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Canebrake Horse Camp offers electric hookups, sanitary dump stations, and toilets for campers with horses in the Uwharrie National Forest. Located on McLeans Creek Road in Troy, NC, the campground provides direct access to equestrian trails throughout the forest system. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs with spacious sites suitable for horse trailers. Drinking water is available throughout the facility, and fire rings are provided at each site. Horse camping near Woodleaf, NC is well-served by this facility, and campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on equestrian campgrounds in the area. Firewood can be purchased on-site for evening campfires after trail rides.
The Uwharrie National Forest trail system connects riders to over 20 miles of marked bridle paths suitable for various skill levels. Trails wind through diverse forest terrain with stream crossings and elevation changes providing engaging rides. Trailer parking is generous with pull-through sites available for larger rigs. The campground remains open year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable riding conditions with moderate temperatures and less insect activity. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends when equestrian enthusiasts frequently fill the campground. While Canebrake doesn't have dedicated horse corrals, the spacious camping areas allow for portable corral setups and highlines for securing horses overnight near campsites. Nearby Badin Lake offers additional recreational opportunities for campers seeking variety beyond horseback riding.
"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"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"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"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"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."
"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."
"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."
from $75 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $27 - $54 / night
Check Availability"The grounds are adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park. Very fun long weekend at a family friendly campground. Would definitely camp here again!"
"Stayed there for a weekend, great location close to Stone Mtn park. Hiked from there into the state park. Very clean kept campground and nice owner"
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.
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
LegendWe 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.
ScoutThis 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.
TravelerCanebrake 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.
Woodleaf sits near the Uwharrie National Forest, a region characterized by rolling hills and mature forest cover averaging 500-900 feet in elevation. The area's humid subtropical climate produces hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F while winter nights often drop below freezing. Camping opportunities range across multiple counties with sites offering varying levels of amenities depending on their management authority.
Horseback riding trails: Uwharrie National Forest provides over 20 miles of designated horse trails with varying terrain. Canebrake Horse Camp attracts equestrian enthusiasts with its specialized amenities. One visitor noted, "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!"
Mountain biking access: The forest offers multiple skill-level options for cyclists seeking natural terrain challenges. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground serves as a convenient base for bikers. A camper shared, "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!"
Offroad vehicle adventures: Designated OHV trails attract visitors with 4x4s, side-by-sides, and ATVs. One visitor to Arrowhead Campground explained, "Great camp sites, easy to get to, lots of trails, shooting range and off road trails."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds prioritize bathroom maintenance despite high visitor traffic. Tanglewood Park receives consistent praise for cleanliness. As one camper stated, "Very clean and neat park. Camp host was very helpful. Plenty to do for adults and children."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Deer sightings are common throughout the region's camping areas. A visitor to Tanglewood Park observed, "Deer roam throughout the park and campground. Clean bath/shower. Easy check in with multiple host on site. All sites paved."
Private camping spots: Some sites offer more seclusion than others for those seeking quieter experiences. A camper at Stone Mountain State Park Campground shared, "You just can't beat it. 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."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain requiring adjustments. A Tanglewood Park camper noted, "Negatives are unlevel lots (we had to lower ours by over 4" and still weren't level, but couldn't adjust anymore), sites aren't exactly private - but there was a bit of space between sites."
Reservation timing importance: Popular seasons fill campgrounds quickly, especially on weekends. One visitor to Sandy Creek Family Campground remarked, "Our group had both an RV and a large tent. The room allowed for both was very generous. The grounds and bath house were clean and well maintained."
Seasonal facility limitations: Winter camping comes with reduced amenities at some locations. A camper at Arrowhead Campground observed, "Dump station was open, but did not have water to flush tanks or fill water tanks as water was shut off for the winter. There were water spigots throughout the campground that we could use."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Sandy Creek Family Campground shared, "The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and on the playground. The grounds are adjacent to the Stone Mountain State Park."
Swimming options: During summer months, kids can cool off at designated swimming areas. A Morrow Mountain State Park visitor noted, "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."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer historical exhibits and nature programs. A camper at Uwharrie Hunt Camp mentioned, "This is a beautiful campground with good facilities. There is a good trail around the lake that offers some beautiful views across the lake. Pretty good fishing too."
Electric hookup availability: Most horse campgrounds near Woodleaf, North Carolina offer power connections with varying amperage. A Tanglewood Park visitor explained, "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."
Dump station logistics: Some locations have challenging setups for waste disposal. One camper at Sandy Creek Family Campground advised, "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."
Campsite positioning: Selecting the right site can significantly impact your experience. A Stone Mountain State Park visitor recommended, "Also we checked out the backpack hike camp spots (5) they're a good hike (1.5 mile uphill) but so beautiful, on the creek, 2 are near a small waterfall. They're spaced out about a quarter mile apart."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Woodleaf, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Woodleaf, NC is Tanglewood Park with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Woodleaf, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Woodleaf, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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