Are you looking for a place to stay in Greer with your horse? Finding a place to camp in South Carolina with your horse is easier than ever. Search nearby equestrian campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
North Mills River Campground is a rustic mountain getaway in Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Located just outside the popular city of Asheville, the campground provides access to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including an arboretum, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and numerous hiking, fishing and mountain biking opportunities.
The forest is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, several of which are near the campground. Mills River offers excellent trout fishing, as well as tubing and swimming, which are kid-friendly favorite activities. Visitors wishing to learn more about the area can attend educational programs during the summer.
The campground is situated in the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation of 2,200 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes densely forested with hardwoods. The group camping area is adjacent to the beautiful, shallow waters of the Mills River.
Several natural and cultural attractions are within close proximity to the campground. Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway are among the most popular sites. The small town of Brevard offers various amenities and services, and visitors can take a trip to Asheville to visit art galleries, music venues, shops and restaurants.
For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-4167.
$40 - $44 / night
After hours of scrolling through nature photos and majestic mountains, the urge to get out and explore is hard to ignore. We applaud the explorers and adventurers of the world who brave the treacherous elements, as well as the sweet photos that come as a result. However, for many the ideal of a fun weekend away consists less of roughing it, and more relaxing on a beach or in a warm cabin. If you’re in the latter of these groups, you’re going to love Oconee State Park.
Oconee is the idealistic place for families and friends looking for a nostalgic getaway complete with rustic charm and character. Dotted throughout the park are rustic, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Cabins available for nightly and weekly rental. Meanwhile, a small, glassy lake lazily invites campers to disrupt its reflection with the canoes and kayaks located on shore.
The Greenville region is known for 25+ waterfalls found throughout. Closer in, the 1,100+ acre state park hosts a number of wooded nature trails snake throughout. It also serves as the trailhead for South Carolina’s 77 miles Foothills Trail. Friends and families visiting can enjoy the local wildlife, as well as the regional flora and fauna which proudly thrive in abundance.
In the summer Lake Oconee comes alive, creating the backdrop for unforgettable family vacations. Festivities begin in June, including Square Dancing, mini golf, pedal boating competitions, and so much more. However the Winter Months are just as enjoyable if you don’t mind getting cozy in a warm cabin, sipping some coco, and reading a good book. The rangers here are known for their hospitality, and are knowledgeable on the area. Stop in their lodge for a small convenience store, firewood, and great conversations.
Oconee offers all the benefits of a mountain resort without the upscale pricing. There are 140+ sites available for rent, starting at just $21/night. Cabins and lodging is available but pricing is dependent on group sizes and room choice, so be sure plan out your trip in advance before coming.
$20 / night
$4 - $20 / night
Brick House Campground is located on SC Route 66, 3.5 miles east of I-26, situated in the heart of the Enoree Ranger District in Newberry County. The campground is surrounded by a mixed pine-hardwood forest with an elevation of approximately 550 feet. Long hot summers and mild winters are the norm for the Enoree Ranger District. Winter temperatures range from low 40's to upper 60's degrees and summer temperatures range from high 80's to high 90's. Wild azaleas are clumped by the old homesites and wildflowers and dogwoods dot the landscape. This site offers a great opportunity for all season camping. Ample hunting opportunities for wild turkey and whitetail deer are available in the surrounding general forest. The campground is located 51 miles north of Columbia and is 41 miles south of Spartanburg.
Brick House offers a year-round primitive, single loop campground with 21 campsites. The small campground offers a primitive laid back setting that one can relax and enjoy in. Available by reservation only year round through recreation.gov.__ The 30 mile Buncombe Horse Trail offers a variety a loops which riders can choose between a short or all day ride. The trail is open to horses, hikers and mountain bikers. The 24 mile Enoree OHV Trail is a short 10 minute drive north of Brick House. The motorized trail is open to atvs, utvs, and dirt bikes that are 50 inches and less in width. Bring your own equipment. The trail has a user fee and is closed when trail conditions are too wet for riding.Call the "Call Before You Haul" hotline. The surrounding national forest lands are a great place for big game deer and turkey hunting along with other small game hunting. Hunting and fishing in South Carolina is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Visit www.dnr.sc.gov for more about the SCDNR.
