Northwest River Park & Campground provides equestrian-focused camping opportunities near Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Located in Chesapeake, Virginia, approximately 30 miles southwest of Elizabeth City, the park features a mix of wetland and forested terrain where seasonal flooding can affect some campsites. Temperatures in this coastal region range from mild winters to humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Paddling activities: Northwest River Park offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the blackwater river system. "There are a few hikes leading back to the river. Canoes and paddle boats are available to rent for use in black water," notes Heather L. about Northwest River Park.
Family recreation: The park includes mini-golf and multiple recreational facilities beyond just camping and horseback riding. Patricia L. states, "Plenty of things to do for the active camper. Put put golf, kayak, hiking and much more" at Northwest River Park.
Trail exploration: The park maintains nature trails suitable for day hiking through wetland ecosystems. "I have noticed two hiking trails, I have seen the kayaks that are for rent and the area you launch, all we need now is some nicer weather," describes Sheri K. about Chesapeake Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The park maintains high standards for bathroom and shower facilities. Joseph H. comments, "Overall amazed at the cleanliness of the campground. The staff is very friendly. The park was very quiet going into the night" at Northwest River Park.
Helpful staff: Park rangers actively patrol the grounds and assist visitors. "Great staff. Very helpful and keep the park clean. They have firewood at $6.00 a bundle. We went on a sellout weekend but was still pretty quiet," says Jeff B.
Spacious campsites: Many sites provide ample room for setup and outdoor activities. Gary D. notes that Northwest River Park offers "Plenty of room..showers/bathrooms huge..water NOT at all sites but easy to fill tanks. Some sites close to main road but not a lot of traffic."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Northwest River Park operates from April 1 through November 30, with different site availability depending on weather conditions. "It was a rainy Labor Day weekend, but we still managed to enjoy ourselves at the campgrounds. Because this area is near wetlands some of the campsites were flooded throughout the weekend," explains Nicole L. from Northwest River Park.
Water access varies: Not all sites have direct water hookups. Sally T. notes, "Plan on bringing your own water as there isn't always running water (not sure why)" at Northwest River Park.
Limited waste disposal: Some campgrounds have restricted trash facilities. Sheri K. reports, "The only thing I have a problem with here, is that there are no garbage cans or dumpsters near the campsites. The only garbage containers I found were near the dump station."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Horse campgrounds near Elizabeth City, North Carolina offer seasonal programs for children. Elizabeth V. shares, "Chesapeake Public Park's does a great job with events and education at NWRP! Equestrian trails available, which is always a plus" at Northwest River Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple recreational options keep children engaged throughout their stay. According to Audriana V., "There were a lot of child friendly activities to do here. It's about 40 mins from the beach. We tent camped and had a blast. The showers were nice and the bathrooms were very clean. The camp store is great. It has ice cream, which my kids loved."
Pack for weather variability: The coastal location experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. "If rain a lot of rain is forecasted you may want to talk to one of the rangers about your particular site," advises Nicole L.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites require minor adjustments for optimal positioning. Sheri K. explains, "The sites are gravel and mostly level but I did have to use a couple blocks of my levelers" at Northwest River Park.
Long-term options: Some campgrounds accommodate extended stays for those exploring equestrian trails near Elizabeth City. Cliff M. notes, "If you need to stay for a duration in the Norfolk-Va Beach area (we're talking months), this is the place to be! Several sites have good access to satellite system" at Chesapeake Campground.
Rate considerations: Pricing structures may change based on length of stay. "I asked if they had weekly rates and was told yes. But of course you are limited to 14 days like so many other campgrounds. When I arrived and talked to the clerk about the weekly rates, all he did was multiply the daily rate by the number of days," reports Sheri K.
