4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Northwest River Park & Campground provides horse-friendly facilities for equestrians camping near Corapeake, North Carolina. The park features equestrian trails accessible for day rides, with multiple miles of pathways suitable for horseback riding throughout the 763-acre natural area. Camping accommodations include tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups (both 30 and 50 amp), and cabin options. While the campground does not offer dedicated horse corrals, riders appreciate the opportunity to bring their horses for trail riding during day visits. The park maintains clean facilities with showers and a sanitary dump station. Equestrians should note that the campground operates seasonally from April 1 through November 30.
Chesapeake Campground offers an alternative horse-friendly camping option approximately 12 miles from Corapeake. Located on the George Washington Highway, this year-round facility welcomes pets and provides various accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, cabins, and glamping options. The surrounding area offers access to several equestrian-friendly trails. Horse owners should be aware that the campground can experience drainage issues during heavy rainfall, potentially affecting trailer parking and horse management. Alcohol is permitted within the campground, and the facility provides essential amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, shower facilities, and trash collection services. Both campgrounds serve as practical bases for exploring the region's bridle trails and natural areas.
"Equestrian trails available, which is always a plus."
"Some sites close to main road but not a lot of traffic."
from $21 - $36 / night
Check Availability"The access to the little beaches are short but moderately steep, especially with lots of beach gear or strollers. It also seems to get washed out so watch your steps."
"Beautiful trails. Great (paved) campground! Feels like you're a million miles away from it all."
from $37 - $345 / night
Check Availability"The park is centrally located with easy highway access. Plentiful parking, lots of trails to choose from. The staff was top notch and super kind and helpful. "
"Sites: 11 primitive tent sites 2 of which are group sites 4 tent cabins that sit right on the edge of the lake
The individual campsites are FCFS and you must park and hike in."
from $11 - $42 / night
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GuideI 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.
LegendAwesome things to see here! It’s been a working farm since 1619 with beautiful gardens and livestock. The mansion and outbuildings are pretty cool as well.
Restrooms were not very clean. Each time I went to the ladies room, the door was propped wide open, and when I went to brush my teeth in the morning the counters were covered in moths and bugs and gnats. Yuck. The showers were ok.
Ice is $3 and you can grab that from the camp host if it’s after 4pm which is when the store closes. It’s cash only, exactly change. Wood is $6 and there’s a metal box - pay on your honor.
The beaches were very nice. You’re on the Cobham Bay vs. right on the river and in the dead of the summer, the water is sooo unpleasantly warm. You can wade out at the very least 100 yards and still be less than knee-deep, water still hot. The access to the little beaches are short but moderately steep, especially with lots of beach gear or strollers. It also seems to get washed out so watch your steps.
The little visitor center near the water access has cold drinks, souvenirs, ice cream, etc. They obv. accept credit cards. You can bring your dog into this area. There’s also a little wildlife info center and restrooms in the same buildings. There are also areas for day use and a good sized parking lot near the water access.
Straight across the river is Jamestown and Williamsburg, which is cool. I think I was told it’s about four miles across. That being said... those are your closest grocery stores and you have to take the Jamestown Ferry to get there. There is a Dollar General near the park, for odds and ends. Just make sure to stop in advance for what you need because you won’t find much in Surry.
Stopped at the Surry Seafood Co. for lunch and it was ok. Food and service was mediocre, but there was a nice water view from the deck. Was looking forward to stopping for some shrimp to cook that night from Colonial Seafood market but after walking in, I walked right back out. It was so unclean and didn’t smell fresh at all.
We took a beautiful drive around the plantation. The cabins look great and we’ll definitely try those out next time. There were corn fields and soybeans for miles. Such a great park due to its history.
Campsites themselves were pretty nice; not too close together. Our site had the tent pad down away from the picnic table and fire ring which was kind of nice. It was really shady, too. Room for hammocks.
Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, tent pad, lantern pole. Verizon service was great.
ScoutThe park is centrally located with easy highway access. Plentiful parking, lots of trails to choose from. The staff was top notch and super kind and helpful. They were very insistent about the "no alcohol" rule.
Sites are first come, first served. Must reserve in person. Visitor's center is open 9-6.
The sites were located about 1/4 mile from the parking lot down a trail. They were spaced nicely apart and had nice sand tent platforms with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate. Trash cans were very close by, which was super nice. The bathrooms were flush toilets and running water faucets and located behind the parking lot, so a bit of a hike in the dark if you need to go. Other than that, expect no amenities. Bugs weren't terrible but were present. Definitely bring bug spray.
The biggest negative was that no matter where you were in the park, there was significant noise from the highway. Horns honking, sirens blaring, the general rush of cars going by. There is no sound barrier between 64 and the park so every noise just filters right through the trees. Not anyone's fault, but definitely a downside.
Overall when you consider the dirt cheap price of 10.60 per night, this campground delivers as advertised.
GuideSite was shaded, private, and right next to the river, so we had our own private access for swimming and bathing. Plenty of room for several tents and lots of parking space. Plenty of land to walk around and check out the farm.
