Best Equestrian Camping near Crandall, GA

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.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Crandall, Georgia (14)

    1. Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA)

    4 Reviews
    Crandall, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 695-6736

    "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!"

    2. Jacks River Fields Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    3 Reviews
    Cherry Log, GA
    13 miles

    $5 / night

    "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."

    3. Cottonwood Patch Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cisco, GA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 695-6736

    $8 / night

    "A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can. It does have a pit toilet that was maintained."

    4. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    29 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 263-0050

    $35 - $85 / 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."

    5. Shady Grove

    1 Review
    Fort Oglethorpe, GA
    26 miles

    $2 - $38 / night

    6. Trackrock Campground & Cabins

    22 Reviews
    Blairsville, GA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-2420

    "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."

    7. Lost Corral Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Delano, TN
    28 miles
    Website

    "This is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it"

    8. Sawmill Lake Campsite

    6 Reviews
    Rising Fawn, GA
    39 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Camp Woodruff Boy Scout Summer Camp

    2 Reviews
    Culberson, GA
    35 miles
    Website

    $10 - $25 / night

    "As an Eagle Scout from around this area, this was our go-to place for summer camp and occasional other camping trips as well."

    10. Tennessee Wall Camp

    3 Reviews
    Lookout Mountain, TN
    40 miles

    "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."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Crandall, GA

7 Photos of 14 Crandall Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Crandall, GA

80 Reviews of 14 Crandall Campgrounds


  • Abigail P.
    Jun. 13, 2019

    Sawmill Lake Campsite

    Primitive camping perfect for Rocktown climbers

    If you’re looking for amazing scenery, this is not the place. 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. Meant we could spend most of the climbing, rather than making a long approach. My group went for several days over thanksgiving 2018, and the weather was absolutely beautiful. Nights turned a bit chilly, so make sure to pack layers if camping in the fall or winter season. I think you’re technically supposed to have a Georgia outdoors permit to stay here (which we did), but we did not encounter a single ranger during our six-day stay. Check the Rocktown forum on Mountain Project for up-to-date info on permit requirements.

    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.

    You can pretty much set up camp anywhere there’s open ground. Plenty of trees around for hammock camping as well. My group of 10 people had no problem finding open areas to set up camp together. There are several man-made fire pits, and plenty of wood and brush lying around to scavenge for fire-making. There are no water hookups, so make sure to pack plenty of water with you. There is also an area at the campground for equestrian camping, though we didn’t check that out, as, alas, none of us had horses.

  • D
    Oct. 17, 2022

    Trackrock Campground & Cabins

    Beautiful Area

    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. Campground also has bathhouse and laundry facilities.

  • Olivia W.
    May. 19, 2024

    Trackrock Campground & Cabins

    Perfect campground tucked in the mountains

    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. We heard some people on dirt bikes on the trails too.

  • Suzie F.
    May. 4, 2019

    Trackrock Campground & Cabins

    Beautiful mountain park.

    This park has amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Lots of shade. It has an equestrian area where you can book horseback rides. The people that run the park are very friendly and accommodating. Lots of hiking trails both in the park and outside of the park. There were only 2 negatives that we had on this trip. One was our first encounter with "stink bugs". They were everywhere and you couldn't keep them out of the RV. When we got home to Florida we were still killing them inside the RV for almost 5 months! The other negative is that hurricane Micheal was barreling for Florida before our stay was up at Trackrock. We had to cut our stay short so that we wouldn't be driving through a hurricane.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2017

    Cottonwood Patch Campground

    Horses

    This campground is definitely designed to be a launching point for those wishing to go horseback riding in the Cohutta Wilderness. We stopped through here on our way to go backpacking in the area. There were several large sites with campers on them and almost everyone had horses tied up near their vehicles. There is an outhouse on the site but it does not appear like there is any regular upkeep being done. There are many really nice trails in the area and several are designated horse only so if you own a horse this is a great option that is very close to the trailheads. Another nice feature of this site is that it is right on the water so that provides a nice atmosphere. Overall though it still smelled like horses and unless that is what you are going for I would not suggest setting up a tent here. Instead go down the road to some of the campgrounds more set up for tents or just head into the backcountry and take up one of the MANY free sites that aren't too long of a hike in.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2024

    Cottonwood Patch Campground

    Fairly primitive

    Level spots with picnic tables. Not directly on the river but is accessible. A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can. It does have a pit toilet that was maintained.

  • J
    Dec. 3, 2020

    Trackrock Campground & Cabins

    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.. town is not far and has some good shopping and local restaurants. Definitely worth the trip...

  • Candy O.
    Apr. 19, 2019

    Lost Corral Horse Camp

    Very nice area for camping with horses

    This is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it

  • William S.
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Davis Pond Campsite

    Away from it all

    Down a long and winding (and dusty) gravel road into the WMA is the Davis Pond camp site, a real gem with shady trees and a fishing pond. 

    This lightly developed site has two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables. However, it can easily accommodate many more campers in the space and has multiple dirt-and-rock fire pits.

    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. Another downside, after I set up my tent I noticed that some hornets were flying into a nearby dead tree. I quickly moved to another spot but luckily noticed it before it got dark.

    There's a gravel parking lot with a trail map and sign in sheet right next to the camping area. 

    In addition to the multiple trails (for hiking, ATVs, and horses) closer to the entrance to the WMA (and far from the camp) is a shooting range.


Guide to Crandall

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%.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Crandall, GA?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Crandall, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.