Equestrian camping sites near Ridgeville, South Carolina provide access to woodland trails and coastal riding opportunities within 50 miles of the town center. The region experiences a subtropical climate with high humidity levels during summer months and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for horse camping. Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds in the area maintain separate paddock facilities or designated areas for horse trailers.
What to do
Trail riding to beaches: Camelot Farms Equestrian Center offers guided beach rides for visitors. "The highlight for us was the ability to ride horses. They provided us with two names of instructors, one of whom graciously squeezed us into her schedule and gave our girls a two-hour riding lesson in their covered arena. They also have trail rides to the beach available," notes one camper.
Primitive camping experience: Broxton Bridge Plantation provides options for campers seeking seclusion. "We wanted primitive camping away from everyone. They had space from the neighbors," writes Jill, who appreciated the distance between campsites. Water pressure at facilities receives positive mentions despite other maintenance issues.
Agricultural experiences: Several roadside produce stands operate seasonally around Ridgeville area equestrian campgrounds. These local markets provide fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement camp cooking. "There are roadside fruit and veggie stands you pass on the way in that are worth a stop," according to visitors to Camelot Farms.
What campers like
Equestrian facilities: Horse owners find Camelot Farms accommodating for visitors bringing their own animals. "We don't have our own horses, but if we did, it seems like this place is set up to accommodate that easily," reports a family group that stayed at the facility.
RV amenities: Camelot Farms provides essential hookups for recreational vehicles with convenient dump station access. "For $35/night, you get a shaded, grassy spot to park with water and power (the dump station is just down the driveway)," notes a reviewer who appreciated the value.
Privacy options: Campers seeking separation from neighboring sites find suitable options at Broxton Bridge Plantation. The property layout allows for adequate spacing between camping areas, with one visitor specifically noting they "wanted primitive camping away from everyone" and found the site arrangement met their needs.
What you should know
Reservation reliability varies: Camelot Farms has experienced administrative inconsistencies with bookings. A visitor reported: "This company is refusing to refund me over $400 for their mistake. Scheduled ride for 4 at 10:00am the next day through their website. Received call from manager at 9:00pm that evening with schedule conflict."
Insect activity: Mosquitoes and biting flies present challenges during warmer months at horse campgrounds. "Lots of Mosquitoes and yellow flies," warns a Broxton Bridge Plantation camper, suggesting appropriate repellents and protective clothing for summer visits.
Communication challenges: Multiple visitors report difficulty reaching staff at certain facilities. "I have called the number several times this week with no response. I then reached out again through text message and the message was read but no reply," notes one frustrated potential visitor to Camelot Farms.
Facility maintenance: Bathroom cleanliness varies seasonally and with usage levels. "Bath house was dirty from lack of use, water pressure was fantastic!" reports a camper at Broxton Bridge Plantation, indicating that facilities may require attention after periods of low occupancy.
Tips for camping with families
Riding lessons: Children can participate in equestrian activities regardless of experience level. "They provided us with two names of instructors, one of whom graciously squeezed us into her schedule and gave our girls a two-hour riding lesson in their covered arena," reports a family that visited Camelot Farms.
Payment timing: Consider paying for services at time of delivery rather than in advance when booking riding activities. One visitor recommends: "If you choose to ride with this company, pay in person at the time of your session."
Weather planning: The subtropical climate means high humidity and insect activity during summer months. Spring and fall visits typically offer more comfortable camping conditions with reduced bug pressure and moderate temperatures.
Activity alternatives: Have backup plans for outdoor activities in case of scheduling issues with horse rides. Several campgrounds offer hiking trails and other non-equestrian recreation options if riding plans change.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Hope Haven Farms offers water and electrical connections for recreational vehicles with space for standard-sized rigs. The sites maintain level areas suitable for most RV types while providing basic utility connections.
Shaded parking: Camelot Farms provides tree-covered spots for RVs that help moderate temperatures inside vehicles during summer months. "You get a shaded, grassy spot to park with water and power," notes a reviewer who appreciated the natural cooling.
Dump station access: Plan waste management carefully as not all equestrian campgrounds offer on-site sanitary dump facilities. Camelot Farms maintains a dump station "just down the driveway" from the camping area, simplifying the waste disposal process for RV campers.
Arrival timing: Consider scheduling check-in during daylight hours as some equestrian facilities have minimal lighting for after-dark arrivals. This allows easier navigation of unfamiliar property layouts and horse-related facilities.