Bathrooms were very clean and just a short walk from the site. Hosts are friendly and generous, especially with the use of the kayaks. We took kayaks out on the pond and the river and caught lots of fish!
They're building a farm store and allowed us to shop during our stay.
GuideThis is a former KOA, I stayed here years ago when it was a KOA, and have spent considerable amount of time here fairly recently. They cater mostly to monthly campers, and aside from allowing some small decks to be built next to the RV's, it otherwise looks very clean. They do keep a few sites open for transient campers. 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.
LegendSites: 11 primitive tent sites 2 of which are group sites
4 tent cabins that sit right on the edge of the lake
The individual campsites are FCFS and you must park and hike in. It is a short hike along the lake and placed a short distance from the trail so hikers will not be hiking through the sites. You have a sand bottom tent site, picnic table, fire ring/grill and trash. This is a beautiful 456 acre education and wildlife facility. Born from garbage dumps and it is great example of what can be achieved. This really is a great site. There is an amazing nature center that overlooks Sandy Bottom Lake. Hiking, and biking trails, fishing, boating with boat rentals or bring your own, birding and wildlife viewing. 757-825-4657
LNT
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ScoutLots of hiking trails to walk & turtles in the lake!! Plus you can rent boats for a cheap price which we will probably go back to do. It was so pretty & so fun. We took out two dogs with us too. There was a Park Ranger driving around and checked on us when we first got there asking if we had any questions. Definitely will go back!
GuideLove Chippokes! Feels country-esque but also like you're on a plantation! Beautiful trails. Great (paved) campground! Feels like you're a million miles away from it all.
ScoutThis place is amazing, almost surreal. Knobby tree stumps wind up from the river, surrounded by fossilized shells falling from eroding sand banks. The camp ground is a short walk away.
Northwest River Park & Campground operates seasonally from April through November in Chesapeake, Virginia, approximately 12 miles from Corapeake, North Carolina. The 763-acre park provides equestrian access with trails suitable for day rides across varied terrain. Water access points can flood during heavy rainfall, affecting certain campsites and trail conditions.
Kayaking and canoeing: Northwest River Park & Campground offers watercraft rentals for exploring the blackwater river system. "Canoes and paddle boats are available to rent for use in black water," notes Heather L., who found the hiking trails particularly rewarding.
Mini golf and recreation: Beyond equestrian activities, the park maintains family recreation areas. Patricia L. explains, "Plenty of things to do for the active camper. Put put golf, kayak, hiking and much more."
Fishing spots: Chesapeake Campground provides access to fishing areas popular with visitors staying at equestrian-friendly sites. The campground's location on George Washington Highway places campers near additional water recreation despite occasional drainage challenges during storms.
Clean facilities: Multiple visitors note the maintenance standards at horse campgrounds near Corapeake. "Overall amazed at the cleanliness of the campground. The staff is very friendly. The park was very quiet going into the night," reports Joseph H. about his experience.
Helpful staff: Chippokes State Park Campground maintains well-regarded service standards. "The staff are always great, the sites are level and not too close together, with plenty of shade. The bathrooms and showers are kept clean and the showers are huge!" shares Philip S.
Spacious sites: Many equestrian campers appreciate the room to spread out at Northwest River Park & Campground. Gary D. confirms this benefit: "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."
Water access varies: Not all campsites provide direct water hookups. Sally T. advises: "Plan on bringing your own water as there isn't always running water (not sure why)."
Weather considerations: Camping facilities near Corapeake experience drainage issues during rainfall. Nicole L. shares practical advice: "If rain a lot of rain is forecasted you may want to talk to one of the rangers about your particular site."
Reservation systems: Some equestrian campgrounds use third-party booking services that can complicate modifications. Directly contacting the campground office often proves more effective for horse campers needing special accommodations.
Seasonal differences: Chesapeake Campground remains open year-round while other facilities close seasonally. The campground attracts long-term guests: "They cater mostly to monthly campers, and aside from allowing some small decks to be built next to the RV's, it otherwise looks very clean," notes Cliff M.
Beach access options: Shallow water areas provide safer recreation for younger visitors at certain locations. Susan P. describes her experience: "The water at the beaches is so shallow great for my son! It's a beautiful place!"
Activity planning: Chesapeake Campground maintains child-oriented recreation areas. Audriana V. reports: "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."
Pool facilities: Swimming opportunities vary by location and season. Johnathan M. notes: "The pool doesn't look like it's been opened in years but there is a little beach area near the welcome center."
Site leveling requirements: Prepare leveling equipment for uneven terrain at some equestrian campgrounds. Sheri K. advises: "The sites are gravel and mostly level but I did have to use a couple blocks of my levelers."
Trash disposal locations: Some parks centralize waste management away from camping 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!" Sheri K. mentions as a practical consideration.
Campsite selection: RV campers should consider proximity to roads when selecting sites at horse-friendly campgrounds near Corapeake. Sites positioned away from main thoroughfares provide quieter experiences and potentially better drainage during wet conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Corapeake, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Corapeake, NC is Northwest River Park & Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Corapeake, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Corapeake, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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