12 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Cane Creek Park provides equestrian-friendly trails and facilities for riders near Great Falls, South Carolina. The park features extensive horse camping options with well-maintained trails connecting to a network of paths throughout the 1,050-acre property. Most trails remain open year-round, making this a reliable option for riders seeking consistent access. The campground accommodates both horses and riders with spacious sites that allow for trailer parking. Equestrian trails are typically less crowded than hiking paths, creating a peaceful riding experience even during peak seasons.
The park's equestrian area connects to multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels suitable for both novice and experienced riders. Horse-friendly campsites provide adequate space for portable corrals or highlines, though permanent corrals are not available at individual sites. Water access points for horses are positioned strategically throughout the trail system. The campground requires proof of negative Coggins test for all horses, and riders must follow established trail etiquette. Bathhouses remain clean and well-maintained, even during busy weekends when equestrian campers are numerous. Trail maps are available at the park office showing designated horse trails, water crossings, and rest areas. For riders planning a trip, these horse campgrounds near Great Falls offer some of the most consistent trail access and equestrian infrastructure in the region.
"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"
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $13 - $31 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"
from $5 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $17 - $47 / night
Check Availability"Only drawback would be this park is an equestrian park so you will most likely encounter flies during the warmer months. Sites are better than some state parks we have visited."
"There are horse trails and stables if you ride horses."
from $7 - $14 / night
Check Availability"Far away from city lights so great for stargazing."
"There was some trash from previous campers littered around the site when we arrived. Please don’t be a litterbug!"
from $10 - $15 / night
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GuideBuilt 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
LegendIt 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.
GuidePros 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.
LegendI 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.
LegendThis 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.
GuideThe 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.
GuideLocated 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.
ScoutLee State Park is a simple park. Check out the artesian wells and other nature spots. Bath houses were well kept. Only drawback would be this park is an equestrian park so you will most likely encounter flies during the warmer months. Sites are better than some state parks we have visited.
RangerAlways 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
Cane Creek Park offers multiple options for equestrian camping near Great Falls, South Carolina. The park spans 1,050 acres with terrain that varies from flat grassy areas to moderately challenging wooded paths through the Carolina Piedmont. Summer temperatures average 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide more moderate conditions with temperatures in the 60-75°F range.
Trail riding conditions: Cane Creek Park provides a variety of trail conditions suitable for different experience levels. "The campground is clean and well-maintained. The bathhouse is in good shape and clean," notes Robert D., who stayed for nine days.
Lake recreation: Visitors can enjoy the lake for fishing or paddling when not riding. "The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there," explains Sarah B., who has visited Cane Creek Park multiple times.
Free mini-golf: The park offers complementary mini-golf as a family-friendly activity. "Free putt-putt. Clean bathrooms and hot showers," reports David E., highlighting amenities beyond the equestrian facilities.
Spacious sites: Lee State Park provides room for horse trailers and camping setups. "Sites were gravel and level. Bath house were clean and well maintained," mentions Mitch M., noting the practical features important for equestrian campers.
Equestrian accommodations: Horses are well-provided for at specialized campgrounds. "Hosts were super nice, even when we got in late. Was wonderful to wake up and see the horses," shares Lauren V. about her stay at Lee State Park.
Trail variety: Kings Mountain State Park offers diverse riding experiences for all skill levels. "Tons to do, including hikes and history. Make sure to go across the street to the Kings Mountain Military site," recommends Don H.
Weather concerns: Chester State Park can experience sudden weather changes that affect trail conditions. "My favorite part of this camping experience was waking up early in the morning and sitting by the lake," explains Myron C., highlighting the peaceful moments between potential weather events.
Reservation requirements: Some equestrian campgrounds require advance booking, particularly during peak seasons. "The campground got very busy on Friday through the weekend," observes David E. about his stay at Cane Creek Park.
Fly management: Horse-friendly campgrounds naturally attract insects. "If you have never stayed with horses you can not be prepared for the flies. There were swarms of them," warns Swain K., providing practical advice for camping at Lee State Park.
Child-friendly activities: Sesquicentennial State Park offers recreation beyond horseback riding. "I love going to this campground, I enjoy doing the trails and spotting deer. And there is a small water play area for children. They have paddle boats also," shares Ruth J.
Holiday events: Plan visits around special programming for additional activities. "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast," notes Sarah B. about Cane Creek Park's seasonal offerings.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer nature programs and historical sites. "I took a group of 8 wild middle schoolers here and we had a blast hiking the trails, boating, and unplugging for a while!" recounts CeCelia L. about her experience at Sesquicentennial State Park.
Site selection: Brick House Campground offers economical options but requires careful site selection. "We stayed here for three nights in space number 17. Surprisingly it was quite level," notes Lisa M., providing specific site recommendations.
Amenities consideration: Consider your comfort needs when choosing a campground. "Easy access from I26. Spent a week here and really enjoying it. Has 21 spots. All have level gravel pads, fire rings with grill bars. Vault toilets clean and trash containers serviced," shares Michael W. about Brick House Campground.
Seasonal variations: Park facilities and accessibility change throughout the year. "We spent the last few days at the Carowinds Camp Wilderness campground in Site 70 with full hook-ups. Sites were clean, level, and reasonably spaced," reports Kevin A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Great Falls, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Great Falls, SC is Cane Creek Park with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Great Falls, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Great Falls, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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