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Canebrake Horse Camp in Uwharrie National Forest provides 28 sites with parking spurs specifically designed for horse trailers. Four sites are double campsites to accommodate larger groups. Each site includes electrical hookups, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, lantern posts, tie posts, and tack tables. The camp host ensures visitors and their horses remain comfortable and safe throughout their stay. Up to two vehicles are allowed at each site, making it convenient for those traveling with multiple rigs. The campground maintains clean facilities and offers direct access to an extensive network of equestrian trails.
Located within the rolling countryside of the Uwharrie National Forest, the horse trails connect riders to beautiful woodland terrain and scenic vistas. The trails wind through low foothills with varied terrain suitable for different riding skill levels. Horse owners should note that while some visitors report the horse clubs that frequent the area can be territorial, the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and lake access make for enjoyable riding experiences. The campground is particularly popular on weekends when equestrian groups arrive with their trailers. Riders appreciate the well-maintained trails and proximity to water sources. For supplies, the nearby El Dorado Outpost offers essentials including ice, food, and outdoor supplies, while the town of Troy is just a 10-15 minute drive away for additional services.
"Walking path paved. Bike trails and horse trails. Near to I40 but any noise from that is very minimal. Full hookups. Wi fi present but not strong enough for any streaming. Will definitely return"
"Great hosts, spacious spots, nearby dog park, loved staying here. The bath houses are a little dated but very clean. There is horse shoe, volleyball, soccer goals on the camp ground."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"But, ya know North Carolina summers."
"The site also had a huge area for the picnic table and the fire ring is far away from your camper. There was a huge grassy area behind our site with a creek, lots of space for our dog."
from $17 - $72 / night
Check Availability"Morrow Mountain State Park, near Albemarle, NC, has something for everyone. Many hiking and equestrian trails are within the park. "
"Water spigot close by, the pressure is high so slowly lift the handle haha. The sites are not too close together. Lots of hiking nearby. Beautiful area! Highly recommend."
from $17 - $107 / night
Check Availability"Equestrian campgrounds, hunting camps and then Arrowhead and Badin Lake campgrounds, along with the boat launch area."
"The campsites do not offer a view of the water of Badin Lake, but it is nearby with a drive or hike. "
from $20 - $54 / night
Check Availability"The grounds are adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park. Very fun long weekend at a family friendly campground. Would definitely camp here again!"
"Stayed there for a weekend, great location close to Stone Mtn park. Hiked from there into the state park. Very clean kept campground and nice owner"
"We hit this campground right at the perfect time of year, BEFORE the opening day of off-road vehicle season in April. "
"There is a good trail around the lake that offers some beautiful views across the lake. Pretty good fishing too."
"There is plenty to do like hiking, fishing, swimming, and even horse back riding. And it you are an off road enthusiast, they have made some fantastic off road trails south of the Forrest."
"While at Uwaharrie NF stayed at Biden Lake campground. Beautiful place with great views. Clean facilities close to sites."
from $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"He always made sure me, my horses and my grandson were comfortable and safe!"
"I came in the summer and the temperature was around the 80's. During the night it is around 60 which is pleasant. They do sell for 6 dollars for a bunch of firewood"
from $27 - $54 / night
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TravelerWe came here as our second ever camping trip and it wasn’t exactly what we were expecting but it was definitely an adventure. It was beautiful and quiet and relaxing. The only thing we were not happy about is the insane amount of bugs in the bathroom. But, ya know North Carolina summers.
TravelerI went back and forth on whether I should give this rating two stars or three. In the end, I chose three stars because the mountain itself is so amazing. Geologically this was great place to visit and the trails were well marked and maintained. Beautiful hike.
The campground was beautiful but the facilities were run down and dirty. It had, by far, the nastiest park/campground facilities I’ve seen in Kentucky, North Carolina or Virginia this year. I know this park is mobbed on the weekends, but I checked in on a Tuesday and stayed for two nights. The facilities, including the campground bathhouse and the park’s “comfort stations” were dirty, smelly and had bugs in them. The trash in the bathhouse was not emptied in the two days I was there. There was not a single exterior light to the bathhouse, not even something as reasonable as a motion sensor light that would be more energy efficient than a constant lighting option.
Compared to New River State Park, despite the giant Stone Mountain, this was the bottom of the barrel.
LegendUwharrie National Forest-Arrowhead Campground
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48934
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE\_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368418.pdf
Uwharrie National Forest is fairly vast, but several camping areas are located in one general area. Equestrian campgrounds, hunting camps and then Arrowhead and Badin Lake campgrounds, along with the boat launch area. Arrowhead Campground has had a bigger budget compared to its lesser sibling Badin Lake Campground.
