Best Equestrian Camping near Carthage, NC

Canebrake Horse Camp in Uwharrie National Forest features 28 campsites with parking spurs specifically designed for horse trailers, including four double sites. Each site includes electrical hookups, tie posts, tack tables, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and lantern posts. The campground accommodates up to two vehicles per site and maintains clean facilities despite heavy use during peak season. Horse owners find the camp host particularly attentive to equine needs, ensuring both horses and riders remain comfortable and safe throughout their stay. Located near Troy, North Carolina, approximately 30 miles from Carthage, this established campground provides direct access to the extensive trail system within the national forest.

The extensive trail network surrounding Canebrake connects riders to miles of scenic routes through the Uwharrie Mountains, which serve as foothills to the Appalachians. Trails accommodate various skill levels, from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging terrain for experienced riders. Water access points along the trails allow horses to drink and cool off during rides. While some horse clubs frequent the area on weekends with their trailers, weekday visits typically offer more solitude on the trails. Uwharrie Hunt Camp, located closer to the OHV trails than some other forest campgrounds, offers an alternative camping option at just $5 per night with rustic, grassy sites. The surrounding countryside features rolling hills and varied terrain, making this region particularly attractive for extended trail riding adventures throughout the year.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Carthage, North Carolina (14)

    1. Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $27 - $77 / night

    "This area is such a short drive from the triangle area of North Carolina, yet this park feels quite remote. Like many state parks, this one excels in the services department. "

    "Located just 30 miles west of Raleigh, Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve. "

    2. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 982-4402

    $17 - $107 / night

    "Morrow Mountain State Park, near Albemarle, NC, has something for everyone.  Many hiking and equestrian trails are within the park. "

    "Water spigot close by, the pressure is high so slowly lift the handle haha. The sites are not too close together. Lots of hiking nearby. Beautiful area! Highly recommend."

    3. Arrowhead Campground

    18 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    $20 - $54 / night

    "Equestrian campgrounds, hunting camps and then Arrowhead and Badin Lake campgrounds, along with the boat launch area."

    "The campsites do not offer a view of the water of Badin Lake, but it is nearby with a drive or hike. "

    4. Idlewild Farm Stays

    Be the first to review!
    Raeford, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (201) 317-9774

    $30 - $60 / night

    5. Double L Farms Campground

    15 Reviews
    Lumberton, NC
    48 miles
    +1 (910) 258-2621

    $35 / night

    "For my entire family, we absolutely loved the cows, horses, donkeys, chickens, guinea hens, ducks, turkey, cats, dogs and other animals we came across during our stay."

    "Campground is surrounded by the owners farmland. Horses, cows, donkeys, chickens. Simple and peaceful. The owner, Lisa was the best we’ve ever encountered and we’ve camped in all of the lower 48."

    6. Uwharrie Hunt Camp

    6 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    "We hit this campground right at the perfect time of year, BEFORE the opening day of off-road vehicle season in April. "

    "There is a good trail around the lake that offers some beautiful views across the lake. Pretty good fishing too."

    7. Cane Creek Campground and RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Snow Camp, NC
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 376-8324

    "Our site (17) was on the opposite side of the real lake access and right across from the annual spots so we never really had too much privacy but most of the neighbors were very curteous and friendly."

    "Located close to nothing else, this campground was so peaceful at night. During the day, it’s beautiful. It’s got showers with hot water and accessible facilities. Great camping!"

    8. Canebrake Horse Camp

    3 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    $27 - $54 / night

    "He always made sure me, my horses and my grandson were comfortable and safe!"

    "I came in the summer and the temperature was around the 80's. During the night it is around 60 which is pleasant. They do sell for 6 dollars for a bunch of firewood"

    9. Uwharrie National Forest Badin Lake Group Camp

    3 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    40 miles
    Website

    $75 / night

    "There is plenty to do like hiking, fishing, swimming, and even horse back riding. And it you are an off road enthusiast, they have made some fantastic off road trails south of the Forrest."

