4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
South Mountains State Park near Newton, North Carolina offers equestrian camping facilities at its dedicated Equestrian Campground. The campground provides electric hookups with both fifty-amp and thirty-amp options, water hookups, and sewer connections for RVs. Tent camping is also permitted in this area. Campsites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and firewood is available for purchase. The equestrian area includes modern shower facilities and toilets, making it comfortable for extended stays. Reviewers note there is no horse corral directly in the campground, so campers should bring portable corral panels or highline equipment. The campground's facilities are well-maintained and clean, with one visitor mentioning the bathrooms are among the cleanest they've encountered at state park campgrounds.
The trail system at South Mountains State Park encompasses approximately 16.5 miles of mixed-use paths where horses are permitted. These trails connect with hiking and mountain biking routes throughout the 23,000-acre park. Horse owners appreciate the separation between the equestrian camping area and the family campground, providing a more specialized experience for those traveling with horses. The terrain varies from moderate to strenuous with elevation changes, offering diverse riding experiences. No cell service is available in the camping areas, adding to the secluded nature experience. Trailheads are accessible directly from the equestrian camping area, allowing riders to begin their journeys without trailering to another location. Reservations are recommended as the park's camping facilities fill quickly, especially during peak seasons.
"The family campground is a short distance further inside the park on the left side(approx 2 miles) marked by a small brown sign...and is situated at 1400 ft elevation. "
"Beautiful but crowded trails. There are equestrian trails and camping facilities. Dogs welcome. Ice cold creeps and lovely waterfalls."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $32 / night
"There is a nice playground, hiking trails, a lake, canoe rental, and a trading post with some food, ice, camping supplies, firewood and souvenirs. There is also a separate Equestrian campground!"
"When not in the side, a short walk takes you to the Trading Post, a small store selling firewood ($7), ice, souvenirs, and sundries. Next to that is a large playground connected to a pavilion."
Available this weekend
"Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."
"This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"The part of the park that is best to go to is the Sparrow Springs access, some folks may not be aware that there are actually several entrances to the park, and the main entrance with trails to the Crowder"
"The trails are strenuous but views are amazing! Its definitely worth it and right outside town, not far out."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $47 / night
"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."
from $12 - $27 / night
"The adjacent amusement park is closed due to Covid but i bet it is a blast to stay here when it is open. Wooded perimeter so you feel you are away from the city."
"The hookups were standard location and heights no issues. Our steps come out to a large level dirt pad, not grass. Lots of trees providing shade which is nice."
"Site 3&4 are my favorites because they are close to water access (bring a good filter). Plenty of trees to choose from for a hammock setup."
from $15 / night
"There aren’t really any extras here but if you’re just looking for reliable water/electrical/sewer and wifi near Charlotte this is a fantastic option."
LegendA quiet, easy-access campground with good site privacy and great lake views. Some site boundaries feel a bit unclear and the bathrooms can get crowded, but the location is perfect for exploring the Blue Ridge. A solid stay, especially with the RV and primitive areas kept separate.
Check out our video of all the sites.
https://youtu.be/3NspCX_Zgnw
TravelerMost campsites have good privacy and is quiet most hours. All have easy access, but bathrooms are small for number of campers. Some campsites are a little confusing about site areas as it seems they overlap into each other some. The view of the lake is one of the best parts. More campgrounds should separate rv and primitive like they do.
ScoutProbably the second cleanest campground I had ever been to
ScoutAlways very clean, with meticulously maintained and picturesque grounds, the Camp Wilderness at Carowinds is well-appointed with amenities and attended to by helpful and friendly Carowinds staff. Providing shuttle service to the front gate for park entry, this is an excellent choice for overnight stays and Carowinds outings.
ScoutCampground is closed due to hurricane damage.
ScoutMany 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. If that wasn't enough, sites are very close to each other and there are almost no plants other than tall trees to offer any privacy. SC Park system needs to take a serious look at making improvements.
