Equestrian camping near Tigerville, South Carolina offers access to extensive trail networks throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to over 2,500 feet. The area receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush vegetation and multiple water crossings on trails. Local campsites often experience temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between daytime highs and nighttime lows, even during summer months.
What to do
Creek fishing opportunities: North Mills River Campground provides excellent access to fishing spots. "This is a great campsite if you like fishing! We stayed here and were close to some amazing spots to fish! The campsite was great, not very crowded. We had a great time!" notes Natalie M., who visited North Mills River Campground.
Waterfall hunting: Multiple trails lead to scenic waterfalls within short hiking distances. "Beautiful waterfall (whaleback falls I think?) just a quick 15 minute walk across the river and up the trail (follow Daniel ridge trail loop from parking lot)," reports Dai C. about their experience at Upper Cove Creek - UCC1 Dispersed.
Stargazing at higher elevations: Mountain sites offer exceptional night sky viewing away from light pollution. "Huge rock face to walk on and observe stars (partially shown in picture) or overlook the valley below," explains Kevin G. from Panthertown Valley.
River tubing: Several campgrounds provide direct water access for tubing. "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," shares Tracy S. about Lazy J Campground.
What campers like
Secluded primitive sites: Upper Cove Creek offers free dispersed camping with creek access. "It was a great site, although there are only a few campsites on the road to it. We ended up driving to the top and someone already claimed it, so we had to go back down to a less convenient spot. The campsites are very secluded and quiet," explains Nolan S.
Off-leash areas for dogs: Bent River Equestrian provides open fields for pets to run freely. "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," notes Kim S., mentioning that "This is a horse farm so respecting their space was our first priority."
Winter camping value: Some campgrounds offer reduced rates in off-season. "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... after November 1st the prices get cut in half, so I stayed for $11 (hard to beat)!" shares Jonathan N. from North Mills River.
River sounds for sleeping: Many sites feature water proximity. "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," writes Julie T. about her North Mills River experience.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: "Just spent the weekend at Panthertown Valley and loved it! However - be aware that the bears here are extremely bad. I actually had an encounter with a very large bear who charged my group and destroyed at tent, and heard similar stories from other campers," warns Phoebe A. Bear canisters are highly recommended and may become mandatory in some areas.
Remote locations mean no cell service: "bit of a drive through the forest to get here, but great spots if you're looking to get away from civilization. Ended up locking my keys in the car and had to walk 10 miles back towards town to call AAA," cautions Max O. about Wash Creek Horse Camp.
Trail navigation challenges: Some areas require proper maps. "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," advises Tony E. about Panthertown Valley.
Weather preparation: Mountain elevations can experience sudden temperature drops. "When it rains, it pours, so bring a tarp if you can," suggests Scott K. who camped at Black Mountain.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: "There is a nice sandy beach area for swimming... There is a nice store at the campground office where you can buy camp wood at a very reasonable price," notes Cheryl W. about South Cove County Park.
Animal interactions: "Chickens and horses on site. Playground and lots of fun," mentions Tracy S. about Lazy J Campground, adding that "Sites are wooded and quaint."
Avoid crowded weekends: "During season, the summer month weekends and holidays...book your reservations online, because they don't do it by phone when calling the campground," advises Dave V. about popular times at Black Mountain Campground.
Water play opportunities: "Great 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. about South Cove County Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for shade: "We did a spontaneous trip to the mountains and we found this nice camp site along the North Fork French Broad River and we camped right along the river. It felt like we were camping deep in the woods," writes Ricky J. about Lazy J Campground, though he notes that "HWY 215 runs along the camp site but since it was the weekend there was very little traffic."
Road conditions to sites: "The roads are a little narrow, but passable," mentions Tracy S. about getting to Lazy J Campground with an RV.
Uneven terrain considerations: "Campsites are often uneven with alot of tree roots running throughout. It does require consideration before parking your trailer or RV," cautions Constance O. about Oconee State Park Campground.
Access to groceries: "A big chain grocer is also just a 10 minute drive up the road, making it easy to grab last minute items you may have forgotten," notes Jonathan N. about the convenience of North Mills River location.