    "While at Uwaharrie NF stayed at Biden Lake campground. Beautiful place with great views. Clean facilities close to sites."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Carthage, NC

8 Photos of 14 Carthage Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Carthage, NC

124 Reviews of 14 Carthage Campgrounds


  • Kelsey L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2018

    Cedarock Park

    Hidden gem for a quick outdoor getaway

    Cedarock Park, located in Burlington, North Carolina, is a hidden gem for all sorts of outdoor activities. The park offers hike-in camping with a handful of sites scattered along Rock Creek. The sites are well spaced and can accommodate large groups (you only pay $1 for each additional person for groups larger than 10). The park is also home to 6 miles of hiking trails and 6 miles of equestrian trails. There are two fantastic disc golf courses (I personally enjoy the Wellspring course) and even a historical farm that sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    A Short Drive, Yet a World Away

    This area is such a short drive from the triangle area of North Carolina, yet this park feels quite remote. Like many state parks, this one excels in the services department. 

    Bathrooms and showers were clean and comfortable, as were the campsites. 

    Each camping loop felt tucked away into its own little neighborhood, and the large campsites offered space so that you aren’t stacked right next to your neighbor.  We camped in the nonelectric loop (we always bring our solar panel) for 3 nights in mid-February and there were very few campers around, but the neighboring loop with electrical hook-up sites were 3/4 full with large rigs. 

    Hiking, biking, paddling, are all great things to do during your stay. There is also a boat launch within the park in case power boating or fishing is your thing, but kayaks and canoes can easily launch from the lakeside campsites.  It was a bit too chilly to get on the water in February, so we opted for hiking and biking.

    The closest services for gas or a few extra snacks are within 5 minutes of the park.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2023

    Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Lake Jordan Campground Bliss

    Located just 30 miles west of Raleigh, Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve.  And while I’m not a kitesurfer or windsurfer, I’m positive that this campground was named for the pretty amazing headwinds that are enjoyed coming off Falls Lake, which Crosswinds Campground @ Jordan Lake SRA sits on. Take my word for it though, this outdoor nature preserve is truly a slice of heaven carved out in some of North Carolina’s finest camping countryside. If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nicely shaded nature, hiking trails and humble peace & quiet that only God's green nature can offer, then make your way here to Crosswinds Campground, where this heavily wooded forest paradise will embrace you with its inclines, switchbacks and snakelike, swerving road circuits. 

    All of the basics are provided in spades – from picnic table, fold-up fire ring / BBQ grill, bear-proof garbage hanger and a nice pebble-strewn and long-leaf pine shadowed patch of well-maintained nature that offers pristine shade from an unrelenting bit of summer Tar Heel sunshine. While there’s a suitable amount of brush between campsites, surprisingly, it’s the steep inclines and declines between each site that makes one feel that they are truly in the center of their own private wilderness. The on-site bathroom & shower facilities are just slightly north of passable and only a smidge better than you’d expect from a state-run campground, and so this campground gets its only mediocre marks on this front. But that said, there’s plenty of hiking trails to explore and the on-site rangers are incredibly helpful and positive folks that want to ensure you have a great time, but the best amenity on this property is the access to Lake Jordan itself, where there is a perfectly sectioned off swimming area – complete with life safety vests resting on hooks near the shore - as well as boat launching areas for those that want to fish or simply drop a kayak or canoe in the water and take enjoy a lakeside cruise. 

