Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area offers equestrian camping near Menlo, Georgia at an elevation of approximately 1,400-2,000 feet. The mountainous terrain features limestone formations, caves, and diverse hardwood forests that provide a natural setting for riders and their horses. Fall temperatures range from 45-70°F with colorful foliage, while summer months can be hot and humid with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F.
What to do
Rock climbing access: Cherokee Rock Village in nearby Alabama provides excellent climbing opportunities. "This is a hidden gem! We camped at one of the primitive sites under a huge boulder. Wonderful climbing and spectacular views! They also have clean bathrooms with a shower, covered picnic tables and a playground centrally located," notes Dori H.
Cave exploration: Petty John Cave sits near Sawmill Lake Campsite, offering spelunking adventures. "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," writes Lisa.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes in the area provide fishing options. At Davis Pond Campsite, "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," according to Tessa B.
What campers like
Off-grid experience: Many campers appreciate the disconnected nature of equestrian camping near Menlo. 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," shares Nathan T.
Fire pit availability: Established fire rings make camping more convenient. At Tennessee Wall Camp, campers enjoy "Great sites with fire pits" and note "plenty of firewood to collect on site," according to Suzie K.
Budget-friendly options: Free and low-cost camping appeals to many visitors. "Great FREE site near plenty of hiking trails, world class rock climbing, etc.," reports Brandon M. about Sawmill Lake Campsite, while Sierra Y. mentions staying for an extended period: "Stayed 13 days. I came from the west and had no problems getting my 23ft camper up the mountain."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Georgia Wildlife Management Areas require permits. "You do need a land pass to be here, the website is on the sign coming in and it was around $60," notes Sierra Y. about Sawmill Lake Campsite.
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging, especially with trailers. "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," warns Abigail P.
Campsite selection strategy: Finding the right spot requires planning. "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," advises Mitchell M.
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal considerations: Plan your family equestrian camping trip according to weather patterns. At Coleman Lake Rec Area, "This is an incredibly family forward campground. I camped there on Halloween with my grandkids. My Frankie's dressed in costume for me but the camp host saw them and made a point of inviting them for campground trick or treating," reports Evan S.
Bathroom facilities: Check bathroom availability before traveling with children. "The bath house is very clean and up to date," notes Micheal S. about Coleman Lake, while Davis Pond Campsite has less appealing facilities: "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."
Activity options: Choose campsites with built-in activities. "There is a Beach area and playground in the day use area," mentions Lisa W. about Coleman Lake, making it suitable for families with children who need entertainment options.
Tips from RVers
Trailer access routes: Lake Guntersville State Park Campground offers better accessibility for larger rigs. "We went to the state park for the weekend. Stayed in the A area which we were told had sewer (it does not but it's very close to the dump station). Spots were average for a state park," notes Alanna R.
Limited shade considerations: "Full hookup sites. Great views. Due to tornados in recent years, there are not many trees," reports Jaime W. about Lake Guntersville, which affects RV temperature management in summer.
Vehicle clearance requirements: "The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance," warns Tessa B. about Davis Pond access, important for RVers to know before attempting the drive.
