Equestrian camping near Spartanburg, South Carolina offers backcountry access through diverse terrain spanning elevations from 500 to 1,400 feet. The region experiences humid subtropical climate with average summer temperatures around 90°F and winter lows near 30°F. Most horse-friendly campgrounds maintain primitive facilities with varying levels of trail access depending on seasonal rainfall patterns, which averages 45 inches annually.
What to do
Trail riding at Kings Mountain State Park: The park features well-maintained trails through hardwood forest with moderate elevation changes. Sites are available for both tent and RV camping with hookups. "Great campground with clean facilities and lots of amenities. Convenient country store at the park office. Hook ups for both RVs and tent campers," notes Sarah W. from Kings Mountain State Park.
Explore historic sites: The Kings Mountain area combines outdoor recreation with significant Revolutionary War history. "Tons to do, including hikes and history. Make sure to go across the street to the Kings Mountain Military site. Better yet, plan your stay when they are doing an event," recommends Don H.
Day hikes from Brick House Campground: Located in Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, this affordable campground offers access to forest trails. "Within good driving distance to larger towns. Access for bigger rigs too. Ranger Bob was here and talked to him. Real nice and informative. 5.00 to me is great for the peace and quiet," writes Michael W. at Brick House Campground.
What campers like
Affordable primitive camping: Budget-conscious riders appreciate the low-cost options at national forest sites. "This campground is run by the state and reservations have to be made through rec.gov. Fire pits, most with grill tops, and picking tables are provided. However, there is no running water. The closest water is 5 or 6 miles in either direction, so pack plenty," advises richardhoerz about Brick House Campground.
Privacy and space: The campgrounds near Spartanburg often have widely spaced sites ideal for groups with horses. "I tent camped overnight as it was half way to my destination. I got there just in time to see a beautiful sunset and say hello to the horses. The host is fantastic," shares Katie C. about her experience at Bent River Equestrian.
Clean facilities: Despite primitive settings, many campers note the well-maintained facilities. "We stayed in May for a weekend. It was full of people and kids. There were great trails for you and your pup's to go hiking on. The camp itself was clean and well maintained," reports Rachel R. about Kings Mountain.
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Weather dramatically affects trail conditions throughout the year. "It depends on what you want. Nobody else was there when I was there this past summer and so I was able to let my dogs roam freely. If that's what you want, there is plenty of space and since nobody else is there, there is privacy... I did get chiggers from the whole experience," warns Adam S. about Woods Ferry Campground.
Reservation requirements: Many equestrian campgrounds require advance booking. "Check with them or the local ranger before headed out. It can get tricky through hunting season versus non hunting season. Sometimes all sites have to be reserved and sometimes half of them are first come first serve," notes richardhoerz about Brick House Campground.
Limited facilities: Most horse-friendly sites offer basic amenities only. "Vault toilet was clean. There are a couple pull-through spots. We were the only campers there. $5 a spot," reports Allyse about Brick House Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly spaces: Some equestrian campsites accommodate families better than others. "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," explains Kim S. about Bent River Equestrian.
Water access for recreation: During summer months, campsites near water provide additional activities. "I gave this campground four stars, but only for RVs and travel trailers. I would not give it four stars for tent campers. Tent campers would have a hard time finding a suitable site that would not be too rocky," cautions Myron C. about Chester State Park Campground.
Short hikes for beginners: Look for campgrounds with easier trail options. "I seemed to always believe my most recent adventure is my most favorite but nowhere in the upstate of SC has stood out to me like this area. Wonderful trails with breath taking views and technical climbs plus discrete camping," shares Maddi P. about Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many horse-friendly campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Many camping sites are very much in need of leveling. Sites slope from left to right, front to back, and some slope in both ways. Some sites are listed as RV sites but are half as large as they need to be to accommodate a medium size RV," warns Richard E. about Kings Mountain.
Access road conditions: Remote locations often mean difficult approaches. "The road into the campground is narrow, hilly and windy. We were able to do it in our 32 foot class A, but luckily no one was coming the other direction," explains Karen S.
Weather preparedness: Seasonal rainfall affects site conditions significantly. "We stayed here for three nights in space number 17. Surprisingly it was quite level. Beware of the giant pothole when turning off the 66 onto the Brickhouse Road. We hit it and it jarred the trailer so much it broke our back window," cautions Lisa M. about Brick House Campground.
