Best Equestrian Camping near Marion, NC
Are you looking for a place to stay in Marion with your horse? Camping with your horse in Marion just got easier. Search nearby equestrian campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Marion, NC (15)
1. Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY
Montreat, North Carolina23 Reviews•174 Photos•545 SavesOverview
Black Mountain Campground sits in the shadow of Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern U.S. and borders the South Toe River. Black Mountain is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast.
Recreation
With the South Toe River located adjacent to the campground, visitors will have no shortage of things to do, including picnicking, day hiking, scenic driving and trout fishing. Hikers will be pleased with a variety of trails from which to choose, including a leisurely half-mile walk through the forest or a challenging 5.6-mile hike to Mt. Mitchell.
Natural Features
The campground sits at an elevation of 3,040 feet. The 6,684-foot Mt. Mitchell towers over the area, with several other high peaks of the Black Mountains nearby. This lush Appalachian forest is rich with wildlife, plants and scenery.
Nearby Attractions
Groups can easily head out for a day of scenic driving along Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking in Mount Mitchell State Park.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$35 / night
2. South Mountains State Park Campground
Casar, North Carolina30 Reviews•105 Photos•275 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$12 - $28 / night
3. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Blowing Rock, North Carolina46 Reviews•152 Photos•568 SavesOverview
Located along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in the lush green expanses of North Carolina, Julian Price Campground is a top destination for boating, hiking, fishing and more. Whether it's for a family camping excursion or a peaceful getaway, this campground has something for everyone. Some campsites at this facility are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Status of these sites is not available online.
Recreation
Canoe rentals are available at Price Lake, and other types of non-motorized boats are permitted. Fishing is also available at the lake, with a dock provided.Price Lake Trail offers a refreshing hike around the edge of the water, and the Boone Fork, Green Knob and Tanawha Trails are just a few of the trails that are conveniently accessed through the campground. Hebron Falls: A small waterfall accessed from the Boone Fork Trail. The Cascades: A beautiful waterfall accessed by the easy 1-mile loop Cascades Trail. A great hike for children. Moses Cone Flat Top Manor: A historic estate house (currently undergoing restoration) once owned by the Cone family. The grounds offer 25 miles of carriage roads to hike. Tours of the home are available. Currently houses the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Wildlife viewing is also popular as campers have a good chance of spotting bears, grouse, turkeys, owls, hawks and more.
Natural Features
Julian Price Campground is adjacent to Price Lake, a pristine body of water that sparkles against the backdrop of rolling Carolina hills. The surrounding forest offers hemlock, white pine, oak, hickory and birch trees, along with a colorful assortment of wildflowers in the spring and an array of vivid orange and red foliage displays in autumn. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
Nearby Attractions
The beautiful town of Blowing Rock, located just 20 minutes away on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers fine dining, shopping and more.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$30 / night
4. Steele Creek Park & Campground
Collettsville, North Carolina11 Reviews•35 Photos•180 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
5. North Mills River
Mills River, North Carolina25 Reviews•44 Photos•405 SavesOverview
North Mills River Campground is a rustic mountain getaway in Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Located just outside the popular city of Asheville, the campground provides access to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including an arboretum, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and numerous hiking, fishing and mountain biking opportunities.
Recreation
The forest is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, several of which are near the campground. Mills River offers excellent trout fishing, as well as tubing and swimming, which are kid-friendly favorite activities. Visitors wishing to learn more about the area can attend educational programs during the summer.
Natural Features
The campground is situated in the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of 2,200 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes densely forested with hardwoods. The group camping area is adjacent to the beautiful, shallow waters of the Mills River.
Nearby Attractions
Several natural and cultural attractions are within close proximity to the campground. Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway are among the most popular sites. The small town of Brevard offers various amenities and services, and visitors can take a trip to Asheville to visit art galleries, music venues, shops and restaurants.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-4167.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$40 - $44 / night
6. Maple Camp Bald
Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina3 Reviews•9 Photos•158 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
7. Springmaid Mountain Cabins and Campground
Spruce Pine, North Carolina2 Reviews•12 Photos•10 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
8. Paradise Ridge Permaculture
Swannanoa, North Carolina3 Reviews•31 Photos•59 SavesPlease feel free to look at my instagram account for many photos of the estate.
