Best Equestrian Camping near Pickens, SC

Bent River Equestrian and Willis Knob Horse Camp offer horse-friendly camping options near Pickens, South Carolina. Bent River Equestrian features drinking water, showers, and toilet facilities on its grounds, while allowing fires and accommodating both tent and RV camping across its 4 campsites. Willis Knob Horse Camp provides larger rig access with water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and trash disposal services. Both campgrounds welcome pets alongside horses, creating a complete outdoor experience for riders and their animals. The campgrounds maintain clean facilities despite accommodating horses, with proper waste management systems in place.

The North Georgia mountains provide scenic trail access from Willis Knob Horse Camp, connecting riders to the Chattahoochee National Forest trail system. Located approximately 44 miles southwest of Pickens, this camp serves as a strategic basecamp for exploring wilderness areas. Bent River Equestrian, situated in North Carolina about 40 miles northwest of Pickens, offers a more intimate camping experience with only four sites, making advance reservations essential during peak seasons. Both locations accommodate horse trailers with designated parking areas and provide water access for animals. The natural surroundings and trail systems make these locations practical choices for overnight horse camping trips, with many riders reporting well-maintained trails suitable for various skill levels.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Pickens, South Carolina (19)

    1. Oconee State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    23 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
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 882-5250

    $25 - $60 / night

    "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."

    "Perfect for kids, right on the lake. Loved the playground 😊

    warning! Don’t feed the geese! The campers next to us fed them and the next day we woke up with goose poop on everything!"

    3. Lazy J Campground

    12 Reviews
    Rosman, NC
    20 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."

    4. Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping — Caesars Head State Park

    2 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, SC
    17 miles
    Website

    $4 - $20 / night

    "My friend and I hiked the Raven Cliff Falls loop trail a while back and have added it to our list of top 10 favorite trails."

    "Wonderful trails with breath taking views and technical climbs plus discrete camping."

    5. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

    7 Reviews
    Sapphire, NC
    26 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."

    6. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $31 - $62 / night

    "Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect."

    "This is a great campground next to the beautiful North Mills River. Hosts were very accommodating and delivered ice and firewood for a cheap price upon request."

    7. Panther Ridge RV Park and Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lake Toxaway, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 553-0373

    $55 - $650 / night

    8. Bent River Equestrian

    3 Reviews
    Penrose, NC
    26 miles
    +1 (828) 435-3932

    $30 - $900 / night

    "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."

    "Cute horses and barn cats to pet and watch"

    9. Willis Knob Horse Camp

    3 Reviews
    Sky Valley, GA
    29 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."

    10. Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Balsam Grove, NC
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 877-3265

    "just a quick 15 minute walk across the river and up the trail (follow Daniel ridge trail loop from parking lot)."

    "With that said:

    • remote- you have to want to get up here but it's really easy to do once you drive it a few times.

    *clearly marked spots. I am actually located at ucc-2. ** The Dead End spot."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Pickens, SC

6 Photos of 19 Pickens Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Pickens, SC

149 Reviews of 19 Pickens 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!

  • Kristen B.
    Jun. 13, 2018

    North Mills River

    Great small spot

    Small campground, but there are free off road sites not too far down the road. Cell service disappears but I love that kind of disconnect. No power, can use a generator but only for a few hours during non quiet time. Quiet hours strictly enforced. Horse trails nearby. Roads lead to blue ridge Parkway. There is a shower and working toilet, but also outhouse for off season use. Hosts make you feel like family.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2022

    Paradise Ridge Permaculture

    Small, quaint permaculture farm in the mountains

    Had 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Pickens

Horse camping options flourish in the mountainous regions surrounding Pickens, South Carolina, with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 3,500 feet. The area experiences mild winters with occasional snow and humid summers with afternoon thunderstorms typical from June through August. Several campgrounds in this region maintain specially designed equestrian facilities on terrain that connects to extensive trail systems through the Chattahoochee and Nantahala National Forests.

What to do

Waterfall exploration: 15 miles from Oconee State Park, several hiking trails connect to waterfalls. "Great spot for all kinds of boating and water sports. Close to other parks with waterfalls and hiking trails," notes Meridith M. about Oconee State Park Campground.