GuideI recently stayed for 3 nights with my popup in site#10. The site is a good size for a tent or small camper only. Overall we were surprised by the campground based on other reviews . In my opinion The sites are close together, poorly maintained, and most are very small. The Trading Post is nicely stocked, and open all day. The bathrooms near my site were the best part…it was modern, clean and the showers were hot with good pressure. But other than the bathrooms everything felt like it hadn’t been maintained at all. Won’t be coming back.
TravelerI 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.
ScoutMy husband and I come out to camp at kings mountain state park often and we love it if we decide to go camping or to go out to walk some trails with our dog this is the place we always come to the park rangers are all nice respectful and the keep the place clean and help to make your stay amazing. They also answer any questions you may have about the park like things to do while you are there and to enjoy your stay.
South Mountains State Park's equestrian camping facilities lie within a 23,000-acre park featuring terrain that ranges from 1,200 to over 3,000 feet in elevation. Located near Newton, North Carolina, the park sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and includes a diverse ecosystem with mixed hardwood forests and mountain streams. The equestrian trails traverse varied terrain with rocky outcrops and dense woodland that's particularly colorful during fall months.
Hike to waterfalls: South Mountains State Park offers hiking trails with waterfall views that complement horseback riding opportunities. "I searched 'best waterfalls in NC' and this park did not disappoint. We stayed for 3 nights... Great trails. Great views," reports Sarah W. at South Mountains State Park Family Campground.
Explore backcountry campsites: For those wanting a more secluded experience beyond the equestrian camping area. "We also had a primitive site that we backpacked to for a night. This was a great approach to the park. We feel like we got to experience so much more of the fun and experiential opportunities that park had to offer," mentions Sarah W.
Visit nearby rock formations: Consider a day trip to nearby Crowders Mountain State Park Campground for rock climbing. "I visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt. My brother and I spent the day rock climbing. It was his first time climbing, and we were able to set up some beginner-friendly routes," notes Les R.
Creek access: Campsites with water access enhance the equestrian camping experience. "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!" shares Jessica L. from South Mountains State Park Family Campground.
Clean facilities: The maintained bathrooms consistently receive positive mentions. "Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen!!" adds Jessica L. This appears to be a park-wide standard across camping areas.
Separation from daily life: The lack of connectivity helps create a true wilderness experience. "Very quiet with NO cell service which is a big draw for us. Far from a town, so don't forget anything," advises Stephen M. from Julian Price Park Campground. This digital disconnection complements the equestrian camping experience.
Park access restrictions: Gates close at specific times, limiting late arrival options. "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," warns Jenni P., something to consider when planning equestrian camping trips.
Pack all necessities: The remote location requires thorough preparation. "Far from a town, so don't forget anything," reminds Stephen M., particularly important for equestrian campers bringing additional gear.
Firewood availability: The park offers firewood delivery service. "Rangers are helpful and will bring firewood (charge for the wood)," notes Stephen M. from Upper Falls Campsite, which can be convenient for longer equestrian camping stays.
Choose creekside sites: Water access provides built-in entertainment. "We had site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it!" recommends Jessica L., noting how natural features can enhance family camping experiences.
Consider site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "The tent pad was large enough to setup our 8 man tent and 2 man tent, and leave us plenty of room for our kitchen setup and room around the fire pit," explains Erica F., describing the family-friendly layout.
Plan for varying trail difficulties: Assess trail ratings before taking children hiking. "The terrain varies from moderate to strenuous with elevation changes," which means families should research appropriate routes at Kings Mountain State Park where Sarah W. notes: "Great campground with clean facilities and lots of amenities. Convenient country store at the park office."
Know site limitations: Many equestrian campgrounds have specific electrical hookup configurations. "We stayed in site#10. The site is a good size for a tent or small camper only," cautions Carol J., highlighting the importance of understanding site dimensions when bringing horse trailers.
Prepare for limited cell service: Communication challenges exist throughout the area. "No cell service is available in the camping areas," notes one reviewer, requiring alternative communication plans for RVers used to connectivity.
Check road conditions: Access roads may present challenges. "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," warns Karen S. from Kings Mountain, something especially important for those towing horse trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Newton, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Newton, NC is South Mountains State Park Family Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Newton, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Newton, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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