Brick House offers a year-round primitive, single loop campground with 21 campsites. The small campground offers a primitive laid back setting that one can relax and enjoy in. Available by reservation only year round through recreation.gov.__ The 30 mile Buncombe Horse Trail offers a variety a loops which riders can choose between a short or all day ride. The trail is open to horses, hikers and mountain bikers. The 24 mile Enoree OHV Trail is a short 10 minute drive north of Brick House. The motorized trail is open to atvs, utvs, and dirt bikes that are 50 inches and less in width. Bring your own equipment. The trail has a user fee and is closed when trail conditions are too wet for riding.Call the "Call Before You Haul" hotline. The surrounding national forest lands are a great place for big game deer and turkey hunting along with other small game hunting. Hunting and fishing in South Carolina is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Visit www.dnr.sc.gov for more about the SCDNR.
Over 700,000 acres of pine-hardwood forest with gently rolling terrain make up the Enoree Ranger District. Headleys Creek runs through the area a bit over half a mile away from the campground by road.__
Enoree OHV Trail- 10 minutes up the road is a 24 mile designated trail for motorized atvs, utvs and dirt bikes that are 50 inches wide or less. Warning: the trail closes when trail conditions are too wet for riding. Use the Call Before You Haul hotline to check trail status. Newberry Opera House, Newberry, SC. https://www.newberryoperahouse.com/
$5 / night
Bent River Equestrian is a small horse farm at the foot of the Pisgah National Forest and *less than *4 miles from DuPont State Recreational Forest.
The farm is in a small neighborhood, so appropriate for families, couples, and small groups to use as a base camp for their adventures. We are only a few miles Oskar Blues, The Hub, and Ecusta Brewing! Additionally, Brevard has many restaurants and a bit of night life, with bands playing at 185 King St. regularly. Sunsets in the Fall and Spring are amazing on the farm, but we normally recommend you spend afternoons in the shade of the woods or river.
There are two Farm Hands/Backpacking Guides who live on site in their own tiny homes, and my small home is on site. Campers have an unobstructed view of Looking Glass Rock, Mt. Pisgah, and you can see up to The Devil's Courthouse.
$30 - $900 / night
Panthertown Valley is a rugged and wild 6,311-acre backcountry area located on Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina, on the eastern continental divide, between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Panthertown features a diversity of native flora and fauna, pristine headwaters of the Tuckasegee River, a rare high-elevation southern Appalachian mountain bog, dozens of waterfalls, granite cliffs and domes, and is part of Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, and Bonas Defeat-Panthertown American Black Bear Sanctuary.
Friends of Panthertown works in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown.
Panthertown is a wonderful place to explore, however there are a few things you should be aware of before visiting for your first time. We hope this list of suggestions (and cautions) will make your experience in Panthertown Valley more enjoyable:
Your safety is your responsibility. Plan ahead and come prepared.
This is a wild, rugged place with more than 30 miles of public trails spread out over 6,311 acres deep in the Nantahala National Forest. It’s easy to get lost. We recommend you bring a good map and compass, and know how to use them.
Panthertown is NOT a National Park or State Park. It’s common to not see any other people when visiting. Cell phone service here can be spotty or unreachable. Use the trails with caution and at your own risk.
Bring plenty of water to drink, or a filtration system to keep you hydrated. There are no water fountains, trash cans, or restrooms here.
Please carry out your trash and practice Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics when visiting.
Hiking in the forest can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced hikers. Know before you go, plan ahead, and come prepared for a fun backcountry experience.
You may get hot, cold, wet, muddy, scratched up, and dirty just from hiking and exploring in Panthertown, so dress appropriately and in layers.
Expect to hike several miles on uneven surfaces to reach the most popular points of interest, including waterfalls and overlooks.
The hike out of the valley is uphill and can be difficult. Some hiking experience is recommended. Make sure you save some energy and water for your walk back to the parking area. That’s all part of the Panthertown experience!
American black bears live here and are protected as part of the Bonas Defeat-Panthertown Bear Sanctuary. Panthertown hosts a diversity of wildlife, please do not feed the animals!
Common natural hazards to watch out for include venomous snakes and yellow jacket nests.
Friends of Panthertown volunteers only maintain the official trail system in Panthertown. There are hundreds of miles of user created footpaths that crisscross the valley. For your safety, and to protect the ecology, we recommend you stay on the marked trails and avoid short cuts through the woods. Remember, it’s easy to get lost here, and we want you to enjoy your backcountry experience.
CAMPING
Dispersed camping is primitive and no amenities are provided. Forest Service rules limit camp sites to no more than 12 people, and not within 50 feet of water sources. No permits are required for non-commercial groups.
Please use existing fire rings and never leave a fire unattended. Make sure to properly extinguish and drown your fire and coals before leaving your camp site!
Follow these recommendations to avoid any close encounters with bears: https://panthertown.org/bears/
PARKING
There is limited parking at three entrances (Salt Rock Gap, Cold Mountain Gap, and Flat Creek), low-clearance gravel Forest Service roads, and heavy use on weekends. https://panthertown.org/directions
Drive slowly and use caution to not damage your vehicle or the road.
