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Equestrian Camping near Waxhaw, NC

4 campgrounds with availability next weekend

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    Cane Creek Park in Waxhaw accommodates equestrians with multiple riding trails surrounding the 350-acre lake. The trail system includes several marked paths suitable for riders of all experience levels, with wider sections allowing horses to pass safely. Riders frequently comment on the well-maintained pathways that connect the campground to the day-use areas. No designated horse corrals are available on-site, so visitors must bring portable containment systems or use high-line setups at their campsites. The park allows horses throughout most areas except the beach and playground zones. Trail riders can access water points along various sections of the trail system where horses can drink safely.

    The park requires advance reservations for camping with horses, particularly during peak seasons when the trails see increased traffic. Trailer parking is available in designated areas near the campsites with enough room for standard horse trailers. Many equestrians choose the more secluded campsites located along the outer loop for easier horse management and reduced interaction with other campers. The park enforces standard clean-up policies, requiring riders to remove manure from camping areas and common spaces. The trails connect to nearby properties, creating extended riding opportunities beyond park boundaries. Several primitive camping areas offer more authentic experiences for those seeking traditional horse camping with fewer amenities but greater privacy and direct trail access.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Waxhaw (10)

      1. Cane Creek Park

      4.4(30)7mi from WaxhawRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "It is located south and east of the town of waxhaw, and an easy drive from Charlotte."

      2. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

      4.2(17)16mi from WaxhawRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

      3.9(46)37mi from Waxhaw135 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      Available next weekend

      43 Sites Available

      4. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

      4.4(38)47mi from Waxhaw121 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      Available next weekend

      from $17 - $107 / night

      20 Sites Available

      5. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

      4.5(15)37mi from Waxhaw20 sitesTents, Glamping

      "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."

      Available next weekend

      from $17 - $47 / night

      11 Sites Available

      6. Yates Family Camping

      2.7(3)28mi from WaxhawRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      7. Sugarloaf Mountain

      5.0(4)42mi from WaxhawRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Far away from city lights so great for stargazing."

      "There was some trash from previous campers littered around the site when we arrived. Please don’t be a litterbug!"

      from $10 - $15 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Woods Ferry Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

      2.5(2)44mi from Waxhaw17 sitesRVs, Tents

      from $7 - $14 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail

      3.0(3)50mi from WaxhawRVs, Tents, Cabins

      10. Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp

      1.0(1)42mi from WaxhawTents

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Waxhaw, NC

    159 Reviews of 10 Waxhaw Campgrounds

    • RThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Cane Creek Park

      Feels like a home.

      When I’m traveling through the area, I do my best to stay here. It is a peaceful and well kept campground. It is an adult and a kid friendly environment. It’s one of the few places you can feel safe. I highly recommend this place.

    • Justyne D.
      Sep. 26, 2026

      Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail

      Large group sites surrounded by OHV activities

      This is/was marked as dispersed camping but this is primarily an OHV area, with a shooting range nearby that can be heard from some campsites. Most, if not all, of the campsites are intended to be large group sites. The empty site we found was filled with trash, discarded tents, air mattresses, and trashed electronics from OHVs. There's so much trash we would not even be able to take it all out with us if we wanted to. This may be a national forest, but it is not peace and quiet as one would expect from "dispersed and primitive" camping.

    • Luis L.
      Jul. 15, 2026

      Dispersed Camping off Falls Dam Trail

      Decent location

      The spots are alright but first night got ate up by ants so hadda move and the other spots are good but have no shade and no signal and not mutch to take pictures of so if you wanna have some survival type camping this is a great location.

    • E
      May. 25, 2026

      Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

      Great scenery and bathhouse

      I don’t have any complaints about this campground! Sites are nice and feel like you aren’t close to anyone else. Very pretty area, quiet. Newest bathhouse I have ever seen at a state park! Awesome showers.

    • RThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 16, 2025

      Cane Creek Park

      Good Campground

      This campground is one of my regular stops. It is well kept.

    • Sarah B.
      Jul. 5, 2025

      Cane Creek Park

      Always a great time when we go

      We have been here 3 times all for a week at a time and love it. Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there.

    • Chris K.
      Jun. 21, 2025

      Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

      Superb Accommodations

      Always very clean, with meticulously maintained and picturesque grounds, the Camp Wilderness at Carowinds is well-appointed with amenities and attended to by helpful and friendly Carowinds staff. Providing shuttle service to the front gate for park entry, this is an excellent choice for overnight stays and Carowinds outings.

