23 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Cottonwood Patch Campground accommodates horses with dedicated corrals and level camping spots near McCaysville, Georgia. The primitive sites include picnic tables and access to pit toilets that are regularly maintained. Horse owners can tie their animals near vehicles while camping, as observed at this launch point for riding in the Cohutta Wilderness. Many trails in the surrounding area are designated specifically for horses, providing excellent riding opportunities. The campground's proximity to water adds to the camping atmosphere. While primarily serving equestrians, Cottonwood Patch welcomes tent and RV campers as well, though the sites maintain a distinctly horse-oriented environment with typical equine scents and sounds.
Located on Forest Service land, Jacks River Fields Campground offers secluded horse camping with two dedicated paddocks for equestrians. The campground connects directly to the Benton McKaye Trail, providing immediate access to wilderness riding opportunities. Many campers appreciate having a hiking trail across from the campsite that links to broader trail networks. The horse camp occupies one side of the grounds while creek-side camping areas fill the opposite section. Sites are well-maintained and clean, making this a popular destination for riders exploring the Chattahoochee National Forest. During weekdays, particularly in off-seasons, equestrians may find themselves the only visitors at the entire campground, creating a peaceful experience for both riders and horses alongside the streams that run through the property.
"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."
from $35 - $85 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $5 / 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."
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Lovely little spot next to a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river - very popular with locals, and I imagine would be packed on weekends."
"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!"
"Great campground surrounded by the beauty of the North Georgia mountains. Also a working horse farm so be sure and schedule a guided horseback ride. Full hookup sites that are private."
"Good sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground."
"A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can. It does have a pit toilet that was maintained."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"This is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it"
"The entrance to this park is right across the street to an entrance to the Appalachian Trail. A beautiful trout stream runs through the park, close to all the campsites."
"Our site was about 30 feet away from the Nantahala river. The bathrooms and showers were spotless. Keep in mind that it’s far from any store or restaurant so bring food along. No cell service."
from $26 - $100 / night
Check Availability
ScoutGreat campground surrounded by the beauty of the North Georgia mountains. Also a working horse farm so be sure and schedule a guided horseback ride. Full hookup sites that are private. Campground also has bathhouse and laundry facilities.
GuideGood sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground. We heard some people on dirt bikes on the trails too.
LegendI visited Bristol Fields for a planned primitive camping event with a group. I’m glad I arrived in daylight because my first drive in on the approximately 4 mile stretch of dirt and gravel road was a little nerve racking. Mostly because I wasn’t 100% sure I was going the correct way and second because there are some nice drop offs from the road. It is a wide road (about 1 1/2 lane)but passing in some areas would be interesting. Stay right and you will find the sign. The campground is primarily for horse oriented camping. It is split into three areas. The first section to the right as you pull in is the area we set up in. Then there is a long field that is obviously for horse trailer parking and camping with tie out poles included. There is a small tree break prior to the last area which has the pit style latrine and a large field for camping use. This whole area is bordered by a nice cold stream that is excellent for soaking your sore muscles in after a horse ride or hike. There is direct access to horse and hiking trails that are not extremely scenic (as in no long views until you get to the top) but will give you a good vertical workout. You can run or bike ride on the road too. There are several large fire pit areas throughout and a fire circle with wood chairs in the main area. There were five of us, three tent campers and two in vans and we had plenty of room to set up. The gravel center with picnic table worked well as our “kitchen” and dining area. Once parked my vehicle didn’t move again until it was time to leave. Total black at night meant excellent star gazing and the creek was the loudest thing out there. It did seem to be a young adult destination in the evenings, but they left when they saw that the site was occupied. A nice feature someone created was a “dam” of rocks with a round pool to sit in. Excellent get away with no electronics to speak of.
RangerThis park has amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Lots of shade. It has an equestrian area where you can book horseback rides. The people that run the park are very friendly and accommodating. Lots of hiking trails both in the park and outside of the park. There were only 2 negatives that we had on this trip. One was our first encounter with "stink bugs". They were everywhere and you couldn't keep them out of the RV. When we got home to Florida we were still killing them inside the RV for almost 5 months! The other negative is that hurricane Micheal was barreling for Florida before our stay was up at Trackrock. We had to cut our stay short so that we wouldn't be driving through a hurricane.
LegendThis 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.
GuideLevel 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.
GuideThis place has absolutely breathtaking views, nice lake, well stocked little office store, nice game room, did not do the equestrian part, but I’m sure it’s well worth it.. town is not far and has some good shopping and local restaurants. Definitely worth the trip...
