Best Equestrian Camping near Fair Play, SC

Willis Knob Horse Camp offers electric hookups, drinking water, and picnic tables for equestrian campers near Fair Play, South Carolina. Located in Lakemont, Georgia, approximately 35 miles from Fair Play, this established campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with available water hookups and 50-amp electrical service. The camp maintains toilet facilities and trash collection for visitors. While the camp does not have designated horse corrals, the site layout provides suitable areas for horse containment. The campground earned a perfect 5-star rating from visitors who appreciate the well-maintained grounds and horse-friendly environment. The large campsites accommodate horse trailers with room to set up temporary containment systems.

Whetstone Horse Camp, situated in Mountain Rest, South Carolina, provides year-round access to equestrian camping about 25 miles from Fair Play. This camp connects directly to the extensive trail system within Sumter National Forest, offering numerous riding opportunities through diverse terrain. The facility includes drinking water access, toilet facilities, and trash collection, though it lacks electrical hookups and sewer connections. Camp areas accommodate both tent and RV camping with sufficient space for horse trailers. Randy's Horse Camp, located nearby in Georgia, serves as another option with additional amenities including electricity, showers, and water hookups. Reservations are recommended at both facilities, especially during peak riding seasons when trail conditions are optimal and campgrounds fill quickly with group equestrian camping parties.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Fair Play, South Carolina (16)

    1. South Cove County Park

    12 Reviews
    Seneca, SC
    14 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!"

    2. Oconee State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    26 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."

    3. Don Carter State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Lula, GA
    44 miles
    +1 (678) 450-7726

    $25 - $225 / night

    "Situated at the far north end of Lake Lanier, this Georgia state park is awesome! One of the best things about it for RV/trailer camping is the huge distance between camp sites!"

    "The park is located on Lake Lanier with plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming and boating! There's even a fish cleaning station (located near the main boat ramp entrance)."

    4. Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Carlton, GA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 783-5349

    $17 - $85 / night

    "The sites are shaded, and flat with a gravel drive and tent pad. We hadn’t planned on staying here but were pleasantly surprised to find a few vacancies on the first Saturday in November."

    "The drive down is washed out a bit but a 2 wheel drive Tahoe handled it. Getting back up if it had been raining would probably not be guaranteed, so watch the weather carefully."

    5. Willis Knob Horse Camp

    3 Reviews
    Sky Valley, GA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 754-6221

    $20 - $30 / night

    "This is a very nice horse camp facility. Well maintained and clean. Trails are wonderful and well-constructed to avoid deep mud."

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

    6. Whetstone Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Long Creek, SC
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-9568

    $15 - $30 / night

    "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."

    "Passed through on a bike packing trip and we were the only non-horse people there. Campsite was clean, with bathrooms and water available."

    7. Lazy J Campground

    12 Reviews
    Rosman, NC
    46 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."

    8. Randy’s Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Mountain City, GA
    32 miles
    +1 (706) 782-6118

    $20 - $30 / night

    9. Cherokee Campground

    6 Reviews
    Sautee Nacoochee, GA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 878-2267

    "Very secluded, awesome staff and close to activities to keep you entertained all day. The facilities are very clean also , a major plus!"

    10. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

    7 Reviews
    Sapphire, NC
    46 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."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Fair Play, SC

2 Photos of 16 Fair Play Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Fair Play, SC

143 Reviews of 16 Fair Play 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!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2025

    Don Carter State Park Campground

    Great Trailer Camping

    What a great park! Situated at the far north end of Lake Lanier, this Georgia state park is awesome! One of the best things about it for RV/trailer camping is the huge distance between camp sites! Had a spot about 35yds from the shore next to a wooded area. Super clean everywhere around the park. There is a beach and equestrian center, boating, fishing and a bunch of trails for hiking both dirt and paved. About an hour from where I live and I’ll be back!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 29, 2019

    Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground

    Small but very nice campground

    Very nice quiet park with a small campground (21 sites, all with electric and water). The sites are shaded, and flat with a gravel drive and tent pad. We hadn’t planned on staying here but were pleasantly surprised to find a few vacancies on the first Saturday in November. There is also an equestrian campground located several miles from the main campground. The main feature is a covered bridge, the longest one in Georgia, that is located ¾ of a mile from the campground (an easy walk). 

    A nice perk was laundry facilities outside the restrooms. The restrooms were very clean. 

