2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Cottonwood Patch Campground in northwest Georgia features horse corrals for equestrian campers looking to explore the surrounding wilderness. The primitive campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with direct access to multiple bridle trails. Campers planning to bring horses should note the reservation requirement, though fees remain reasonable for the specialized facilities. The toilets and trash service provide basic amenities while maintaining the rustic character of this horse-friendly destination. Camping areas are designed to accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking space. Multiple campers report finding abundant firewood on site, though water for horses must be carried in as drinking water is not provided at the campground.
Located approximately 40 miles from Trenton, Cottonwood Patch connects riders to an extensive network of trails through the Cohutta Wilderness Management Area. The campground serves as a convenient base for day rides on maintained bridle paths that wind through diverse terrain. Horse owners should bring their own feed and secure storage containers as wildlife is active in the area. The unpaved access road requires vehicles with adequate clearance, especially when pulling horse trailers. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with spring offering optimal riding conditions when wildflowers bloom along the paths. Some campsite clearings accommodate multiple tents and horses, making this location suitable for group equestrian camping excursions.
"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."
"You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite. Nice wooded area with a trail to the water. There are 5 sites with fire pits."
"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."
"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."
from $25 - $30 / night
from $2 - $38 / night
"It is also at an easy access point to the falls as well as the other trails in the area. The site has easy access to water most of the year and can provide space for over 10 tents."
"Park at either the Alabama or the Tennessee trailhead (make sure not to park at the horse trailhead earlier on the road) and descend down into the canyon."
"Gravel drives & pads with water & electric at sites. Our site #28 had an exceptional view out the kitchen window & from the pinic table of the lake. Newer shower house centrally located."
"We stayed in lot 59 which while not lakefront, it’s situated in a triangular spot right at the entrance with plenty of space for full setup. Picnic table and campfire grill also on site."
Available next weekend
"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!"
"A lot of equestrians stay here but anyone can. It does have a pit toilet that was maintained."
Available next weekend
from $8 / night
ScoutI was worried that I would arrive and find all the campsites occupied. This was not the case. When I got there around 5:30 there was only one other site taken. I didn’t see them until the next morning. By morning, there were two other sites occupied.
TravelerHard to find, really busy but most of them were hikers let left at nightfall.
TravelerWhat a beautiful area to camp. We tent camped in a 12 person tent and had plenty of space on the grass to put the tent up. The other spots are more for RVs. The view is incredible! You can fish right on most of the sites including 41. We have 3 teenagers and they all have asked to come back to camp on this site. Plenty of privacy. We did have a bunch of kids that came through our site to visit the water which I was not a fan of but other than that it's truly a fantastic site. This place is wonderful! Oh, and our tmobile was spotty but still worked!
TravelerSmall, clean. Nice modern, renovated RV /tent sites. Easy to leave your boat or kayak in the water near your site. Nice, clean, easy to walk to beach. Only one waterfront site has full hook ups. One row back was great.
GuideAbsolutely beautiful. Took a couple of rounds of trial and error to find the spot, which is just a pro for me personally. Once we got there, the place was beautiful. Logging is going on right now, so we were woken up around 6:30 am by the beautiful sounds of machinery and whatnot. Did not catch anything in the pond unfortunately. That’s to be expected when you’re only armed with a Barbie fishing pole and no patience. I have saved the spot and will always be returning whenever I visit Chattanooga!!
GuideThe road to get to the sites is long, bumpy, and very curvy (so you’ve got to go slow). The sites themselves were full of trash, graffiti, and a homeless camp. We elected to not stay.
GuideYou take a sometimes single lane road to get there. Very windy at points. There is a parking lot to hold 4+ cars. You walk 20’ on trail to first campsite. Nice wooded area with a trail to the water. There are 5 sites with fire pits. There is one private site past the marked site if you keep going you will find a large level gravel lot with a single fire pit that would be much better for van or truck camping. Past this point it turns back into residential.
ScoutWe’ve been here many times. It’s just a great place and very well located.
