Equestrian camping near Kinston, North Carolina provides access to coastal woodlands and rural terrain approximately 30 miles from the Atlantic shoreline. The region experiences mild winters with occasional frost and humid summers, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most horse-friendly campgrounds in this area maintain year-round operations with varying levels of amenities for both riders and their mounts.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Whipoorwill Campground offers numerous walking paths throughout its approximately 400-acre property where campers can explore both wooded and open field areas. According to Mathew G., "Plenty of paths and areas to walk around and stretch your legs, along side multiple ponds with catch and release only fishing."
Fishing access: Catch-and-release fishing is available at White Oak Shores Camping & RV Resort with well-maintained water access points. Huggins G. notes, "The whole place is so very clean: the bathrooms, camping areas, swimming pool area, even the dumpsters area."
Equestrian events: Weekly horse shows and competitions take place at the arena within Whipoorwill Campground. Visitors can observe daily training sessions and scheduled competitive events featuring local and regional riders.
What campers like
Quiet location: Many visitors appreciate the peaceful setting of Whipoorwill Campground, which sits back from main roads. Mathew G. comments, "Well off the main road as well so you hardly hear any traffic."
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise from visitors. According to Huggins G., "The grass is very well kept, the roads and signage, well maintained."
Local hospitality: The welcoming atmosphere stands out to many campers exploring equestrian camping options near Kinston, North Carolina. Mathew G. shares that "Owners that we spoke with to reserve our area and take care of us was just the southern hospitality you always hear about. Super nice and welcoming and always has a smile on their face."
What you should know
On-site management: Campground owners live on the properties, providing responsive assistance. At Whipoorwill Campground, Mathew G. notes, "The owners live on the property in the house, which I thought was awesome in case we needed anything."
Reservation requirements: Most horse-friendly campgrounds in the region require advance bookings, especially during equestrian events when accommodations fill quickly.
Water activities: Some campgrounds offer both land and water recreation options. White Oak Shores includes boat-in camping access points alongside traditional camping areas, making it suitable for visitors bringing both horses and watercraft.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: When planning equestrian camping near Kinston with children, consider White Oak Shores Camping & RV Resort for its swimming pool. Huggins G. specifically mentioned the cleanliness of the "swimming pool area" among the well-maintained facilities.
Pet policies: Both major equestrian campgrounds welcome pets in addition to horses, making them suitable for families traveling with multiple animals.
Social atmosphere: The campgrounds foster community interaction. Mathew G. reports, "Everyone else that either drives by or lives by us always waving and stopping for conversations, just as polite as can be."
Tips from RVers
Rig accessibility: Access roads to horse-friendly campgrounds accommodate trailers but vary in width and turning radius. Huggins G. specifically notes that "The roads and signage, well maintained" at White Oak Shores contributes to easier navigation.
Hookup availability: RV sites at Whipoorwill Campground offer electric, water, and sewer connections, though the number of full-service sites may be limited during peak equestrian event weekends.
Campsite spacing: Most equestrian-focused campgrounds provide more spacious sites than standard RV parks to accommodate vehicles with horse trailers, though specific site dimensions vary by location.
