Little Tallapoosa Park in Carrollton features a dedicated horse camp section that serves as overflow camping when the RV area fills up. The equestrian camping area provides power and water hookups while full sewer connections are available exclusively in the main RV section. Numerous walking and horse trails traverse the 1,000+ acre park, allowing riders direct access to riding opportunities from their campsites. Equestrians can park their trailers at the campsites with sufficient room for both living quarters and horse transport. The park maintains clean facilities throughout, with bathrooms, showers, and a comfort station accessible to all campers.
The extensive trail network follows the Tallapoosa River with convenient rest areas featuring benches placed along the routes. Horse owners find both paved and natural surface trails suitable for various riding preferences, with the unpaved paths particularly well-maintained for equestrian use. McIntosh Reserve Park provides an alternative horse camping option near the Chattahoochee River, offering primitive camping with porto-johns near the campsites and a bath house with showers at the old ranger station. Trail riders encounter varied terrain throughout both parks, with riverside riding opportunities and wooded paths. Carroll County manages both facilities, keeping the campgrounds affordable with Little Tallapoosa offering senior discounts on their $30 per night full-hookup sites.
"Stayed for two weeks while working in Villa Rica. Park is quite and well kept. Has nice paved walking/bike trails and well kept natural trails."
"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."
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."
"Coleman Lake is in the Talladega National Forest and very remote. There is no cell phone service at all. We have been camping here all my life. It is one of my favorite campgrounds."
"This can certainly be seen as a positive."
"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
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.
TravelerWe had a great time! Campsites are spaced out JUST enough for a little privacy. Short walk from our site to clean, warm bathhouses!! Sites in the main campground have power hookups and water spigots. Lake access is limited from the campground, there are only 1 or 2 “lake view” sites. Fishing was limited, lake is very grassy. Loop around the lake was beautiful. The “overflow” campsites were more spaced out and private but do not have shower house or power/water hook ups.
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.
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.
GuideGreat camping option for first come. Glad to get plenty of options for sites. Long drive in. Hosts were great and even deliver firewood to your site. Clean bathrooms, showers, and overall campground. Only had one guest with many kids playing late into night, past quite hours (if any are posted), but we found out it was Fall break and kids were out of school all week. Great hike around the lake and boatramp for trolling motors only.
TravelerThe best place to camp Fish Enjoy the Chattahoochee
GuideWe spent one night here on the way down to Florida. It is first come first serve and we had no issue finding a space on a Thursday. The lake and surrounding area are full of birds and wildlife. The sites are well maintained, level, with clean bathrooms. So happy we stumbled on this national forest campground!
No cell service. Poorly marked trail around the lake, still worth checking out! Just follow the lake!
TravelerThis is a great camping spot with a beautiful lake. The trail around the lake was perfect. Caught 3 bass in the lake. You can't beat the price.
TravelerGreat campground. Secluded with electrical and water hookups. Make sure you use Highway 78 to enter. Google Maps will send you on a 11.5 mile mountain trail ( Dugger Mountain Road) that is a dirt 2 track over the mountain...an interesting trip with a camper. The campground is very well maintained. The bath house is very clean and up to date. Sites are level and we'll spaced
Carroll County offers extensive equestrian camping options with trail systems that span thousands of acres. Little Tallapoosa Park and McIntosh Reserve Park provide distinct camping experiences for horse enthusiasts, with each facility featuring dedicated equestrian camping areas. The campgrounds maintain trail systems along major waterways that accommodate riders of various skill levels, with terrain ranging from riverside flats to wooded hills.
Trail riding access: The trails at Little Tallapoosa Park include both paved and natural surface options suitable for different preferences. "There is a creek and pond. Small water park and play ground for little ones," notes Swain K., highlighting amenities beyond riding opportunities.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can fish directly from their campsites at McIntosh Reserve Park. "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," explains Sarah S.
Geocaching adventures: McIntosh Reserve Park offers geocaching activities for those seeking treasure hunting experiences. "For those that are into Geocashing, there are a few you could find here," shares DeWayne H., adding another dimension to the outdoor activities available.
Quieter overflow options: When main camping areas fill up, equestrian sections provide peaceful alternatives. "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," explains Hollis K. about their experience at Little Tallapoosa Park.
Affordability: Coleman Lake Recreation Area offers exceptional value less than an hour's drive from Villa Rica. "You can't beat the price," says Jason G., while another camper notes, "Very nice campground with FHU for $16."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities for campers. "The bath house is very clean and up to date. Sites are level and we'll spaced," reports Micheal S. about Coleman Lake Recreation Area, which provides a comfortable base for day trips to Villa Rica.
Reservation systems vary: Quail Run at Pate's Creek allows reservations, while McIntosh Reserve operates on a first-come basis. "Camping is first come first served basis, no reservations. $20 per night, parking for one vehicle included. Extra vehicles require $5 parking pass per day," explains Sarah S.
Campsite selection: McIntosh Reserve offers flexible site selection rather than assigned spots. "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," reports Sarah S.
Cell service considerations: Some campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Coleman Lake, "There is no cell phone service at all," according to Amanda D., making it important to plan communications accordingly.
Splash pad access: Little Tallapoosa Park offers water recreation beyond trail riding. "Splash park was fun and clean for the kids as well as really nice walking trails we enjoyed," shares Andy M., making this an ideal summer destination for families with children.
Playground facilities: Family-friendly amenities complement the equestrian facilities. "Lots of level tent sites next to pavilions with playground equipment. Very calm and quiet park," notes Danna D., describing the family-oriented atmosphere.
Seasonal activities: Coleman Lake hosts special events during holidays. "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," shares Evan S.
Site specifications: RV campers should understand the layout and hookup options at each campground. At Little Tallapoosa, "Site 11 pull thru with full hook up," worked well for Andy M., while tent campers have their own section: "I love the separate tent & RV campsites," notes Sarah F.
Accessibility information: McIntosh Reserve Park has specific areas suitable for larger rigs. "Bigger campers could opt for sites 8 or 9 which don't have trees," advises Sarah S., providing crucial information for RV travelers seeking equestrian camping near Villa Rica.
Navigation warnings: Some GPS directions to campgrounds may lead through difficult terrain. For Coleman Lake, "Make sure you use Highway 78 to enter. Google Maps will send you on a 11.5 mile mountain trail that is a dirt 2 track over the mountain...an interesting trip with a camper," warns Micheal S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Villa Rica, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Villa Rica, GA is Little Tallapoosa Park with a 4.7-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Villa Rica, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Villa Rica, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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