Best Equestrian Camping near Rockwell, NC

Canebrake Horse Camp serves campers with horses in the Uwharrie National Forest near Rockwell, North Carolina. The campground offers drinking water, electric hookups with fifty-amp service, and fire rings where campfires are permitted. Campground roads provide sufficient access for horse trailers, with sites that accommodate both tents and RVs. The trails surrounding the campground are popular with off-road enthusiasts and horseback riders. Though the campground does not have dedicated horse corrals, the area is designed with equestrians in mind. The bathhouse facilities include toilets, and trash service is available. Trail users report that the forest's terrain offers varied riding experiences through wooded areas.

Located approximately 30 miles from Rockwell, the Uwharrie National Forest trail system connects riders to numerous bridle paths throughout the 50,000-acre forest. Primitive horse camping is available with reservations recommended during peak seasons. Riders access multiple loop trails directly from the campground, with routes suitable for both novice and experienced equestrians. Water access for horses is available at several points along the trails. The campground remains open year-round, though trail conditions vary seasonally. Nearby Badin Lake offers additional recreation opportunities when not riding. The forest setting provides natural highline options between trees for securing horses. The Eldorado Outpost store, located nearby, offers basic supplies and ice for campers extending their horse camping trips.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Rockwell, North Carolina (12)

    1. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 982-4402

    $17 - $107 / night

    "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."

    2. Arrowhead Campground

    18 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    $20 - $54 / night

    "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. "

    3. Uwharrie National Forest Badin Lake Group Camp

    3 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    20 miles
    Website

    $75 / night

    "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."

    4. Uwharrie Hunt Camp

    6 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    "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."

    5. Canebrake Horse Camp

    3 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    $27 - $54 / night

    "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"

    6. Yates Family Camping

    3 Reviews
    Harrisburg, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 773-9349

    "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."

    8. Tanglewood Park

    12 Reviews
    Clemmons, NC
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 703-6400

    $35 / night

    "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."

    9. Badin Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    22 miles
    +1 (910) 576-6391

    "Canebrake Horse Camp has 28 sites with parking spurs for horse trailers. Four of these sites are double camp sites."

    10. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    17 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 588-2600

    "The adjacent amusement park is closed due to Covid but i bet it is a blast to stay here when it is open. Wooded perimeter so you feel you are away from the city."

    "The hookups were standard location and heights no issues. Our steps come out to a large level dirt pad, not grass. Lots of trees providing shade which is nice."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Rockwell, NC

3 Photos of 12 Rockwell Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Rockwell, NC

102 Reviews of 12 Rockwell Campgrounds


  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Arrowhead Campground

    Offroader's Paradise

    Uwharrie 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.

  • W
    Dec. 31, 2021

    Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    Something for everyone

    Morrow 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.

  • Harlin L.
    Nov. 11, 2020

    Canebrake Horse Camp

    If you need a free place to park and camp

    It 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

  • Kristy Gary B.
    Apr. 9, 2019

    Tanglewood Park

    Beautiful

    What 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

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Uwharrie Hunt Camp

    $5 per night...What? What?

    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. 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.

  • I
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Uwharrie National Forest Badin Lake Group Camp

    This camp ground is comfortable but still maintains its wilderness feel.

    This 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.

  • B
    Sep. 13, 2020

    Badin Horse Camp

    Canebrake Horse Camp

    Canebrake 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.

  • Nomad Nurse Z
    Nov. 4, 2021

    Tanglewood Park

    Nice and new!

    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. I would stay here all the time if I could!

  • J
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Canebrake Horse Camp

    Love it!

    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!


Guide to Rockwell

Equestrian camping near Rockwell, North Carolina centers around the Uwharrie National Forest, an area covering approximately 50,000 acres with elevations ranging from 350 to 1,000 feet. The forest experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter temperatures typically between 30-50°F. Trail conditions vary significantly between seasons, with spring often bringing muddy conditions after rainfall.

What to do

Trail riding opportunities: The Uwharrie trail system offers varied terrain suitable for different riding experience levels. As one visitor at Uwharrie National Forest Badin Lake Group Camp notes, "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."

Swimming access: During summer months, nearby lakes provide cooling options. A camper at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground shares, "They offer canoe and row boat rentals, they have a swimming pool that is open after Memorial Day. They also have a museum you can check out during the day."

Wildlife viewing: The forest supports diverse wildlife populations, making wildlife spotting common. According to a visitor at Morrow Mountain: "We enjoyed our time there and were able to see several deer." Another camper mentions, "The park is gorgeous and full of life. 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."

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept facilities, which visitors frequently appreciate. At Arrowhead Campground, a camper reports: "Great sites but hardly any are level so be prepared to manage that. Nice fire pits and grills - love having both. Great bathhouse with hot showers."

Quiet atmosphere: The relative seclusion provides peaceful camping experiences. A visitor at Uwharrie Hunt Camp shares: "I didn't stay in Hunt Camp proper, but just up the road. It is very quiet and enjoyable. Hung my hammocks from nearby trees and slept very well."

Accessibility to trails: Direct trail access from campsites ranks highly among equestrian campers. One visitor at Uwharrie Hunt Camp states: "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."

What you should know

Site conditions: Many sites have uneven ground, which requires preparation. A camper at Badin Horse Camp reports: "Canebrake 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."

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the forest. An Arrowhead Campground visitor notes: "Cell signal is pretty spotty but passable. Would need a booster or satellite internet in order to work or attend school, though."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rockwell, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rockwell, NC is Morrow Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rockwell, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Rockwell, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.