2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Little Tallapoosa Park in Carrollton includes a dedicated horse camp section with full water and power hookups. The park's equestrian area serves as overflow camping when the main RV section reaches capacity. The horse camp provides 12 total sites with water and electric connections, though sewer hookups are only available in the main RV section. Multiple review reports note that sites are level, paved, and nicely spaced with up to 60 feet between campsites and shade trees throughout. The park's camping areas are kept clean and well-maintained, with bath houses and shower facilities available to all campers.
Extensive horse and hiking trails wind throughout the 54-acre property, providing ample riding opportunities directly from campsites. Georgia International Horse Park in Covington offers additional equestrian camping options with shower and toilet facilities for horse owners. Both locations permit pets alongside horses and provide reservable sites. The parks maintain separate camping areas for equestrians with specialized needs while offering convenient access to trails. Tent camping is available at most equestrian sites, with some locations featuring raised gravel tent platforms. Weekend equestrian campers typically find the facilities fully occupied, so advance reservations are recommended during peak seasons.
"Situated at the far north end of Lake Lanier, this Georgia state park is awesome! One of the best things about it for RV/trailer camping is the huge distance between camp sites!"
"This is Georgia's newest state park (2013) and it is a beautiful park! The staff is great and there is plenty to see/do!"
Available this weekend
from $25 - $225 / night
"There’s two lakes there but you need to take a short drive to get to the swimming beach and to better fishing. Golf course looks great, and equestrian camping looked great too."
"There are hiking trails, kayak rentals, a beach area (swimming) and two nice lakes! There are equestrian trails and even an equestrian campground!"
Available this weekend
from $20 - $650 / night
"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."
"We stayed for the weekend so we would be close to relatives for a visit. The sites are nice and paved with full hookups. There was even a dish at are site for satellite. Nice paved trails for hiking."
from $25 - $50 / night
"Not much to say about it pretty much all the sites around the lake area the same in Hall county Gwinnett it was very peaceful nice people was able to find plenty of outdoor stuff to do hope other people"
"Great location if you're driving through or visiting Atlanta. It's just off the interstate, and there are plenty of restaurants around."
from $25 - $50 / night
"I cleaned up a bit of trash around my site when I arrived. The camp host drove around selling firewood."
"Well, another review from Hank and I about three weeks ago in October we stayed at McIntosh reserve in Whitesburg Georgia. We stayed for a week."
"Note to future campers: the campground is NOT located at the address provided. This is the recreational park."
"I met him on the trail to the falls and took the time to explain the factory that used to be there. Very interesting. Most sites are on the water. Has toilets and showers."
from $15 / night
"Quiet, beautiful acres with horses, ponies, goats, sheep, and chickens. Fire-pit included! Book your stay and leave them some love."
"Will definitely stay there again as our granddaughters live nearby! Highly recommend!"
from $35 - $40 / night
from $40 / night
GuideWell, another review from Hank and I about three weeks ago in October we stayed at McIntosh reserve in Whitesburg Georgia. We stayed for a week. They have no power, but we have a solar generator and a regular generator they have water Spicket spread out sporadically throughout the park, they do have restrooms and a shower house. Very nice park. Very nice host.
GuideWe went over the Halloween weekend. What great fun. Lots of events for families and kids. Even us retired people got into the spirit! Sites were well maintained with space between sites. Bathrooms were clean all the time. Cell service was at best 2 bars on all networks. But that’s okay. Fall colors were abundant. If you had a small boat, canoe or kayak the lake is perfect for fishing or just enjoying. The only drawback was some road noise from Fairplay road. Otherwise I can’t say enough of how much we liked this park. Site 16 October.
GuideI was the only occupied site tent so I had the entire area to myself. Plenty of trails to walk/bike on. Bathrooms were clean, just felt like they could be updated.
TravelerNice bath and shower facilities. Water pressure is low. There are two dump stations and dumpsters. The campground sits above Lake Lanier. Finding sites are a little confusing.