Equestrians please note: there are no horse trails at the Cold Mountain Gap trailheads. Horse trailer parking is prohibited there. The Salt Rock Gap entrance offers limited parking and can be difficult to turn a horse trailer around. If you use this entrance, we suggest that you park and unload your trailer on the pavement at the end of state maintained Breedlove Road.
The Flat Creek parking area off Rock Bridge Road north of Lake Toxaway on NC 281 is the largest and offers a wide horse trailer turn around with easy access to the Panthertown Valley Trail System.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Always practice Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics when visiting.
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace:
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Reprinted with permission ©Leave No Trace
Wash Creek Horse Camp is a small group area designed for equestrian use located two miles northeast of the North Mills River Recreation Area and Bent Creek of the Pisgah Ranger District.
As part of the Pisgah National Forest, a network of equestrian trails are available in the North Mills River, Trace Ridge and Wash Creek areas and are easily accessible with space for several horse trailers. Hiking, fishing and hunting are popular activities in the area. Some of these trails are shared by mountain bikers. Routes are marked with signs and colored blazes.
Wash Creek offers a remote hardwood forest setting with a small, shallow stream nearby.
The site is 20 minutes from the North Mills River Recreation Area and 45 minutes from Lake Powhatan Recreation Area. It is approximately 1 hour from attractions in both Brevard and Asheville.
For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-4910.
$40 / night
Within the Pisgah Ranger District there are 65 disbursed roadside camping sites that are available on a first come - first serve basis. These campsites are located alongside gravel roads throughout the district and include a parking area, tent pad, and fire ring. Toilet facilities and drinking water are not available. Trash pick-up is not provided. Trash must be collected and disposed of properly. Failure to remove or properly dispose of trash is a crime and law enforcement officers will issue citations for littering if trash is strewn about or not properly disposed of. The following regulations must be adhered to and are strictly enforced by Law Enforcement Officers. • Roadside camping is allowed at designated campsites only. Signs designating a legal campsite show a camping_ symbol and a site number (for example "AC-3" for Avery Creek site 3). • The National Forests in North Carolina have a policy which allows for campers to occupy a roadside campsite for a maximum of 14 days out of a 30 day period. If a camper changes locations or moves to another campsite, it cannot be within 10 miles of previous site, the maximum stay limit of 14 days applies to all sites occupied. • All vehicles must be parked along road shoulders without blocking traffic. • Campfires are allowed only within the metal fire ring provided on the site, Building of additional fire rings is not allowed. AJJ camping equipment and tents must remain on the designated tent pad. • Collecting 'dead and downed' :firewood in the forest is permitted for camp fires. It is illegal to cut, chop, or saw live or standing trees or other live growth. Do not chop into or drive nails into live trees. • It is illegal to establish and set up a campsite for the purpose of reserving a camping place. The campsite must be occupied on the night it is set up by a minimum of one person. • It is illegal to leave a camp unattended for period of more than 24 hours. • It is illegal to fail to remove all camping equipment, personal property, trash, and refuse from a campsite when vacating or leaving that area or site. • It is mandatory that all human waste be buried at least 6 _inches deep and a minimum or 200 feet from a stream. trail, or campsite. • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on Avery Creek Road (FSR 477) and Lickstone Road (FSR 97). Prohibition is 1000 feet to either side of the road, campsites, trails or roads leading off of either of the aforementioned. Warning: Unattended property and equipment in these areas can be an easy target for criminal activity. Protect your property by locking valuables out of site. Access to these campsites is easy by any vehicle. If you see anyone stealing anything from a roadside campsite or parking area near a public trailhead, picnic, or recreation area please call 911 to report it or call USPS Law Enforcement at the Pisgah District Ranger Station at 828-877-3265
Guide
This is a great temporary stop. I was there for two days. It has a pit toilet. This is a federal campsite. Rangers check the campsite every day and night. Great place to camp.