Fishing access: South Cove County Park offers lake fishing opportunities with clear water. "Great campground with great hosts and great fishing. Beautiful lake with crystal clear water. Easy access. Very relaxing atmosphere," reports Mike K. from his stay at South Cove County Park.

Trail riding: Equestrian trails connect through the Chattahoochee National Forest from Willis Knob Horse Camp. "Some of the best Horse Camping in the Mountains, Great Horse trails that follow the Chatooga River," says Mark C. about the trail system accessibility.

Tubing: During summer months, Lazy J Campground offers tubing on the North Fork French Broad River. "You can tube down and get out right at your site. Three Falls waterfall is just up the road. You can get tubes at the office," explains Tracy S.

What campers like

Privacy in horse camping areas: Bent River Equestrian provides secluded camping with animal interactions. "Had 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," shares Kim S. about Bent River Equestrian.

Trail access: Mountain biking and hiking trails connect to many campsites. "Great 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," notes Leslie about the camping setup near trail systems.

Wildlife viewing: Camping areas throughout the region offer opportunities to see wildlife. "We had a wonderful opportunity to spend a couple of days at a cabin with friends for a workshop. It was incredibly secluded and quiet. We had a great place to hang hammocks near the fire pit and small trails behind the cabin to explore," explains Maddi P. about her experience at Oconee State Park Campground.

River sounds: Many campsites position near flowing water. "We love this place. Bath houses are very clean. We have tent camped and now taken our RV. Tent sites right on the river," shares Tracy S.

What you should know

Wildlife management: Bear activity requires proper food storage at horse campgrounds near Pickens. "It is imperative to purchase a decent map for these trails and I highly recommend using the one available via the Friends of Panthertown website. This is a beautiful area with tons of dispersed camping. You will really need to pack a bear safe food container and absolutely store food using a bear line well away from camp as there are most certainly bears out and about," advises Julie L. about Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area.

Trail navigation: Several campgrounds connect to complex trail systems requiring good maps. "This is my favorite back country camping spot. 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. It's an easy place to get lost because of all the unofficial trails," warns Tony E.

Cell coverage: Many horse camping areas have limited or no connectivity. "The area very serene, quiet and pretty. Nice hiking area and swimming area. If you need to get ahold of someone though you'll have to drive 10 to 15 minutes into town," explains Ashley S.

Seasonal closures: Campground services reduce during winter months. "We were the only campers there. It was very quiet. The stream ran right by the campsite so listening to the stream as we went to bed was wonderful. Bathroom was clean. Site was clean. Only one side of campground is open in winter," shares Julie T. about her experience at North Mills River.

Tips for camping with families

Lake swimming options: South Cove provides family-friendly swimming. "My family stayed at South Cove on a Friday night. We were impressed with the large number of pull through sites and the cleanliness of the campground. We arrived late in the day and the camp hosts were friendly and quick to assist with checking in. There are several large play areas in walking distance," notes Kelli P. about South Cove County Park.

Wildlife education: Incorporate local wildlife learning into your trip. "I also highly recommend stopping by the local fish hatchery, not only educational but fascinating as well!" suggests Maddi P.

Group camping facilities: Oconee State Park offers designated group camping areas. "Had a fun time with a group of friends camping in the group camping area," shares Ben R.

Geese management: At waterfront camping, manage interactions with waterfowl. "We loved this campground! Perfect for kids, right on the lake. Loved the playground. Warning! Don't feed the geese! The campers next to us fed them and the next day we woke up with goose poop on everything! Including the picnic table!" warns Roxy M.

Tips from RVers

Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven campsite terrain when bringing an RV. "Well maintained campground, with pretty views. Campsites are often uneven with alot of tree roots running throughout. It does require consideration before parking your trailer or RV," advises Constance O. about Willis Knob Horse Camp.

Equestrian facilities: Horse campgrounds near Pickens offer specialized equestrian amenities. "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," explains Phyllis B.

Off-season pricing: Consider camping in shoulder seasons for reduced rates. "Just a stone's throw from the bustle of Asheville, yet secluded enough to forget it all, this little gem is conveniently located at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. I went camping here on November 2nd, just after half of the campground closes for the off season. Usually starting at $22 per night, after November 1st the prices get cut in half," notes Jonathan N.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Pickens, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.