Equestrian camping near Decatur, Georgia offers access to the Piedmont region's gently rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 750 to 1,100 feet. Located in the transition zone between the Blue Ridge Mountains and coastal plains, this area experiences hot summers with average July temperatures around 89°F and mild winters with January lows near 34°F. Several campgrounds maintain dedicated horse trails and staging areas for trailers within a 45-minute drive of Decatur.
What to do
Trail riding at McIntosh Reserve Park: This 527-acre park along the Chattahoochee River offers wide trails for horseback riding about 60 miles west of Decatur. "The park has wide trails for horseback riding. I hiked the 2 mile Eagle Loop Trail and saw a mountain biker as well," notes Sarah S. in her McIntosh Reserve Park review.
River activities: Anglers can fish directly from campsites at Newton Factory Shoals Recreation Area, located 35 minutes east of Decatur. "I saw people fishing in the Chattahoochee River right off of their campsite. There is a small rapid that stretches across the river near sites 1-10, so you get that nice water flowing sound to fall asleep to!" shares Sarah S.
Farm animal interactions: Liberty Stables offers a chance to camp on a working farm with various animals. "We needed a last minute place to stay on our way back home. They were very accommodating and friendly. Beautiful property with farm animals to look at," says rachel in her Liberty Stables review.
What campers like
Peaceful waterfront sites: Factory Shoals Recreation Area has prime waterfront camping spots for primitive camping. "Note to future campers: the campground is NOT located at the address provided. This is the recreational park. The campground is actually up the road, on the opposite side of the park, at the entrance of the graveyard," advises Nicolle in her Newton Factory Shoals Rec Area review.
Well-maintained horse trails: The region offers multiple options for horse enthusiasts seeking trail access directly from camp. "McIntosh Reserve Park has numerous trails throughout the property that accommodate horses," notes DeWayne H. "This place has some nice trails and plenty of pavilions for large groups."
Clean, modern facilities: Little Tallapoosa Park receives consistent praise for its upkeep. "Everything is well maintained from the roads, campsites, unpaved trails, and bathrooms. I was impressed with how clean everything was despite being a campground," writes Zachary N. in his Little Tallapoosa Park review.
What you should know
Primitive camping dominates: Many equestrian-friendly sites offer basic amenities rather than full hookups. "Camping is first come first served basis, no reservations. $20 per night, parking for one vehicle included. Extra vehicles require $5 parking pass per day," explains Sarah S. about McIntosh Reserve Park.
Reservation systems vary: Some parks require advance booking while others operate on first-come, first-served basis. "We stayed in the equine section. Total of 12 sites. Only 3 of us there. Nice and quiet," reports shirley D. about Little Tallapoosa Park.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be intense in this region, with humidity making temperatures feel hotter than recorded. "The splash pad was fun and clean for the kids as well as really nice walking trails we enjoyed," Andy M. reports about Little Tallapoosa Park's summer amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Several parks offer playgrounds and water features during summer months. "There is a splash pad and a new looking playground that from a glance, might be ADA accessible," notes Sarah S. about McIntosh Reserve Park.
Consider tent-specific camping areas: Some parks separate tent and RV camping for a quieter experience. "I love the separate tent & RV campsites. The tent sites are decent size and there is some wooded space between each one so it felt quiet and semi-private," writes Sarah F. about Little Tallapoosa Park.
Check for educational opportunities: Some parks offer historical or nature programs. "This place is a great place for family reunions or birthday parties. They even do Easter egg hunts every year. Also, for those that are into Geocashing, there are a few you could find here," shares DeWayne H. about McIntosh Reserve Park.
Tips from RVers
Choose sites strategically: At Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground, site selection matters for larger rigs. "The campground is a good campground— clean and fairly easy for our big fifth wheel to get in to. Be careful and follow the Campground signs and not your GPS because you might come in a different way and have to navigate an overpass that, for done rigs, is too short!" warns Debbie K. in her Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground review.
Consider overflow areas for more space: Some campgrounds offer alternative parking for larger rigs. "Great RV park that is owned and ran by the county. We stayed in the horse camp section because the RV area was full. They use the horse camp area as overflow. Plenty of space there with power and water," explains Hollis K. about Little Tallapoosa Park.
Check hookup availability: Not all horse-friendly camping areas provide full RV amenities. "Only power and water in the equestrian camping area, with sewer hookups limited to main RV sections," notes a visitor at Little Tallapoosa Park.
