Cane Creek Park offers dedicated equestrian camping facilities near Catawba, South Carolina, with sites specifically designed for riders traveling with horses. The park spans over 1,050 acres at approximately 725 feet elevation, with temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Trail riders should prepare for significant elevation changes on some routes, with several trails gaining 200+ feet in relatively short distances.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Chester State Park features a championship disc golf course with varying terrain and challenge levels. According to Keith K., the park offers "a small clean campground" with a "very nice trail along the lake perimeter and Championship Disc golf course."
Kayaking and boating: Chester State Park Campground provides multiple water-based activities on its scenic lake. Christopher B. mentions that the park has "great rentals and goods to purchase from the Ranger Station," including boats, peddle boats, canoes, and kayaks for exploring the water.
Swimming and beach activities: Cane Creek Park maintains a designated swimming area that's typically open on weekends during summer months. Sarah B. notes, "The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there."
Miniature golf: Cane Creek Park offers complimentary miniature golf for registered campers. David E. mentions, "Free putt-putt. Clean bathrooms and hot showers," making it a fun activity between trail rides.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Kings Mountain State Park receives praise for its well-maintained restrooms. Sarah W. describes it as a "Great campground with clean facilities and lots of amenities. Convenient country store at the park office."
Historical attractions: Kings Mountain combines outdoor recreation with significant historical sites. Don H. recommends, "Make sure to go across the street to the Kings Mountain Military site. Better yet, plan your stay when they are doing an event."
Multiple trail options: Crowders Mountain State Park offers trails for various skill levels near the equestrian facilities. Matt G. notes, "The hikes are pretty strenuous, but the views are well worth it. The trails are easy to follow, but be sure to bring plenty of water."
Convenient location: Equestrian campers appreciate proximity to urban amenities while maintaining a natural setting. Bob F. says of Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort, "It's a short drive to restaurants and shopping, and very convenient if visiting Charlotte and surrounding cities."
What you should know
Site limitations: Many campgrounds near Catawba have challenging terrain for certain camping setups. Richard E. warns about Kings Mountain State Park: "Many camping sites are very much in need of leveling. Sites slope from left to right, front to back, and some slope in both ways."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts trail conditions significantly in this region. Myron C. notes at Woods Ferry Campground, "Apparently, there had been a lot of rain recently, and the area showed it," highlighting the need to check conditions before arrival.
Alcohol restrictions: Some parks enforce strict alcohol policies. Julie P. mentions that at Cane Creek Park, "No alcohol permitted," which differs from other nearby campgrounds.
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, securing sites can be challenging without advance planning. Rick B. shares about Cane Creek Park, "it can be difficult to get in at times and usually requires a reservation well in advance."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Cane Creek Park schedules special events during peak periods. Sarah B. shares, "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast."
Accessible trails: Select trails appropriate for younger riders when equestrian camping with children. Lisa L. notes at Crowders Mountain, "We really enjoyed all of the different hikes and the lake as well as the hike to the top of the mountain. The hike to the top was a little strenuous for smaller kids."
Swimming options: Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort provides additional water recreation for families. Von B. describes it as "Private but great for families and bike ridding. Private pool game room. Laundry and camp store."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours strictly. Nate G. mentions, "They enforce the rules really well so quiet time is actually just that," making Carowinds Camp Wilderness suitable for families needing consistent sleep schedules.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose level sites for RV camping near equestrian trails. Karen S. cautions about Kings Mountain State Park: "The campsites themselves are very unlevel and laid out very awkwardly. The electric and water are in odd spots on each site."
Road access: Consider campground road conditions when traveling with larger rigs. Karen S. also notes, "The road into the campground is narrow, hilly and windy. We were able to do it in our 32 foot class A, but luckily no one was coming the other direction."
Hookup availability: Most equestrian campgrounds offer varying levels of RV services. Robert D. says of Cane Creek Park, "The campground is clean and well-maintained. The bathhouse is in good shape and clean," making it suitable for both horse trailers and RVs.
Weather impacts: Prepare for potential power interruptions during storms. Jeanette M. shares about Cane Creek Park, "Only problem is that both times we visited there was a storm and power went out for hours. Can't really do anything about that!"
