Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Hartwell Lake is the way to go. Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Find our top-rated horse campsites from other campers like you. Plan the perfect trip in minutes.
After hours of scrolling through nature photos and majestic mountains, the urge to get out and explore is hard to ignore. We applaud the explorers and adventurers of the world who brave the treacherous elements, as well as the sweet photos that come as a result. However, for many the ideal of a fun weekend away consists less of roughing it, and more relaxing on a beach or in a warm cabin. If you’re in the latter of these groups, you’re going to love Oconee State Park.
Oconee is the idealistic place for families and friends looking for a nostalgic getaway complete with rustic charm and character. Dotted throughout the park are rustic, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Cabins available for nightly and weekly rental. Meanwhile, a small, glassy lake lazily invites campers to disrupt its reflection with the canoes and kayaks located on shore.
The Greenville region is known for 25+ waterfalls found throughout. Closer in, the 1,100+ acre state park hosts a number of wooded nature trails snake throughout. It also serves as the trailhead for South Carolina’s 77 miles Foothills Trail. Friends and families visiting can enjoy the local wildlife, as well as the regional flora and fauna which proudly thrive in abundance.
In the summer Lake Oconee comes alive, creating the backdrop for unforgettable family vacations. Festivities begin in June, including Square Dancing, mini golf, pedal boating competitions, and so much more. However the Winter Months are just as enjoyable if you don’t mind getting cozy in a warm cabin, sipping some coco, and reading a good book. The rangers here are known for their hospitality, and are knowledgeable on the area. Stop in their lodge for a small convenience store, firewood, and great conversations.
Oconee offers all the benefits of a mountain resort without the upscale pricing. There are 140+ sites available for rent, starting at just $21/night. Cabins and lodging is available but pricing is dependent on group sizes and room choice, so be sure plan out your trip in advance before coming.
Welcome to South Cove County Park, a gem nestled near Seneca, SC. This campground is a favorite among families and offers a picturesque setting right on the shores of Lake Keowee. The lake's crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. If you have a boat or jet ski, you'll appreciate the convenient ramp available on-site.
The campground is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. You'll find electric hookups, drinking water, and showers to make your stay comfortable. The park is also big rig friendly, so RV campers will have no trouble finding a suitable spot. Pets are welcome, and there are plenty of picnic tables scattered around for a nice meal outdoors.
One of the standout features here is the beautiful playgrounds, which are a hit with the kids. There's even a beach area at the day-use section, making it a great spot for a family day out. The park rangers and camp hosts are known for their friendliness and helpfulness, ensuring you have a pleasant stay.
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the campground offers paddleboard and kayak rentals. And if you're into fishing, you're in for a treat—visitors rave about the great fishing opportunities here.
The views are another highlight. Almost every site offers stunning lake views, making it a serene and relaxing place to unwind. Just a heads-up: the gate closes at 10 PM, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Whether you're here for a quick stopover or a longer stay, South Cove County Park has something for everyone. Enjoy the natural beauty, the friendly atmosphere, and the array of activities available.
Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground, nestled near Comer, GA, is a charming spot that offers a mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The campground is open from March 1 to November 30, making it a great seasonal getaway.
One of the standout features here is the 229-foot-long covered bridge, the longest original one in Georgia. You can even drive through it, though there are height and weight restrictions. The bridge and the surrounding area are perfect for some stunning photos, especially around sunset.
The campground itself is small but well-maintained. Sites come with electric and water hookups, and there's a sanitary dump station available. The facilities include clean restrooms and showers, and there's even a laundry area, which is a nice perk for longer stays. The sites are shaded and flat, making them comfortable for both tents and RVs. However, some of the pull-through sites can be a bit tight, so plan accordingly if you're bringing a big rig.
For those who love hiking, the park offers several trails that are a joy to explore. The trails wind through beautiful woodland areas and offer a peaceful escape into nature. If you're into fishing, Big Clouds Creek is right there, and it's a great spot to cast a line.
Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. Just remember, no alcohol is allowed in the park. The staff here are friendly and helpful, adding to the overall pleasant experience.
In summary, Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground is a delightful spot with a mix of historical charm and natural beauty. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the creek, it's a place that invites you to unwind and enjoy the simpler things in life.
Welcome to Lazy J Campground, nestled near Rosman, NC. This spot is a gem for those looking to escape into nature without straying too far from civilization. The campground sits right by the French Broad River, offering a serene backdrop of flowing water and lush woods. It's a perfect place for both tent and RV camping.
One of the standout features here is the friendly and helpful staff. Visitors often rave about how welcoming and accommodating they are, making you feel right at home. The bathhouses are consistently praised for their cleanliness, and you can count on hot showers after a day of exploring.
If you're into fishing, you’ll love the riverfront sites where you can cast a line right from your campsite. The sound of the river adds a peaceful ambiance, perfect for unwinding by the campfire. For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails nearby that lead to deeper parts of the river and scenic spots.
Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. The campground also has a small market for any essentials you might need, and firewood is available on-site. Kids will enjoy the playground, and the presence of chickens and horses adds a charming, rustic touch.
While the campground is close to Brevard for any shopping needs, it's also near Pisgah and DuPont for some fantastic hiking opportunities. Whether you're here for a spontaneous trip or a planned getaway, Lazy J Campground offers a cozy, nature-filled retreat.
$18 / night
Located in the northern Georgia mountains, far from civilization, Willis Knob Horse Campground is one of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests most beloved horse-lover hideaways. The campground features equestrian camping, riding and hiking trails and fishing in the nearby Chattooga River.
The 15-mile Willis Knob Trail in Georgia and 12.5 mile Rocky Gap Trail in South Carolina provide some of the most scenic horseback riding and hiking in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Winding across deeply dissected ridges, the trails descend into the vast Chattooga River. The 10.7-mile Chattooga River Trail and the 37-mile Bartram Trail are also accessible nearby and are for hiking only. Fishing is available in the Chattooga River.
The 15-mile Willis Knob Trail in Georgia and 12.5 mile Rocky Gap Trail in South Carolina provide some of the most scenic horseback riding and hiking in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Winding across deeply dissected ridges, the trails descend into the vast Chattooga River. The 10.7-mile Chattooga River Trail and the 37-mile Bartram Trail are also accessible nearby and are for hiking only. Fishing is available in the Chattooga River.
The horse camp is located in a heavily wooded area of the forest, amid deep canyons and near to the Georgia-South Carolina border.
Chattooga River Wild and Scenic area is nearby
For facility specific information, please call (706) 754-6221.
$20 / night
Whetstone Horse Camp is located in the Andrew Pickens Ranger District in Oconee County in the western corner of South Carolina, about 13 miles northwest of Walhalla. The Chattooga River flows nearby. With over 30 miles of horseback riding trails, Whetstone serves as a base for those who like to ride and camp.
The Rocky Gap Trail on the South Carolina side of the river and the Willis Knob Horse Trail on the Georgia side provide excellent horseback riding and hiking opportunities. Visitors also enjoy exploring the nearby Chattooga River.
The Rocky Gap Trail on the South Carolina side of the river and the Willis Knob Horse Trail on the Georgia side provide excellent horseback riding and hiking opportunities. Visitors also enjoy exploring the nearby Chattooga River.
The camp is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near the Rocky Gap and Willis Knob Horse Trails. The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests encompass more than 629,000 acres in four districts throughout South Carolina, from the lowcountry Atlantic Coast to the western foothills along the Georgia border.
The town of Walhalla is 13 miles away. The town holds an annual Oktoberfest celebration the third weekend of October. Stumphouse Tunnel, a 19-century uncompleted railroad tunnel, and Isaqueena Falls make for interesting visits. Both are located just 20 minutes from the camp.
