Northwest River Park & Campground provides equestrian camping facilities within driving distance of Moyock, North Carolina. The park spans 763 acres with campsites open from April through November. Seasonal flooding affects certain sites, particularly in wetland areas where standing water can accumulate after heavy rainfall. Water access varies across the campground with some sites lacking direct hookups.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Northwest River Park offers five miles of equestrian trails through diverse woodland and wetland terrain. The trails accommodate riders of varying experience levels. "Equestrian trails available, which is always a plus," notes Elizabeth V. about Northwest River Park & Campground.
Fishing and water recreation: The park features fishing areas and watercraft rentals for visitors. "Canoes and paddle boats are available to rent for use in black water," mentions Heather L. "We have seen the kayaks that are for rent and the area you launch," adds Sheri K.
Family-friendly activities: Beyond equestrian facilities, the park offers additional recreational options. "Plenty of things to do for the active camper. Put put golf, kayak, hiking and much more," shares Patricia L. about the amenities available during camping stays.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently note the maintenance standards at horse camping facilities near Moyock. "Overall amazed at the cleanliness of the campground. The staff is very friendly. The park was very quiet going into the night," reports Joseph H. about Chesapeake Campground.
Spacious campsites: The layout provides adequate space for camping setups. "Plenty of room..showers/bathrooms huge..water NOT at all sites but easy to fill tanks," explains Gary D. "We tent camped and had a blast. The showers were nice and the bathrooms were very clean," adds Audriana V.
Attentive staff: Park personnel maintain the grounds and assist visitors. "Great staff. Very helpful and keep the park clean. They have firewood at $6.00 a bundle," reports Jeff B. about his stays at Northwest River Park.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds in the region operate with limited schedules. Northwest River Park is open April 1 through November 30, affecting trail and camping availability during winter months.
Water access limitations: Not all sites offer direct water connections, requiring preparation. "Plan on bringing your own water as there isn't always running water (not sure why)," advises Sally T. about Kiptopeke State Park Campground.
Drainage concerns: Low-lying areas experience water accumulation during wet weather. "If rain a lot of rain is forecasted you may want to talk to one of the rangers about your particular site," recommends Nicole L. "They need to know that if you go on a rainy season bring boots," adds Anna S.
Waste disposal logistics: Trash facilities location varies by campground. "The only garbage containers I found were near the dump station, which is on the way out of the park, nowhere near the campground," notes Sheri K.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Local parks offer learning experiences for children. "I have spent my childhood here and I am excited to share it with my kids. We hike here when visiting grandparents. Chesapeake Public Park's does a great job with events and education at NWRP," shares Elizabeth V.
Weather considerations: Prepare for variable conditions, particularly during storm seasons. "A storm hit right after I got here and now I'm sitting in about 8 inches of water," reports Kelly W. at Chesapeake Campground.
Activity planning: Schedule diverse recreation options during your stay. "We have noticed two hiking trails, I have seen the kayaks that are for rent and the area you launch, all we need now is some nicer weather," suggests Sheri K. about Northwest River Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on specific needs and preferences. "The sites are gravel and mostly level but I did have to use a couple blocks of my levelers," notes Sheri K. "Some sites close to main road but not a lot of traffic," adds Gary D.
Reservation management: Book directly with parks when possible to avoid third-party complications. "I reserved the campsite using the online, Reserve America system. About a week before our trip I had to change plans... After being given 4 different numbers and talking to 6 different people I gave up trying to change the reservation," cautions Nicole L.
Hookup availability: Confirm utility connections before arrival. Sites offer varying levels of service with some requiring self-sufficiency. "This is a former KOA, I stayed here years ago when it was a KOA, and have spent considerable amount of time here fairly recently. They cater mostly to monthly campers," explains Cliff M. about Chesapeake Campground.
