Little Tallapoosa Park offers equestrian camping with 12 dedicated sites for riders traveling near Lithia Springs, Georgia. Carroll County maintains this facility with water and electric hookups specifically designed for equestrian needs. The park's 220-acre property features several miles of trail systems suitable for riders of various experience levels, with direct access from campsites and natural terrain including creek crossings.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: McIntosh Reserve Park provides extensive bridle paths along the Chattahoochee River. "This place has some nice trails and plenty of pavilions for large groups. They have access to the Chattahoochie River for kayaking and fishing as well," notes DeWayne H.
Fishing access: Multiple water features at Little Tallapoosa Park provide fishing opportunities while your horses rest. "There is a creek and pond," mentions Swain K., offering spots to cast a line between trail rides.
Explore historical sites: The equestrian trails at McIntosh Reserve Park connect to historical areas. "Historical sites on the drive in. Great place for family," says Buddy G., making this a combination of recreational and educational experiences for horse owners.
Wildlife viewing: The extensive trail network through wooded areas creates wildlife viewing opportunities. Zachary N. notes, "Trails are great for running or just nice stroll, and there is a small lake onsite that could be used to fish with convenient benches around it."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Little Tallapoosa Park receives praise for its well-designed camping areas. "This is a smaller park, but the sites are spread out well. Super quiet, lots of trails to follow," reports Tiffany D.
Quiet atmosphere: The equestrian camping areas maintain separation from other camping zones. Shirley D. shared her experience: "We stayed in the equine section. Total of 12 sites. Only 3 of us there. Nice and quiet."
Affordability: Equestrian camping facilities offer good value compared to private stables. "Great price for full hookup at $30 per night and senior discount is offered," mentions Swain K., making this accessible for riders on various budgets.
Clean facilities: Horse owners appreciate the maintained amenities. "Everything is well maintained from the roads, campsites, unpaved trails, and bathrooms. I was impressed with how clean everything was despite being a campground," states Zachary N.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some equestrian campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. At McIntosh Reserve Park, "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.
Health documentation: All horse facilities near Lithia Springs require negative Coggins test documentation for each horse. These health certificates must be current and available for inspection at check-in.
Manure disposal: Equestrian campers must follow strict waste management protocols. Designated manure disposal areas are provided, and campers are responsible for cleaning their sites before departure.
Trail conditions: Trail difficulty varies seasonally. "There are wide trails for horseback riding. I hiked the 2 mile Eagle Loop Trail and saw a mountain biker as well," notes Sarah S., indicating multi-use trail systems that horses share with other recreational users.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Little Tallapoosa Park offers water activities beyond horseback riding. "Splash park was fun and clean for the kids as well as really nice walking trails we enjoyed," shares Andy M.
Playground facilities: Several equestrian campgrounds include child-friendly areas. "It had nice grassy areas and swing set and bike and walking trails," Laura M. reports, providing options for children when not riding.
Educational opportunities: Consider bringing field guides for plant and animal identification along horse trails. "Took the kids to the splash pad and enjoyed cooking out and hanging out over night. We live close by so for a night trip this is a perfect little getaway," mentions Ryan N. from McIntosh Reserve Park.
Budget-friendly options: Tent camping sections offer economical alternatives for families. "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," Sarah F. explains, noting that "The tent sites have electricity, too. My kids enjoyed biking around the camping loop and we did some geocaching."
Tips from RVers
Horse trailer accommodation: Little Tallapoosa Park provides specialized parking for horse trailers with living quarters. "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," shares Hollis K.
Hookup availability: Different campground sections offer various utility connections. "Section 1 is for tents and pop ups. Section 2 is full hookups for campers, 5th wheels and motor homes. Site 3 is for equine camping," explains Shirley D., highlighting the specialized areas for different camping styles.
Cell service information: Connectivity remains consistent in most horse camping areas. "Good cell reception with AT&T and Verizon," reports Laura M., allowing riders to stay connected while enjoying the trails.
Site selection strategy: For optimal horse camping, request sites with shade and trailer access. "We stayed at site 11 pull thru with full hook up," Andy M. notes, demonstrating the importance of selecting appropriate sites when traveling with horses and RVs.