Scout
My wife& I stayed at Oconee State Park Oct. 28th-31st in a Cabin. For 90% of the stay, we had a wonderful time in the Cabin and walking/viewing the Lake, etc. However, there were several events that occurred in the Cabin that were disgusting and resulted in a BAD Situation and which I would assume is also occurring throughout the entire Oconee Park Cabin locations. On the 1st Night: We killed a"huge" Brown Recluse in our bathroom, on the floor near the sink wall. Luckily, I captured it and threw it in the fire. Next Morning: I noticed a big Fat Worm about 2-3" long of some unknown type on the bathroom floor near the sink area again. Obviously disposed of it. That afternoon, we went to the Station and told the Ranger attendant guy about our 2 experiences already. He searched and gave us a white Orkin Glue Strip to use and explained that Pest Control occasionally visits the Cabins?? Really?? Apparently not ours! 2nd Night: After placing the Glue Strip in the bathroom near the sink wall, I could not believe that, after hearing my wife scream, I discovered a Mouse partially trapped by the glue trap and only able to barely crawl toward the log wall with its front legs. I cautiously picked-up the glue trap from behind and threw the critter outside, still attached. 3rd Morning: Once again, another type of unknown Big Fat Worm in the bathroom near the sink and about 2" long. Again, disposed of. I cannot believe that, as nice as the rest of our Cabin#5 was, that there were that many insects& Varmints freely entering the Cabin walls. That was truthfully, DISGUSTING& VERY DISAPPOINTING. It is apparent that this Oconee State Park Cabin(s??) is managed by Gross Oversight& Negligence by someone. These four(4) unpleasant events greatly disturbed our stay and left a Very Unpleasant Taste in our Minds due to these occurrences. Imagine how uncomfortable you might be trying to slip into your bed linens at night with this invasion happening!!! If this State Facility is using any kind of Pest Control Measures, then obviously it is NOT WORKING and someone should be Disciplined or Fired! We have already filed a Complaint with the Oconee Park Manager several weeks ago and with the SC State Parks but as usual& expected, NO RESPONSE FROM ANYONE! NO ONE! Obviously, SC Parks and their Park Manager could care less about their customer’s bad experience, or the terrible condition of their specific cabins. All they want is YOUR MONEY$$$ and then you can leave!
Guide
We frequently visit this campground for weekend trips as it is close to us. It is easily accessible and does have areas for your garbage but there are no bathrooms which puts a small damper on a family visit. The water is pretty clear and has an abundance of trout so it is great for fishing and swimming.
Traveler
My son and I decided to go camping and needed a place the same day. We were looking for a place that was wooded and near a river or stream and lucked up at Lazy J. The staff answered our call right away and were both friendly and informative. Our site was across the path from the French Broad, had water and power access and felt secluded and mountainous. The bath house was clean and well maintained. We really enjoyed staying here and plan to go back soon.
Traveler
They have a long term camper they refuse to run off and he will steal from you. Camp at your own risk, watch your stuff like a hawk. I'd really recommend Sunburst or Big Ivy instead of North Mills really.
Scout
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.
Traveler
Me and a friend came camping here this second weekend in January. The campground itself was well maintained and the hook ups, dump station and bathhouses were easy to find and use. We had only 2 complaints, the gate to get in closes at 10pm, unfortunately I85 was shut down on our way up so our 3 hr drive became 6hrs. We did not make it before the gate closed and had to stay at Walmart. No code no exceptions. Secondly, there are no trashcans anywhere, on the grounds or in the bathhouses. The trash dump is in a completely different part of the park. It was inconvenient with picking up after my dog. Besides those two things, beautiful lake camping with affordable campsite prices!
ScoutSpent new years at site 16 and it was a little damp due to a heavy rain but a great site. 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
ScoutNice and remote. As usual, your experience will vary greatly depending on your neighbors. We had a nice night here (great place to stop on your way to the mountains).
ScoutGreat place to spend a couple of nights. Went over Labor Day weekend with 5 or 6 other groups and still felt like we had full privacy. Fire pits, an outdoor shower, and a porta-potty. Cute horses and barn cats to pet and watch
Scout
This location was amazing. We couldn’t have been happier with a spot. The host was extremely gracious, there is an outdoor shower, the camp fire setup is awesome, and the animals are friendly. It is easy to find and you’re only 20-ish minutes from Asheville. We’ll certainly be back!
Scout
It was a great site, although there are only a few campsites on the road to it. We ended up driving to the top and someone already claimed it, so we had to go back down to a less convenient spot. The campsites are very secluded and quiet.
ScoutBeautiful free group camping area with large parkinglot. All dirt roads back here. Beautiful waterfall (whaleback falls I think?) just a quick 15 minute walk across the river and up the trail (follow Daniel ridge trail loop from parking lot). Not much free fall action for nature bathers, though there is enough water flow to lean in and get all that grease out of your hair! Big boulders to climb on at the base of the falls.. be careful as wet rocks are slippery. Serene and gorgeous forest all around you.
Zero phone connection whatsoever (T Mobile 5g / LTE). Greater earth love connection a thousandfold. Highly recommend.
<3
ScoutI love Pigah. It doesn't seem to matter what season! With that said:
*clearly marked spots. I am actually located at ucc-2. ** The Dead End spot.
