19 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
South Mountains State Park offers equestrian camping facilities with clean bathrooms and air conditioning. The campground includes a creek where horses can cool off and play. Sites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking space. The equestrian campground is separate from the family campground, providing dedicated space for those traveling with horses. Campers report the bathhouse facilities are well-maintained and comfortable for extended stays. The park maintains multiple campgrounds, including specific areas for people with and without horses, allowing visitors to choose accommodations that best suit their needs.
Located in the Uwharrie National Forest, Canebrake Horse Camp features 28 horse campsites with parking spurs designed for horse trailers, including four double campsites. Each site comes equipped with essential horse amenities including tie posts, tack tables, and electrical hookups. The camp provides picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and lantern posts for camper comfort. Sites allow up to two vehicles per reservation. Campers note the camp host ensures both riders and horses remain comfortable and safe throughout their stay. The nearby trails connect to multiple riding routes throughout the forest, with some sites offering direct access to trailheads, making these horse campsites a strong choice for riders who want to spend more time on the trail and less time hauling in.
"But, ya know North Carolina summers."
"The site also had a huge area for the picnic table and the fire ring is far away from your camper. There was a huge grassy area behind our site with a creek, lots of space for our dog."
from $17 - $72 / night
Check Availability"There is a nice playground, hiking trails, a lake, canoe rental, and a trading post with some food, ice, camping supplies, firewood and souvenirs. There is also a separate Equestrian campground!"
"When not in the side, a short walk takes you to the Trading Post, a small store selling firewood ($7), ice, souvenirs, and sundries. Next to that is a large playground connected to a pavilion."
from $13 - $31 / night
Check Availability"The family campground is a short distance further inside the park on the left side(approx 2 miles) marked by a small brown sign...and is situated at 1400 ft elevation. "
"Beautiful but crowded trails. There are equestrian trails and camping facilities. Dogs welcome. Ice cold creeps and lovely waterfalls."
from $27 - $32 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $17 - $107 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"The part of the park that is best to go to is the Sparrow Springs access, some folks may not be aware that there are actually several entrances to the park, and the main entrance with trails to the Crowder"
"The trails are strenuous but views are amazing! Its definitely worth it and right outside town, not far out."
from $17 - $47 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $20 - $54 / night
Check Availability
TravelerWe came here as our second ever camping trip and it wasn’t exactly what we were expecting but it was definitely an adventure. It was beautiful and quiet and relaxing. The only thing we were not happy about is the insane amount of bugs in the bathroom. But, ya know North Carolina summers.
GuideThere are multiple campgrounds here. I stayed in the drive up campground for people without horses. There is also equestrian camping and campsites one can hike to. My experience was the campsites were a little close to each other and, since it's a small loop, they fill up fast. I prefer more space and privacy when camping. My tent pad was a little uneven as well. There is a lot of good hiking in the park and horse back riding for those with horses. I'd like to try the back country camping at some point.
TravelerI took my horses and grandson to camp in the equestrian campsite. The bathrooms are very clean with AC. There a beautiful creek you can ride your horses in or just play if you want.
LegendI saw state park and was excited about the potential of another great site in North Carolina. I was not disappointed in that it offered amazing hiking. But signs clearly depicted it to be a day use only facility which was a little bit of a bummer.
I spent the afternoon hiking on a trail which was marked moderate but I’d honestly say was more strenuous. Lots of people come to do the Tower hike here!!
When I pulled out I saw even more signs just further reminding me of the day use …. for camping it’s a 1 (which is what matters on this site) however for the activities it is a 4. I found it to be a good compromise to give it a 3 overall because I did like the site, just wish it had organized camping because limited information was available about permits for potential back country camping like I had seen on here.
TravelerI went back and forth on whether I should give this rating two stars or three. In the end, I chose three stars because the mountain itself is so amazing. Geologically this was great place to visit and the trails were well marked and maintained. Beautiful hike.
The campground was beautiful but the facilities were run down and dirty. It had, by far, the nastiest park/campground facilities I’ve seen in Kentucky, North Carolina or Virginia this year. I know this park is mobbed on the weekends, but I checked in on a Tuesday and stayed for two nights. The facilities, including the campground bathhouse and the park’s “comfort stations” were dirty, smelly and had bugs in them. The trash in the bathhouse was not emptied in the two days I was there. There was not a single exterior light to the bathhouse, not even something as reasonable as a motion sensor light that would be more energy efficient than a constant lighting option.
Compared to New River State Park, despite the giant Stone Mountain, this was the bottom of the barrel.
LegendUwharrie 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.
ScoutMorrow 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.
ScoutWhat 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
TravelerIt 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
Equestrian camping near Troutman, North Carolina offers access to varied terrain across elevations ranging from 700 to 3,000 feet in the Piedmont region. The Uwharrie National Forest and nearby state parks provide over 100 miles of maintained horse trails through hardwood forests. Weather remains mild enough for year-round camping with average daytime temperatures of 50°F in winter months.