ScoutMy girls group and I wanted to do a quick weekend glamping trip. One long rocky road and an active bear warning later we were rocking it by the creek. Bring a bathing suit and some good hiking shoes. There’s a giant waterfall down the trail if you can make the trek. There’s no cell service or security so make sure you’re making safe decisions :)
Equestrian camping in the Chattanooga Valley region offers access to extensive trail networks within 40 miles of Trenton, Georgia. The area's elevation ranges from 800 to 2,200 feet, creating diverse terrain for riders with mixed forest habitats throughout the Cohutta Wilderness. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F, while spring and fall provide more moderate conditions with average daytime temperatures of 65-75°F.
Explore rock climbing areas: Sawmill Lake Campsite connects visitors to Rocktown, a premier bouldering destination. "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," notes Abigail P.
Visit underground cave systems: Within easy reach of Sawmill Lake Campsite, multiple caves offer spelunking opportunities. "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," writes Lisa.
Fish in multiple locations: Davis Pond Campsite offers fishing access directly at the campground. "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," shares William S. The pond supports various fish species, though catch rates vary seasonally.
Swimming in natural waterways: At Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA), campers appreciate creek access. "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," mentions Mike H. The site connects to trails leading to swimming holes and waterfalls.
Free camping options: Many budget-conscious travelers value no-fee camping areas. "Great FREE site near plenty of hiking trails, world class rock climbing, etc.," explains Brandon M. about Sawmill Lake Campsite. These areas typically offer minimal facilities but maximum value for self-sufficient campers.
Riverside camping spaces: Water proximity ranks high for camper satisfaction at Tennessee Wall Camp. "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. Plenty of firewood to collect on site," notes Suzie K.
Road conditions can be challenging: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. "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. about routes to Sawmill Lake Campsite.
Bear activity requires proper precautions: Wildlife safety matters throughout the region. "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," advises Mike H. about Hickey Gap.
Limited or no cellular service: Walls of Jericho - Clark Cemetery Backcountry Campsite and surrounding areas have connectivity limitations. "This is backcountry camping so plan appropriately (no bathroom, pack it in- pack is out). We found no cell phone service with Verizon at this site," reports Steve V.
Look for waterfall access: Children enjoy natural water features throughout the region. "There is a beautiful waterfall about a mile down trail from camp and tons of great swimming areas!" shares John B. about Hickey Gap. Most waterfall trails require moderate hiking ability suitable for children over 8 years old.
Consider campgrounds with toilet facilities: Mountain Cove Resort offers family-friendly amenities including restrooms. "It is absolutely beautiful! The most beautiful I've stayed. There are not a lot of amenities but the beautiful site of those mountains," notes Nathan T., highlighting the balance between facilities and natural settings.
Plan for wildlife encounters as educational opportunities: Many families report wildlife sightings. "Very nice CG with picnic tables, pit toilet and trash can. I saw 3 copper heads at the creek," reports Bob P. about Hickey Gap. These encounters require proper supervision but create valuable teaching moments.
Water access for RV camping: Fairview Campground offers waterfront RV sites with essential hookups. "We are in a 35' 5th Wheel. Most sites easy access, some sites maybe tight for bigger Rigs. Some sites have Full Hook-up, 50 amp. (Sewer not available on water sites.). This campground is family friendly. Great for kayaking, fishing, swimming, and family gathering," advises Becky S.
Size limitations on forest roads: Larger rigs require careful planning on mountain routes. "Stayed 13 days. I came from the west and had no problems getting my 23ft camper up the mountain. There were a few people that stayed in a tent for a night or two here and there, but I didn't see any other RV/Campers so every spot was open," reports Sierra Y. about Sawmill Lake Campsite.
Seasonal campground availability: Most equestrian camping areas near Trenton, Georgia operate with seasonal limitations. "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," suggests Mitchell M., indicating higher summer usage requiring advance planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Trenton, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Trenton, GA is Tennessee Wall Camp with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Trenton, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Trenton, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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