Willis Knob Horse Camp
4.2027 reviews1922 Willis Knob Road, Forest Service Road #157, Clayton, GA 30525
Willis Knob Horse Camp
$20.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$20.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Equestrian Electric sites are priced at $20 per night during peak season. Group Equestrian sites are priced at $30 per night. Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges, and reservation fees may apply ($8-$9 online or contact center).
About this campground
Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Willis Knob Horse Camp, where the rugged beauty of northern Georgia's Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest beckons equestrians and nature enthusiasts alike. This secluded mountain retreat offers the perfect blend of modern amenities and wilderness charm, featuring convenient water and electric hookups alongside traditional vault toilets and sturdy hitching posts for your four-legged companions. Miles of scenic trails wind through the forest, inviting riders and hikers to explore breathtaking vistas and discover hidden pathways leading to the pristine waters of the legendary Chattooga River.
Willis Knob Horse Camp offers equestrian-focused camping with single, double, and group campsite options. It accommodates both tents and RVs, with water and electric hookups available at horse campsites.
Historical SignificanceThis pristine corner of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest remains an untouched wilderness sanctuary, preserving the natural heritage of the Southern Appalachians for generations of outdoor enthusiasts to explore and cherish.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Georgia mountains, where crisp autumn days paint the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, and gentle spring breezes awaken wildflowers along the trails. While winter brings a serene, frosty beauty to the landscape, the campground truly shines during fall and spring when comfortable temperatures and crystal-clear skies create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Plan your visit during these peak seasons to enjoy ideal riding weather and spectacular mountain views under predominantly sunny skies.
ElevationPerched among the rolling peaks and valleys of the North Georgia mountains, Willis Knob offers a true high-country camping experience where cool mountain air and elevated vistas await.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape carved by time itself, where ancient forests cloak dramatic canyons and hidden hollows. Towering hardwoods and evergreens create a natural cathedral overhead, while the terrain plunges into mysterious ravines that echo with the sounds of mountain streams. The crown jewel of the region, the wild and scenic Chattooga River, flows nearby, its pristine waters offering glimpses of one of the Southeast's last free-flowing mountain rivers. This stunning backdrop provides endless opportunities for photography, wildlife watching, and soul-stirring moments of natural beauty.
Geological RegionDiscover the raw magnificence of the North Georgia mountains, where the ancient Appalachian range meets the South Carolina border in a spectacular display of geological drama. Here, millennia of erosion have sculpted deep canyons and sharp ridges through the densely forested landscape, creating a rugged paradise that showcases the timeless beauty of the Southern Highlands. This remote corner of the Blue Ridge physiographic province offers visitors a chance to experience the untamed wilderness that once covered the entire southeastern United States.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible, and the campground provides hitching highlines for horses and accessible campsites.
Sites SizeSites are spacious and provide ample room for both campers and horses. "The sites are spacious and not cramped next to neighboring campsites," noted one user. Sites 7 and 8 are ideal for larger groups or families, as they were designed to be rented together.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer a good level of privacy. "Campsites are level and shady," and "quiet, remote campsite" were mentioned in user reviews.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 7 & 8 are recommended for group use as they were designed to be rented together. Sites 1-5 need additional hitching posts according to user feedback.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest Upper Loop equestrian campsites are ideal for groups.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:01 PM
Stay Limit
- Maximum 14 nights per visit
- can stay up to 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest limit mentioned.
Groups
Group equestrian sites are available but require booking multiple individual sites for larger parties.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites include single, double, and group sites with hitching posts and horse watering stations. Vault toilets are centralized.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round (January 1st - December 31st).
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are reservable only; no walk-in availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, plus forfeiture of reservation fees. Late cancellations (within 1 day for individual sites) incur additional penalties, including forfeiting the first-night recreation fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Willis Knob Horse Camp provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including horseback riding, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping. The trails are highly praised for scenic beauty and accessibility, although some reviews mention maintenance issues.
Hiking
The campground offers access to multiple hiking trails, including the 15-mile Willis Knob Trail and the 12.5-mile Rocky Gap Trail, which are noted for their scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Additionally, the 10.7-mile Chattooga River Trail and the 37-mile Bartram Trail are nearby and are for hiking only.Fishing
Fishing is available in the nearby Chattooga River. One user described the area as offering "good Trout Fishing Streams."Wildlife viewing
The campground offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Lots of views of the river" and "beautiful scenery" were noted in user reviews.Winter Activities
Some users reported visiting the campground during colder months, but no specific winter recreational activities like skiing or snowshoeing were mentioned.Water Sports
Some users crossed the Chattooga River during their rides, but no designated water sports activities like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed at designated rings. Firewood transportation restrictions apply.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention trail hazards, including poor drainage near hitching posts and downed trees on trails.
Active alertsNo active alerts provided.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include Black Rock State Park (~16 miles) for dump station and local hospitals in Clayton (~14 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1st - December 31st.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to clean up horse manure using trailers provided on-site for manure only. No explicit mention of general trash or recycling facilities was found.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Chattooga River. Trails provide access to scenic views and crossings.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include poor drainage near horse hitching posts, broken water spigots, unmaintained vault toilets, and confusing trail signage.
HostOn-site camp hosts provide assistance and maintain a family-friendly atmosphere.
Campground Map
1922 Willis Knob Road, Forest Service Road #157, Clayton, GA 30525
Driving directionsFrom Clayton, Georgia, take Warwoman Road east for about 12 miles. Turn right on Willis Knob Road (Forest Service Road 157) and continue for 2 miles to the campground on the left.
Accessible via paved roads up to Warwoman Road, followed by gravel road for the last 2 miles. User reviews suggest arriving in daylight due to the 'twisty turny gravel road'.Nearby places
Clayton, GA (~14 miles, 20-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Clayton (~14 miles). Ensure supplies are brought due to the campground's remote location.
Camper Reviews
4.2
27 reviews
Willis Knob Horse Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is highly praised for its location, scenic trails, and equestrian facilities, but users frequently mention maintenance issues with amenities like water spigots and vault toilets. Additionally, lack of cell phone service and signage challenges on trails are common concerns.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the spacious campsites, scenic trails, and equestrian accommodations. "Great campground location to access horse trails and Trout Streams," and "Campsites are level and shady with...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include malfunctioning vault toilets, leaking water spigots, insufficient high lines for horses, and poor trail maintenance. "All the faucets were pouring water when we arrived," and "Some...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers advised arriving in daylight due to the twisty gravel road and bringing GPS for navigation. "Be prepared, as there is no phone service in the area," and "Bring panels if you have them" for...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Many users visited during dry and moderate weather seasons and recommended avoiding times with heavy rain due to muddy conditions. Trails and campsites are generally better maintained during peak...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Willis Knob is one of our favorite places to horse camp," and "The trails are absolutely fantastic out of this peaceful campground," were positive remarks. Negative quotes include "The chemical...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 7 and 8 are noted as ideal for families or groups: "Those two were originally designed to be rented together." Site 8 had issues with water leakage, as mentioned in reviews: "The water is still...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Vault toilets are accessible, but no other specific reviews about accessibility features for disabled campers were found.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, but there were no specific reviews addressing pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025