Trail riding at Stone Mountain State Park: The park offers extensive equestrian trails with varying difficulty levels. "Beautiful campground, amazing hikes & waterfalls and the best stargazing you could ask for. The bathrooms were clean, fellow campers were respectful and nice," notes Emily D. about Stone Mountain State Park.
Explore historic sites: Kings Mountain State Park connects to significant Revolutionary War battlegrounds. "Tons to do, including hikes and history. Make sure to go across the street to the Kings Mountain Military site. Better yet, plan your stay when they are doing an event," recommends Don H. from Kings Mountain State Park.
Waterfall hiking: Multiple parks feature accessible waterfalls within short hiking distance from camp. "I searched 'best waterfalls in NC' and this park did not disappoint. We stayed for 3 nights... Great trails. Great views," shares Sarah W. about her experience at South Mountains.
Mountain biking: Designated single-track trails accommodate riders of all skill levels. "Wide spaces with lots of room under big shade trees. This campground is a muni but is very well maintained. It is convenient to the highway, clean bathrooms and next door to a 4 mile paved exercise path with mountain bike trails in the middle," writes Dave B. about Tanglewood Park.
Quiet camping environments: Many sites offer separation from main roads and day-use areas. "The park maintains multiple campgrounds, including specific areas for people with and without horses, allowing visitors to choose accommodations that best suit their needs," states a camper at Morrow Mountain State Park.
Clean, modern facilities: Most equestrian campgrounds feature updated bathhouses. "Great sites, impeccably clean bathrooms. Park rangers are very present - they will deliver firewood bundles for a fee, and drive through the campsites frequently," reports Jenni P. about South Mountains State Park Family Campground.
Creek access for horses and campers: Several sites feature natural water features. "We camped at the family camping area, it was great, we had site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it! Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen!!" shares Jessica L.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple parks support diverse animal populations. "Deer roam throughout the park and campground. Clean bath/shower. Easy check in with multiple host on site. All sites paved," notes Brandon about Tanglewood Park.
Limited cellular connectivity: Many equestrian camps have poor or no cell service. "South Mountains is a great campground. Bath facilities are new and kept clean. Very quiet with NO cell service which is a big draw for us. Far from a town, so don't forget anything," advises Stephen M.
Gate closure times: Several parks lock entrance gates after hours. "No cell phone service, and gates to the park are locked up at 9pm so there's no getting in or out late at night," warns Jenni P.
Seasonal variations in camping experience: Weather conditions affect trail access year-round. "Great campground! It is about a 15 minute drive to 3 great wineries and walkable to the trail head for the Stone Mountain loop. Great amenities, and everything was very clean," writes Kristin F.
Reservations required: Popular equestrian campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Reserve well in advance if you desire a site...these campgrounds fill quickly," cautions Dave V. about Arrowhead Campground in Uwharrie National Forest.
Look for sites with creek access: Water features provide natural entertainment. "The tent pad was large enough to setup our 8 man tent and 2 man tent, and leave us plenty of room for our kitchen setup and room around the fire pit," mentions Erica F. about South Mountains State Park.
Choose parks with diverse activities: Multiple recreation options keep all ages engaged. "Great place to camp! Quite, clean campground," shares Debi G. about Morrow Mountain State Park, which offers swimming, hiking, fishing and educational programs.
Consider parks with playgrounds: Some sites feature dedicated kid-friendly areas. "We loved our stay! Glad to finally find a nice campground just over an hour away from Charlotte. Easy trek for a short weekend trip. We exhausted ourselves hiking and canoeing and much more stuff to do!" reports Sara C.
Plan for limited supply access: Many horse camps require advance preparation. "Far from a town, so don't forget anything. Rangers are helpful and will bring firewood (charge for the wood)," notes Stephen M.
Level your rig carefully: Many equestrian sites require significant leveling. "Positives are it's a newer campground, nice and shaded, full hookups (w,e,s), lots were wide, Easy to get in and out of, plenty to do within the park (hiking, fishing, kayak/canoe, etc), has a nice dog park, hosts were very welcoming and kind, VERY clean. Negatives are unlevel lots (we had to lower ours by over 4" and still weren't level, but couldn't adjust anymore)," advises Tiffany D. about Tanglewood Park.
Consider campground road access: Some horse-friendly camps have challenging approach roads. "The road into the campground is narrow, hilly and windy. We were able to do it in our 32 foot class A, but luckily no one was coming the other direction," warns Karen S.
Use larger equestrian sites for bigger rigs: Horse camping areas typically accommodate larger vehicles. "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," notes Dave V.
Verify hookup locations: Utilities at horse camps may be positioned differently. "The electric and water are in odd spots on each site. Luckily we were on one of the rare fairly level sites," shares another camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Troutman, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Troutman, NC is Stone Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Troutman, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Troutman, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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