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Best Equestrian Camping near Seneca, SC

168 Reviews

Whetstone Horse Camp accommodates trail riders with convenient access to the Foothills Trail and Chattooga River Trail. Located in Mountain Rest, South Carolina, approximately 28 miles from Seneca, this equestrian campground features primitive sites suitable for tent and RV camping. The campground provides drinking water, picnic tables, toilet facilities, and trash disposal. Unlike many horse campgrounds, Whetstone maintains sanitary dump stations for manure management. Each campsite allows sufficient space for horse trailers, though the terrain is not ideal for larger rigs. The campground stays open year-round, offering consistent trail access throughout all seasons.

Willis Knob Horse Camp, situated just across the Georgia state line about 30 miles from Seneca, offers additional options for equestrian camping. This campground features electrical hookups and water access at campsites, making it suitable for longer stays with horses. The camp connects directly to over 35 miles of designated horse trails through the Chattahoochee National Forest. Drinking water, toilets, picnic tables and trash collection are available for campers. Fire rings at each site accommodate evening gatherings after trail rides. Trail conditions remain consistently well-maintained with natural obstacles that provide interesting challenges for riders of various skill levels. Trailer parking is accommodated at individual sites, though advance reservations are recommended during peak riding seasons from spring through fall when the trails showcase the changing Appalachian forest landscape.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Seneca, South Carolina (17)

    1. Oconee State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    15 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
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 882-5250

    $25 - $60 / night

    "It sits out on a peninsula on Lake Keowee in Seneca, SC. Almost every site is on the water, and those that aren't, have a water view."

    "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."

    3. Willis Knob Horse Camp

    3 Reviews
    Sky Valley, GA
    21 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."

    4. Whetstone Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Long Creek, SC
    20 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."

    5. Randy’s Horse Camp

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

    $20 - $30 / night

    6. Lazy J Campground

    12 Reviews
    Rosman, NC
    34 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."

    7. Don Carter State Park Campground

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

    $25 - $375 / 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)."

    8. Standing Indian Campground

    19 Reviews
    Otto, NC
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 524-6441

    $26 - $100 / night

    "The entrance to this park is right across the street to an entrance to the Appalachian Trail. A beautiful trout stream runs through the park, close to all the campsites."

    "Our site was about 30 feet away from the Nantahala river. The bathrooms and showers were spotless. Keep in mind that it’s far from any store or restaurant so bring food along. No cell service."

    9. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

    7 Reviews
    Sapphire, NC
    34 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."

    10. Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Carlton, GA
    45 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."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Seneca, SC

3 Photos of 17 Seneca Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Seneca, SC

168 Reviews of 17 Seneca 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 Seneca

Horse camping in South Carolina offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly facilities, making it a perfect getaway for riders and their horses.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Willis Knob Horse Camp features sturdy highline posts and well-maintained trails, ideal for equestrian adventures.
  • At Whetstone Horse Camp, campers can enjoy clean facilities and a layout designed specifically for horseback riders.
  • Randy's Horse Camp provides electric and water hookups, making it convenient for those traveling with horses.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and water access

Tips for equestrian camping near Seneca, South Carolina

  • When visiting Whetstone Horse Camp, be prepared for tight camping spots, especially during busy weekends.
  • At Willis Knob Horse Camp, bring your own ropes and highline gear, as these are not provided on-site.
  • Make sure to check the availability of sites at Randy's Horse Camp in advance, as it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Seneca, 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 Seneca, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Seneca, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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