    There are seven miles of hiking trails, five miles of bike trails, canoe rentals, and we saw several people fishing. 

    There was also a nice day-use area with picnic tables within view of the covered bridge.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Fair Play

Equestrian camping is abundant near Fair Play, South Carolina, with several specialized facilities in the surrounding mountains. The region sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina converge, typically experiencing mild spring and fall seasons ideal for trail riding. Most horse camps in this area connect to extensive trail systems within the Sumter and Chattahoochee National Forests.

What to do

Explore river trails: Willis Knob Horse Camp connects to trails following the Chattooga River with diverse terrain. According to one equestrian camper, "Some of the best Horse Camping in the Mountains, Great Horse trails that follow the Chatooga River" are accessible from this location.

Visit historical sites: Watson Mill Bridge State Park features Georgia's longest covered bridge at 229 feet. Visitors report "plenty of hiking and bike trails" with opportunities to "Wade in the river below the bridge but careful, the rocks are slick." The park is approximately 40 miles from Fair Play.

Fishing opportunities: South Cove County Park on Lake Keowee offers "great fishing. Beautiful lake with crystal clear water," as one visitor noted. The peninsular layout provides water access from most campsites, making it convenient for anglers.

Waterfall viewing: Multiple waterfalls are accessible from Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area, about 45 miles from Fair Play. One camper shared there are "countless beautiful waterfalls and even some beach campsites where you can wake up to a waterfall right in front of you."

What campers like

Privacy and seclusion: In Panthertown Valley, campers appreciate the remote sites, particularly along Green Valley Trail which was described as "the most secluded and in an utterly beautiful location. There was foliage covering it from the trail and there was a creek steps away."

Clean facilities: Oconee State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and sites. A visitor noted, "Bathrooms were always clean and seem to have been recently redone. Sites were small but not overly so."

Lakeside access: South Cove County Park features sites with direct water access. As one camper described, "Almost every site is on the water, and those that aren't, have a water view. You can go into the lake right from your site."

Horse-friendly amenities: Whetstone Horse Camp earns praise for its organization and horse facilities. A visitor noted it's a "Well laid out campground with some good spots, especially further back in the campground. But definitely set up and geared for horseback riders."

What you should know

Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in parts of the region, particularly in Panthertown Valley where one camper reported, "the bears here are extremely bad. I actually had an encounter with a very large bear who charged my group and destroyed at tent." Bear canisters are strongly recommended.

Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult terrain for certain equipment. At South Cove, one camper advised, "Great for RV camping. But for tent camping, be careful on the places you take. Only that side is good for it. The RV sites, ground is to hard to put pulls in it."

Reservation timing: Most horse campgrounds near Fair Play have limited sites that fill quickly during peak seasons (spring and fall). Whetstone Horse Camp takes reservations and is busiest on weekends from March through November.

Trail navigation: Don Carter State Park Campground offers trail experiences with varying difficulty levels. For water activities, timing matters as "If you are wanting to check out a rental of a canoe make sure you call in advance, these are only available during certain times."

Tips for camping with families

Beach activities: South Cove County Park offers swimming options for families. A visitor shared, "The lake is great for swimming. The campground also offers paddle board and kayak rentals."

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas. One camper at South Cove noted, "There are several large play areas in walking distance" making it ideal for families with young children.

Animal encounters: Lazy J Campground provides unique animal interactions with "ponys and chickens in the area" that children enjoy, according to reviews. The campground's creek-side sites also offer water play opportunities.

Weather planning: For horse camping families, timing matters. Randy's Horse Camp gets busy during optimal trail conditions, but a visitor noted it's a "Wonderful place to Camp good people and beautiful views. And the creek runs thru the camp."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: At Don Carter State Park, RVers should note that "all paved campsites so it would be tough camping in a tent (no way to stake your tent)." The park features full hookups but limited shade in newer sections.

Electric service: Willis Knob Horse Camp provides electrical hookups for RVs, with one visitor noting "Campsites each offer electric and water hookups, nice tent pads, lantern hooks, and big picnic tables."

Leveling considerations: Watson Mill Bridge State Park requires attention to site placement. A reviewer mentioned, "The sites are shaded, and flat with a gravel drive and tent pad" making it easier for RVs to level.

Water access: For RVers bringing horses, Cherokee Campground offers full hookups near equestrian trails. Visitors report "Nice level lots. Very quiet. The owner is a great person."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fair Play, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fair Play, SC is South Cove County Park with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Fair Play, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.