Uwharrie National Forest offers diverse equestrian camping options near Midland, North Carolina. Located in the ancient Uwharrie Mountain range, this region maintains numerous public and private horse campgrounds within a 45-mile radius of Midland. The forest terrain varies from flat lakeside areas to moderate hills with elevation changes between 500-1,000 feet, creating variable trail difficulty levels.
What to do
Trail riding beyond established routes: Uwharrie National Forest features extensive trail networks beyond what connects to Canebrake. "Love the trails that hug the lake in the area. Lots of camping off the beaten path and outside the normal camp grounds," notes a visitor to Uwharrie Hunt Camp. The forest offers multiple access points for trailer parking.
Water activities during summer months: When temperatures rise, riders can cool off at nearby lakes. At Morrow Mountain State Park Campground, a camper mentions, "We exhausted ourselves hiking and canoeing and much more stuff to do! Nice sites with electric hookups. Firewood available." The park offers boat rentals and swimming facilities open after Memorial Day.
Wildlife observation opportunities: Early mornings and evenings provide optimal wildlife viewing times. "Saw several deer while I was there. The family campground is separated from the road by some trees but there is still noise from cars," reports a visitor describing their experience watching wildlife at quieter times of day.
What campers like
Spacious trailer accommodation: Horse owners appreciate the dedicated space for larger vehicles and trailers. "Nicely spaced, shaded, and quiet camp ground. A lot of people camp here with their jeeps, sidexsides, and 4wheelers," reports a camper at Arrowhead Campground, which shares similar design features with nearby horse camps.
Off-season solitude: Many equestrian campers prefer visiting during quieter periods. "I was there alone and had the whole campsite to myself. The camp host was so kind. He always made sure me, my horses and my grandson were comfortable and safe!" shares a visitor to Canebrake Horse Camp.
Proximity to varied terrain: The region offers diverse riding experiences within short distances. A Badin Lake visitor notes, "While at Uwaharrie NF stayed at Biden Lake campground. Beautiful place with great views. Clean facilities close to sites." The nearby trails transition from lakeside paths to hillier terrain within 3-5 miles.
What you should know
Seasonal crowding patterns: Horse camping areas fill quickly during peak seasons. "We hit this campground right at the perfect time of year, BEFORE the opening day of off-road vehicle season in April... If it is your thing, then by all means come on down, cuz this place is made for it," explains a visitor describing how motorized recreation affects Uwharrie Hunt Camp.
Limited water availability: Some primitive sites require bringing water supplies. "The primitive campground is fine, only 2 miles in. But there is no water so make sure you take enough for the night," advises a camper who hiked past the basic camping areas.
Varying site conditions: Ground leveling varies significantly across campgrounds. "Lots of sites could use some attention. Tangled tree roots, water ruts. Muddy when it rains. They don't put gravel often," reports a camper at Kings Mountain State Park. This applies to many equestrian campgrounds where heavy use creates similar conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities beyond riding: Families can enjoy activities when not on horseback. "Nice campground with a decent bathhouse. There is no AC in the bathhouses. There are many trails to go on. We went on the Big Rocks Trail. There wasn't much to see until we got to the end of it and went down the cliff. Then the views were amazing," shares a visitor to Morrow Mountain.
Noise considerations: Some horse campgrounds experience noise from varied sources. "I rated a 4 out of 5 due to the closeness of the campsite which led to a lot of noise from other campsites," mentions a camper at Kings Mountain State Park. Midweek visits typically offer quieter conditions.
Educational opportunities: The historical context provides learning experiences. "Make sure to go across the street to the Kings Mountain Military site. Better yet, plan your stay when they are doing an event," suggests a visitor. Multiple equestrian campgrounds near Midland maintain interpretive displays about local history.
Tips from RVers
Hookup access variability: Electric and water hookup placement differs across sites. "The electric and water are in odd spots on each site. Luckily we were on one of the rare fairly level sites," notes an RVer at Kings Mountain. Similar conditions exist at horse campgrounds requiring advance planning for optimal positioning.
Road conditions: Access roads 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," warns a camper. Most horse campgrounds near Midland have similar access constraints requiring careful navigation.