    Insider’s tips? Here's a bundle: (1) Be sure to get down to the lake from wherever your campsite is just after sunset and bring a couple of folding chairs and a telescope (pre-planning here is needed!) to catch a glimpse of one of the most amazing star-studded night skies you’ve ever seen in your life!; (2) While IMHO there are no bad sites per se here, certainly there are some that are better than others, amongst which, I would highly recommend those that are closer to the tree fall lines as well as those that place you closest to either lakeside or lake view.  With 3 loops to choose from (A, B & C), I recommend the following sites: Loop A - #18-19; #21-22; and #44-47; Loop B - #33, #36, #37, #39, #40,#43; Loop C - #19, #21, #23, #24, #26, #32, #34, #36, #40, #42; (3) If you have a boat, you may want to consider calling ahead of time, while you are reserving your campsite and reserve a boat slip - we just thought that they would be readily available, but as it turns out, there's quite a few daytime boaters that don't camp here and are simply looking for a slip to occupy for the day, so plan ahead!; (4) SUPER INSIDER SECRET: there's a little pathway next to site #32 that will lead you to a hidden beachhead where all the cool kids hang out and party; (5) The showers are pretty annoying in that they are regulated by body movement - so as a hack, we applied duct tape and VOILA! the hot water stayed on the whole time! (but remove when you are done or the water won't stop running!); and (6) When you grow tired or anxious after digging through what remains of your Cordova cooler and / or want to sample some local fare, be prepared to drive a short distance (20 minutes or so) back to Apex, where I would recommend The Peak on Salem that serves up some pretty mean Caribbean conch & shrimp fritters as well as some very nice seafood entrees like NC clam bucatini or sweet tea ginger whiskey braised beef short rib.

    Happy Camping!

  • Katy S.
    Jul. 6, 2020

    Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Great access to the lake

    This is a pretty nice campground, similar to other state parks in North Carolina. The sites are spacious, we stayed at a double site that allowed up to 4 cars. The site was level and stayed dry during the heavy rain, however we saw other sites that had big puddles, with tents in the water. The bathrooms were cleaned regularly, but they were not very nice. The shower didn't look good at all, we didn't use it.

    A great things about the campground is that it has its own kayak/canoe ramp, just a few minutes drive from the site. We saw people fishing from the ramp as well. On our morning paddle we saw a couple of bald eagles, they were amazing. We stayed at the campsite after heavy rains, so the beach was closed. It must be nice when not flooded.

    This is a state campground, so alcohol is not allowed.

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Arrowhead Campground

    Offroader's Paradise

    Uwharrie National Forest-Arrowhead Campground

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48934 

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE\_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368418.pdf 

    Uwharrie National Forest is fairly vast, but several camping areas are located in one general area. Equestrian campgrounds, hunting camps and then Arrowhead and Badin Lake campgrounds, along with the boat launch area. Arrowhead Campground has had a bigger budget compared to its lesser sibling Badin Lake Campground. 

    Campground roadways are paved, as well as the campsite parking pads, The restrooms are newer, larger and offer paved parking for users. 

    Sites are reasonably large and offer a picnic table, firepit, charcoal grill and metal hanging pole for lanterns, etc. some foliage exists between Campsites, but you still have a visual of your neighbors. 

    It appeared during my visit that most users were off-roaders with either 4x4’s or quads. The onsite host advised that it is very popular with the off-road enthusiasts. Enclosed and flatbed trailers filled most of the sites. 

    Caution: During hunting season, the National Forest is open to hunters...wear brightly colored or hunter orange clothing especially dawn and dusk.

    Reserve well in advance if you desire a site...these campgrounds fill quickly. 

    Arrowhead also offers an inner-campground paved walk/bike/stroller trail...and the drive down to the boat launch(which has a fairly sizable paved parking lot and latrines). You can also pick up the lake loop trail by the Boat Ramp.

    Being located so closely to the Raleigh/Durham area...and the Fayettville area...I can see this being filled to capacity most days and definitely weekends. Mid-week it was filled.

  • W
    Dec. 31, 2021

    Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    Something for everyone

    Morrow Mountain State Park, near Albemarle, NC, has something for everyone.  Many hiking and equestrian trails are within the park.  While the top elevation is just over 900 feet, it still has that mountainous feel in sections of the park.  Likewise, there is lake access for boating and fishing.  There are also historical features, a few unmarked homesteads and graves, as well as a nice (though small) museum.  The campsites are my favorite of any campgrounds visited in the NC area.  They are not too close to each other, well equipped, and with good visibility surrounding the sites so that you can see the deer and squirrels going by.  It has been among my favorites for 50+ years.

