Best Equestrian Camping near Conestee, SC

Bent River Equestrian Campground accommodates horses on its property with 4 tent sites nestled in a pastoral setting. Horses are kept in the barn area separate from the camping field, allowing campers and their equine companions to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The campground offers a rustic outdoor shower and porta-potty facilities for campers. Clean facilities and the opportunity to interact with the resident horses and barn cats enhance the camping experience. Fire pits are available at each site, providing a comfortable atmosphere for overnight stays. Campers with well-behaved dogs find the open field layout ideal for off-leash time, though leashing is occasionally required when near the resident horses.

Located 35 miles northwest of Conestee, Bent River serves as a strategic base camp for accessing nearby mountain biking and hiking trails. The campground sits in a field setting that provides ample space for horse trailers and camping equipment. Wash Creek Horse Camp in Pisgah National Forest offers another option for equestrians, featuring tent and RV camping with picnic tables and toilets. Campgrounds in the region maintain sanitary dump stations and trash collection to ensure cleanliness for both horse and human guests. The host at Bent River is known for being fantastic and helpful, answering questions and ensuring guests have a comfortable stay. Beautiful sunsets and the peaceful farm atmosphere create a serene camping experience for visitors exploring the Carolina equestrian trails.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Conestee, South Carolina (14)

    1. Oconee State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-5353

    "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."

    2. South Cove County Park

    12 Reviews
    Seneca, SC
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 882-5250

    $25 - $60 / night

    "There are several large play areas in walking distance. There appeared to be beautiful lake views from almost every site. We very much enjoyed our stay and plan to return for a longer visit."

    "Perfect for kids, right on the lake. Loved the playground 😊

    warning! Don’t feed the geese! The campers next to us fed them and the next day we woke up with goose poop on everything!"

    3. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    47 miles
    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."

    "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."

    4. Lazy J Campground

    12 Reviews
    Rosman, NC
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 966-3834

    $20 / night

    "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."

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

    2 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, SC
    28 miles
    Website

    $4 - $20 / night

    "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."

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

    16 Reviews
    Kinards, SC
    43 miles

    $5 - $150 / 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"

    7. Bent River Equestrian

    3 Reviews
    Penrose, NC
    38 miles
    +1 (828) 435-3932

    $30 - $900 / night

    "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"

    8. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

    7 Reviews
    Sapphire, NC
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 269-4453

    "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."

    9. Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Balsam Grove, NC
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    "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."

    10. Pisgah National Forest Wash Creek Horse Camp

    3 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $40 / night

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

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Conestee, SC

1 Photos of 14 Conestee Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Conestee, SC

133 Reviews of 14 Conestee Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

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

    Remote Campground in the National Forest

    This is a remote campground in the national forest, and it is close to equestrian camping as well. With that said, there will be horseflies. However, it is a quiet campground. A big disadvantage, as far as I am concerned, is that it does not have water access. With that said, plan to dry camp and bring your own water. There is a pit toilet, so that is one good thing I can say about this campground. 

    Avoid campsite 4 if you are in a tent, unless you have a rake. There are a lot of sweetgum balls. Since I was there at the beginning of the week, there were only two or three other campers and they were in RVs. 

    Overall, it’s not bad for camping if you are prepared and know that you will need to take everything in, including water.

  • Katie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2024

    Bent River Equestrian

    Quiet & beautiful

    I tent camped overnight as it was half way to my destination. 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.


Guide to Conestee

Horse camping in South Carolina offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian enjoyment, with several campgrounds catering specifically to horse enthusiasts.

Tips for equestrian camping near Conestee, South Carolina

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • Lazy J Campground features electric hookups and drinking water, making it convenient for horse campers who need to recharge and refresh.
  • The Panther Ridge RV Park and Campground is big rig friendly and offers a variety of accommodations, including spots for horses, ensuring comfort for all campers.
  • North Mills River provides a rustic atmosphere with access to well-maintained trails, perfect for horseback riding and exploring the surrounding nature.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused activities

  • At Oconee State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including horseback riding along scenic trails and fishing in nearby lakes.
  • The Wolf Ford Horse Camp is designed specifically for equestrians, offering direct access to trails and a community atmosphere for horse lovers.
  • Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area allows for horseback riding in a stunning natural setting, with numerous trails to explore and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Conestee, SC is Oconee State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 43 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Conestee, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.