2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Lee State Park Campground provides equestrian camping options near Olanta with designated horse-friendly sites. Trails designed for horseback riding wind through the park, allowing riders direct access from campsites. The campground features full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. Camping areas include gravel pads that accommodate both RVs and horse trailers. Many visitors observe horses around the campsites, which creates a unique camping environment. The park maintains clean bathhouses and shower facilities near the equestrian camping area. Horse owners should note that the presence of horses attracts flies during warmer months.
The park's trail system connects to multiple riding routes through wooded areas. Riders have access to artesian wells along trails where horses can drink. The park campground remains open year-round for equestrian campers, with most sites offering shade from the surrounding forest. H. Cooper Black Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area, located approximately 30 miles northeast, provides an alternative horse camping destination with sites featuring corrals directly behind campsites. This facility hosts retriever training and tests on weekends, offering a different experience for equestrians. Both locations require reservations, with sites filling quickly during peak seasons. The combination of horse-friendly accommodations and dedicated trails makes this region appealing to equestrians seeking camping options in eastern South Carolina.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $45 / night
"Must have access to Shaw afb to stay. 20 per night. No long term prices. No stay limit."
from $20 / night
"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
"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."
Available this weekend
ScoutNeat surprise. Pleasant primitive site now, overlooking ponds, meadows, forest. Fun to distantly observe horses and well trained retrievers playing and being trained. Staff is welcoming and friendly.
ScoutWonderful camping very peaceful and good price for the night. The fireplace could be raisedup more. We where on lot 5. The picnic tables need to be reenforced and turned the width way in lot 5.
TravelerLots of sand and gnats and deerflys too. That’s the bad. About half the sites have full hookup some very large sites. Whole campground very wooded ( no Starlink here). About 3 bars cell with Verizon. Pretty neat campground with lots of history. The bugs are seasonal.
TravelerAwesome park with many trails and a pond for the kids to swim!
ScoutWas a nice experience. Quite and friendly neighbors. Sites were gravel and level. Bath house were clean and well maintained. Enjoyed my stay.
ScoutCamp hosts were very nice and helpful. They even let us know that a hosting job was open in a few days but we are on the move and have to leave, else it would be pretty awesome and quiet!
LegendThis was our second time visiting “The Mountain”. We enjoyed Site 1B so much from our last visit we decided to reserve the same site again. There was some trash from previous campers littered around the site when we arrived. Please don’t be a litterbug! This is a terrific boondocking site and one of the few in the Midlands that is accessible for RV camping.
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.
GuideHave waited six months into our RV life to start reviews for fair comparisons. Spent four nights. This was our first stop and one of our least favorites. 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. Just getting far enough out of town to feel like the adventure started, but four nights there to get used to our RV. Great dog walking areas.
Lee State Park Campground accommodates equestrians with 23 campsites spread across a forested area near Olanta, South Carolina. Located at 487 Loop Road in Bishopville, the park offers year-round camping with gravel pads that can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, while winter nights can drop below freezing between December and February. The campground connects directly to a network of wooded trails suitable for both day rides and extended exploration.
Explore artesian wells: The natural spring wells throughout Lee State Park Campground offer a unique geological feature for campers to discover. "Love the spring water," notes Tara M., highlighting these natural water sources that maintain a constant temperature year-round.
Enjoy the pond: Families can take advantage of the swimming pond at Cheraw State Park Campground located 67 miles northeast of Olanta. "A cute little beach area with kayak and canoe rentals. Day area open from 8am to sunset," explains John P., describing the recreational options available.
Watch retriever training: Observe professional dog handlers working with retrievers at H. Cooper Black. "They host many retriever tests on the weekend and they are fun to watch," reports Brenda L., highlighting an activity unique to this specialized recreation area.
Quiet, shaded sites: The campgrounds provide peaceful settings with ample tree cover. "Sites are gravel and level. Bath house were clean and well maintained. Enjoyed my stay," shares Mitch M. about his experience at Lee State Park, emphasizing the tranquil atmosphere.
Wildlife viewing: Cheraw State Park Campground offers excellent bird watching opportunities. "Bird sanctuary so birders will LOVE this campground! There is also a really nice museum type of visitor's center," mentions Bran P., pointing out the natural attractions for wildlife enthusiasts.
Dog-friendly environment: Most equestrian campgrounds near Olanta welcome pets. "Also dog friendly which is a plus," notes Lauren V. about Lee State Park, making it convenient for campers traveling with both horses and dogs.
Insect considerations: Horse presence creates specific camping conditions. "If you have never stayed with horses you can not be prepared for the flies. They were swarms of them," warns Swain K. about Lee State Park, highlighting a common challenge during warmer months.
Limited amenities: Some campgrounds offer basic services. "Not much around the campground though. If you want peace and quiet, and don't need shopping or touristy stuff- this is for you," explains John about Cheraw State Park, setting appropriate expectations for supplies and services.
Reservation requirements: Sites fill quickly during peak seasons, particularly at specialty campgrounds. "We were lucky enough to catch a great view of Jupiter merging with Saturn last night. Super cheap. We stayed four nights for under $100," shares Sara M. about off-season availability at Cheraw.
Ranger programs: Park staff enhance the camping experience for children. "The ranger is very friendly, and made the kids' visit even better!" reports Trina W. about Lee State Park, highlighting the educational opportunities available.
Swimming options: Cheraw State Park offers family-friendly water activities. "There is a lake with a swimming area that was also well-maintained and clean, it has a boardwalk that goes around a large portion of the lake that connects the campground with the beach area," describes MaryAnn P.
Short hiking trails: Multiple walking paths accommodate various ability levels. "Awesome park with many trails and a pond for the kids to swim!" notes Chris S., pointing out recreational options suitable for younger campers.
Site selection: Choose camping spots based on your specific needs. "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," advises MaryAnn P. about Cheraw State Park Campground.
Winter camping advantages: Off-season visits offer unique benefits. "Spacious sites that feel nicely private surrounded by evergreens which is a nice relief in winter to see trees with leaves," explains Sara M., highlighting the year-round appeal of horse campgrounds near Olanta.
Hookup availability: Most equestrian campgrounds provide essential RV connections. "The campground has full hookups and they have made lots of improvements the last few years and most are level and shaded," reports Brenda L. about H. Cooper Black, describing recent upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Olanta, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Olanta, SC is Lee State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Olanta, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Olanta, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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