Best Equestrian Camping near Monroe, NC

Cane Creek Park features extensive equestrian trails that wind throughout the 1,050-acre property, making it a popular destination for horse owners near Monroe. The well-maintained bridle paths accommodate riders of all experience levels with clearly marked routes that connect to the main camping areas. Campsites near the equestrian section provide ample room for horse trailers with pull-through access and level parking. Water access points for horses are strategically placed along the trail system, and the campground maintains several hitching posts near common areas. Equestrians particularly appreciate the park's trail network that follows the lake shoreline, providing scenic riding opportunities while horses can cool off at designated water access points.

Located approximately 15 miles from Monroe, the park connects to a broader network of riding trails in Union County. Horse owners must bring their own portable corrals or high-line equipment as permanent stalls are not available at the campsites. The equestrian trails experience seasonal closures after heavy rainfall to prevent erosion and maintain trail integrity. Trail maps available at the ranger station mark water crossings, difficulty levels, and connecting paths to neighboring trail systems. The equestrian-friendly atmosphere extends to the campground's policies, with specific guidelines for manure disposal and designated areas for grooming. Many riders use Cane Creek as a base camp for exploring the surrounding countryside, which offers additional riding opportunities on connecting public lands.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Monroe, North Carolina (17)

    1. Cane Creek Park

    29 Reviews
    Mineral Springs, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 843-5909

    "Located just outside historic Waxhaw NC, Cane Creek is part of the NC Soil Conservative Sites. They offer day passes,$4.00 per car where you can launch you kayak canoe or fishing boat."

    "Equestrian trails are everywhere and are good for hiking, a few trails are a bit rough for bicycles though"

    2. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    17 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    23 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."

    3. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    36 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."

    4. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    46 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, SC
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 222-3209

    $13 - $31 / night

    "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."

    5. Yates Family Camping

    3 Reviews
    Harrisburg, NC
    23 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."

    6. Arrowhead Campground

    18 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    40 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. "

    7. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bessemer City, NC
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 853-5429

    $17 - $47 / night

    "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."

    8. Cheraw State Park Campground — Cheraw State Park

    15 Reviews
    Cheraw, SC
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 537-9656

    "For us this was a pleasant little stopover after a long drive. Nicely located next to a lake, there is also a nice little walk partially around the lake. It is a small campground with nice spots."

    "Perfect little gem on the outskirts of a dirty little town. Many amenities, beautiful views. A cute little beach area with kayak and canoe rentals. Day area open from 8am to sunset."

    9. Uwharrie Hunt Camp

    6 Reviews
    Uwharrie National Forest, NC
    42 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."

    10. Uwharrie National Forest Badin Lake Group Camp

    3 Reviews
    Badin, NC
    41 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."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Monroe, NC

3 Photos of 17 Monroe Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Monroe, NC

202 Reviews of 17 Monroe Campgrounds


  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    Great Hiking And Day Use

    I 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.

  • 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.

  • B
    Feb. 27, 2021

    H. Cooper Black Jr. Field Trial Area

    Campground for horse and dog lovers

    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. 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. The campground has full hookups and they have made lots of improvements the last few years and most are level and shaded. Two bathhouses close by that are always clean. If you are a horse or dog lover this is a great place to camp!

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    Nice quiet state park

    This is a very nice state park. The sites are well spaced and wooded. (If you think they are too close together you haven’t been to many private campgrounds). Our site was level and spacious, although some were not as level. Our first site had an awkward incline. The guy at the trading post said they were working on them. We were there mid-week and the campground was very quiet. The only noise was from crows and other birds, and acorns falling in the woods. There is electric (some 50 amp) and water but no sewer. There are 2 dump stations. Several bathrooms/showers are available. 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! The stare park is adjacent to Kings Mountain National Battlefield Park, with Revolutionary War history and more hiking.

  • James C.
    Jul. 4, 2018

    Cane Creek Park

    A Great Place for the Whole Family.

    Located just outside historic Waxhaw NC, Cane Creek is part of the NC Soil Conservative Sites. They offer day passes,$4.00 per car where you can launch you kayak canoe or fishing boat. If you like Bass Fishing, they rank as one of the best spots around. They have swimming areas for both day users and one for campers. This really is a gem within Union Co NC. The campground is on the other side of the lake. They have camping for RV’s, Cabin Rentals and tent sites for either large groups or individuals. The hiking trail is beautiful and takes you around the whole lake. Watch for horses, as this is a great place for riders too.


Guide to Monroe

Cane Creek Park offers equestrian camping options surrounded by extensive forest terrain within Union County. Located at approximately 700 feet elevation, the park experiences mild winters and warm summers typical of the North Carolina Piedmont region. The campground features predominantly oak-pine woodland with periodic understory growth that provides natural separation between campsites.

What to do

Lake activities year-round: The 350-acre lake at Cane Creek Park supports multiple water activities beyond horseback riding. "We have been here 3 times all for a week at a time and love it. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there," notes Sarah B.

Mini golf access: Many campers appreciate the recreational options beyond equestrian trails. "Nice campground. Got very busy on Friday through the weekend. Nice lake and hiking trails. Free putt-putt. Clean bathrooms and hot showers," explains David E.

Kayaking opportunities: The lake provides calm waters suitable for paddling. "I load up my kayak once a month or so and paddle around the lake for hours. Trails, shelter areas, and bathrooms are always well taken care of," shares Emily B.

Hiking with dogs: Multi-use trails accommodate pets throughout the wooded sections. "I take my two labs there almost every weekend for a good hike through the woods and they LOVE IT! A few of the trails are right on the lake and the dogs love to hop in and cool off," according to Emily B.

What campers like

Family-friendly activities: Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort provides transportation to nearby attractions. "We had a blast; even with younger kids. RV sites and cabins, friendly staff, free shuttle to the amusement park, great community center, and more," says Joe G.

Peaceful surroundings: Many campgrounds offer natural quiet despite proximity to urban areas. "It is very quiet and enjoyable. Hung my hammocks from nearby trees and slept very well," notes Wesley R. about camping near Uwharrie Hunt Camp.

Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses. "The bathhouse is in good shape and clean. I will come back when I'm in this area," reports Robert D. about his nine-day stay at Cane Creek Park.

Accessible water recreation: Seasonal swimming areas complement fishing opportunities. "A cute little beach area with kayak and canoe rentals. Day area open from 8am to sunset," explains John P. about Cheraw State Park Campground.

What you should know

Seasonal closures: Water recreation areas have limited availability in some locations. "Beach swimming area closed due to Covid but looks nice. Park on other side of lake has picnic shelters, more trails, frisbee golf and kayak rentals that will open after Covid," advises Jeanette M.

Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "This campground is owned by Union County, NC with a good rate for residents. As such, it can be difficult to get in at times and usually requires a reservation well in advance," mentions Rick B.

No alcohol policy: Kings Mountain State Park enforces specific beverage restrictions. "Campground has trails and fishing in walking distance. It is always packed. No alcohol permitted," notes Julie P.

Holiday programming: Structured activities occur during specific time periods. "Holidays usually have some activities for kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Monroe, NC is Cane Creek Park with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Monroe, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.