$15 / night
Panthertown Valley is a rugged and wild 6,311-acre backcountry area located on Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina, on the eastern continental divide, between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Panthertown features a diversity of native flora and fauna, pristine headwaters of the Tuckasegee River, a rare high-elevation southern Appalachian mountain bog, dozens of waterfalls, granite cliffs and domes, and is part of Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, and Bonas Defeat-Panthertown American Black Bear Sanctuary.
Friends of Panthertown works in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown.
Panthertown is a wonderful place to explore, however there are a few things you should be aware of before visiting for your first time. We hope this list of suggestions (and cautions) will make your experience in Panthertown Valley more enjoyable:
Your safety is your responsibility. Plan ahead and come prepared.
This is a wild, rugged place with more than 30 miles of public trails spread out over 6,311 acres deep in the Nantahala National Forest. It’s easy to get lost. We recommend you bring a good map and compass, and know how to use them.
Panthertown is NOT a National Park or State Park. It’s common to not see any other people when visiting. Cell phone service here can be spotty or unreachable. Use the trails with caution and at your own risk.
Bring plenty of water to drink, or a filtration system to keep you hydrated. There are no water fountains, trash cans, or restrooms here.
Please carry out your trash and practice Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics when visiting.
Hiking in the forest can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced hikers. Know before you go, plan ahead, and come prepared for a fun backcountry experience.
You may get hot, cold, wet, muddy, scratched up, and dirty just from hiking and exploring in Panthertown, so dress appropriately and in layers.
Expect to hike several miles on uneven surfaces to reach the most popular points of interest, including waterfalls and overlooks.
The hike out of the valley is uphill and can be difficult. Some hiking experience is recommended. Make sure you save some energy and water for your walk back to the parking area. That’s all part of the Panthertown experience!
American black bears live here and are protected as part of the Bonas Defeat-Panthertown Bear Sanctuary. Panthertown hosts a diversity of wildlife, please do not feed the animals!
Common natural hazards to watch out for include venomous snakes and yellow jacket nests.
Friends of Panthertown volunteers only maintain the official trail system in Panthertown. There are hundreds of miles of user created footpaths that crisscross the valley. For your safety, and to protect the ecology, we recommend you stay on the marked trails and avoid short cuts through the woods. Remember, it’s easy to get lost here, and we want you to enjoy your backcountry experience.
CAMPING
Dispersed camping is primitive and no amenities are provided. Forest Service rules limit camp sites to no more than 12 people, and not within 50 feet of water sources. No permits are required for non-commercial groups.
Please use existing fire rings and never leave a fire unattended. Make sure to properly extinguish and drown your fire and coals before leaving your camp site!
Follow these recommendations to avoid any close encounters with bears: https://panthertown.org/bears/
PARKING
There is limited parking at three entrances (Salt Rock Gap, Cold Mountain Gap, and Flat Creek), low-clearance gravel Forest Service roads, and heavy use on weekends. https://panthertown.org/directions
Drive slowly and use caution to not damage your vehicle or the road.
Equestrians please note: there are no horse trails at the Cold Mountain Gap trailheads. Horse trailer parking is prohibited there. The Salt Rock Gap entrance offers limited parking and can be difficult to turn a horse trailer around. If you use this entrance, we suggest that you park and unload your trailer on the pavement at the end of state maintained Breedlove Road.
The Flat Creek parking area off Rock Bridge Road north of Lake Toxaway on NC 281 is the largest and offers a wide horse trailer turn around with easy access to the Panthertown Valley Trail System.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Always practice Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics when visiting.
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace:
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Reprinted with permission ©Leave No Trace
Located approximately 8 miles from Clayton surrounded with 16,000 acres of Wildlife Management Area. 21 campsites overlooking the beautiful Walnut Fork Creek. 2 Bath Houses on site; as well as a covered pavilion for gatherings.
$20 - $30 / night
$4 - $20 / night
RV sites available with 50 & 30 amp power, septic and water. Monthly rates available April through October. Tent sites available also.
$55 - $650 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hartwell Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hartwell Lake is Oconee State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hartwell Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Hartwell Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
