Best Equestrian Camping near Resaca, GA

Cottonwood Patch Campground offers one of the few dedicated horse corrals in northwest Georgia. The campsite is primarily designed for equestrians exploring the Cohutta Wilderness area, with level spots equipped with picnic tables and direct access to multiple riding trails. Horses can be kept in the on-site corral or tied near vehicles as most campers do. The camping area accommodates both tent and RV camping with primitive amenities including a pit toilet that receives regular maintenance. The campground sits directly on the water, providing a peaceful atmosphere and water access for horses after trail rides. Many visitors bring campers with horses tied up near their vehicles, creating a true equestrian camping community.

Located at the gateway to numerous horse-friendly trails in the Cohutta Wilderness, Cottonwood Patch serves as an excellent launching point for day rides. Several trails in the vicinity are designated horse-only, allowing equestrians uninterrupted riding experiences through the wilderness. The campground is situated right on the water, offering natural refreshment for horses after long trail rides. Trailer parking is ample in the open meadow area, with sufficient room for larger rigs and turn-around space. The last road section requires careful navigation with horse trailers, as some portions are narrow with limited passing areas. The primitive nature of the facilities matches the wilderness experience, with no hookups or modern amenities, but the proximity to trails makes this a popular destination for serious trail riders seeking backcountry experiences with their horses.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Resaca, Georgia (8)

    1. Sawmill Lake Campsite

    6 Reviews
    Rising Fawn, GA
    26 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."

    2. Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA)

    4 Reviews
    Crandall, GA
    27 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!"

    3. Mountain Cove Resort

    3 Reviews
    Mentone, GA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 539-2683

    $25 - $30 / night

    4. Jacks River Fields Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    3 Reviews
    Cherry Log, GA
    31 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."

    5. Shady Grove

    1 Review
    Fort Oglethorpe, GA
    29 miles

    $2 - $38 / night

    6. Cottonwood Patch Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cisco, GA
    33 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."

    7. Tennessee Wall Camp

    3 Reviews
    Lookout Mountain, TN
    43 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."

    8. Davis Pond Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Signal Mountain, TN
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 658-5551

    "This lightly developed site has two picnic tables, and two lantern posts near the tables."

    "About 45 mins outside Chattanooga, it’s a beautiful drive. Last 7 miles are on a windy gravel road. The last 1/2 mile gets a little dicey and needs a vehicle with some clearance."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Resaca, GA

1 Photos of 8 Resaca Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Resaca, GA

25 Reviews of 8 Resaca 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.

  • 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
    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.

  • Mike H.
    Aug. 9, 2022

    Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA)

    Peaceful sleep next to a creek

    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 was a pit toilet with plenty of toilet paper and it was quite clean.

    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.

    Lastly, 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. And then the driveway to and from the camp area is quite steep. Our 2WD (front wheel drive) Honda Passport struggled to get back up it on our way out, and we had to hit the steepest part with some speed to make it out.

    We saw a van/bus dweller there, but just know what you're getting into.

  • Suzie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2025

    Tennessee Wall Camp

    Beautiful sites, close quarters with other campers

    We really enjoyed our night tent camping here. 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. Plety of firewood to collect on site. There was another group of campers at a spot fairly close to us making some noise, but not too late into the night. With respectful campers nearby, this is a great spot to spend a relaxing night.

  • L
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Sawmill Lake Campsite

    Can't wait to go back!

    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. The permit was 15 dollars to access Rock Town and the Caves... I'd like to come and try my hand at spelunking some time soon. There is also a good view of Summerville from the mountain top. You can also make a 20 minute drive to Howard Fensters Paradise Gardens.


Guide to Resaca

Horse camping in Georgia offers a unique experience for equestrians looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses. With a variety of campgrounds that cater to both riders and their steeds, you can enjoy beautiful trails and scenic views.

Tips for equestrian camping near Resaca, Georgia

  • The Sawmill Lake Campsite is a great spot for those who enjoy a more primitive camping experience, allowing pets and offering ample space for horse accommodations.
  • At Cottonwood Patch Campground, equestrians will find level spots and a horse corral, making it a convenient choice for horse owners.
  • Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA) features a peaceful setting next to a creek, perfect for relaxing after a day of riding.

Equestrian campgrounds include these amenities

  • Mountain Cove Resort provides electric hookups and drinking water, ensuring a comfortable stay for both horses and riders.
  • The Shady Grove campground offers reservable sites with essential amenities like sanitary dumps and water hookups, making it a practical choice for longer stays.
  • Tennessee Wall Camp is well-reviewed for its spacious sites and fire pits, ideal for unwinding after a day on the trails.

Campers appreciate these features for horses

  • The Sawmill Lake Campsite allows for campfires, providing a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings after a day of riding.
  • Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA) is known for its beautiful surroundings and proximity to hiking trails, perfect for those looking to explore on horseback.
  • At Cottonwood Patch Campground, the maintained pit toilet and trash facilities enhance the camping experience, ensuring a clean and comfortable environment for all visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Resaca, GA is Sawmill Lake Campsite with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Resaca, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.