Best Equestrian Camping near Dalton, GA

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.

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.

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.

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 was a pit toilet with plenty of toilet paper and it was quite clean.

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.

Lastly, the road up there is all rock/dirt with a several hundred foot drop-off on the right side and no guardrail. There were a few hairpin turns. And then the driveway to and from the camp area is quite steep. Our 2WD (front wheel drive) Honda Passport struggled to get back up it on our way out, and we had to hit the steepest part with some speed to make it out.

We saw a van/bus dweller there, but just know what you're getting into.

This area is easily accessible but can be packed during prime camping season! There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!

A little biased as I know the owner but its great place to stay tons of activities to do right on site!!!

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. The permit was 15 dollars to access Rock Town and the Caves... I'd like to come and try my hand at spelunking some time soon. There is also a good view of Summerville from the mountain top. You can also make a 20 minute drive to Howard Fensters Paradise Gardens.

Was a very nice and open area to camp at. Came in at night so was hard to see spots. Despite it being November there were a good amount of people. 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. I had just a little bit of service, and there were no amenities that I could find. If you have a trailer or rv I recommend coming in from the west direction, if you can tell from maps. The east way had 180 degree sharp turns up the mountain, so may be difficult. Views were very nice going up that way though. Would stay here again if I needed to

Stayed 13 days. I came from the west and had no problems getting my 23ft camper up the mountain. There were a few people that stayed in a tent for a night or two here and there, but I didn’t see any other RV/Campers so every spot was open. Trees fall easily so if it’s windy be careful where you park. You do need a land pass to be here, the website is on the sign coming in and it was around $60.

Great place to stay beautiful view nice place to kick back and relax if need staff very kind people

This campground is side by side hook ups. Not a tree one in the site area. Beautiful view of the mountain. We did not stay the night.

Great sites with fire pits.

Only spots for two, luckily one area was available upon my arrival. A couple was there already. The two spaces are kinda tight so I asked if I would be imposing staying the night and clearing out in the morning. Thankfully the couple had no problem

Okay. This spot is super neat! 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.

On arrival there is a huge meadow area. Tons of spots to pitch a tent or park vehicles. We used our truck tent and a fire pit and were super happy with the setup.

If you are coming with a group this is an awesome spot. We counted 5 fire pits but you could literally fill the meadow with dozens of tents easily.

I took off a star because the bathroom looks like an actual third world country, covered in trash and bugs and who knows what else. I didn’t stay long to look at it in detail. It was very rudimentary and disgusting. I don’t know if anyone even manages it. That’s how bad it was. I guess that’s what you get from no camp fees.

Overall we really loved our stay here!! Very quiet and peaceful. 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.

This is what camping should be!! Free, first come first serve, with some fire pits and picnic tables and plenty of room to pitch a tent.

Come check it out!