Horse campgrounds near Pembroke, North Carolina offer equestrian-friendly accommodations in the Sandhills region where elevation ranges from 100-500 feet. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making it suitable for year-round equestrian activities. The surrounding pine forests and rural landscapes provide varied terrain for riders exploring this southeastern North Carolina region.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area in Society Hill provides extensive trails for horseback riding with dedicated equestrian camping areas. One visitor noted, "We absolutely love H Cooper Black campground. If you have horses they have campsites with corrals at your back door that you can also rent. Many horse trails for riding as well."
Dog training activities: H. Cooper Black accommodates both horse and dog enthusiasts. "They have several ponds that can be reserved if you have retriever dogs to train. They host many retriever tests on the weekend and they are fun to watch," explains one regular visitor. The facility serves as a specialized recreational area for sporting dog activities.
Stargazing: Clear rural skies away from major light pollution make this region ideal for night sky viewing. The open farmland areas provide unobstructed horizons for astronomy enthusiasts to set up telescopes. In December 2020, one camper at Cheraw State Park reported, "We were lucky enough to catch a great view of Jupiter merging with Saturn last night."
What campers like
Farm animal interactions: Double L Farms offers unique opportunities to interact with various farm animals. A visitor explains, "Not everyone's idea of a great camping experience involves being completely surrounded by farm animals on an actual working ranch... For my entire family, we absolutely loved the cows, horses, donkeys, chickens, guinea hens, ducks, turkey, cats, dogs and other animals we came across during our stay."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept restrooms and showers. At Cheraw State Park, a camper observed, "The bathrooms and showers were amazingly clean and they had a giant heater you can turn on over the showers when it's cold outside!" This attention to cleanliness enhances the camping experience, especially for those staying multiple nights.
Lake activities: Cheraw State Park Campground features lakeside camping with water recreation options. "I really love setting up on the water sites and having my kayak and fishing gear ready to go," shares one regular visitor. The park offers "a cute little beach area with kayak and canoe rentals" according to another reviewer.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer months bring intense heat and increased insect activity. Equestrians should prepare with appropriate protection for themselves and their horses. Bug spray is essential from May through September when mosquitoes are most active.
Reservation requirements: Double L Farms Campground recommends calling ahead for horse accommodations, though walk-ins are often accommodated. "It's up to you whether you want to make a reservation by calling ahead or just 'wing it,'" notes one camper who visited the farm.
Limited amenities: Some horse camping facilities offer basic amenities only. At H. Cooper Black, one visitor described the area as a "Pleasant primitive site now, overlooking ponds, meadows, forest." While functional for equestrians, travelers seeking luxury accommodations should adjust expectations.
Tips for camping with families
Animal education opportunities: Children particularly enjoy the farm setting at Double L Farms. One family shared, "If you have a family with small children, they will love the horses, chickens, guinea hens, and the couple of friendly cats and dogs that they own." Another mentioned, "Our daughters thought the farm animals were the best part of our camping trip!"
Playground access: Cheraw State Park offers family-friendly facilities including a playground. "There is also a nice little walk partially around the lake. The hosts were active and there if you wanted advice. At the campground you can't swim, but you can walk 10 minutes to a beachy area on the other site of the lake," notes one family who visited with children.
Educational activities: For families seeking learning opportunities beyond camping, local options exist. "For the kiddos, if you need to get away and see something a bit more educational then try out Exploration Station in downtown Lumberton," recommends a visitor to the area.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Most equestrian camping areas offer adequately level sites for RVs. At Double L Farms, the sites are described as "large, level, FHU sites" by a full-time RVer who has "camped in all of the lower 48." This makes setup easier for those traveling with horse trailers and RVs.
Proximity to highways: For those traveling through with horses, H. Cooper Black Jr. Field Trial Area provides convenient access from major routes while offering peaceful surroundings. Campsites with full hookups accommodate both overnight travelers and those staying longer for extended riding opportunities.
RV hookup options: Double L Farms provides comprehensive hookups for RVs. "Of course, there's full RV hook-ups with 30/50 electrical amp, sewage and water lines," notes a visitor. These amenities allow equestrians to camp comfortably while keeping their horses nearby.