https://www.instagram.com/ambergf/
This is a private piece of property in a quiet area of Buncombe County, just outside of Asheville but just before Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Many things to do , hike, climb, cycle or motorbikes. A girlfriend of mine has about 30 horses and allows paid rides if you like. Too much to list for the area but would love to discuss it with anyone.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Trash
$20 - $30 / night
9. Upper Falls Campsite
Casar, North Carolina1 Review•8 Photos•33 SavesCamping - Primitive and require a hike in of 1.5 miles Please note that fees and permits are required for all overnight stays, including backcountry camping. Backcountry campers must make a reservation online or by calling 1-877-722-6762 before setting up at a campsite. Campers can make same-day reservations up until 9:00pm the day of your arrival. Upon arrival, use the self-check-in through the Reserve America Camping App. Site ATTENTION BACKCOUNTRY CAMPERS Please be advised that these sites will ONLY accomodate a maximum of 6 people. If your group has more than 6 people, additional sites will need to be reserved. Sink gratefully into your sleeping bag after a day of hiking at South Mountains and fall asleep in the stillness of the forest. Twenty-four backpack camping sites are offered in seven areas of the park. Permit and fees are required to camp overnight. Please visit the visitor center prior to hiking to your campsite to fill out the permit and pay the fees. A kiosk outside the visitor center allows campers to register and pay the fees if they arrive when the visitor center is closed. These sites are designated on the park map, and hiking distances to each backpack camping site vary. Each camping area has a pit toilet located nearby. All supplies, including water, must be packed to the sites. To drink water from nearby creeks and streams, use a filtration device or boil the water for at least five minutes. Below is a listing of the backpack campsites and the distance between the campsites and the Jacob Fork parking area: Upper Falls – 1.4 miles 1.5 MILE HIKE TO CAMPSITES Maximum group size of 6 people per site. At the park office, back country campers must record the tag numbers of all vehicles left overnight. Water can be found most of the year in a nearby stream. Water must be filtered prior to use. Fires only in fire ring. A North Carolina State fishing license (basic) and the special trout fishing license are required to fish. Licenses are not sold at the park. Please arrive a minimum of 1 hour prior to sunset to allow time to get to the camping area before dark. North Carolina State park rules and regulations are posted in each park and enforced by rangers. Violating these rules and regulations is a misdemeanor and may result in a fine and revocation of permit. Alcoholic beverages, firearms (including fireworks) and other weapons are prohibited. Campers with a proper permit may possess a concealed handgun in permitted areas. Park Hours: November -- 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM; December through February -- 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM; March, April and October -- 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM; May through September 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Pets are allowed except in park buildings. They must be on a leash no longer than six feet and cannot be left unattended. Posted quiet hours are enforced. Building fires in undesignated areas is prohibited. Unlicensed vehicles and motorcycles, golf carts, ATVs and mini-bikes are prohibited with the exception of mobility-aid devices used by a mobility-impaired person. All vehicles are prohibited from walkways, trails and other areas not designated for such purposes. State vehicle and traffic laws are enforced, and the speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. North Carolina State parks are wildlife sanctuaries. No hunting is allowed and collecting plants, minerals and artifacts is prohibited. State fishing regulations are enforced. ** Arrival dates earlier than the online-reservation-window may also be available at the campground.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$15 / night
10. Pisgah National Forest Wash Creek Horse Camp
Mills River, North Carolina3 Reviews•5 Photos•61 SavesOverview
Wash Creek Horse Camp is a small group area designed for equestrian use located two miles northeast of the North Mills River Recreation Area and Bent Creek of the Pisgah Ranger District.
Recreation
As part of the Pisgah National Forest, a network of equestrian trails are available in the North Mills River, Trace Ridge and Wash Creek areas and are easily accessible with space for several horse trailers. Hiking, fishing and hunting are popular activities in the area. Some of these trails are shared by mountain bikers. Routes are marked with signs and colored blazes.
Natural Features
Wash Creek offers a remote hardwood forest setting with a small, shallow stream nearby.
Nearby Attractions
The site is 20 minutes from the North Mills River Recreation Area and 45 minutes from Lake Powhatan Recreation Area. It is approximately 1 hour from attractions in both Brevard and Asheville.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-4910.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Group
- Equestrian
$40 / night
Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Marion
155 Reviews of 15 Marion Campgrounds
- J
Jackie S.
Traveler
South Mountains State Park Campground
Beautiful
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.
not weird but different
Guide
North Mills River
Close to home
We frequently visit this campground for weekend trips as it is close to us. It is easily accessible and does have areas for your garbage but there are no bathrooms which puts a small damper on a family visit. The water is pretty clear and has an abundance of trout so it is great for fishing and swimming.
