nice playgrounds for the kids.
- MMuffy Clark G.Guide
F.D. Roosevelt State Park
Quiet in the mountains
We have stayed st FD Roosevelt several times over the last few years and keep coming back. The lakeside campground provides lake and forest views. They recently added a third new bathhouse which is quite nice and are still renovating the rest of the campground. The only minus is the distance our campsite was from the bathhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Columbus, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Columbus, GA is F.D. Roosevelt State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.