Equestrian camping opportunities abound in the mountainous terrain surrounding Creston, North Carolina, where elevations range from 2,800 to 5,500 feet. The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and adjacent state parks offer over 60 miles of dedicated horse trails through hardwood forests and alpine meadows. Seasonal considerations include frigid winter temperatures that can drop below 10°F at higher elevations from December through February.
What to do
Trail riding on Virginia Highlands Horse Trail: Fox Creek Horse Camp provides direct access to an extensive trail network without needing to trailer horses. The camp connects to the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail system where riders can explore mountain terrain. According to Jean C., "With a wide network of multi-use trails in this area, Fox Creek Horse Camp provides a nice base for exploring on horseback."
Waterfall hikes near campgrounds: Stone Mountain State Park Campground offers access to scenic waterfall trails suitable for day hikes. Charli R. notes, "You just can't beat it. We camped here and didn't even leave. It has so much to do and see." Kelly C. adds that from the equestrian areas "The AT is very close and waterfall hikes can be accessed from camp."
Creek exploration with children: Sandy Creek Family Campground features a creek where kids can wade and play during warmer months. According to Ann H., "The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground. The grounds are adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park." The campground offers a combination of natural water features and constructed play areas.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Julian Price Park Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers frequent wildlife sightings including deer. Von B. mentions "Night woody dark and quit. Kayak put in fishing is good some spots on the water." Other campers report seeing small deer wandering through their campsites during early morning and evening hours.
Direct access to trails without trailering: Old Virginia Group Horse Camp provides convenient trail access for larger equestrian groups. Jean C. notes, "There are a number of horse trails that connect, starting with the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail nearby, so you don't need to trailer your horses to get to the trailhead." The site accommodates multiple trailers and up to 25 horses.
Remote, quiet locations: Basin Cove Campground offers primitive camping with minimal amenities but maximum privacy. Christian describes it as "very small and on the side of a very quiet road next to beautiful fields with breath taking views." Julie L. adds, "The site is surrounded by excellent hiking trails and is a great place to set as 'base camp' for day hikes."
What you should know
Water planning is essential: Many horse campgrounds near Creston, North Carolina have limited water facilities. At Fox Creek Horse Camp, "There is NO clean water source, you have to bring a filter system with you," according to Julie L. Similarly, Jean C. notes about Old Virginia Group Horse Camp, "There is no potable water available, so plan to bring your own."
Seasonal closures and weather considerations: Basin Cove Campground requires advance planning for weather conditions. Hollz advises, "I doubt the water pump will be working in the winter," and notes that "some spots may be very difficult to cross in the spring." The campground is accessible via a one-mile hike on a gravel road closed to motorized vehicles.
Reservation requirements vary: Several campgrounds require advance planning. At Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground, Jean C. explains, "This equestrian campground in a beautiful state forest allows for other campers to make reservations no more than 30 days in advance; priority is for campers with horses." Basin Cove requires permits obtained from the ranger station before camping.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Sandy Creek Family Campground provides family-friendly facilities including a playground. Ann H. reports, "Our sites were creek side. The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground." Another camper notes the "play set for the kids and a volleyball court."
Consider primitive hike-in options for older children: Basin Cove offers an accessible introduction to backpacking. Hollz recommends it for "taking beginner backcountry tent/hammock campers! Easy hike in, but far enough that you won't find High-maintenance campers or crowds." The one-mile access trail follows a creek, making the journey part of the experience.
Seek out smaller, contained campgrounds: Cherokee Trails Campground provides a compact camping experience where parents can easily monitor children. Holli C. describes it as "a small quite camp ground with horse stables. Campground consist of a fire ring in the middle with benches and tables surrounded by back-in camp sites."
Tips from RVers
Check road conditions before arrival: Springmaid Mountain Campground has challenging access roads for low-clearance vehicles. Terri S. warns, "I drive a Kia Soul (low profile vehicle) and the roads to the campground were challenging due to the deep ruts and wash out." Consider the recent weather conditions when planning your approach to more remote horse camping areas.
Verify hookup functionality: Some campgrounds have reported electrical issues. At Sandy Creek Family Campground, one reviewer mentioned "extended family was staying in an RV site while we were there and they had some problems with their power staying on." Always have backup power options when camping in remote mountain locations.
Select level sites when available: Julian Price Park Campground has variable site conditions. Myron C. advises, "Many of the sites are walk-in sites and you can set up before the 3:00 time for reservable sites. For that reason, it is a good idea to look at the photos on the website for each site before reserving."
