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Best Equestrian Camping near Chester, SC

160 Reviews

Woods Ferry Campground within Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests offers campgrounds specifically designed for equestrians traveling with horses. Each campsite features individual corrals for horses, making it suitable for overnight camping with equine companions. The campground provides primitive facilities with limited amenities - water hookups are available, but the area lacks shower facilities and has only pit toilets. Campers have noted the secluded location creates a quiet atmosphere ideal for those seeking a basic horse camping experience. The campground caters primarily to horse owners, with multiple sites featuring attached corrals that allow campers to keep their animals close to their camping area.

The equestrian trail system connects directly to the campground, allowing riders immediate access to forest paths without trailering horses to separate locations. Located approximately 30 minutes from Chester, this horse-friendly camping area attracts riders seeking more remote, less developed camping experiences. The trails wind through typical South Carolina forest terrain, offering varied riding opportunities. Horse owners should come prepared with all necessary supplies as no on-site camp store exists. While the campground was originally priced at $5 per night, recent information indicates rates have increased substantially to $30 per night for the primitive facilities. Some uncertainty exists about current operational status, as recent visitors reported the campground appeared closed during summer 2019, so calling ahead to confirm availability is recommended for equestrian campers planning visits.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Chester, South Carolina (9)

    1. Chester State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chester, SC
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 385-2680

    "When I checked in, the lady was nice enough to find a site with grass behind the gravel so I could set up my tent. She didn’t warn me that it was sloped."

    "Stayed 1 night, sites are close to each other. Small cabins available, walk-in campsites and restrooms are clean and updated."

    2. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    46 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, NC
    32 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."

    3. Cane Creek Park

    29 Reviews
    Mineral Springs, NC
    31 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"

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

    2 Reviews
    Union, SC
    14 miles
    +1 (803) 276-4810

    $7 - $14 / night

    5. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    17 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    31 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."

    6. Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp

    1 Review
    Union, SC
    15 miles

    7. Brick House Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

    17 Reviews
    Kinards, SC
    33 miles

    $5 / night

    "Only 23 sites, spaced a good distance apart. Each site has a fire pit and picnicking area. Trails nearby. Horses and other pets allowed."

    "Mostly away from everyone and was right next to a 9 mile loop hiking trail. Had a great stay in our roof top tent and will be back"

    8. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bessemer City, NC
    35 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."

    9. Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    State Park, SC
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 788-2706

    "The site was level with a gravel drive and parking area. Lots of pines all around but the site was clear enough for easy parking. No sewer hookups."

    "The park is in Columbia SC, and is a great choice for families who may want to do things outside the park. The park is super close to the Riverbanks Zoo."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Chester, SC

160 Reviews of 9 Chester Campgrounds

  • J
    Sep. 5, 2019

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    In the middle of Columbia SC

    Built to celebrate the Sesquicentennial of South Carolina in the 30’s . At one time on the furthest outskirts of Columbia SC. It is now firmly in the muddle of the Metro area. Plenty of trailer sites. Tent site and primitive camping. Has recreational areas. Restaurants and shopping nearby

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2021

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

    Secluded Campground in National Forest

    It was difficult for me to find Woods Ferry, but after talking with a park official, I finally got there. It is off the beaten path, so it is quiet. Apparently, there had been a lot of rain recently, and the area showed it. Woods Ferry is a campground mainly for campers who have horses. There are corrals at many of the campsites, so there are also a lot of horseflies. Horseflies and the actual site itself are my two main concerns. Selecting my campsite was my mistake. It was sloped, but there are a few others that were not sloped. There is running water and a pit toilet. Otherwise, you will have to take everything else in that you need. 

    Since South Carolina is hot during this time of year, I was a bit uncomfortable, especially since I was on a slope.

    There is a separate section for group camping. However, I think it caters to groups of horse campers, as there are corrals at the campsites. 

    Overall, it’s not too bad for those who camp in an RV or a travel trailer, but it’s not ideal for tent campers.