Campground roadways are paved, as well as the campsite parking pads, The restrooms are newer, larger and offer paved parking for users.
Sites are reasonably large and offer a picnic table, firepit, charcoal grill and metal hanging pole for lanterns, etc. some foliage exists between Campsites, but you still have a visual of your neighbors.
It appeared during my visit that most users were off-roaders with either 4x4’s or quads. The onsite host advised that it is very popular with the off-road enthusiasts. Enclosed and flatbed trailers filled most of the sites.
Caution: During hunting season, the National Forest is open to hunters...wear brightly colored or hunter orange clothing especially dawn and dusk.
Reserve well in advance if you desire a site...these campgrounds fill quickly.
Arrowhead also offers an inner-campground paved walk/bike/stroller trail...and the drive down to the boat launch(which has a fairly sizable paved parking lot and latrines). You can also pick up the lake loop trail by the Boat Ramp.
Being located so closely to the Raleigh/Durham area...and the Fayettville area...I can see this being filled to capacity most days and definitely weekends. Mid-week it was filled.
ScoutMorrow Mountain State Park, near Albemarle, NC, has something for everyone. Many hiking and equestrian trails are within the park. While the top elevation is just over 900 feet, it still has that mountainous feel in sections of the park. Likewise, there is lake access for boating and fishing. There are also historical features, a few unmarked homesteads and graves, as well as a nice (though small) museum. The campsites are my favorite of any campgrounds visited in the NC area. They are not too close to each other, well equipped, and with good visibility surrounding the sites so that you can see the deer and squirrels going by. It has been among my favorites for 50+ years.
ScoutWhat a lovely campground. Sites are long and wide but some have quite a slope to them. There are large shady trees but no vegetation between sites. 3 camp hosts that rotate duties. Walking path paved. Bike trails and horse trails. Near to I40 but any noise from that is very minimal. Full hookups. Wi fi present but not strong enough for any streaming. Will definitely return
TravelerIt is free camping in this area on the weekend these horse clubs will come in with your trailers in horse they're not very friendly they're nosy and they do not like Outsiders but this is a national park to it is open to you to hear up to 14 days the town of Troy is not very friendly they want your money but they don't want you this is our second time here and it both times has been very unpleasant the trails are nice to walk the lake is beautiful as long as you keep to yourself and you should have no problem but these horse people got to be printed they're not your friends as soon as they turn your back they're calling the Ranger and trying to get you throw it out good luck with it I hope you have a better trip than we did
LegendWe hit this campground right at the perfect time of year, BEFORE the opening day of off-road vehicle season in April. When National Forests post on their signs “Land of Many Uses,” I get it; there’s a lot of stuff people like to do in the woods. I have a lot on my list, but OHVing really ain't our thing.
If it is your thing, then by all means come on down, cuz this place is made for it. There are trails for days within these stunning mountains that serve as the foothills for the Appalachians. Horse trail riding is second on the list of activities within the park judging by the number of trails. Sharing these trails with horses isn’t difficult if you’re just hiking, but remember to be kind to those riders since horses can be skittish. Mountain biking is also not to be left off the list, and there are some great trails through here as well, that you don’t have to share with the motorized enthusiast.
The campground is a quaint, and only $5 per night! With only 6 sites and what appears to be an over-sized parking lot right next to it, the lot accommodates the OHV trailers. The campsites are rustic, grassy and comfortable, though no privacy in between. Most sites are a short walk from the parking lot, so you might have to do a little bit of schlepping, but not much. The campground had a couple spigots and the pit toilets were clean. We also found the campground itself very clean, but it was still early in the year and we were the only campers in the area in early March. The hunt camp is closer to the OHV trails than some other campgrounds in the forest so I suspect during the season this is a popular place to bring the side-by-side.
There is a small convenience store in Uwharrie, offering sandwiches and made-to-order food, but not much in the way of groceries. Another 10 miles and you’ll be in Troy which has a bigger grocery store, and restaurants.
ScoutThis camp ground is great for families and anyone looking to go outdoors. I highly recommend going online to reserve a spot ahead of time. From the times I’ve been there everyone calls ahead for there lots. There is plenty to do like hiking, fishing, swimming, and even horse back riding. And it you are an off road enthusiast, they have made some fantastic off road trails south of the Forrest. The only thing I have about this campground is the restrooms they provide are not the cleanest, so prepare yourself if your not used to that. Overall, I love this campsite.
