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Collins Cove Horse Campground in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest features corrals specifically designed for horses, making it the only campground in the Nebo area with dedicated equine facilities. The primitive tent camping area offers access to water hookups and includes toilet facilities with trash collection. While the sites are rustic, they accommodate both equestrians and their horses with space for trailers. Other amenities include fire rings where campfires are permitted, though firewood is not provided on-site. Pets are allowed throughout the campground, giving horse owners the option to bring other animals along. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Nebo, North Carolina.
Located approximately 77 miles from Nebo in Ivanhoe, Virginia, Collins Cove serves as a basecamp for riders accessing the national forest trail system. Riders should note that drinking water is not available, so bringing adequate water supplies for both horses and humans is essential. The campground maintains several primitive sites suitable for tent camping rather than RVs or trailers with living quarters. The forest setting provides natural shade for horses during summer months. Nearby Hussy Mountain Horse Camp in Speedwell, Virginia offers an alternative equestrian camping option, though reviews indicate Collins Cove provides more direct trail access for riders seeking longer journeys through the mountain terrain. The campground operates seasonally, making advance planning necessary for riders traveling to the area.
"But, ya know North Carolina summers."
"The site also had a huge area for the picnic table and the fire ring is far away from your camper. There was a huge grassy area behind our site with a creek, lots of space for our dog."
from $17 - $72 / night
Check Availability"Walking path paved. Bike trails and horse trails. Near to I40 but any noise from that is very minimal. Full hookups. Wi fi present but not strong enough for any streaming. Will definitely return"
"Great hosts, spacious spots, nearby dog park, loved staying here. The bath houses are a little dated but very clean. There is horse shoe, volleyball, soccer goals on the camp ground."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"The grounds are adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park. Very fun long weekend at a family friendly campground. Would definitely camp here again!"
"Stayed there for a weekend, great location close to Stone Mtn park. Hiked from there into the state park. Very clean kept campground and nice owner"
"Near a creek as well. Just follow the basin creek trail for about a mile and then cross bridge."
"This camp ground is very small and on the side of a very quiet road next to beautiful fields with breath taking views it has no paved roads so bring a truck or suv sedans will get stuck easily there is"
from $25 - $151 / night
Check Availability"Other than the bear hunting that went on, was scary..this is a peaceful spot to reset with plenty of hiking trails right next to the creek."
"Trails were well maintained & short walk down to the river. Would definitely stay again!"
from $5 / night
"Tho, no immediate fresh water pumps, walking distance water access for horses and dogs. As well as bathing down from the campgrounds. Creak water. Very spacious and scenic."
from $5 / night
from $7 / night
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TravelerWe came here as our second ever camping trip and it wasn’t exactly what we were expecting but it was definitely an adventure. It was beautiful and quiet and relaxing. The only thing we were not happy about is the insane amount of bugs in the bathroom. But, ya know North Carolina summers.
TravelerI went back and forth on whether I should give this rating two stars or three. In the end, I chose three stars because the mountain itself is so amazing. Geologically this was great place to visit and the trails were well marked and maintained. Beautiful hike.
The campground was beautiful but the facilities were run down and dirty. It had, by far, the nastiest park/campground facilities I’ve seen in Kentucky, North Carolina or Virginia this year. I know this park is mobbed on the weekends, but I checked in on a Tuesday and stayed for two nights. The facilities, including the campground bathhouse and the park’s “comfort stations” were dirty, smelly and had bugs in them. The trash in the bathhouse was not emptied in the two days I was there. There was not a single exterior light to the bathhouse, not even something as reasonable as a motion sensor light that would be more energy efficient than a constant lighting option.
Compared to New River State Park, despite the giant Stone Mountain, this was the bottom of the barrel.
GuideTho, no immediate fresh water pumps, walking distance water access for horses and dogs. As well as bathing down from the campgrounds. Creak water. Very spacious and scenic. The trails are near and beautiful. Lovely for horseback riding or hiking, or just tent camping. Latrine are located at campground, walking distance.
ScoutWhat a lovely campground. Sites are long and wide but some have quite a slope to them. There are large shady trees but no vegetation between sites. 3 camp hosts that rotate duties. Walking path paved. Bike trails and horse trails. Near to I40 but any noise from that is very minimal. Full hookups. Wi fi present but not strong enough for any streaming. Will definitely return
GuideGreat hosts, spacious spots, nearby dog park, loved staying here. The bath houses are a little dated but very clean. There is horse shoe, volleyball, soccer goals on the camp ground. I would stay here all the time if I could!
LegendWe stayed for one night only on our way to Dreher Island SP. We didn't get in until after 4 pm, but there was still enough daylight to see how pretty the campground was. We had site 60 for the night. We tow a 19' a-frame camper with a Toyota Tacoma and had lots of room on the pad. The pad was pretty level so set up was easy. The site also had a huge area for the picnic table and the fire ring is far away from your camper. There was a huge grassy area behind our site with a creek, lots of space for our dog. We were in campground B (electric) and the sites were decent. There wasn't a lot shade for us, but up in the tent area they were surrounded by trees and it looked like they all had tent pads, some better than others. The shower house was nice, clean, flush toilets, and good showers. By the shower house they also had an outside sink to wash your dishes. We didn't get to hike, but everyone said we should if we ever go back. It's on our list to visit again.
TravelerGeast campground, lots of shad. Some of the sites are very steep. Situated in a beautiful park with lots of activities. Dog park. Trails. Nearby lake, pool
LegendJotting down my thoughts about Stone Mountain State Park won't do it justice...my photos will speak louder and clearer...but being there in person and experiencing this wonderful park will convince you to return time and again!
