Best Equestrian Camping near Columbia, NC

Northwest River Park & Campground offers equestrian trails as part of its recreational amenities near Chesapeake, Virginia, approximately 45 miles from Columbia, North Carolina. The park maintains horse trails that connect to miles of wooded paths throughout the 763-acre property. Campsites accommodate tent camping, RVs, and cabins with electric hookups, water access, and fire pits available. The bathhouses are consistently noted for cleanliness, with hot showers and recently renovated facilities. Equestrian visitors have commented on the well-maintained trails suitable for riding. Sites are graveled and mostly level, though some require leveling blocks. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at each site, and firewood is available for purchase at $6 per bundle.

The equestrian trails at Northwest River Park connect to the park's extensive trail system that leads back to the Northwest River. Trailer parking is available for horse owners bringing their own mounts. The park operates seasonally from April 1 through November 30, with nightly rates of $38-42 depending on length of stay. Camping registration must be completed during office hours, as after-hours check-ins are not permitted. The campground includes amenities such as a sanitary dump station, showers, laundry facilities, and a market. Water access points throughout the park allow for fishing opportunities and boat rentals including canoes and paddle boats for use on the blackwater river. Additional recreational activities include miniature golf, hiking, and multiple playgrounds, making this a versatile destination for riders and non-riders alike.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Columbia, North Carolina (1)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Columbia, NC

15 Reviews of 1 Columbia Campgrounds


  • Elizabeth V.
    Aug. 25, 2019

    Northwest River Park & Campground

    Hometown fun

    I have spent my childhood here and I am excited to share it with my kids. We hike here when visiting grandparents. Chesapeake Public Park’s does a great job with events and education at NWRP! Equestrian trails available, which is always a plus.

  • Alex M.
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Northwest River Park & Campground

    Turned away

    Arrived shortly after 8 pm after a long day's drive. The sun was going down but it wasn't dark yet. The campground office was locked and deserted. No posted instructions about after hours registration, no pay box. Ran into a park ranger who informed me the campground was closed for the evening; as in, would not take my money. Seriously? The campground is behind a gate with a keypad, so no chance of driving in and talking to the camp host. The ranger was kind and apologetic at least.

    Drove a little further south and found a nice site at Bells Island Campground. The host there was happy to take my money.

  • Gary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Northwest River Park & Campground

    Large sites

    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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Northwest River Park & Campground

    Under construction ~

    This is a beautiful campground! There are only seven campers here in this campground, and I can't believe it. The sites are gravel and mostly level but I did have to use a couple blocks of my levelers. There are picnic tables and fire pits at each site, however my picnic table has a very very warped bench. But it makes no difference to me as it is only me, and I have my own chairs! The bathrooms are clean and well lit. 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, which is on the way out of the park, nowhere near the campground! There is lots to do within this camp, let alone in the area around the camp. 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. Other info, 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. There is no discounted weekly rate. They also do not take Sam's club, do not have senior discounts, etc.. I don't know if their site on the the dirt shows the price, but it was $42 for the first night and drops to $38 per night for the rest of my stay.

  • Katie M.
    Sep. 30, 2019

    Northwest River Park & Campground

    Ok campground, but lots to do!

    The campground at Northwest River Park is small and pretty basic. For a tent camper that is used to wooded, private sites these leave much to be desired. There is not much privacy. The campground was full the night we stayed there and very busy and noisy through the night. We stayed on a Memorial Day weekend though so maybe it is not typically like that. All night our young children were woken up by the noise from the nearby RV's AC units. 

    What this park lacks in it's campground, it makes up for in it's recreational activities! There is a putt-putt course! Canoeing! Tons of hiking trails! Multiple playgrounds! Lots of wide open space for kids to run and play! Fishing! This is an excellent park for kids and families to come for the day! 

    Overall not a horrible experience but this is the closest campground to our house and we have not felt the need to come back and stay overnight. Maybe would be better for camping mid-week when it's not so busy.

  • s
    Aug. 26, 2021

    Northwest River Park & Campground

    Yay Chesapeake

    Love this camp ground. Just love how clean it is. Bathrooms, showers are a big plus. Nice trails and fishing. Will be visiting again.

  • Elizabeth V.
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Northwest River Park & Campground

    Great family campground

    I have camped here many times throughout my childhood and adulthood. Miles of trails and so much to do. Always with clean sites and attentive staff

  • N
    Sep. 15, 2017

    Northwest River Park & Campground

    Labor Day weekend

    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. If rain a lot of rain is forecasted you may want to talk to one of the rangers about your particular site.

    Rangers were nice and very attentive during there checks of the campgrounds. The facilities were very nice and clean. Campgrounds were very dog friendly, which made camping with the dog enjoyable.

    My only issue was the parks reservation system. I reserved the campsite using the online, Reserve America system. About a week before our trip I had to change plans and only stay 2 days instead of 3. Tried to change the reservation but the park said I had to do it with Reserve America. When I called Reserve America I kept being told we don't handle that park you have to call this number. After being given 4 different numbers and talking to 6 different people I gave up trying to change the reservation. From now on if I camp here, I will make the reservations directly with the park and not online.


Guide to Columbia

Horse camping in North Carolina offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for horse lovers looking to explore the state's natural beauty.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Merchants Millpond State Park Campground provides horse camping options along with features like picnic tables and trails that are perfect for riding.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Northwest River Park & Campground, visitors can enjoy miles of trails suitable for horseback riding, along with additional recreational activities like canoeing and hiking.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites

  • Merchants Millpond State Park Campground offers ample space for horse camping, ensuring comfort and convenience for both campers and their horses.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Columbia, NC is Northwest River Park & Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 19 reviews.