  • Harlin L.
    Nov. 11, 2020

    Canebrake Horse Camp

    If you need a free place to park and camp

    It is free camping in this area on the weekend these horse clubs will come in with your trailers in horse they're not very friendly they're nosy and they do not like Outsiders but this is a national park to it is open to you to hear up to 14 days the town of Troy is not very friendly they want your money but they don't want you this is our second time here and it both times has been very unpleasant the trails are nice to walk the lake is beautiful as long as you keep to yourself and you should have no problem but these horse people got to be printed they're not your friends as soon as they turn your back they're calling the Ranger and trying to get you throw it out good luck with it I hope you have a better trip than we did

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Uwharrie Hunt Camp

    $5 per night...What? What?

    We hit this campground right at the perfect time of year, BEFORE the opening day of off-road vehicle season in April.  When National Forests post on their signs “Land of Many Uses,” I get it; there’s a lot of stuff people like to do in the woods. I have a lot on my list, but OHVing really ain't our thing.

    If it is your thing, then by all means come on down, cuz this place is made for it. There are trails for days within these stunning mountains that serve as the foothills for the Appalachians. Horse trail riding is second on the list of activities within the park judging by the number of trails. Sharing these trails with horses isn’t difficult if you’re just hiking, but remember to be kind to those riders since horses can be skittish. Mountain biking is also not to be left off the list, and there are some great trails through here as well, that you don’t have to share with the motorized enthusiast. 

    The campground is a quaint, and only $5 per night!  With only 6 sites and what appears to be an over-sized parking lot right next to it, the lot accommodates the OHV trailers. The campsites are rustic, grassy and comfortable, though no privacy in between.  Most sites are a short walk from the parking lot, so you might have to do a little bit of schlepping, but not much. The campground had a couple spigots and the pit toilets were clean.  We also found the campground itself very clean, but it was still early in the year and we were the only campers in the area in early March. The hunt camp is closer to the OHV trails than some other campgrounds in the forest so I suspect during the season this is a popular place to bring the side-by-side. 

    There is a small convenience store in Uwharrie, offering sandwiches and made-to-order food, but not much in the way of groceries. Another 10 miles and you’ll be in Troy which has a bigger grocery store, and restaurants.

  • I
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest Badin Lake Group Camp

    This camp ground is comfortable but still maintains its wilderness feel.

    This camp ground is great for families and anyone looking to go outdoors. I highly recommend going online to reserve a spot ahead of time. From the times I’ve been there everyone calls ahead for there lots. There is plenty to do like hiking, fishing, swimming, and even horse back riding. And it you are an off road enthusiast, they have made some fantastic off road trails south of the Forrest. The only thing I have about this campground is the restrooms they provide are not the cleanest, so prepare yourself if your not used to that. Overall, I love this campsite.


Guide to Carthage

Horse camping in North Carolina offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse lovers.

Tips for equestrian camping near Carthage, North Carolina

  • The Canebrake Horse Camp provides ample parking spurs for horse trailers and features tie posts and tack tables at each site.
  • At Uwharrie Hunt Camp, you can enjoy a rustic camping experience with nearby trails suitable for horseback riding.
  • Owl Creek Horse Camp - Bankhead NF offers a peaceful environment with drinking water and toilets, ideal for a comfortable stay.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • Badin Horse Camp features picnic tables, fire rings, and electrical hookups, making it a well-equipped choice for horse campers.
  • The Idlewild Farm Stays is big rig friendly and allows pets, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for both you and your horse.
  • Arrowhead Campground offers electric hookups and a sanitary dump station, catering to the needs of equestrian campers.

Activities for horse enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Carthage, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Carthage, NC is Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Carthage, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Carthage, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.