Camping, trails, maps & photo credits — Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
On March 27, 1814, Major General Andrew Jackson ‘s army of 3,300 men attacked Chief Menawa’s 1,000 Red Stick Creek warriors fortified in a horseshoe shaped bend of the Tallapoosa River. Over 800 Red Sticks died that day. This battle ended the Creek War, resulted in a land cession of 23,000,000 acres to the United States and created a national hero of Andrew Jackson.
Camping & reservations
Use this unit’s official planning instructions to confirm permitted overnight options, tours and any required permits. A day-use parking area is not an authorized campsite.
Confirm official overnight options and permits. Official trip-planning information ↗
Truck-camping & permitted overnight use
Confirm whether this unit offers a designated campsite suitable for a truck camper or RV. Verify permission to stay overnight, the exact site dimensions and vehicle approach before traveling.
Backcountry camping and vehicle camping require park-specific authorization; National Park Service land is not generally open to unrestricted roadside camping. Confirm designated sites, permits and food-storage rules with this unit.
Activities, hiking & trails
Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking, Front-Country Hiking. Official activities and trail-planning information ↗
NPS-listed recreation: Arts and Culture, Craft Demonstrations, Cultural Demonstrations, Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Stargazing, Biking, Road Biking, Boating, Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Self-Guided Tours - Auto, Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour, Hands-On, Arts and Crafts, Hiking, Front-Country Hiking, Horse Trekking, Horseback Riding, Living History, Reenactments, Historic Weapons Demonstration, Paddling, Canoeing, Kayaking, Junior Ranger Program, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Park Film, Museum Exhibits, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store, Gift Shop and Souvenirs.
Maps & road access
Use the official NPS directions and current alerts. Check vehicle restrictions and campground approach roads before traveling.
Located in northeastern Tallapoosa County, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is accessible from US Highway 280, as well as AL Highways 22 and 49. The Park is located 5 miles south of the town of Newsite, AL and 12 miles north of the city of Dadeville, AL. Official directions / site access ↗
Before you travel
Summers can be extremely hot and humid and winters can be damp, wet, and cold, with occasional hard freezes. During the summer season visitors should dress in light, comfortable clothing, wear comfortable shoes and use sunscreen and insect repellant. Stay hydrated to avoid risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. A bottle refill station is available in the visitor center. In the spring and fall visitors should have a light jacket available as temperatures can drop suddenly.
Source review: 2026-11-01. Conditions, fees, permits and availability can change. National Park Service official information ↗
Photograph sources & licensing
Banner: Horseshoe Bend Boat Ramp
Horseshoe Bend Boat Ramp with Informational Waysides and Access to the Tallapoosa River
Credit: NPS Photo / Barclay Smith. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Second large photograph: Picnic Area
Horseshoe Bend Picnic Tables and Pavilions
Credit: NPS Photo/Barclay Smith. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Photographs are real images of the named unit; no AI-generated photographs are used. Federal photo credit register.