Kanopolis State Park offers multiple camping options for horseback riders approximately 45 minutes from Wilson Lake. The park maintains several designated equestrian trails ranging from 8-25 miles through varied terrain, connecting limestone outcroppings and wooded areas. Water levels at both Wilson Lake and Kanopolis State Park fluctuate seasonally, with spring typically offering higher water levels and fall providing more exposed shoreline for riding access.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: Rockin' K Horse Campground provides direct access to trails that wind through Kanopolis State Park's varied landscape. "I camped there in early October and this campground appeared to have multiple spots for campers with horses. There were numerous horse pens along with some dispersed camping area. There looked to be a trail for horse riding nearby," notes Caleb J. at Rockin' K Horse Campground.
Water recreation: Glen Elder State Park offers swimming beaches and fishing access. Laura D. reports, "Good to lake to fish and camp. Well taken care of. I enjoyed my stay." The Cheyenne Campground at Glen Elder State Park provides boat-in access with RV and tent camping options.
Hiking through limestone: The trail systems near Sandyshore Campground feature distinctive limestone formations. Carter W. reports, "We loved the hiking through limestone. We found couple caves and climbed some rock. Would be good for mntn biking." Most trails are moderate difficulty, with sections requiring scrambling over rocky terrain.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The shower facilities receive consistent praise from visitors. Alex R. mentions, "We stayed at Eagle Point as we don not have horses but this campground had the shower house that we used which was very clean and the water was actually hot! Very well maintained!" Shower access is available at most developed campgrounds in the area.
Shoreline camping: Many sites at Sandyshore Campground offer direct access to water. Elizabeth S. comments, "Perfect mix of shade and shoreline. Beautiful views." Some sites require early arrival to secure, particularly weekend waterfront spots.
Privacy at primitive sites: Mulberry Campground offers more solitude due to its primitive amenities. Katie L. notes, "Primitive campground is well maintained and largely unoccupied because of the lack of hookups for RVs. Stayed on 4th of July and only one other family was in the entire campground."
What you should know
Self-check-in system: Rockin' K Horse Campground offers convenient registration for late arrivals. Charles reports, "Great system for checking in after hours without a reservation. Would stay again."
Water availability varies: Some campgrounds require you to bring your own water. Katie L. warns about Mulberry Campground, "Close to swimming beach, but bring your own water as there is no spigot nearby."
Restroom access considerations: Elizabeth S. notes at Sandyshore Campground, "The closest restroom is 1/2 a mile away up in Buzzard Bay though. For how popular this spot is, they need to build one closer to the campground."
Reservation status: Many prime locations fill quickly on weekends. Elizabeth S. observes, "Also wish they would make these spots reservable as they fill up very quick since they are first come first serve. Especially on weekends."
Tips for camping with families
Check for beach conditions: Sandyshore provides sandy beach areas that children enjoy. Carter W. describes, "We got a perfect camp spot all to ourselves. It was not necessarily private or in the woods. But we were right up against the lake. There was sand like a beach the water was alright."
Watch for ticks: Insect protection is essential during warmer months. Nick P. advises, "Great scenery and nice trails (bring tick spray can be brutal out there!). My girlfriend and I were able to take our paddle boards out which was a ton of fun and with the heavy boat traffic."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds near Wilson Lake attract more parties. Hunter from Sandyshore Campground notes, "We had the last spot at the end of the drive, which seemed to be a popular place for day users to park and walk the edge of the water. Several groups showed up looking to cool off and walked right by our spot."
Tips from RVers
Site organization: The developed campgrounds near Wilson Lake feature well-structured layouts. Charles from Rockin' K notes, "Spots were well spaced and organized. Some had water/electric with others being just electric."
Hookup options: Hayland Farm's Horse Shoe Campground offers more intimate camping with limited sites but excellent host service. William S. reports, "Tom and Heddy are very nice folks. Warm and welcoming. Their property is quiet and beautiful. We hope to visit again soon."
Campground improvements: Glen Elder State Park has undergone recent upgrades. Brandy at Cheyenne Campground shares, "I grew up here, stopped going when it became a party haven filled with drama, recently gave it a second chance and could not be happier I did so. It has really been cleaned up in all aspects. I WILL RETURN."