ScoutThis is a campground for horses, you don't have a direct view of the water, but do have access to it
GuideYoung Branch Campground is a bit off the grid, no services cellular or TV. We camped mid November and had the whole place to ourselves. There are 8 back in gravel sites with fire pits, a vault toilet (very clean) and a short stroll down to Cherokee Creek. The terrain is hilly but plenty of places to hike, we found a nice trail that we followed to the top of the mountain that was gradual and an easy relaxing walk. There are many marked campsites along the creek for OTG camping. We spent 3 days here and I could count on one hand the amount of vehicles that passed on the road. It was a great escape to a peaceful wooded forest with the sound of the creek just yards away.
ADDITION: There is a paddock and horse stalls so I'm assuming that horses are welcomed at this location.
Horse camping opportunities near McCaysville, Georgia offer access to the Cohutta Wilderness trails within the Chattahoochee National Forest. The area sits at elevations between 1,500 and 4,000 feet, creating diverse terrain for riders and hikers. Campers can expect typical summer temperatures ranging from 60-85°F, while winter temperatures often fall below freezing, particularly at higher elevations.
Creek swimming access: Hickey Gap Campground connects to a creek with natural swimming areas. "This was a beautiful little spot next to a creek. There's a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas," notes John B. Local campers have created rock pools in some sections, as one visitor explains: "A nice feature someone created was a 'dam' of rocks with a round pool to sit in."
Equestrian trail riding: Jacks River Fields Campground connects directly to extensive trail networks. "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," writes Liz B. The campground's strategic location makes it a prime base for wilderness exploration.
Mountain biking: The road systems and trails around Bristol Fields Horse Camp accommodate multiple activities. "You can run or bike ride on the road too. There are several large fire pit areas throughout and a fire circle with wood chairs in the main area," explains Shelly S. The vertical trails provide challenging terrain for experienced riders.
Solitude and peaceful settings: Hickey Gap Campground offers primitive camping with minimal crowds. "Total black at night meant excellent star gazing and the creek was the loudest thing out there," reports one camper. Another mentions, "It was a Monday in August, and there were two spots available," highlighting the accessibility even during summer months.
Creek-side camping: At Bristol Fields Horse Camp, the border includes "a nice cold stream that is excellent for soaking your sore muscles in after a horse ride or hike." The running water creates a natural soundtrack for sleeping, similar to Standing Indian Campground where "We could hear the stream from our site at night. Exactly what we were looking for," according to Chrissy R.
Clean facilities: Gee Creek Campground maintains high standards for its bathhouse. "Nice bathhouse that is cleaned multiple times a day. The Rangers check in daily and are very friendly," notes Anna M. Another camper mentions, "The park has a nice size bath house that is heated during the winter."
Access challenges: Several horse campgrounds near McCaysville require navigating difficult roads. Bristol Fields requires traveling "on the approximately 4 mile stretch of dirt and gravel road" which can be "a little nerve racking" with "some nice drop offs from the road." Similar challenges exist at Standing Indian, where a reviewer warns: "The road to this campground is very narrow, the hill is very steep, and there is at least one very tight hairpin turn."
Bear activity: Hickey Gap has documented bear presence requiring proper food storage. "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 Mike H. Wildlife sightings are common across the region, with another camper reporting: "I saw 3 copper heads at the creek."
Limited connectivity: Expect minimal to no cell service in most campgrounds. Standing Indian Campground is described as having "No electric, no cell service," which creates an ideal environment for disconnecting but requires advance preparation for emergencies.
Playground access: Track Rock Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "We stayed here for family reunion June 2019. We stayed in campsites and cabins. Cabins are so cozy and cute," shares Kathy C., adding that there's a "nice covered pavillion" and "lots to do in the area."
Scout-friendly facilities: Camp Woodruff provides organized camping experiences. "With a large lake, open field, and well maintained roads and accommodations - Woodruff is one of my favorite camps!" explains Ethan, who recommends it for youth groups and families.
Winter camping considerations: For off-season family trips, be prepared for temperature variations. At Gee Creek Campground, a visitor notes, "During winter campground is very quiet, no power at sites, it does have hot showers." The heated bathhouse mentioned by reviewers makes this location suitable for year-round family camping.
Site leveling needs: Track Rock presents challenges for larger rigs. "Road needs some work sites aren't super level but it was ok," reports one camper. More severely, another warns: "Very steep and unlevel roads; especially when leaving. Our camper came in contact with the side of our bed and tailgate multiple times."
Equestrian section considerations: At Cherokee Campground, RV sites are described as "Nice level lots. Very quiet," though the reviewer notes "The bath house is a little dated but always spotless." Understanding the campground layout helps RVers select appropriate sites, as many horse campgrounds separate equestrian sections from general camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near McCaysville, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near McCaysville, GA is Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near McCaysville, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 equestrian camping locations near McCaysville, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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