TravelerCanebrake Horse Camp has 28 sites with parking spurs for horse trailers. Four of these sites are double camp sites. Each site has a picnic table, grill, fire ring, lantern post, tie posts, tack tables, and electrical hookups. Up to two vehicles are allowed at each site.
Canebrake Horse Camp provides specialized facilities for equestrian campers in Uwharrie National Forest, 45 miles east of Mocksville, North Carolina. The camp features 28 sites with parking spurs designed for horse trailers, electrical hookups, and direct trail access. The surrounding terrain consists of rolling foothills with varied elevations ranging from 350 to 1,000 feet above sea level, creating diverse riding conditions suitable for different experience levels.
Trail riding along shorelines: Horse riders can access multiple trails connecting to Badin Lake from Uwharrie Hunt Camp. The camp serves as a gateway to trails that hug the shoreline. "There is a good trail around the lake that offers some beautiful views across the lake. Pretty good fishing too," notes Scott P.
Off-road vehicle exploration: For motorized recreation near Arrowhead Campground, the area offers extensive off-road trails. "Great camp sites, easy to get to, lots of trails, shooting range and off road trails," reports Jimmy L. Arrowhead sees frequent use by trail riders with "Jeeps, sidexsides, and 4wheelers" according to Matt R.
Fishing opportunities: The lakes and streams provide fishing access at several points throughout the forest. Wesley R. shares that Hunt Camp offers "very quiet and enjoyable" surroundings ideal for fishing. Lake access points are available near most campgrounds, with local bait and tackle supplies found at nearby outposts.
Well-maintained facilities: The horse facilities at Canebrake Horse Camp receive positive feedback for their design. One camper, Jackie S., reports: "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!"
Clean bathhouses: Campers frequently mention the maintenance of bathroom facilities. At Stone Mountain State Park Campground, David B. notes: "The bathrooms were heated, clean and the men's bathroom had two showers." Similarly at Arrowhead Campground, reviews indicate "Clean bath house with hot showers" according to Jody B.
Wildlife viewing: The forested environment supports diverse wildlife. At Tanglewood Park, campers frequently spot deer. "Deer roam throughout the park and campground," reports Brandon, while Kelly H. mentions "Nearly tame deer all over the place." This provides natural wildlife viewing opportunities without leaving your campsite.
Site leveling challenges: Multiple campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. At Tanglewood Park, Wesley L. notes: "Several sites including mine very hard to level." Kristy Gary B. elaborates: "Sites are long and wide but some have quite a slope to them." Bring leveling blocks for RVs and seek flat tent spots.
Seasonal considerations: Most horse campgrounds have specific operating seasons or weather limitations. Stone Mountain State Park operates year-round, but winter conditions may affect trail access. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground stays open all year, making it reliable for off-season equestrian camping when other facilities close.
Reservation requirements: Popular horse camping sites fill quickly, especially during weekends and prime seasons. For group camping at Badin Lake, Scott P. advises: "This is a great spot to go with a large group - I was with the Boy Scouts. It is fairly secluded, so once we got to the campground there weren't a lot of other people around."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Sandy Creek Family Campground near equestrian trails, Ann H. shares: "The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground. The grounds are adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park." This provides alternative activities when not riding.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites near horse trails provide learning experiences. Stone Mountain State Park features homesteads and historical structures. Kristi D. notes: "homestead was so neat to walk around at the base of the mountain." These sites give context to the area's settlement history.
Swimming options: Several locations offer water recreation for cooling off after trail rides. Von B. from Morrow Mountain State Park mentions "a swimming pool that is open after Memorial Day," while Sandy Creek's creek access provides natural water play for children during hot months.
Hookup availability: For RV campers with horses, electrical needs vary by campground. Hunt Camp offers basic electric hookups while Canebrake provides dedicated electrical connections for horse trailers. Robert D. at Morrow Mountain advises: "The only drawback was that there was no Wi-Fi," which affects those needing connectivity during their stay.
Access and maneuverability: Horse trailer combinations require adequate turning space. Arrowhead Campground accommodates larger rigs with "nicely spaced, shaded, and quiet" sites according to Matt R. Dave B. at Tanglewood Park notes: "Wide spaces with lots of room under big shade trees," which helps when positioning horse trailers.
Supply runs: Stock up before arrival as remote horse campgrounds have limited services. At Uwharrie, the "El Dorado Outpost offers essentials including ice, food, and outdoor supplies," while Marjorie W. mentions local stores are "worth it" despite the 10-15 minute drive to nearby towns for additional resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mocksville, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mocksville, NC is Tanglewood Park with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mocksville, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Mocksville, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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