Uwharrie National Forest offers equestrian camping areas 10-15 miles from Richfield, North Carolina. The mixed pine and hardwood terrain ranges in elevation from 500 to 1,000 feet, with temperatures typically between 60-80°F during peak camping season. Forest trails connect directly to established horse campgrounds that operate primarily from April through November.
What to do
Trail riding at Canebrake Horse Camp: Electric hookups available at individual sites with tie posts and tack tables designed specifically for equestrians. "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!" notes a visitor at Canebrake Horse Camp.
Hiking near Morrow Mountain: Multiple trails with varying difficulty levels within 30 minutes of Richfield. "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. It was not a loop trail, but you hike to the cliff then turn around and go back the way you came," explains a camper at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground.
Fishing at Uwharrie Hunt Camp: Access to lake fishing with good shoreline areas. "This is a beautiful campground with good facilities. There is a good trail around the lake that offers some beautiful views across the lake. Pretty good fishing too," mentions a visitor to Uwharrie Hunt Camp.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many horse camping areas maintain well-kept bathhouses. "The bathhouse facilities are brand new and well kept. The area around the campground has multiple things to keep you busy. If you're an outdoors person, this is a great place to be located," reports a camper at Arrowhead Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Forest camping offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. "I saw plenty of frogs and tadpoles in the creeks, listened to a symphony of birds, and I'm pretty sure heard a few coyotes throughout the night. I also saw an abundance of different species of spiders, dragonflies, moths, and other interesting critters," writes a visitor to Morrow Mountain State Park.
Trail connectivity: Dedicated horse trails connect to campgrounds. "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," notes a reviewer at Arrowhead Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) season affects campground atmosphere. "We 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," explains a camper at Uwharrie Hunt Camp.
Campground selection: The horse campgrounds near Richfield have different atmospheres. "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."
Reservation requirements: Some equestrian campgrounds require advance booking. "Reserve well in advance if you desire a site...these campgrounds fill quickly," advises a reviewer at Arrowhead Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Cane Creek Park offers family-friendly water activities 45 minutes from Richfield. "The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there," notes a camper at Cane Creek Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with recreational options. "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast," continues the same Cane Creek Park visitor.
Quiet hours enforcement: Be aware of noise restrictions. "The camp host yelled at us twice for TALKING at a low volume after quiet hours. Unfortunately we somehow ended up at the sites right next to his, so maybe it would be better a little farther from the camp host," warns a visitor to Arrowhead Campground.
Tips from RVers
Parking pad surfaces: Many Uwharrie Forest campgrounds have paved RV sites. "Campground roadways are paved, as well as the campsite parking pads. Sites are reasonably large and offer a picnic table, firepit, charcoal grill and metal hanging pole for lanterns," reports a visitor at Arrowhead Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Check site descriptions carefully. "Great sites but hardly any are level so be prepared to manage that. Nice fire pits and grills - love having both," advises an Arrowhead Campground visitor.
Trailer considerations: Horse campgrounds accommodate various trailer sizes. "We had a double site that was huge it was minutes from uwharrie national forest and badin lake," notes a camper at Arrowhead Campground.