I've only stayed at Stone Mountain State Park twice, but plan on making it a yearly venture. So we did not hike all the trails, but the one's we did were stunning and memorable.
The campgrounds are super clean and neat, the showerhouse/bathroom a positive too. When car camping, even though their sites are clean and tidy...I personally don't like the "tent pads." Most (as in this case) are gravel...which is rough on tent floors, even with a ground cloth or footprint. It is quiet, even though there is no real foliage or barriers between sites. The RVing crowd really seemed to gravitate here.
We drove down to the meadow, where there is another newer, very nice restroom, with drinking fountains out front...that's the trailhead for both the waterfall trail and also the summit of Stone Mountain. It is a loop, if you are adventurous and ambitious...and in good physical condition. The elevation changes are dramatic and it is a lengthy trail.
The waterfall is spectacular and runs a distance over the smooth rock, pouring down into the ravine below. A remarkable wooden staircase/boardwalk will take you from the top of the falls to the bottom, if you are willing to climb it. Remember, what goes down, must go up.
The trails along the stream below are equally impressive and enjoyable and they meander. Innumerable photo opportunities.
If you decided not to go down the "endless" staircase, you can return to the fork in the trail where a lone fireplace remains...and start heading up. The grade is not overwhelming and is slight at first, but it gets tougher and steeper...switchbacks are the norm. The trail opens up on a couple of occasions to give spectacular views, but you must venture out onto the stone face.
You ultimately reach a signpost that lets you know you are on the summit and gives the elevation of 2306 ft. Seems higher. To see the surrounding mountains, you must walk out onto the bald. Sit and take it all in. If you decide to wait out a sunset...remember to bring illumination to light your path back down...it gets dark quickly and navigating in the woods can get sketchy.
What you don't see from the summit is an impressive homestead below...which I highly recommend you take in. The homestead is in remarkable shape, well-maintained and numerous info placards to bring you up on the history.
You just don't get tired of visiting wonderful places like Stone Mountain State Park.
ScoutGreat location in town park. Full hookups and friendly hosts. Easy to get to and many services close by.
Collins Cove Horse Campground operates as a primitive camping area in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Located 77 miles from Nebo in Ivanhoe, Virginia, this equestrian-focused facility sits at approximately 2,500 feet elevation. The campground connects to a network of forest trails suitable for day rides or longer journeys, with sites designed specifically for tent camping rather than accommodating large RVs with living quarters.
Trail riding access: Riders at Collins Cove Horse Campground can use the site as a base for exploring the extensive national forest trail system. Pack sufficient water supplies as the campground lacks drinking water sources.
Hiking at Stone Mountain: Campers at Stone Mountain State Park have immediate access to multiple trail options. "Beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for," notes Emily D. The park offers trails suitable for various skill levels.
Creek exploration: Several campgrounds feature creek access for cooling off during summer months. "We camped at RV site 40 and I think it's the best. There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it," writes Charli R. about Stone Mountain State Park.
Natural shade coverage: The forested setting at equestrian camping areas near Nebo provides natural protection from summer heat. Tanglewood Park offers "wide spaces with lots of room under big shade trees," according to Dave B.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the region offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Tanglewood Park, Kelly H. notes there are "nearly tame deer all over the place," making it ideal for nature photography and animal observation.
Quiet setting: The primitive nature of Basin Cove provides a peaceful camping environment. Christian describes it as "very small and on the side of a very quiet road next to beautiful fields with breath taking views," noting "there is no cell service and it is very clean of trash perfect quiet getaway."
Terrain challenges: Many sites in the area feature sloped terrain requiring additional equipment for leveling. At Tanglewood Park, Wesley L. advises "several sites including mine very hard to level," while Marjorie W. suggests "very tall levelers are needed."
Water requirements: When camping at equestrian facilities near Nebo, North Carolina, water planning is essential. Basin Cove requires additional preparation as Julie L. warns: "There is NO clean water source, you have to bring a filter system with you."
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons. Tanglewood Park operates from May 1 to November 15, while Hussy Mountain Horse Camp in Speedwell runs from April 1 to November 30.
Playground access: Sandy Creek Family Campground offers dedicated play areas for children. Ann H. reports, "The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground," making it suitable for families with younger children needing recreational options.
Beginner-friendly backcountry: Basin Cove provides an accessible introduction to more remote camping. Hollz recommends it as "great for taking beginner backcountry tent/hammock campers" since it's an "easy hike in, but far enough that you won't find high-maintenance campers or crowds."
Educational opportunities: Some locations offer historical sites suitable for family exploration. Stone Mountain features a homestead area that Kristi D. found "so neat to walk around at the base of the mountain," providing historical context for children.
Site selection: At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, site selection affects the camping experience. David B. notes "The camp sites are mostly level, well maintained and have tent pads, tables and fire rings. I chose a site that had water and electric hook-ups."
Utility reliability: When selecting an RV site, check on power stability. Extended family staying at Sandy Creek Family Campground experienced "problems with their power staying on," according to Kirsten J., suggesting backup power options may be necessary.
Dump station considerations: RVers should evaluate dump station accessibility before booking. Becca C. cautions about Sandy Creek: "The biggest negative I would say was the dump station. It was on the hill so you had to back up to it and it wasn't easy location to do so."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Nebo, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Nebo, NC is Stone Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Nebo, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Nebo, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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