Equestrian camping near Sharpsburg, Georgia offers diverse terrain for riders within Carroll County and surrounding areas. The red clay soil characteristic of central Georgia provides firm footing on trails during dry conditions but becomes slick after rainfall. Average summer temperatures reach 90°F with high humidity, making morning trail rides more comfortable between May and September.
What to do
Trail riding along riverbanks: McIntosh Reserve Park features trails that follow the Chattahoochee River with opportunities for shoreline exploration. "There is 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," notes Sarah S., who adds that the "River Trail" with red blazes runs between campsites and the river.
Water activities without swimming: Creeks and lakes provide scenic backdrops without swimming options at many parks. "There is no beach and in most places, the river bank is steep. John Tanner Park has a swimming beach," explains Sarah S. about McIntosh Reserve. At R. Shaefer Heard Campground, campers can enjoy other water activities despite restrictions. "The lake sees constant activity: motorboats, water skiing, even boats creeping along at night. It's not peaceful water," reports Denis P.
Geocaching and orienteering: Several parks offer treasure hunting activities for all skill levels. "This place has some nice trails and plenty of pavilions for large groups... Also, for those that are into Geocashing, there are a few you could find here," writes DeWayne H. about McIntosh Reserve Park. Other parks feature marked orienteering courses with mapped routes for navigation practice.
What campers like
Spacious sites for trailers: Campsites designed for equestrian use provide extra room for horse trailers and camping equipment. At Little Tallapoosa Park, Hollis K. notes: "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."
Quality bathroom facilities: Modern bathhouses receive frequent praise from campers. Sarah F. explains that at Little Tallapoosa Park, "The bathrooms were pretty clean and there is even a laundry facility." At Franklin D Roosevelt State Park, "Bathroom facilities were very clean, with showers and laundry. Placed well around the campground," according to Liz H.
Reasonable pricing: Sites remain affordable compared to commercial campgrounds. At Newton Factory Shoals, Addison C. reports, "Such a great campsite for very cheap. They have many water front campsites with a lot of room... it's only 15 dollars a night so I can't really complain." McIntosh Reserve Park offers similar value with Sarah S. noting, "Camping is first come first served basis, no reservations. $20 per night, parking for one vehicle included."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary by park: Each location has different booking requirements and procedures. At Newton Factory Shoals Rec Area, Nicolle explains, "This campground is first come, first serve. It is $15 dollars a night," while McIntosh Reserve requires on-site registration: "Pull up to the booth at the entrance before 5pm or see the camp host 5-8pm."
Gate closure policies: Some parks restrict overnight access. Denis P. warns about R. Shaefer Heard Campground: "But beware: the gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy." Similar restrictions exist at McIntosh Reserve, where Sarah S. mentions receiving "a gate code in case I needed to leave and return during the closed hours."
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies significantly between locations. At Ocmulgee River Camp, J A. reports, "Verizon works perfectly," while Laura M. notes at Little Tallapoosa Park: "Good cell reception with AT&T and Verizon." These details matter for campers needing to stay connected.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad access: Ocmulgee River Camp provides water play options for kids during hot months. Andy M. shares about Little Tallapoosa Park: "Splash park was fun and clean for the kids as well as really nice walking trails we enjoyed." At McIntosh Reserve Park, Sarah S. notes "There is a splash pad and a new looking playground that from a glance, might be ADA accessible."
Loop riding for beginners: Circular trails allow new riders to practice without venturing far from camp. Joshua H. recommends Franklin D Roosevelt State Park: "We camped in campground 5 and from where our site was we could see the playground and also let our kids ride there bikes around the circle that the camp sites where on."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings offer chances to spot local animals. Nicolle shares from Newton Factory Shoals: "We had a happy little bonus of getting to watch the beavers play in the river early in the morning." Julie H. reports from Ocmulgee River Camp: "Saw some deer on a walk. It was quite hot but surprisingly not that buggy."
Tips from RVers
Overflow options for busy periods: When main campgrounds fill, equestrian sections often accommodate RVs. Hollis K. explains at Little Tallapoosa Park: "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. Sewer hookup is only available in the RV section."
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose carefully based on RV length and slide-out requirements. Laura M. notes that Little Tallapoosa Park has a "very clean park with paved loop and sites," while Tiffany D. adds that the "sites are spread out well" despite being a smaller park.
Pad surface considerations: Different campgrounds offer various parking surfaces. At Newton Factory Shoals, Nicolle advises: "The site was not level but that wasn't a big deal for us in our rooftop tent. We didn't check out the other sites but an RV would probably have a hard time setting up here."