Adam B.Traveler
Mills River Dispersed
Theft
They have a long term camper they refuse to run off and he will steal from you. Camp at your own risk, watch your stuff like a hawk. I'd really recommend Sunburst or Big Ivy instead of North Mills really.
Katie C.
Scout
Bent River Equestrian
Quiet & beautiful
I tent camped overnight as it was half way to my destination. I got there just in time to see a beautiful sunset and say hello to the horses. The host is fantastic. I would definitely stay again.
tyrone T.Traveler
Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY
Hidden gem
Super place, super staff. Kevin the manager and Diane the host are awesome people with plenty of knowledge of the area. The road into the facility (FR 472) turns into a gravel road for the last mile or so with a few small potholes but nothing terrible, we had no problems getting there in a 30' class a RV . Just make sure when you get to the fork in the road STAY TO THE RIGHT! The road on the left is Neil Creek road (which btw has some really nice dispersed camp sites) but if you have a bigger rig and go up that road you will hate life... It twists then gets steep and only a couple places to make a 180. No cell service whatsoever even with a booster... If you walk a 1/4 mile out the gravel road by the 1st A frame house you can get a signal there. The showers have plenty of hot water and are clean. The place is a bear super highway so they take policing your food and garbage very seriously. There are an abundance of hiking trails accessible from the site and are well kept... S
Toe River has some beautiful spots to take a dip if you can handle the cold water.
Autumn E.Scout
Steele Creek Park & Campground
Beware
On 8/25/23 - 8/27/23, WE went camping for the first time this year and left early that sunday morning. Which turned into a nightmare for my family on the following Monday 8/28/23 we had a social worker come out to investigate my family due to steel creek making a HUGE mix up on giving the wrong site number and wrong information to dss. AND All Steel Creek had to say was they are sorry!! Our life was turned upside down for over two weeks due to Steel Creek giving out wrong information. Shouldn't Steel Creek make sure they give the right information to a department like child protective services? The case was eventually closed because we were the wrong family, but now dss says it will always be on my husband's record with them that he was investigated for child abuse even when we were the wrong family to start with! a weekend that was supposed to be a nice and relaxing vacation turned into my husband having to lose time at work, lawyer fees, and emotional distress for my family. My husband tried to contact Steel Creek after everything was over, but they are screening his calls and staying silent on this situation. The very least they could have done was offer a refund of our stay if not more for everything steel creek has put us through. All of this was due to Steel Creek giving wrong information to the Department of Social Services! Be very aware because this can happen to you! This could be your information given next! I've been going to steel creek since I was a little girl and I'll never go back or recommend this camp ground to anyone and will always tell my story of the wrong steel creek camp ground has put us through especially since the owner Joey has not even reached out to my husband for the trouble his camp ground has caused my family! A little business suggestion for you if at any time a department like social services is calling you for information, you need to make sure yourself and / or your employees are giving out the right information. And to your employees who give false information should be fired! This was an awful situation this camp ground put us in! SHAME ON YOU, STEEL CREEK!
On another note our site was also full of dog crap, people who stay here with dogs are supposed to clean up after them and 90% of them never do so just know if you do choose to stay at this campground have plans on dodging dog crap during your stay. If it's not dog crap you will hear of the many dogs barking the whole time during your stay, which is annoying when you are trying to relax with your family.
- lleslieScout
Bent River Equestrian
Great camping near mountain biking and hiking
Great place to spend a couple of nights. Went over Labor Day weekend with 5 or 6 other groups and still felt like we had full privacy. Fire pits, an outdoor shower, and a porta-potty. Cute horses and barn cats to pet and watch
- JJoseph S.Scout
Paradise Ridge Permaculture
Peaceful and serene escape
This location was amazing. We couldn’t have been happier with a spot. The host was extremely gracious, there is an outdoor shower, the camp fire setup is awesome, and the animals are friendly. It is easy to find and you’re only 20-ish minutes from Asheville. We’ll certainly be back!
- KKathryn M.Traveler
Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY
Deep Forest Bears and Shade
I came on a Sat in August for First Come First Serve (yeah, not the best plan) and they were just taking the "We are Full' sign down to say they had two sites. One was right across from the welcome hut. I took the other and it was lovely. This campground is VERY shady and has water and bathrooms and showers that are well maintained. There are wonderful sites for families big and small around the central "soccer" field and sites for small-medium trailers and tents and camper vans in "Bear Alley" around the outside. One or two pull in sites for bigger rigs.