  • D
    Nov. 19, 2021

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    Campsite 41 was poorly planned and maintained

    Pros The pond was beautiful, nice walking trail for beginners, would never consider this a hiking park. Location was close to Colombia and all it offers. Bathhouse was acceptable but nothing to brag about. Toilets were three flushers is you cared about the next guy.

    Cons Guessing I may have had the worst site (41) but walking through there were others similar. Site 41 is a pull through lot which declines quickly upon entry and is marred by deep ra9n crevices. You then incline to the area you should probably land as there is an obvious flat spot. Unfortunately in you stop there, your camper door will open on the neighboring fire ring which is the only fire ring on the back side of the neighboring spot in in the fore ground of yours. Asinine. I had to manipulate my camper for an hour to a spot level enough yet not in my neighbor's fire and dealt with a large tree and had to tie back branches to extend my awning. Uggg

    Effing covid. The state of South Carolina, the City of Columbia don't have mask mandates. But this state park requires a mask to pee in the urinal. The boss says the county still mandates it.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2021

    Chester State Park Campground

    State Park with a Beautiful View of the Lake

    I gave this campground four stars, but only for RVs and travel trailers. I would not give it four stars for tent campers. Tent campers would have a hard time finding a suitable site that would not be too rocky. When I checked in, the lady was nice enough to find a site with grass behind the gravel so I could set up my tent. She didn’t warn me that it was sloped. With that said, it is a campground in a beautiful setting. The lake and the sitting area beside the lake are both beautiful. There is a paved walkway down to the lake to a sitting area and a dock. The bath house was air conditioned, almost too much. It is a shock to the system moving from the intense South Carolina heat into the bath house. However, it was a nice break from the heat. Be aware that when you take a shower, you may have to wait a few minutes for the hot water to start. 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. Also, take your own hand soap with you. There are paper towels but no soap. There are several trails, and you can rent boats, peddle boats, canoes, and kayaks. There is also a disc golf course. If I had known beforehand, I would have taken my own discs. That’s my fault for not doing the research. My favorite part of this camping experience was waking up early in the morning and sitting by the lake. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to capture a photo of the ducks taking off and flying in a perfect v-formation, but it was so peaceful there. Overall, this is a great campground to get away from civilization.

  • 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.

  • K
    Apr. 14, 2019

    Brick House Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

    Practically boondocking!

    The only amenity is pit toilets. No water, no electric. Only 23 sites, spaced a good distance apart. Each site has a fire pit and picnicking area. Trails nearby. Horses and other pets allowed.

    Stayed two nights with three other campers and never heard a sound except for nature. Would return again.

  • 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.

  • Nate G.
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Cane Creek Park

    Nice county park!

    Always a great getaway from the bustle of city life. Day use area can be packed in the summer but they have plenty of rules to keep the park beautiful and orderly. The camping side has scattered tent and group sights with some large wooded RV sights and clean cabins. Bath house is very well kept too. Fishing is typically outstanding for bass, cats, crappie, and carp. Equestrian trails are everywhere and are good for hiking, a few trails are a bit rough for bicycles though

  • Angela B.
    May. 5, 2018

    Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    A little disappointed

    I expected a little more from this campground. The reviews I read made me think they had a lot to offer, but not so much. Stayed here April, 2018 for a week with my grandson. We were very disappointed to hear that they had kayaks, but weren't renting them out yet, due to not having a rack built for them yet. I assume so they couldn't lock them up. I thought they rented horses, but I misread the info..they had horse trails if you brought your own horse. The campsites are extrememly close together. The trails were nice. The camp store wasn't stocked the way you'd think it should be. I probably won't visit this campground again.

Guide to Chester

Horse camping in South Carolina offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for horse lovers looking to explore the state's natural beauty.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Horse campers at Woods Ferry Campground can enjoy nearby trails that are well-suited for horseback riding.
  • Brick House Campground is located near the Palmetto Trail, offering extensive riding opportunities.
  • Visitors to Kings Mountain State Park can explore various trails that accommodate both hiking and horseback riding, enhancing the outdoor experience.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like corrals and trails

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Chester, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Chester, SC is Chester State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Chester, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Chester, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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