Best Equestrian Camping in North Carolina

From the shores of Cape Hatteras to the ancient mountains of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, North Carolina is a state that is as beautiful as it is diverse in natural wonders. Whether you fancy a day of surfing in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean or a climb up Mount Mitchell, the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi, there’s an outdoor adventure waiting for you. So grab your bathing suit or your hiking poles (or both!) and find the best camping in North Carolina.

The pristine beauty of North Carolina’s Outer Banks have always drawn vacationers looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. Fortunately for those that like sleeping under the stars, camping in North Carolina at one of the state’s many beaches is a great way to experience the sun and sand without the expense of a vacation rental. With over 300 miles of coastline, there are dozens of state and private campgrounds to choose from.

If pitching your tent in coastal sand dunes isn’t your cup of tea then pack your bag and head to the mountains of Western North Carolina—a region known throughout the southeast for its abundant opportunities to recreate outdoors. Whether you’re rafting down the Nantahala River that winds through the beautiful and remote Nantahala National Forest or hiking on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a 1,175 mile footpath that spans the width of North Carolina, you won’t run out of reasons to be outside.

North Carolina has 40 mountains that rise above 6,000 feet (aforementioned Mount Mitchell is the tallest, clocking in at 6,684 feet) and 100 that stand more than 5,000 feet. Camping in the shadows of these peaks is just one thing that makes camping in North Carolina so special. And with 2.1 million acres of public land in the state, finding a campground is as easy as pulling out a map.

Whether it’s saltwater waves, pristine peaks or rushing rivers that excite you, let The Dyrt help you discover the best camping in North Carolina.

Best Equestrian Sites in North Carolina (67)

    1. Stone Mountain State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Roaring Gap, NC
    Website
    +1 (336) 957-8185

    $23 / night

    "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."

    2. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    46 Reviews
    Blowing Rock, NC
    Website
    +1 (828) 963-5911

    $30 / night

    "Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."

    "This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."

    3. Morrow Mountain State Park Campground

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

    $12 - $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. South Mountains State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Casar, NC
    Website
    +1 (828) 433-4772

    $12 - $28 / night

    "I 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."

    "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. "

    5. Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    31 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "The North Carolina part has a slightly different feel. Less of a circus and less crowded and more laid back. Loving it! Beautiful. Just wish there were showers here....lol."

    "This:

    Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding, mountain road. A 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves."

    6. Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    Website

    "This area is such a short drive from the triangle area of North Carolina, yet this park feels quite remote. Like many state parks, this one excels in the services department. "

    "This is a pretty nice campground, similar to other state parks in North Carolina. The sites are spacious, we stayed at a double site that allowed up to 4 cars."

    7. Cane Creek Park

    27 Reviews
    Mineral Springs, NC
    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"

    8. Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    25 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-5616

    $28 - $56 / night

    "They'll deliver firewood ($5) to your site by golf cart, they even will collect your site fees as they drive around."

    "This is a wonderful spot to be to explore the surrounding areas:

    • The famous Mount Mitchell trail, starts a short walking distance from the campground."

    9. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    Website
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $31 - $62 / night

    "Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect."

    "State stocked river is close by for trout fishing, and the bathrooms are always clean being for what they are."

    10. Medoc Mountain State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Hollister, NC
    Website
    +1 (252) 586-6588

    $23 - $75 / night

    "Good location off of 85. Great trails and equestrian trails!"

    "Not far from the Roanoke River and right around the corner from Halifax, this spot is perfect for getting away from it all."

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Showing results 1-10 of 67 campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews in North Carolina

650 Reviews of 67 North Carolina Campgrounds



Guide to North Carolina

North Carolina offers a fantastic experience for horse camping enthusiasts, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to both riders and their equine companions.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities for horse owners

Activities for horse camping enthusiasts

Tips for equestrian camping in North Carolina

  • Always check for specific horse camping regulations at Cataloochee Campground, as some areas may have restrictions on riding trails.
  • Bring plenty of water and feed for your horses, especially when visiting remote sites like Standing Indian Campground, where amenities may be limited.
  • Make reservations in advance at popular spots like Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA to secure your preferred site and ensure a smooth camping experience.