2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cottonwood Patch Campground provides dedicated camping sites for equestrians exploring the Cohutta Wilderness Area. Level spots with picnic tables and primitive facilities accommodate riders and their horses. The campground features a horse corral for securing animals overnight, while tent and RV camping options allow flexibility for different camping preferences. Located alongside a river with accessible water for horses, the campground serves primarily as a launching point for horseback riding adventures. Sites remain well-maintained with basic pit toilets that receive regular service. The campground atmosphere naturally caters to horse enthusiasts, with multiple campers typically having horses tied near their vehicles.
Trail access directly connects riders to numerous designated horse trails throughout the Cohutta Wilderness. Lost Corral Horse Camp in nearby Tennessee offers another equestrian-focused option with direct water access, though without riverside views. Both campgrounds provide practical staging areas for trail riding excursions rather than destination camping experiences. The primitive nature of these facilities suits riders seeking quick access to wilderness trails over luxury accommodations. Trackrock Campground offers a more developed alternative with stables and guided horseback riding opportunities for those preferring additional amenities. The surrounding national forest lands contain extensive trail networks specifically designated for horse use, with several trails restricted exclusively to equestrian traffic. Riders appreciate the convenient water access for horses after trail excursions.
"This was a beautiful little spot next to a creek. There are 5 sites in all. It was a Monday in August, and there were two spots available."
"There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!"
"Lovely little spot next to a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river - very popular with locals, and I imagine would be packed on weekends."
"There’s a hiking trail that connects to the Benton McKaye just across from campsite and if you are a bringing horses there are two paddocks for them as well."
"Please be kind and do not leave trash behind."
from $5 / night
"A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can. It does have a pit toilet that was maintained."
Available this weekend
from $8 / night
"Bath house is relatively nice for a state park campground. 1 mile walking path surrounding the grounds is nice. Safe area for bicycle riding. Great proximity to many outdoor activities."
"The site is surrounded by trees and connects to the nature trail which goes down to the Hiwasee, so there can be some mild foot traffic nearby. It's simple, with a firepit and maybe picnic tables."
Available this weekend
from $2 - $38 / night
"Great campground surrounded by the beauty of the North Georgia mountains. Also a working horse farm so be sure and schedule a guided horseback ride. Full hookup sites that are private."
"Good sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground."
"This is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it"
"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."
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.
GuideHopefully they open it up soon but we drove about an hour to get here just for it to be closed. The whole road seems to be closed for the time being for road work. I hope this helps someone!.
The 5-8 miles up to this area do seem a little sketchy but we were hoping the actually site would be nice and hopefully it will be after the work they are doing right now.
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.
RangerWe stayed here 5/15- 5/17 and had a wonderful time. The bathrooms were great & the playground was a huge hit with all the kids. They also loved catching little minnows in the streambed of the boat launch. There is a trail that surrounds camp that's great for little adventures or even a short mountain bike
ScoutWe stayed at one of the tent sites. Power and water at each side was a huge bonus. They had converters you could borrow for free for the plug. Bathrooms are old, but very well maintained and clean. For kids there’s 2 playgrounds, a fishing/ swimming pond, hiking trails. They told us they can also do pony rides but we never made it to the stables. We loved our stay and would definitely go back!
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.
GuideBeautiful spots down Jacks river directly and conveniently on the water. Remote but could see being busy during warmer seasons. We loved it.
Equestrian camping near Crandall, Georgia offers rugged backcountry experiences in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest at elevations ranging from 700 to 3,000 feet. The region receives around 60 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions that support diverse wildlife habitats alongside established trail networks. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer brings thunderstorms and humidity above 80%.
Horseback riding on designated trails: The Cohutta Wilderness trails near Hickey Gap Campground provide extensive riding options with creek access points. "There's a giant waterfall down the trail if you can make the trek," notes Julia B., highlighting opportunities beyond basic riding.
Swimming in natural settings: Natural water features offer cooling options during hot months. At Jacks River Fields Campground, "there's a hiking trail that connects to the Benton McKaye just across from campsite," according to Liz B., making it convenient to find swimming spots along established routes.
Cave exploration: The surrounding mountains contain several cave systems accessible from camping areas. "This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave," reports Lisa from Sawmill Lake Campsite, adding that permits cost $15 to access both Rock Town and the caves in that area.
Fishing in mountain streams: Creeks and rivers throughout the region support trout fishing. Bob P. observes that Jacks River Fields offers "creekside camping on the other" side from the horse camp, providing direct water access for anglers.
Level camping spots: Finding flat terrain for setup remains important to riders. Bob P. notes that Cottonwood Patch offers "level spots with picnic tables" that accommodate both equestrian and non-equestrian campers, making site setup straightforward.
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Despite primitive conditions, many sites maintain basic cleanliness. At Gee Creek Campground, "very friendly staff, clean facilities and nice playground" create a comfortable experience according to Mickey L., who appreciated the maintained amenities.
Creek sounds and water access: Stream proximity enhances the camping experience. Mike H. described Hickey Gap as "a beautiful little spot next to a creek" with five total sites, noting the peaceful sleep environment created by flowing water.
Wildlife observation opportunities: The region supports diverse animal populations. Bob P. observed "3 copper heads at the creek" at Hickey Gap, highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness while appreciating natural surroundings.
Bear safety protocols: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "There's also a bear box and signs clearly indicating there are bears around and that you should keep all food in your vehicle or use the box," reports Mike H. about Hickey Gap Campground.
Road conditions challenge some vehicles: Access roads often present difficulties. Mike H. warns that at Hickey Gap, "the road up there is all rock/dirt with a several hundred foot drop-off on the right side and no guardrail," and their "2WD (front wheel drive) Honda Passport struggled to get back up" the steep campground exit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Crandall, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Crandall, GA is Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA) with a 5.0-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Crandall, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Crandall, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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