The Mount Olive region offers equestrian camping options within deciduous forests at elevations between 400-1,500 feet. The area receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush landscapes with numerous streams and water features. Camping seasons run primarily April through October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Hiking trail access: At Stokes State Forest, trail options extend beyond equestrian paths to include 21 marked trails covering over 63 miles. "Pick up a hiking map at the park office or download the Avenza Maps app. This visit we hiked the Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery)," notes Trip Over Life.
Water activities: Lakes provide multiple recreation options near most campgrounds. "Boats/Kayaks can be rented," mentions Frank J. about Spruce Run Recreation Area. The reservoir supports fishing, sailing, and swimming with designated areas.
Scenic overlooks: Several viewpoints offer landscape perspectives not visible from equestrian trails. "You can also drive or hike to Sunset Mountain Scenic Overlook for a view of High Point Monument," recommends Trip Over Life about Stokes State Forest.
Winter activities: Unlike the equestrian camps mentioned in the existing description, some nearby campgrounds remain open year-round. "This park is open most of year. Fun if u lik3 camping," notes Jennifer P. about winter options at Stokes State Forest.
What campers like
Lake proximity: Waterfront sites provide direct access to fishing and paddling. "We stayed at site #T007... a short walk from the car to the site, but so worth it for many reasons. The site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!" describes Kara L. at Ocquittunk.
Campsite privacy: Many sites offer adequate spacing between neighbors. "The campsites were just okay. If bringing your RV, the safest bet is to reserve a spot with no shade as the other spots often times have very low hanging tree limbs," advises Douglas P. regarding Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife beyond horses. "I've never heard so much wildlife there as I did here. Only shortly after we settled into our tent did we hear foxes fighting right outside our tent, the snorts of deer, and there were bats right above us all night making noise!" explains Christina H. about her experience at Mountainview Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses with hot showers are available at most locations. "Bathrooms were clean and nicely placed. The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites," reports Catherine S. about Ocquittunk.
What you should know
Seasonal differences: Weather impacts camping experience throughout the year. "We went tent camping in late October, when a lot of the other parks are closed. Only one section of their camping was still open but the bathrooms and showers had been winterized," notes Tiffany K. from Lower Lake Campground Beechwood Area.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience higher noise volumes during peak times. "Late at night you can hear the drone of a major highway," mentions Frank J. about Spruce Run. Other reviews note: "There were campers making lots of noise, arming/disarming their car alarms, slamming doors, cars driving in/out, bright lights flashing, etc. all PASSED 2am!!"
Terrain challenges: Camp surface conditions vary significantly. "The ground is moderately rocky, so there may be some slight troubles getting tent stakes in the ground," warns Christina H. about Mountainview Campground.
Booking requirements: Some locations have strict policies about arrival times. "I reserved two nights, but the first night we were not going to be able to arrive until after 9. After talking to them, they would not allow us to come late, but did refund the first night," explains Kyhlea D. regarding Mountainview Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer designated play areas. "Several playgrounds, boat launches, and life guarded swimming area," mentions Jocelyn G. about Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Educational programming: Some parks provide structured activities. "Camp Mohican has wi-fi, bathrooms/showers and a shop with food that is open from 8am to 8pm," mentions Shawn B. about Camp Mohican Outdoor Center.
Cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide transition accommodations. "The cabins are reasonably priced and well-appointed, if a bit rustic. The interior features are just what you'd expect for getting away for the weekend. The main room has a bunk bed and two twins, a table with benches, two Adirondack chairs," describes W L. about Stokes State Forest cabins.
Pet policies: Not all campgrounds welcome dogs, unlike the equestrian areas mentioned previously. "No pets or alcohol allowed," notes Trip Over Life about Steam Mill Camping Area at Stokes State Forest.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When camping with horses and RVs, consider site characteristics beyond equestrian facilities. "I have camped here on many occasions for Over ten years, beginning when I only had a tent. Then with a camper van, and now an RV. I love the water views, The sites are large, many have nice mix of sun and shade," shares Ruette W. about Spruce Run.
Hookup limitations: Water and electric service vary significantly between campgrounds. "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers," reports Mara S. about Pickerel Point Campground.
Seasonal maintenance: Some facilities have limited services in off-season. "We fill our fresh water tank for and bring drinking water. They do a great job of mowing the grass on the sites, and if you need to, you can go and request if they could cut your grass if it's too long," advises Ruette W. about maintaining RV sites at Spruce Run.
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