H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area provides equestrian accommodations near Jefferson, South Carolina. The campground offers electric hookups, water hookups, and sewer connections suitable for both tent and RV camping. Showers, toilets, and drinking water are available for visitors. The recreation area permits pets and allows campfires for overnight guests. Reservations are required for camping spots. The park maintains trails suitable for horseback riding throughout the property. Visitors note the well-maintained facilities create a comfortable experience for both riders and their horses.
Located approximately 27 miles from Jefferson, H. Cooper Black covers extensive acreage with multiple riding trails connecting to surrounding natural areas. The trails accommodate various skill levels and provide opportunities for both short rides and longer excursions. Water access points are positioned along several routes for horses. The campground operates year-round, allowing equestrians to experience seasonal variations in the landscape. Trail maps are available for planning rides in advance. Society Hill offers the closest access to supplies and additional services. Riders particularly appreciate the secluded nature of the trails and the ample space between campsites that provides privacy for horse owners.
"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"
"For us this was a pleasant little stopover after a long drive. Nicely located next to a lake, there is also a nice little walk partially around the lake. It is a small campground with nice spots."
"Perfect little gem on the outskirts of a dirty little town. Many amenities, beautiful views. A cute little beach area with kayak and canoe rentals. Day area open from 8am to sunset."
"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."
"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."
"If you have horses they have campsites with corrals at your back door that you can also rent. Many horse trails for riding as well."
"Fun to distantly observe horses and well trained retrievers playing and being trained. Staff is welcoming and friendly."
"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."
"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."
$20 / night
"Must have access to Shaw afb to stay. 20 per night. No long term prices. No stay limit."
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
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.
RangerWe absolutely love H Cooper Black campground. If you have horses they have campsites with corrals at your back door that you can also rent. Many horse trails for riding as well. They have several ponds that can be reserved if you have retriever dogs to train. They host many retriever tests on the weekend and they are fun to watch. The campground has full hookups and they have made lots of improvements the last few years and most are level and shaded. Two bathhouses close by that are always clean. If you are a horse or dog lover this is a great place to camp!
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
ScoutAlways have a great time at Lee State Park. There are horse trails and stables if you ride horses. Most of the sites are well kept, there was one or two that has big roots all over the site, they say there going to fix...very good place to camp...
GuideNice short boardwalk area to explore. Loved the spring water. Love seeing the horses around the campsites.
Equestrian enthusiasts seeking horse campgrounds near Jefferson, South Carolina have several options within driving distance. The region features a mix of sandy soil and pine forests that create ideal terrain for riding trails. Winter temperatures average 40-60°F while summer months frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity, affecting both riders and horses during trail excursions.
Trail riding at Cheraw State Park: Located about 15 miles from Jefferson, this park offers multiple riding paths through pine forests. Riders appreciate the variety of terrain available. "The trail around the lake is very pretty, and there are lots of things to do across the lake. (Boat rentals, playground, picnic areas, park office…)," notes Trina W., who visited with her Girl Scout troop.
Water activities for horses: H. Cooper Black Jr. Field Trial Area provides dedicated water access for equestrians. "We absolutely love H Cooper Black campground. If you have horses they have campsites with corrals at your back door that you can also rent. Many horse trails for riding as well," explains Brenda L.
Dog training opportunities: Several ponds at the recreation areas can be reserved for retriever training. As Phil R. mentions about H. Cooper Black, it's "fun to distantly observe horses and well trained retrievers playing and being trained." The staff remains "welcoming and friendly" for both equestrian and canine activities.
Privacy between sites: At Lee State Park, approximately 30 miles from Jefferson, the campground layout provides good separation between equestrian campers. "Hosts were super nice, even when we got in late. Was wonderful to wake up and see the horses. Also dog friendly which is a plus," shares Lauren V. after her stay.
Well-maintained facilities: Cheraw State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its upkeep. "The camping spots were clean and well kept....some have water and electric hookups and some are more rustic. There are plenty of large spaces for RVs with lots of room around them for privacy," according to MaryAnn P., who appreciated the campground's cleanliness.
Seasonal variations: Winter camping offers a different experience with fewer crowds. Sara M. found Cheraw State Park to be an "off season gem" noting, "Super cheap. We stayed four nights for under $100. 30/50 hookups and water. No sewer but very close dump station in campground."
Insect considerations: Equestrian campgrounds naturally attract more flies, especially in warmer months. As Swain K. notes about Lee State Park, "if you have never stayed with horses you can not be prepared for the flyes. they were swarms of them."
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds in the area require advance bookings, especially during field trial events. Phil R. describes H. Cooper Black as a "neat surprise. Pleasant primitive site now, overlooking ponds, meadows, forest."
Seasonal pricing: Off-peak rates can offer substantial savings for horse owners. Campsites with equestrian facilities typically cost $20-40 per night depending on hookups and season. At Lee State Park, sites are described as "gravel and level" with "bath house were clean and well maintained" according to Mitch M.
Child-friendly amenities: Cane Creek Park, about 45 minutes from Jefferson, offers activities beyond equestrian facilities. "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there," explains Sarah B.
Educational opportunities: Horse-focused campgrounds provide learning experiences for children. Robert D. notes that Cane Creek Campground is "clean and well-maintained. The bathhouse is in good shape and clean," making it suitable for families with younger children.
Weekend planning: Family campers should note that many facilities become busier Friday through Sunday. David E. observed at Cane Creek: "Nice campground. Got very busy on Friday through the weekend. Nice lake and hiking trails. Free putt-putt. Clean bathrooms and hot showers."
Site selection for horse trailers: Chester State Park Campground accommodates larger rigs with horse trailers, though advance planning is essential. Keith K. notes it's a "small clean campground" where "sites are close to each other," so requesting end spots provides more room for equipment.
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of services. Christina from Lee State Park advises, "Rough 'roads' inside park with big ruts that filled with rain, horrific mosquitos (and we're from SC for a baseline). Having the horses around was fantastic. Not a lot to do. That being said, this stop was perfect for what it was."
Water supply considerations: RVers with horses should check water availability at campsites. Many parks offer both human and equine water access, but pressure can vary. At Lee State Park, Eddie mentions, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Jefferson, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Jefferson, SC is Cane Creek Park with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Jefferson, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Jefferson, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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