I'd come First Come First serve on a Sunday night or Monday night and scope out sites that would be best for you. You pay extra for the access to wonderful hiking trails, the deep Forest feel, and did I mention SHOWERS? It is pretty remote and off a long dirt road off route 80. You don't need a 4x4 but it's a slow careful drive .... and you are NOT going to want to take day trips to Burnsville or Marion. Plan to stay and bring what you need. Bring that bug spray and screen tent.
Glacia C.GuideSouth Mountains State Park Campground
South Mountains NCSP: Jacob Branch Backcountry Sites
Jacob Branch: Three sites arranged around a clearing. Two pit privies and a BEAR BOX! Woot!! The sites are a bit difficult to pitch on, due to the abundance of roots, hardpan earth, and slope, but you’ll find a spot. I didn’t hang, but there are certainly spots that would be suitable. Water is just down the hill. It’s ample and clear, as of May 2023. There are several ways to hike in, as many of the South Mountains SP trails intersect and wander around a bunch giving a bunch of options for how to get in and out. The variety makes for a nice loop instead of just an in-and-out. Get inventive. Trails are broad and veeeeeery hilly in places. If your knees complain, bring the trekking poles. You’ll thank me.
Shinny Creek: Perfect trip if you have kids…or just want something close by. It’s only a bit over a mile to these four sites (see video tour) nestled by a stream. Clear, flat sites. Bear box. Critter-proof trash bin. Pit privy. Water access from every site within ten paces, so water and entertainment are always available. The trail here is easy peasy rolling hills that follows the river past Bear Falls all the way up to the sites.
adam B.GuideSteele Creek Park & Campground
Decent for the price
Campground has decent amenities, sites are small and on top of each other. Bathrooms and showers leave a lot to be desired. My site is not what was pictured on the website, and I paid to reserve it, so buyer beware. Camp store is decent, and playground is nice. River swimming is the real attraction, and to my kids it was worth it.
- jjaneGuide
Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Off blue ridge parkway
I really like his place. Stayed on the lake side. Plenty of room great walking area and friendly people
- Keri P.Guide
South Mountains State Park Campground
Huge Park, Not a lot of Access
Camp sites are nice, close bathrooms, nice facilities. Park boasts about lots to do but there is no road through the whole Park so more than half of the trails you are not easily able to get through. Drove around to other access point and its nothing but a fence and a field. Park is very pretty and the water is nice.
Mark K.GuideSouth Mountains State Park Campground
October Camping
I stayed in beautiful weather in October. I recommend this campgrounds and park for is trails and beauty. Very good facilities as well.
- TTavi C.Guide
Mills River Dispersed
Beautiful, mostly peaceful, inconvenient
*this is just for the free campsites- there appears to be paid campsites and maybe RV hook ups very close by.
Pros:
- Gorgeous lush forest
- ice-cold flowing stream (in May) immediately off most camp spots
- well maintained and leveled places to pitch a tent.
- except for occasional cars, very very peaceful and far from any urban life or freeway.
Cons:
- No cell service (Verizon) without driving 10 minutes, and then patchy for another 10-15
- camp spots are mostly immediately off the road. It’s a very isolated place, so you have inconsistent privacy and peace and quiet.
- several cars drove by and woke me up after 11pm.
- the dirt road to get there as well as the pull off for the campsite are rough and a bit dangerous for low/regular cars. It’s doable but you should go very slow and watch out for giant holes and ridges. I bottomed out going into the parking space, and I lifted my Prius 1.5in
TO NOTE: Google maps incorrectly told me to take a right once I was on the dirt road that doesn’t exist. Just ignore it and keep going forward.
Explored up to campsite 4 the next day. Campsite 3 is a larger group site and a bit further off the road.
It’s not true “dispersed” camping because they have designated site you are supposed to stay at. Im not sure how many there are, but I only got up to #4, driving about 5-10 min down the dirt road.
- Rosemary G.Scout
Pisgah National Forest Wash Creek Horse Camp
Great place for family camping
Beautiful peaceful perfect campsite
Kim S.ScoutBent River Equestrian
Beautiful field camping
Had a great time at this campground with two pups, both well-behaved and able to enjoy off-leash time with lots of space to run around. This is a horse farm so respecting their space was our first priority, and occasionally required leashing our dogs but didn’t hinder us at all. While there is a RV hookup/platform/table it wasn’t available at this time so more field camping which was perfect for us! Host was super kind and helpful, able to answer questions. Clean port-a-potty and outdoor cold shower we’re perfect!