*Creek is located very close nearby. But not on the clear spots for tents.
*Not for big rigs, RVs, etc. It's a tent or as I use the tree tent.
TravelerWe have been for 8 days with tomorrow being our day to head home. First for the pros. There is a fhu area with several buddies sites. These sites look to be upgraded from in the not to far past. My site was easy to back into with my 37’ 5th wheel with plenty of room for my truck. There are plenty of tent and water/electric only sites. Those are suited mostly for smaller rigs. There 2 lakes with easy trails around both. A swimming area , putt putt course and a park store. Many adventure in the area to be had, waterfalls , hiking, history, and other state parks. There was a square dance Friday night and by the screams of the kids it was a hit. A snow cone food truck is on site with weekend hours. Trash pickup is done by the park staff daily, which was nice. Now for a few cons. Many people put their trash out at night and garments opened the bags and staff were left with picking it up. Bathrooms were a little neglected during the week until the park becalm loaded again. Putt putt course is in pretty bad shape but still playable. As with most parks roads are directional and many people just ignored the signs or did not see them so the signs could be clearer. Our site need the grass trimmed due to the sand spurs growing. And last, a pet peeve of mine, pet on a leash or lead is for everyone, no Matter how well trained you think they are and we saw lots of dog poop in and around some camp sites where the campers were just leaving it for the next person to deal with. Overall our stay has been nice. Saw some waterfalls, and there are many in the area. Hiked , and hit devils fork for a swim in the clear lake. I would visit this park again since overall it has so much to offer in the area.
Guide*this is just for the free campsites- there appears to be paid campsites and maybe RV hook ups very close by.
Pros:
Cons:
TO NOTE: Google maps incorrectly told me to take a right once I was on the dirt road that doesn’t exist. Just ignore it and keep going forward.
Explored up to campsite 4 the next day. Campsite 3 is a larger group site and a bit further off the road.
It’s not true “dispersed” camping because they have designated site you are supposed to stay at. Im not sure how many there are, but I only got up to #4, driving about 5-10 min down the dirt road.
Scout
Beautiful peaceful perfect campsite
ScoutHad a great time at this campground with two pups, both well-behaved and able to enjoy off-leash time with lots of space to run around. This is a horse farm so respecting their space was our first priority, and occasionally required leashing our dogs but didn’t hinder us at all. While there is a RV hookup/platform/table it wasn’t available at this time so more field camping which was perfect for us! Host was super kind and helpful, able to answer questions. Clean port-a-potty and outdoor cold shower we’re perfect!
GuideThis campground is run by the state and reservations have to be made through rec.gov. Check with them or the local ranger before headed out. It can get tricky through hunting season versus non hunting season. Sometimes all sites have to be reserved and sometimes half of them are first come first serve. Fire pits, most with grill tops, and picking tables are provided. However, there is no running water. The closest water is 5 or 6 miles in either direction, so pack plenty. There are several loop trails you can take that are really close, and the palmetto trail runs right through there, so longer options are available. We like it, and it's $5 a night. It's also only a short drive from where we live in Spartanburg.
ScoutGreat spot for a quick weekend away without needing to travel too far. For tent camping the spaces are large and pit toilets very clean. The only negative part of this campground is how close of proximity all sites are. very popular spot and more people than we had expected after reading other reviews! Definitely will come back though!
GuideGreat family vacation. Paddle boats and a beach. Dog friendly. Clean bathhouses. Garbage pick up. Close to Walhalla, if you need supplies. It's crowded. Reserve way in advance.
GuideWe 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!
GuideHad 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.
Scoutgreat place to stay we had a campsite right by the river and enjoyed the sounds of nature. the people there were friendly and welcoming. just absolutely loved the environment!!
ScoutBeautiful playgrounds for kids. They have a beach area at the day use area. The park ranger was super friendly and helpful. Our fifth wheel was a lil bigger than site but they were very accommodating.
Traveler
Nothing there and nothing marked
TravelerI love lazy js campground it’s reasonably. Priced considering the customer service is second to none the people are so friendly there they have a way of making you feel like family and that’s why we decided to have our wedding on one of their river front campsites it was amazing and beautiful the staff was so helpful when things went kinda wrong just know they did everything in their power to help and that’s big in my book . They have very clean bath houses and again I can’t stress how valuable the staff is alone is best place to stay hands down we will continue to visit for years to come
Horse camping in South Carolina offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian enjoyment, perfect for those looking to explore the scenic trails with their horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Greer, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Greer, SC is North Mills River with a 4.3-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Greer, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Greer, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