ScoutCamping is first come first served basis, no reservations. $20 per night, parking for one vehicle included. Extra vehicles require $5 parking pass per day. They take credit card. Pull up to the booth at the entrance before 5pm or see the camp host 5-8pm. After 8pm, the park gate closes. I was given a gate code in case I needed to leave and return during the closed hours.
The camping layout falls somewhere between dispersed camping and a traditional campground. When I checked in, I was told I could pull up to any site with a fire pit. There were picnic tables and trash cans at most sites. There are no hook ups at the sites, but there is a good amount of space on flat ground in the trees. Several cars, tents, or small campers would fit on each site. Bigger campers could opt for sites 8 or 9 which don’t have trees. I cleaned up a bit of trash around my site when I arrived. The camp host drove around selling firewood.
Many of these reviews seem older, so I wanted to add that there is a newer block bathroom with flush toilets, electricity and a shower stall, and outdoor water spigot near the stretch of campsites marked 1-20 along the river. It was clean. Driving in, you’ll see a sign that points you to “Main Camping.” The sites stretch down a lane that follows the river to a dead end, the river and sites are on the left and there is a large grassy airfield on the right. There was no airplane traffic while I was there and no signage to stay off of it, so perhaps it is no longer in use.
There is a boat ramp past site 20. I saw a sign at the bathhouse for paddling the river and various parks to camp along the way. There are signs for horse camping only at sites 18-20. One of the trails runs between the river bank and the campsites, with red blazes - “River Trail” - so don’t set up equipment there in case hikers or horses come through. I saw people fishing in the Chattahoochee River right off of their campsite. There is a small rapid that stretches across the river near sites 1-10, so you get that nice water flowing sound to fall asleep to!
There are also sites in other areas of the park, if you turn left instead of following the “Main Camping” sign. I’m not sure if they are numbered, and they seem more scattered. There is another bathhouse with running water and a shower that is older next to the cabin called “Old Ranger’s Station.”
The park has wide trails for horseback riding. I hiked the 2 mile Eagle Loop Trail and saw a mountain biker as well. I saw signs for an Orienteering Course. There is a splash pad and a new looking playground that from a glance, might be ADA accessible. There are many signs prohibiting swimming in the river due to the strong current. There is no beach and in most places, the river bank is steep. John Tanner Park has a swimming beach.
The park map is not great and the information available online is insufficient, but I do recommend coming to explore the area and camp! I’ll be back now that I have an understanding of the layout.
TravelerWhat a great park! Situated at the far north end of Lake Lanier, this Georgia state park is awesome! One of the best things about it for RV/trailer camping is the huge distance between camp sites! Had a spot about 35yds from the shore next to a wooded area. Super clean everywhere around the park. There is a beach and equestrian center, boating, fishing and a bunch of trails for hiking both dirt and paved. About an hour from where I live and I’ll be back!
TravelerThe test sights are amazing, bring a cart because it’s a 1/4 mile walk, the sights are super clean and easy access
RangerThis place was great. We arrived after hours and spoke with the camp host he told us we can pay online or in the morning. We drove all day in the sun and due to hurricane Helene aftermath we were limited on where to stay. It was nice to pull in and it be nice and cool with the trees. The stars popped out at night and could be seen through the tree tops. Showers were hot.
GuideSite 7 is separate from the others and has the whole point except there is a trail behind the site. No easy, sandy water access unless you go to the nice beach they have.
Equestrian enthusiasts seeking horse campgrounds near Sandy Springs, Georgia can access multiple options within 60 miles. The Atlanta metropolitan area features dedicated equestrian camping facilities in several surrounding counties, each with different trail systems and amenities. Most horse campgrounds require advance reservations during peak seasons when weekend occupancy reaches capacity.
Trail riding at multiple distances: Newton Factory Shoals Rec Area offers waterfront campsites with river views. "Such a great campsite for very cheap. They have many water front campsites with a lot of room," writes camper Addison C. The campground manager frequently checks on campers and provides historical information about the area.