Austin W.TravelerSouth Mountains State Park Campground
Went back in January, still amazing
Campsite 5 is a bit in the way of other campsites but still an amazing place
- Austin W.Traveler
South Mountains State Park Campground
Best camping in Eastern NC
Upper Falls Campground is amazing during winter.
Phillip C.GuideJulian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Great location, great views!
We got a quiet spot with no one around us. There are spots right on the lake but we didn’t book far enough in advance.
- TTaylorGuide
Paradise Ridge Permaculture
Small, quaint permaculture farm in the mountains
Had a nice experience here. Amber, the host, was very kind and accommodating. She showed us around the grounds which has horses, pigs, chickens, a natural spring, and fruits/vegetables/mushrooms growing around the property. The grounds are conveniently located near the city of Asheville and hiking trails. There was a shared gazebo, cozy fire pit, and cold showers. The only downside was that there wasn’t a secluded spot available for car camping, even though Amber did figure something out for us to be able to stay. Would recommend to get away from your typical campground.
Patrice S.TravelerJulian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Great site on water
Spent a weekend car camping at Julian Price which served as a great Basecamp for exploring the Blue Ridge and surrounding area. The site has a nice tent pad, fire pit and picnic table. It would be amazing in the spring because it's loaded with rhododendron. The site is near a bathroom and there is quite a bit of traffic throughout the camp. And of course you hear the Parkway but if you go into it knowing you are staying at a campground that is highly trafficked with somewhat close and loud neighbors...then you've picked a great campsite to car camp.
C.J. C.GuideJulian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Quiet & Secluded
Quiet campground despite the number of sites. We enjoyed our stay, and even had deer wander near our site a few times. Our tent site was in Loop B but near the bathroom/showers in Loop D. Really liked how the toilet and shower were together in the same individual bathrooms.
Campground is conveniently located near Blowing Rock and other sights on the Parkway, like Cone Manor and Linn Cove Viaduct. Nice area.
- April C.Guide
Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Shaded and Quiet
Clean sites, showers, and restrooms. The parking spot at the site was flat for our van. Clean and roomie. Dog friendly. Walked around and enjoyed nature. Lots of trees.
Katie M.Guide
Wolf Ford Horse Camp
Not a boondocking location
Overpriced, $10 for the stay + $8 in fees, for such a low quality location.
No running water or electricity. Roads very poorly maintained. Grounds not well maintained.
Sure volunteer was not very kind.
ian s R.Traveler
Springmaid Mountain Cabins and Campground
Wonderful campsite to start the summer
My family did our first camping trip here. Very scenic and well maintained
- NNickGuide
Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Quiet and secluded
Stayed on the C loop. Very private sites other than the path that goes by for the bathroom. No road noise. C loop does not allow generators so no hum. Has bathrooms near by. Showers on another loop. Tent pads are good size, flat and free of large rocks. Mine was half covered in moss. Overall really happy with the site.
Guide to Marion
Horse camping in North Carolina offers a unique experience for equestrians looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses. With a variety of campgrounds equipped with horse-friendly amenities, adventurers can enjoy scenic trails and beautiful landscapes.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- The South Mountains State Park Campground features equestrian campsites with clean facilities and access to a beautiful creek for riding and play.
- At Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY, visitors can enjoy well-maintained trails and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for families with horses.
- Paradise Ridge Permaculture offers a quaint setting with ample space for horses and a welcoming host who provides a unique camping experience.
Tips for equestrian camping near Marion, North Carolina
- When visiting Upper Falls Campsite, be prepared for a hike to access the sites, which are well laid out and close to water sources for your horses.
- The Maple Camp Bald site is accessible via a moderate hike and offers stunning views, making it a rewarding destination for horse campers.
- Ensure you pack enough water for your stay at Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway, as the area is known for its beautiful trails but limited water sources.
Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and water access
- Springmaid Mountain Cabins and Campground provides scenic trails and a beautiful environment, ideal for horse riding and camping.
- The Copperstone Cabins & Camping location offers a peaceful setting with amenities that cater to both horses and their owners.
- At Steele Creek Park & Campground, campers can enjoy a well-kept park with facilities that accommodate equestrian needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Marion, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Marion, NC is Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY with a 4.9-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Marion, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Marion, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.