Northwest River Park & Campground provides equestrian camping opportunities 45 miles from Columbia, North Carolina, with 763 acres of terrain to explore. The campground operates seasonally from April through November, offering diverse accommodation options for horse enthusiasts. Trailer parking is available for visitors bringing their own horses, with direct access to the trail system.
What to do
Boating on blackwater: Northwest River Park & Campground offers water-based recreation with canoe and paddle boat rentals. "Canoes and paddle boats are available to rent for use in black water," notes Heather L., who appreciates the park's convenient water access points.
Mini golf with family: The park features additional recreational options beyond equestrian activities. Patricia L. recommends the "put put golf, kayak, hiking and much more" available at the park, making it suitable for active campers seeking varied entertainment options.
Nature trails year-round: The extensive trail network connects throughout the property, offering opportunities for both riding and hiking. According to Elizabeth V., "I have spent my childhood here and I am excited to share it with my kids. We hike here when visiting grandparents."
What campers like
Site spaciousness: The camping areas provide ample room for setting up equipment. Gary D. confirms this advantage, stating "Plenty of room..showers/bathrooms huge..water NOT at all sites but easy to fill tanks."
Quieter weekdays: For those seeking a less crowded experience, midweek visits offer more solitude. As Heather L. observes, "sites are small but the park does not fill up during the week," providing a more peaceful camping environment.
Attentive staff: The park's maintenance team receives consistent praise. Joseph H. was "amazed at the cleanliness of the campground. The staff is very friendly. The park was very quiet going into the night."
What you should know
Water availability varies: Not all sites provide direct water hookups, requiring some planning. Sally T. advises, "Plan on bringing your own water as there isn't always running water (not sure why)," suggesting campers should arrive prepared.
Site leveling requirements: Be prepared to make adjustments when setting up. Sheri K. mentions, "The sites are gravel and mostly level but I did have to use a couple blocks of my levelers."
Waste disposal location: Trash facilities are limited to specific areas. "The only garbage containers I found were near the dump station, which is on the way out of the park, nowhere near the campground!" reports Sheri K., highlighting the need to plan for waste management.
Tips for camping with families
Weather contingency plans: The area's proximity to wetlands can affect camping conditions during rainy periods. Nicole L. shares her experience: "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."
Educational programs: Take advantage of the park's organized activities. Elizabeth V. recommends the educational opportunities: "Chesapeake Public Park's does a great job with events and education at NWRP!"
Multiple playgrounds: The park includes several play areas spread throughout the grounds, providing entertainment options for children between trail rides and water activities.
Tips from RVers
Road noise considerations: When selecting sites, be mindful of proximity to traffic areas. Gary D. advises, "Some sites close to main road but not a lot of traffic," suggesting interior sites might offer more seclusion.
Reservation management: Book directly when possible to avoid third-party complications. Nicole L. encountered difficulties: "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."
Discount policies: Weekly rates may not provide significant savings. Sheri K. discovered, "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."
