Best Equestrian Camping near Eton, GA

Cottonwood Patch Campground features horse corrals specifically designed for equestrian campers exploring the Cohutta Wilderness area. Located near the Georgia-Tennessee border, this campground provides level spots with picnic tables and maintained pit toilets. The horse facilities make this a popular destination for riders, with many campsites large enough to accommodate trailers. The campground sits close to water access, creating a pleasant atmosphere for both horses and campers. While primarily designed as a launching point for horseback riding, non-equestrian campers also use the facilities. The campground receives regular but not constant maintenance, and the sites remain accessible for both tent and RV camping.

Jacks River Fields Campground connects to numerous riding trails in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, with one side dedicated to horse camping and the other featuring creekside sites. Horse paddocks accommodate equestrians planning to explore the extensive trail network. The campground connects directly to the Benton McKaye Trail, providing immediate access to wilderness riding opportunities. Water hookups and toilets serve campers year-round, though weekday visitors often find they have the entire area to themselves. The campground remains well-maintained and clean even during peak seasons. Most equestrians value the secluded feeling despite the campground's accessibility, with many sites positioned near streams that provide both ambiance and water access for horses. The location offers an excellent base camp for exploring the surrounding wilderness on horseback.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Eton, Georgia (12)

    1. Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA)

    4 Reviews
    Crandall, GA
    7 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
    14 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
    13 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
    31 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. Sawmill Lake Campsite

    6 Reviews
    Rising Fawn, GA
    37 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."

    7. Lost Corral Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Delano, TN
    31 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. Camp Woodruff Boy Scout Summer Camp

    2 Reviews
    Culberson, NC
    37 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."

    9. 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."

    10. Mountain Cove Resort

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

    $25 - $30 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Eton, GA

1 Photos of 12 Eton Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Eton, GA

58 Reviews of 12 Eton 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 Eton

Equestrian camping near Eton, Georgia offers dedicated facilities in the foothills of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Located in northwest Georgia at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet, the area experiences mild springs and falls with summer temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s. Most horse camping areas feature primitive amenities with access to water sources for both riders and their horses.

What to do

Trail riding at Cohutta Wilderness: The trail system connects directly to Hickey Gap Campground, providing immediate wilderness access. "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!" notes John B. about Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA).

Swimming and cooling off: Creek access at multiple campgrounds provides natural swimming holes during summer months. A camper at Jacks River Fields Campground shared: "We were the only campers around and we had an amazing time! Picked a spot right beside a stream. Pretty cold in the mornings but serenity is bliss!"

Cave exploration: For adventurous campers, the region offers spelunking opportunities near some campgrounds. "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," reports Lisa about Sawmill Lake Campsite.

What campers like

Quiet weekday camping: Many campgrounds in the area remain uncrowded during weekdays, even in peak season. "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," explains Liz B. about Jacks River Fields.

Creek-side sites: Campsites positioned along streams offer pleasant background sounds and convenient water access. Bob P. remarked about Tennessee Wall Camp: "Great sites with fire pits" while Suzie K. added, "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."

Wilderness immersion: The remote locations create a true escape from city environments. "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," reports Sierra Y. about her extended stay at Sawmill Lake Campsite.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging for certain vehicles. "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," cautions Mike H. about Hickey Gap, adding "Our 2WD (front wheel drive) Honda Passport struggled to get back up it on our way out."

Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in the region, particularly around Cohutta Wilderness areas. "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," notes a visitor to Hickey Gap.

Permit requirements: Some recreation areas require permits for camping or day use. "You do need a land pass to be here, the website is on the sign coming in and it was around $60," mentions Sierra Y. about Sawmill Lake Campsite.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds available: Some campgrounds offer playground facilities for children. At Gee Creek Campground, "The Rangers check in daily and are very friendly. A trail runs the perimeter of the camp and the Hiwasee River runs next to the campground. The campground also has a playground to keep kids entertained," according to Anna M.

Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with gentle creek access for safer water play. "My girls group and I wanted to do a quick weekend glamping trip. One long rocky road and an active bear warning later we were rocking it by the creek. Bring a bathing suit and some good hiking shoes," suggests Julia B. about Hickey Gap.

Cell service limitations: Most wilderness campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. At Mountain Cove Resort, "It is absolutely beautiful! The most beautiful I've stayed. There are not a lot of amenities but the beautiful site of those mountains. Be warned... There is no cell service and no Wi-Fi. Off the grid," reports Nathan T.

Tips from RVers

Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring substantial leveling equipment. "The sites on the North side of loop A are fairly uneven and would require a significant amount of leveling blocks if using a camper," mentions Gregg G. about Gee Creek Campground.

Directional approach: Consider which direction you approach mountainous campgrounds from. "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," advises Mitchell M. about Sawmill Lake Campsite.

Site selection: Some campgrounds have areas better suited for RVs than others. "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," suggests a visitor to Sawmill Lake, noting this can save time when looking for suitable sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Eton, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.