H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area serves as a regional hub for equestrian camping near Laurinburg, North Carolina. Located approximately 30 miles southwest of Laurinburg in Society Hill, South Carolina, this facility offers year-round camping opportunities with horse-friendly accommodations. The property encompasses over 7,000 acres of terrain suitable for horseback riding and dog training activities.
What to do
Watch dog training events: H. Cooper Black hosts retriever tests on weekends that are open to spectators. According to Brenda L., "They have several ponds that can be reserved if you have retriever dogs to train. They host many retriever tests on the weekend and they are fun to watch."
Horseback riding on trails: Explore extensive bridle trails throughout H. Cooper Black Jr. Field Trial Area. The facility caters specifically to equestrians with trail systems designed for riders of various skill levels. One visitor notes, "If you have horses they have campsites with corrals at your back door that you can also rent. Many horse trails for riding as well."
Bird watching: Cheraw State Park Campground offers excellent bird watching opportunities within a 30-minute drive of Laurinburg. As Bran P. mentions, "Bird sanctuary so birders will LOVE this campground! There is also a really nice museum type of visitor's center."
Lake activities: Rent kayaks or canoes at Cheraw State Park to explore the lake. John P. reports, "A cute little beach area with kayak and canoe rentals. Day area open from 8am to sunset."
What campers like
Clean facilities: The bathrooms at Cooper Black receive positive feedback for their maintenance. Phil R. describes the overall experience as "Staff is welcoming and friendly," while observing "horses and well trained retrievers playing and being trained" from a distance.
Spacious sites: Double L Farms Campground offers level, full hookup sites about 20 minutes from I-95. Deborah P. describes, "Large, level, FHU sites. Some permanent trailers and seasonal campers, mostly occupied by traveling healthcare professionals. Well maintained."
Farm atmosphere: Double L Farms provides a unique camping experience with livestock. Stuart K. explains, "Not everyone's idea of a great camping experience involves being completely surrounded by farm animals on an actual working ranch... our daughters thought the farm animals were the best part of our camping trip!"
Affordable rates: Campsites in the region offer good value. According to Sara M., Cheraw State Park provides "Super cheap" camping—"We stayed four nights for under $100. 30/50 hookups and water. No sewer but very close dump station in campground."
What you should know
Site variations: At H. Cooper Black, site types range from developed to primitive. Phil R. describes, "Neat surprise. Pleasant primitive site now, overlooking ponds, meadows, forest."
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures in the Laurinburg area can exceed 90°F with high humidity. During winter months, temperatures typically range from 30-60°F with occasional freezing nights.
Reservation recommendations: For equestrian camping during field trial events, advance reservations are essential as sites fill quickly during competitions and peak seasons.
Driving distances: Most nearby campgrounds require 20-30 minutes of driving from Laurinburg proper. Camping options are distributed across both North and South Carolina state lines.
Tips for camping with families
Animal interactions: Cheraw State Park offers a range of family-friendly activities. According to Bryan H., "This location is small but big on activities for you and your family, I'm going back again in the fall. Perfect getaway."
Farm experience: Double L Farms provides children with farm animal encounters. Heather M. shares, "Brian took our two year old on a tour of their amazing farm — horses, cows, ducks, chickens, and all the tractors of our toddlers' dreams."
Swimming options: Cheraw State Park includes swimming areas for cooling off during hot months. MaryAnn P. notes, "There is a lake with a swimming area that was also well-maintained and clean, it has a boardwalk that goes around a large portion of the lake that connects the campground with the beach area."
Educational opportunities: Visit nearby Exploration Station in downtown Lumberton for indoor educational activities on rainy days. Stuart K. recommends this as a place "for the kiddos, if you need to get away and see something a bit more educational."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Idlewild Farm Stays offers full electric (30/50 amp) and water hookups with a dump station on site. Their 20 sites accommodate larger rigs for those traveling with horse trailers.
Leveling considerations: When selecting sites at regional campgrounds, look for level options. Werner S. advises, "It is a small campground with nice spots. The hosts where active and there if you wanted advice."
Shaded sites: At Cheraw State Park, Sara M. appreciated the "Spacious sites that feel nicely private surrounded by evergreens which is a nice relief in winter to see trees with leaves."
Access for large rigs: For equestrian campers with larger trailers, Double L Farms is classified as big-rig friendly. According to Taylor T., "The site itself is very relaxing" with amenities comparable to home.
