Equestrian camping near Lenoir, North Carolina offers visitors access to over 23,000 acres of wilderness in the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with moderate summer temperatures averaging 80°F and winter lows around 30°F. The area's mixed hardwood forests provide shade during summer months and colorful displays during fall camping season.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access the 80-foot High Shoals Falls via a 2.35-mile trail from South Mountains State Park Family Campground. The trail includes nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain with wooden boardwalks and steep steps leading to the waterfall. "We stayed for 3 nights- family campsite (sites 6-9 are beat IMO) was used as basecamp. We also had a primitive site that we backpacked to for a night. This was a great approach to the park," notes Sarah W.
Horseback riding access: Stone Mountain State Park Campground offers equestrian-friendly trails with varying difficulty levels across its extensive property. Trails connect directly from camping areas to the park's network of paths. "We stayed 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," reports Charli R., highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Water activities: Julian Price Park Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway provides lake access for fishing and paddling. "This park is right on a gorgeous lake. There is a spot within the park to rent kayaks which was great. There is a hiking trail that goes around the lake," writes Danielle L. The lake trail connects to Hebron Rock Colony, offering swimming holes during warmer months.
What campers like
Clean facilities: South Mountains State Park facilities receive consistent praise for cleanliness. "Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen!! We camped at the family camping area, it was great, we had site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it!" explains Jessica L. Bathhouses are regularly maintained throughout the camping season.
Creek-side sites: Multiple campgrounds feature sites adjacent to flowing water. At Sandy Creek Family Campground, "Our sites were creek side. The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground. The grounds are adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park," notes Ann H. Creek access provides natural white noise for sleeping and recreation opportunities.
Primitive backcountry options: For those seeking solitude, Upper Falls Campsite offers hike-in camping opportunities. "Get ready. You are about to hike up a LOT of sleep stairs. The sites are really well laid out. Site 3&4 are my favorites because they are close to water access (bring a good filter)," advises Julie L. These sites require proper preparation and water filtration equipment.
What you should know
No cell service: Multiple campgrounds in the region have limited or no connectivity. At South Mountains, "Very quiet with NO cell service which is a big draw for us. Far from a town, so don't forget anything," Stephen M. explains. WiFi may be available only at visitor centers, requiring planning ahead for communication needs.
Gate closure times: Park gates close at specific hours, restricting late-night access. "No cell phone service, and gates to the park are locked up at 9pm so there's no getting in or out late at night," Jenni P. warns about South Mountains State Park Family Campground. Campers should plan arrival times accordingly.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. For Julian Price Park Campground, "Many of the sites in the A loop are reservable, and they have been reserved for several weeks (maybe months) in advance," notes Myron C. Securing sites well ahead of time is essential, particularly for equestrian camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Creek play opportunities: Sites along water features provide natural entertainment for children. At South Mountains State Park Family Campground, "we had site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it!" according to Jessica L. These water-adjacent sites offer convenient supervision of water play.
Playground access: Sandy Creek Family Campground provides dedicated play facilities. "The grounds and bath house were clean and well maintained... The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground," reports Ann H. These structured play areas complement natural exploration opportunities.
Trail difficulty considerations: When planning hikes with children, assess trail difficulty ratings. At Julian Price Park Campground, "There's also a trail that you can access from the park that leads to Hebron Rock Colony which is an incredible hiking trail. The trail follows a river with lots of great swimming holes," writes Danielle L. The moderate hiking trails with water features maintain children's interest.
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: At Julian Price Park Campground, specific loops cater to different camping styles. "More campgrounds should separate rv and primitive like they do," Ethan H. observes. The E loop specifically accommodates larger vehicles with more open sites and less shade than tent camping areas.
Utility connection availability: Electric hookups, water, and sewer connections vary significantly between parks. Equestrian Campground at South Mountains State Park provides full hookups, as Jackie S. notes: "I took my horses and grandson to camp in the equestrian campsite. The bathrooms are very clean with AC." Confirm specific site amenities when booking.
