Equestrian Camping near Cleveland, SC

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    Bent River Equestrian stands out among horse-friendly camping options near Cleveland, South Carolina, with field camping that provides ample space for horses and riders. The campground features tent and RV accommodations with four dedicated campsites where horses and barn cats roam the property. Campers have access to an outdoor cold shower and clean portable toilets. While some sites include an RV hookup platform with a table, most camping is field-style with plenty of room for horses to move around. The property maintains a respectful environment for both horses and dogs, with off-leash opportunities available in designated areas. Campers consistently note the excellent hospitality from hosts who are knowledgeable about local trails and accommodations for equestrians. Camping photos and user guides for Cleveland, South Carolina are available on The Dyrt.

    The Pisgah National Forest's Wash Creek Horse Camp connects riders to extensive trail systems through the surrounding mountains, offering primitive camping with easy access to bridle paths. Water access for horses is available at many sites, allowing for convenient care during multi-day camping trips. While pets are not permitted at Wash Creek specifically, other nearby options like Bent River welcome both horses and dogs with appropriate management. Trailer parking accommodates various sizes with level sites designed for equestrian needs. Many trails connect directly from campgrounds to forest service roads and established riding routes throughout the region. Field camping setups provide horses with natural grazing opportunities while maintaining appropriate separation between animal areas and human camping spaces. Beautiful sunset views and stargazing opportunities complement the practical equestrian facilities at these specialized horse camping destinations.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Cleveland (19)

      1. North Mills River

      4.3(28)24mi from Cleveland29 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      "This is a great campground next to the beautiful North Mills River. Hosts were very accommodating and delivered ice and firewood for a cheap price upon request."

      from $31 - $62 / night

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      2. Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping — Caesars Head State Park

      4.5(2)5mi from ClevelandTents

      "My friend and I hiked the Raven Cliff Falls loop trail a while back and have added it to our list of top 10 favorite trails."

      "Wonderful trails with breath taking views and technical climbs plus discrete camping."

      from $4 - $20 / night

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      3. Lazy J Campground

      4.3(12)18mi from ClevelandRVs, Tents

      "Chickens and horses on site. Playground and lots of fun. Sites are wooded and quaint. Roads are a little narrow, but passable. One of our favorite sites."

      "We fished right next to our camp site and then relaxed with a camp fire listening to the sound of the River."

      from $20 / night

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      4. Bent River Equestrian

      5.0(3)15mi from Cleveland2 sitesRVs, Tents

      "I got there just in time to see a beautiful sunset and say hello to the horses. The host is fantastic. I would definitely stay again."

      "Cute horses and barn cats to pet and watch"

      from $30 - $900 / night

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      5. Oconee State Park Campground

      4.3(44)36mi from ClevelandRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This state park is located in a beautiful part of South Carolina. There are a range of fun hiking trails. The cabins are rustic, but with all the amenities you need for a trip to the mountains."

      "We spent 2 nights in one of the cabins in this beautiful state park during a road trip through South Carolina. And let me say, 2 nights was not enough! The cabin itself was very well kept."

      6. Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

      4.7(3)23mi from ClevelandRVs, Tents

      "just a quick 15 minute walk across the river and up the trail (follow Daniel ridge trail loop from parking lot)."

      "With that said:

      • remote- you have to want to get up here but it's really easy to do once you drive it a few times.

      *clearly marked spots. I am actually located at ucc-2. ** The Dead End spot."

      7. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

      4.6(7)29mi from Cleveland

      "The first campsite we stayed at was on the Green Valley Trail, the second one was on the Panthertown Valley Trail right near the Schoolhouse Falls Trail, and the third was on Mac's Gap right past the Granny"

      "The sites near the middle of Macs Gap trail are huge and there is easy access to a couple streams. Bring a good map and stick to the trails that your map covers."

      8. Kennedy Korner

      Be the first to review12mi from ClevelandTents, Cabins

      9. Pisgah National Forest Wash Creek Horse Camp

      5.0(3)26mi from Cleveland1 siteRVs

      "bit of a drive through the forest to get here, but great spots if you're looking to get away from civilization."

      from $40 / night

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      10. Panther Ridge RV Park and Campground

      4.0(2)24mi from Cleveland1 siteRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      from $55 - $650 / night

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cleveland, SC

    160 Reviews of 19 Cleveland Campgrounds


    • Phyllis B.
      May. 19, 2019

      Willis Knob Horse Camp

      Willis Knob Horse Camp

      There are nine campsites.  Sturdy highline posts are provided but you need to bring your own ropes and other highland gear. Vault toilets are provided but no shower facilities. Campsites each offer electric and water hookups, nice tent pads, lantern hooks, and big picnic tables. This is a very nice horse camp facility. Well maintained and clean. Trails are wonderful and well-constructed to avoid deep mud. My only complaint is the lack of really good, accurate trail maps to print out and carry with you of the horse trails on both the Georgia and South Carolina sides of the river. This is my new favorite mountain horse camp.

    • J
      Jul. 19, 2016

      Oconee State Park Campground

      Rustic cabins in a WPA Era State Park

      This state park is located in a beautiful part of South Carolina. There are a range of fun hiking trails. The cabins are rustic, but with all the amenities you need for a trip to the mountains.

    • Jessica S.
      Jul. 10, 2018

      Oconee State Park Campground

      Cute cabins in beautiful state park

      We spent 2 nights in one of the cabins in this beautiful state park during a road trip through South Carolina. And let me say, 2 nights was not enough! The cabin itself was very well kept. There was air conditioning, 2 bedrooms, 1 full kitchen, 1 full bathroom, and a fire place. We stopped at a Walmart in one of the towns before the park to stock up on food.