    • k
      Jun. 1, 2025

      Cane Creek Park

      Lekotawind

      This is a beautiful campground. It is well maintained and the staff are excellent to work with. Very clean.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      May. 8, 2025

      Cane Creek Park

      Cane Creek Campground 2025

      Nice campground. Got very busy on Friday through the weekend. Nice lake and hiking trails. Free putt-putt. Clean bathrooms and hot showers.

    Guide to Waxhaw

    Cane Creek Park features diverse camping options surrounding its 350-acre lake. The park offers primitive camping sites along the outer loop with fewer amenities but greater privacy and direct trail access. Water points are available along various sections of the trail system. The park enforces standard clean-up policies for all campers, including removal of waste from camping areas and common spaces. During summer months, weekend traffic increases significantly as families take advantage of the multiple recreation options at the park.

    What to do

    Trail riding and horse activities: While visiting equestrian campgrounds near Waxhaw, North Carolina, consider Kings Mountain State Park, where you can access numerous trails suitable for different experience levels. "Camp grounds were not in great condition. Fire rings corroded. Sure we're to close to each other (RVs). Camp store attendant was rude. Hiking trails were really good. Well marked. Beautiful area," notes Bill S.

    Swimming and water recreation: Cane Creek Park has a designated swimming area open seasonally. "The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there," explains Sarah B. The park also offers fishing opportunities throughout the year.

    Disc golf and outdoor games: Chester State Park Campground features a championship disc golf course alongside its camping amenities. "Small cabins available, walk-in campsites and restrooms are clean and updated. Very nice trail along the lake perimeter and Championship Disc golf course," according to Keith K. Free putt-putt is available at Cane Creek Park as an additional recreational option.

    What campers like

    Clean facilities: Morrow Mountain State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and camping areas. "I campground as well kept and clean. The bathhouse is brand new. The camp host was very helpful and checked on everybody, every day," reports Robert D. This attention to cleanliness makes it a popular option for those seeking equestrian campgrounds near the Waxhaw region.

    Lake views and access: Several campgrounds in the area feature lake frontage with easy access to water activities. At Chester State Park, "Beautiful state park campsite on the water. Clean. Newly renovated community areas. Great rentals and goods to purchase from the Ranger Station," according to Christopher B.

    Wildlife viewing: Crowders Mountain State Park Campground offers opportunities to observe local wildlife during camping trips. "I spent a night at the primitive campsite and hiked a few trails. 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," shares James H.

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort, "Sites were clean, level, and reasonably spaced. The campground is very conveniently located in South Charlotte and it was great to back to this area and catch up with friends and family," notes Kevin A.

    Site conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain that affects tent setup and RV leveling. At Kings Mountain State Park, "Many camping sites are very much in need of leveling. Sites slope from left to right, front to back, and some slope in both ways," according to Richard E.

    Alcohol policies: Some parks have strict regulations regarding alcohol. "Campground has trails and fishing in walking distance. It is always packed. No alcohol permitted," mentions Julie P. about Cane Creek Park. Check individual park rules before packing coolers.

    Tips for camping with families

    Holiday activities: Plan visits during holiday periods for special programming. "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast," shares Sarah B. about Cane Creek Park. These scheduled events provide additional entertainment beyond standard camping.

    Selecting appropriate trails: Kings Mountain State Park offers family-friendly hiking options. "Great campground with clean facilities and lots of amenities. Convenient country store at the park office. Hook ups for both RVs and tent campers. Sites are very close together," notes Sarah W. Consider trail difficulty ratings when planning hikes with children.

    Pack for weather changes: Summer temperatures in the Waxhaw region can fluctuate significantly. "When I first turned it on, I wondered if there was any hot water. Eventually it came, and it was HOT, so I had to adjust it quickly," mentions Myron C. about shower facilities at Chester State Park Campground. Bring layered clothing and rain gear regardless of forecasts.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection concerns: At Woods Ferry Campground and other horse-friendly campgrounds near Waxhaw, North Carolina, choosing the right site matters. "Selecting my campsite was my mistake. It was sloped, but there are a few others that were not sloped," explains Myron C. Request specific site information when making reservations.

    Hookup availability: Verify what utilities are available before arrival. At Yates Family Camping, "Well not much here, no office or bathrooms. Water and electric and a dump station. Friendly owners and very close to Charlotte motor speedway," according to Stephen R. Some campgrounds advertise full hookups but have limitations on amp service or water pressure.

    Road conditions: Access roads can present challenges for larger rigs. "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," shares Karen S. about Kings Mountain State Park. Consider your vehicle size when selecting destinations.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waxhaw, NC is Cane Creek Park with a 4.4-star rating from 30 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Waxhaw, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.