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Best Equestrian Camping near Travelers Rest, SC

126 Reviews

Bent River Equestrian provides one of the few dedicated horse camping options near Travelers Rest, South Carolina, with four tent and RV campsites situated on an active horse farm. The property features clean portable toilets and an outdoor cold shower for campers. Horses and barn cats roam the grounds, creating an authentic equestrian atmosphere. Campers consistently note the ability to enjoy privacy despite multiple groups camping simultaneously. The host receives excellent reviews for hospitality and helpfulness. While there are no formal horse corrals available to campers, the camping area consists of open field camping with RV hookups available at a platform area. Dogs are permitted and can enjoy off-leash time when respectful of the resident horses.

Positioned strategically near popular mountain biking and hiking trails, Bent River serves as an excellent base camp for riders exploring the region. The property offers sunset views appreciated by overnight visitors. Pisgah National Forest's Wash Creek Horse Camp provides another option for horse owners seeking established facilities in the broader region, featuring designated campsites with picnic tables and access to toilets. Trail riders note the connection to extensive bridle paths and natural surroundings. Horse camping in this area requires advance planning as equestrian-friendly sites remain limited. The French Broad River area offers additional primitive camping alternatives for those willing to venture slightly farther from Travelers Rest, with several campgrounds providing water access and basic amenities without specific horse facilities.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Travelers Rest, South Carolina (17)

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

    2 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, NC
    14 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."

    2. Lazy J Campground

    12 Reviews
    Rosman, NC
    26 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."

    3. North Mills River

    26 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    33 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."

    4. Oconee State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    38 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."

    5. Bent River Equestrian

    3 Reviews
    Penrose, NC
    23 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"

    6. South Cove County Park

    12 Reviews
    Seneca, SC
    35 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!"

    7. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

    7 Reviews
    Sapphire, NC
    35 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."

    8. Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Balsam Grove, NC
    32 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."

    9. Pisgah National Forest Wash Creek Horse Camp

    3 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $40 / night

    "bit of a drive through the forest to get here, but great spots if you're looking to get away from civilization."

    10. Panther Ridge RV Park and Campground

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

    $55 - $650 / night

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Travelers Rest, SC

6 Photos of 17 Travelers Rest Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Travelers Rest, SC

126 Reviews of 17 Travelers Rest 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 Travelers Rest

Horse camping in South Carolina offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian enjoyment, with several well-reviewed campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Lazy J Campground features spacious areas for horses, along with access to water and trails, ensuring a comfortable stay for both riders and their mounts.
  • At Panther Ridge RV Park and Campground, equestrian campers can enjoy well-maintained facilities and easy access to nearby riding trails.
  • Copperstone Cabins & Camping offers a welcoming environment for horse campers, with amenities that cater to both humans and their equine companions.

Equestrian campgrounds include unique features

  • South Cove County Park boasts a beautiful lake setting, providing a scenic backdrop for horse camping while also allowing for fishing and swimming activities.
  • The North Mills River campground is well-known for its proximity to a stocked river, making it a great spot for equestrian campers who enjoy fishing after a day on the trails.
  • Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area offers a more rustic experience, with ample opportunities for horseback riding through its expansive backcountry trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Travelers Rest, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Travelers Rest, SC is Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping — Caesars Head State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Travelers Rest, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Travelers Rest, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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