Water activities after riding: McIntosh Reserve Park provides access to the Chattahoochee River for fishing and kayaking. "We managed to find a very private area all to ourselves. Only $12 for the night," notes reviewer Cass P. The park includes multiple trails for horseback riding plus a splash pad for cooling off during summer months.
Bird watching between rides: Don Carter State Park Campground features trails where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. "Do some animal watching or photography. From 6 in the evening and beyond you will find deer grazing in late summer and early fall," suggests Crystal C. The park includes a canoe trail and beach area accessible to campers.
Level sites with hookups: Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground maintains clean facilities that equestrian campers appreciate. "The bath houses/comfort stations are brand new (including laundry rooms) and the camp hosts keep them spotless," reports George & Patty C. The park includes a dedicated equestrian campground separate from the main camping areas.
Privacy between campsites: Campers at Liberty Stables enjoy the working horse farm atmosphere. "Beautiful property with farm animals to look at. Will definitely stay again," writes Rachel. This 54-acre property includes horses, ponies, goats, sheep, and chickens plus designated camping areas with fire pits.
Modern facilities: The bathhouses at most horse campgrounds include showers, though quality varies. "I will say that you should probably bring flipflops for the shower because it doesn't look like it's been cleaned in a year but it's nice having a option for one," advises Addison C. about Newton Factory Shoals facilities. Most equestrian campsites include raised platforms for tents, fire rings, and picnic tables.
First-come availability: Many horse campgrounds operate without advance reservations. "This campground is first come, first serve. It is $15 dollars a night," explains Nicolle about Newton Factory Shoals. Campground managers typically visit sites daily to collect payments and assist campers.
Location confusion: Some equestrian campgrounds have separate facilities from main recreation areas. "Note to future campers: the campground is NOT located at the address provided. This is the recreational park. The campground is actually up the road," warns Nicolle about Factory Shoals Recreation Park.
Site preparation needed: James Shackleford Memorial Park and other locations require some site preparation. "I cleaned up a bit of trash around my site when I arrived," mentions Sarah S. about another nearby park. Most sites include flat ground but may need clearing before setting up camp.
Choose campgrounds with play areas: Hard Labor Creek offers family-friendly activities beyond horseback riding. "There is a putt putt (mini golf) course. You can rent kayaks and kayak in the lake. They offered a kayak by moonlight group tour that was fun," shares Maethea R. The bathrooms remain clean and accessible for children.
Pack for swimming opportunities: Don Carter State Park includes beach access for children. "We love that it's on the lake because family members have boats and its just easy to jump on at the campsite dock. There is also a beach for the kids to play at as well, very well kept," explains Cameron G.
Consider timing for quieter experiences: McIntosh Reserve Park offers varying experiences depending on when you visit. "The weekend nights were so crowded with cars spilling into the camp roads, loads of large groups at each site. Felt very claustrophobic. On weekdays the park became a(lovely) ghost town," advises Christina about a similar nearby park.
Check site sizes before booking: Don Carter State Park features paved sites with size limitations. "Our campsite was a tad bit small for our camper, large campers like motorhomes or fifth-wheels will not fit," cautions Cameron G. Most equestrian campgrounds accommodate smaller trailers but have limited space for large rigs.
Scout hookup locations: Even designated RV sites may have unusual hookup configurations. "Nice and easy to utilize all amenities. Nice having grey tank connection at the sites," notes Brett D. about Don Carter State Park. Many equestrian campgrounds offer water and electric but limited sewer connections.
Verify surface conditions: Some RV sites at horse campgrounds have challenging surfaces. "This campground is definitely set up for primitive camping, focusing more on tents. We have a 10 foot trailer. We were able to back in to our spot with no problem. The site was not level," explains Nicolle about Newton Factory Shoals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sandy Springs, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sandy Springs, GA is Don Carter State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sandy Springs, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Sandy Springs, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
