Horse campgrounds near Elkin, North Carolina offer direct access to extensive trail networks through the Blue Ridge Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 feet. The region's moderate climate allows for equestrian camping from April through late November at most locations. Sites typically range from primitive to full hookup options with special features designed for equestrian campers.
What to do
Trail riding through Stone Mountain State Park: Take advantage of multiple trail loops at Stone Mountain State Park Campground where riders can explore varied terrain. As camper Charlie R. notes: "We camped here and didn't even leave. It has so much to do and see. We camped at RV site 40 and I think it's the best. There's a roaring large creek that flows behind the site and a grassy field full of deer beside it."
Wildlife viewing at Grayson Highlands: Ride through areas with wild ponies at Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground located about 45 miles from Elkin. "Saw a family of black bear about a mile from camp then a bobcat in camp later that day! Great facilities and located very close to Wilbur ridge where the wild ponies are!" reports Kelly C.
Waterfall tours on horseback: Access multiple waterfall viewing areas on designated bridle paths. As Jimmy M. from Sandy Creek Family Campground explains: "Access to a sliding rock and waterfall in Stone Mountain State Park with an approximate 1 mile easy hike. The bath house is kept spotless."
What campers like
Spacious equestrian-friendly sites: Horse campgrounds feature larger sites with space for trailers and tethering areas. Jean C. writes about Fox Creek Horse Camp: "Sites have a gravel/grass pads, picnic table, and fire ring. Portable toilets available. Bring your own water. No hookups provided. Hitching posts at sites. Manure collection available. At $5/night, it's hard to beat the price."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain appropriate sanitation for both humans and horses. Brandon C. says about Sandy Creek: "Very clean kept campground and nice owner." Similarly, David B. notes at Stone Mountain: "The camp sites are mostly level, well maintained and have tent pads, tables and fire rings. I chose a site that had water and electric hook-ups. The bathrooms were heated, clean and the men's bathroom had two showers."
Multi-use trail connections: Horse trails connect to broader hiking networks. Julie L. mentions at Basin Cove: "The site is surrounded by excellent hiking trails and is a great place to set as 'base camp' for day hikes."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Many equestrian campgrounds have specific operating seasons. Fox Creek Horse Camp operates from April through December, while others may close during winter months due to weather conditions.
Trail difficulty varies: Prepare for different terrain challenges. Scott B. warns about Basin Cove: "This place is by far the windiest place I've ever camped in. We couldn't get a proper fire started due to the wind! It was blowing up all over the trails at some points!"
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking. Jean C. explains that Chestnut Hollow "allows for other campers to make reservations no more than 30 days in advance; priority is for campers with horses."
Water and waste management: Not all horse campgrounds offer full facilities. "There is NO clean water source, you have to bring a filter system with you," notes Julie L. about Basin Cove. And Becca C. mentions about Sandy Creek: "The biggest negative I would say was the dump station. It was on the hill so you had to back up to it and it wasn't easy location to do so."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some equestrian campgrounds include play areas for children. Ann H. shares about Sandy Creek: "The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground. The grounds are adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park."
Educational wildlife opportunities: Children can learn about wild horses. Heather L. from Chestnut Hollow writes: "The ponies were awesome and the hike was even better. We stayed on the campgrounds at night and we were able to watch a beautiful sunrise while making breakfast."
Safety considerations: Maintain appropriate distance from wild animals. As Sarah C. cautions: "There are wild ponies here (notice the adjective wild) that are not intimidated by people. Do everyone a favor and keep your distance, please."
Weather preparedness: Mountain conditions can change rapidly. Scott B. advises: "The windchill was a serious issue for some in our group so bring lots of layers and gloves."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many equestrian campsites require significant leveling equipment. Tiffany D. from Tanglewood Park warns: "Negatives are unlevel lots (we had to lower ours by over 4" and still weren't level, but couldn't adjust anymore)."
Water and electrical hookups: Check availability before arrival. Kristy Gary B. notes about Tanglewood: "Full hookups. Wi fi present but not strong enough for any streaming."
Space for trailers: Ensure sufficient space for horse trailers. Jean C. mentions: "The campsites are back-in along a single spur with turn-around at the end."
Stall options: Some equestrian campgrounds offer permanent stalls. Jean C. explains that at Chestnut Hollow: "There are open and closed stall options for an additional fee. These were clean and in good repair."
