Equestrian camping near Lincolnton, North Carolina offers access to mountainous terrain ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet in elevation. The area receives approximately 50 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation and seasonal streams throughout the surrounding state parks. Trail conditions vary significantly between summer drought periods and spring rainy seasons when water crossings become more challenging for horses.
What to do
Explore waterfall trails: High Shoals Falls Trail in South Mountains State Park features an 80-foot waterfall accessed via a 2.35-mile moderate to strenuous climb. "We stayed for 3 nights- family campsite (sites 6-9 are beat IMO) was used as basecamp. We also had a primitive site that we backpacked to for a night. Great trails. Great views," notes Sarah W. about South Mountains State Park Family Campground.
Ride mountain bike trails: South Mountains offers approximately 16.5 miles of mountain bike routes that share space with equestrian paths. Dave V. mentions, "Roughly 16.5 miles of mountain bike trails intermix with hiking and equestrian trails. There is a separate equestrian campground between the Visitors Center and the Family Campground."
Visit historic sites: Kings Mountain Military Park contains Revolutionary War battle sites adjacent to Kings Mountain State Park. "Tons to do, including hikes and history. Make sure to go across the street to the Kings Mountain Military site. Better yet, plan your stay when they are doing an event," recommends Don H. about Kings Mountain.
What campers like
Creek access: Many campsites near running water provide natural cooling and ambient sound. Jessica L. shares about South Mountains: "We camped at the family camping area, it was great, we had site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it! Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen!!"
Clean facilities: The shower houses and restrooms at South Mountains receive frequent praise. Stephen M. notes, "Bath facilities are new and kept clean. Very quiet with NO cell service which is a big draw for us. Far from a town, so don't forget anything. Rangers are helpful and will bring firewood (charge for the wood)."
Horse-friendly amenities: The dedicated equestrian sites accommodate both horses and camping equipment. "I took my horses and grandson to camp in the equestrian campsite. The bathrooms are very clean with AC. There a beautiful creek you can ride your horses in or just play if you want," reports Jackie S. about Equestrian Campground — South Mountains State Park.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Most campgrounds in the mountain parks have poor or no cell service. Jenni P. warns about South Mountains: "No cell phone service, and gates to the park are locked up at 9pm so there's no getting in or out late at night."
Uneven campsites: Some regional campgrounds have challenging site conditions. Richard E. cautions about Kings Mountain: "Many camping sites are very much in need of leveling. Sites slope from left to right, front to back, and some slope in both ways. Some sites are listed as RV sites but are half as large as they need to be to accommodate a medium size RV."
Strict regulations: State parks enforce rules rigorously, especially alcohol prohibitions. "The no-alcohol policy at the park is STRICTLY enforced, so be careful! Nice easy trails lead to the campground, and the State Park is full of great things to see and do," states Jenni P. about Crowders Mountain State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Select creek-adjacent sites: Sites near water provide natural entertainment for children. Rushell R. notes about South Mountains: "The campground is clean and the spots are level and decently spaced. Easy access to the creek and hiking trails from the campground."
Plan for no connectivity: The lack of cell service means bringing offline entertainment. Stephen M. explains about South Mountains Family Campground: "Very quiet with NO cell service which is a big draw for us. Far from a town, so don't forget anything."
Consider theme park combo trips: For families wanting both outdoor and amusement experiences, Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort offers convenient access. "Free transit to the park. This campground is owned by carowinds and has free bus rides to and from the park from open until close. Bathhouses are private and clean," explains Creighton C.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Many equestrian sites accommodate both trailers and camping equipment but verify space requirements. Karen S. warns about Kings Mountain State Park: "The campsites themselves are very unlevel and laid out very awkwardly. The electric and water are in odd spots on each site."
Prepare for narrow access roads: Mountain park roads can present challenges for larger rigs. "The road into the campground is narrow, hilly and windy. We were able to do it in our 32 foot class A, but luckily no one was coming the other direction," notes Karen S.
Consider urban alternatives for larger rigs: For those with bigger setups visiting the Lincolnton area, urban campgrounds offer easier access. "We spent the last few days at the Carowinds Camp Wilderness campground in Site 70 with full hook-ups. Sites were clean, level, and reasonably spaced," reports Kevin A. about Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort.