      There are multiple cabins scattered around the lake but they are a good distance apart from each other so you won't be disturbed by your neighbors. There was a fire ring and picnic in front of the cabin where we made smores after dinner and a cute screened porch with rocking chairs where we had coffee and breakfast on every morning. The cabin was right next to the small lake, which had a short trail going around it. We saw people fishing and I believe you can rent canoes as well in the park.

      You definitely need more than 2 days to explore this cute little park. There are multiple hiking trails near by and definitely a lot of wild life. But it was definitely a peaceful and quiet park perfect for a relaxing weekend away.

    • Cameron G.
      Nov. 15, 2022

      Oconee State Park Campground

      Halloween

      We love this park! We've been for Halloween twice now and out little guys loves it! The staff is so kind, and the garbage pick up twice a day is great! I will say, compared to other state parks, these campsites are TIGHT! Be prepared. We've come across this with other state parks in South Carolina. The facilities are clean, and the nature is beautiful! Can't go wrong with this campground!

    • Kristen B.
      Jun. 13, 2018

      North Mills River

      Great small spot

      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. No power, can use a generator but only for a few hours during non quiet time. Quiet hours strictly enforced. Horse trails nearby. Roads lead to blue ridge Parkway. There is a shower and working toilet, but also outhouse for off season use. Hosts make you feel like family.

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 10, 2022

      Paradise Ridge Permaculture

      Small, quaint permaculture farm in the mountains

      Had a nice experience here. Amber, the host, was very kind and accommodating. She showed us around the grounds which has horses, pigs, chickens, a natural spring, and fruits/vegetables/mushrooms growing around the property. The grounds are conveniently located near the city of Asheville and hiking trails. There was a shared gazebo, cozy fire pit, and cold showers. The only downside was that there wasn’t a secluded spot available for car camping, even though Amber did figure something out for us to be able to stay. Would recommend to get away from your typical campground.

    • Maddi P.
      Sep. 30, 2018

      Whetstone Horse Camp

      Riding on the chattooga river

      I unfortunately haven’t been able to return to this location for quite some time now but I remember it fondly. Spent many nights and days here during middle school with my local horse club. Trails were clean although a little to narrow in some spots, especially when needing to pass another horse and rider but there is plenty of wide open areas that allow for the perfect opportunity to stop and rest. If you ever have time I also recommend stopping by stump house tunnel which is near by its 2 adventures for the price of 1! Writing this review makes me want to go back!

    • Marta S.
      Jul. 23, 2021

      Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

      LOVE LOVE LOVE

      We stayed at three different campsites throughout our trip (went backpacking 4 days, 3 nights - could have just set up camp and day hiked, buttttt didn't necessarily think that through). 

      The first campsite we stayed at was on the Green Valley Trail, the second one was on the Panthertown Valley Trail right near the Schoolhouse Falls Trail, and the third was on Mac's Gap right past the Granny Burrell Falls Trail. 

      All the campsites were beautiful, but the Green Valley Trail campsite was our favorite. It was the most secluded and in an utterly beautiful location. There was foliage covering it from the trail and there was a creek steps away which made it easy to get water and make for. The Panthertown Valley Trail campsite was our least favorite, but that is because it was right off the main trail and not secluded whatsoever and kind of disappointing compared to the Green Valley campsite. It was also dirty with water bottles and socks and lots of mud from horses stepping all over the place. We were also woken up at 2AM by a group of loud hikers which left us concerned because it was down pouring and they were being extremely belligerent. However, we camped here because we were exhausted and wanted to stay near Schoolhouse Falls to be able to swim around and get wet and there were some unknown animal tracks in the sand near Schoolhouse Falls. We stayed on Mac's Gap for the same reason - to be near Granny Burrell after a long day - and even though it was the most crowded trail, it was a lot of fun. There was a pack of llamas we were next to and they were so sweet (part of a boys camp), and we felt the safest from predators (read: bears). Even though there were a lot of people, I felt a strong sense of camaraderie. 

      You will need a bear canister, practice the Bearmuda Triangle, and make sure to bring a poop shovel. Pack out what you packed in.

    • Mark C.
      Sep. 6, 2018

      Willis Knob Horse Camp

      Equestrian

      Some of the best Horse Camping in the Mountains, Great Horse trails that follow the Chatooga River.


    Guide to Cleveland

    Pisgah National Forest Wash Creek Horse Camp provides one of the few dedicated equestrian camping options near Cleveland, South Carolina. The campground features tent and RV sites specifically designed to accommodate horses and riders. Camping facilities include water access, picnic tables, toilets, and trash disposal. Fire rings are available at each site, and firewood can be purchased. The campground is reservable and open year-round for equestrian campers. While specific horse corrals are not listed among the amenities, the camp is set up to accommodate horses with ample space for trailer parking. The campground maintains a clean environment for both horses and riders, with sanitary dump stations available for RVs. The primitive nature of some facilities is balanced by the exceptional access to riding trails. Bent River Equestrian offers a more intimate horse camping experience with just four sites available.

    Located in the heart of Pisgah National Forest, Wash Creek Horse Camp connects directly to an extensive network of bridle paths and forest trails ideal for day rides. The camp serves as a central access point to numerous horse trails throughout the national forest. Riders appreciate the convenient trail access directly from the campground, eliminating the need to trailer horses to trailheads. The surrounding forest terrain offers varied riding experiences from gentle valley floors to more challenging mountain trails. Though pets are not permitted at Wash Creek Horse Camp, the facility focuses entirely on providing a quality experience for equestrians. The North Mills River area surrounding the camp offers additional riding opportunities with well-maintained trails and river crossings. Local equestrians note the excellent trail maintenance and natural beauty of rides originating from the camp. The proximity to water sources along many trails provides natural watering opportunities for horses during longer rides.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cleveland, SC is North Mills River with a 4.3-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Cleveland, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.