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Best Equestrian Camping near Dalton, GA

57 Reviews

Cottonwood Patch Campground provides level sites with horse corrals in Georgia's Cohutta Wilderness area. The primitive facility includes picnic tables and pit toilets maintained by the Forest Service. This horse-friendly campground primarily serves as a basecamp for equestrians accessing the extensive trail system in the surrounding wilderness. The campsite areas accommodate both horse trailers and camping equipment with ample space between sites. Numerous trails designated specifically for horseback riding connect directly from the campground to deeper wilderness routes. Copper heads have been spotted near creek access points, requiring riders to maintain vigilance when watering horses.

Multiple trailheads within the Cohutta Wilderness Management Area connect to Cottonwood Patch, allowing for varied riding experiences from the campground. Jacks River Fields Campground offers an alternative equestrian camping option, featuring two separate paddock areas for horses and creekside camping spots for riders. The sites accommodate tent and RV camping with trailer parking. This campground connects to the Benton McKaye hiking trail which shares some routes with equestrian paths. Most horse-friendly sites in the region remain open year-round but experience heaviest use during spring and fall when weather conditions are optimal for trail riding. Weekend availability becomes limited during prime riding seasons with many equestrians arriving Thursday to secure preferred camping locations.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Dalton, Georgia (11)

    1. Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA)

    4 Reviews
    Crandall, GA
    18 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. Shady Grove

    1 Review
    Fort Oglethorpe, GA
    19 miles

    $2 - $38 / night

    3. Sawmill Lake Campsite

    6 Reviews
    Rising Fawn, GA
    26 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."

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

    29 Reviews
    Delano, TN
    40 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. Jacks River Fields Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    3 Reviews
    Cherry Log, GA
    25 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."

    6. Cottonwood Patch Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cisco, GA
    23 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."

    7. Mountain Cove Resort

    3 Reviews
    Mentone, AL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 539-2683

    $25 - $30 / night

    8. Tennessee Wall Camp

    3 Reviews
    Lookout Mountain, TN
    33 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."

    9. Davis Pond Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Signal Mountain, TN
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 658-5551

    "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."

    10. Lost Corral Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Delano, TN
    40 miles
    Website

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

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Dalton, GA

1 Photos of 11 Dalton Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Dalton, GA

57 Reviews of 11 Dalton 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • L
    Jul. 26, 2018

    Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    Quiet and safe

    Very nice campground with large tent sites with fairly level ground capable of sitting 2 or 3 tents. Most have mature trees to hang hammocks. Very quiet during weekdays. 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. Friendly staff at the park office. Nice place!

  • L
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Jacks River Fields Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    Quiet and secluded

    We love this campsite! The first time we camped here, we were the only ones at the whole site. The most recent time, there were just two other couples so it was still very low key. 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.

  • Mo F.
    Sep. 26, 2017

    Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    Starry Group Site

    This was a great group site for a group of 8 not-too-rowdy adults. Actually, it'd be ok for rowdier campers too. We had neighbors down the road the first night and only a large group of boyscouts out of eye/earshot the second night. There is no water or electricity at the group sites, but there are some porta-lets and water about halfway to the bath house central to the RV sites.

    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. It's nice to be here rather than the crowded, active, noisey regular camping area. It's not super secluded, but it can feel like it at times.

    At night, the lightning bugs and stars are perfect. It is really a great view. We walked down to the next site (G-8) to get a better view (away from our own lights and fire) and it was really fantastic. The river is no joke, it's fast and cold, but it's only a few minutes down the trail to wade in.

    A white park truck rolls through every few hours to check on things.

  • Brittany S.
    Jun. 27, 2016

    Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park

    Nice Campground + Great River Access

    This campground is very well-maintained. The bathrooms are clean with plenty of stalls + showers. The campsites are close together, but with all the trees, there's still a decent amount of privacy. It does get very crowded in the summer, so keep that in mind, but even being completely full, I still found it to be very peaceful and relatively quiet.

    The big plus here is the ease of access to the Hiwassee River—perfect for paddling and swimming! It also borders the Gee Creek Wilderness, which has a gorgeous hike (with waterfalls), and Cherokee National Forest (lots of fun forest roads to explore).

Guide to Dalton

Horse camping in Georgia offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like corrals and access to trails

Tips for equestrian camping near Dalton, Georgia

  • When visiting Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA), be prepared for a rocky, steep road that may challenge some vehicles, especially in wet conditions.
  • At Cottonwood Patch Campground, keep in mind that while it’s popular with equestrians, it’s also open to all campers, so plan accordingly for busier weekends.
  • Ensure you have a land pass for Sawmill Lake Campsite, as it’s required for access to the area, especially if you’re bringing your horse along.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • The trails around Cottonwood Patch Campground offer beautiful scenery and are popular among horseback riders looking for a peaceful ride.
  • Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA) is close to a stunning waterfall and swimming areas, perfect for a refreshing break after a long ride.
  • Campers at Lost Corral Horse Camp can enjoy the surrounding Cherokee National Forest, which features numerous trails ideal for horseback riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dalton, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dalton, GA is Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA) with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Dalton, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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