Canebrake Horse Camp
4.32112 reviews616 McLeans Creek Road, Troy, NC 27371
Canebrake Horse Camp
$27.00 - $54.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$27.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Nightly rates vary between $27 for single sites and $54 for double sites, with additional fees for electricity surcharges. Discounts are available for Access or Senior Access Pass holders.
About this campground
Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Canebrake Horse Camp, a haven for equestrian enthusiasts nestled within the scenic Uwharrie National Forest. This thoughtfully designed campground caters exclusively to horse campers, offering everything you need for a comfortable stay with your four-legged companions. Each campsite comes complete with electric hookups, picnic tables, grills, and campfire rings, while specialized amenities like horse washing stations, sturdy hitching posts, and convenient tack tables ensure your horses are just as comfortable as you are. With two well-planned camping loops and direct access to miles of riding trails, Canebrake serves as your gateway to exploring the forest's extensive trail system on horseback.
Canebrake Horse Camp is designed specifically for equestrian camping but also accommodates RVs and tents. It is not exclusive to horse campers, though some users expressed concern about non-equestrian campers occupying sites.
Historical SignificanceBeyond the trail rides and forest adventures, the region surrounding Canebrake offers family-friendly attractions that complement your outdoor experience. Less than an hour's drive from the campground, you'll discover a delightful theme park complete with a petting zoo where children can interact with friendly farm animals, an educational nature center that showcases local wildlife and ecosystems, and a mini golf course for some lighthearted competition. These nearby attractions make Canebrake an ideal base camp for families seeking both wilderness adventures and entertainment options.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the changing moods of the Piedmont throughout the year at Canebrake. Winter brings crisp mornings in the low 30s warming to pleasant afternoons in the upper 50s - perfect for invigorating rides through bare hardwoods. Summer transforms the forest into a lush green canopy, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and 90s accompanied by that signature Southern humidity that makes afternoon rest stops in the shade especially welcome. The true magic happens during spring and fall, when mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s combine with either blooming wildflowers or brilliant autumn foliage to create ideal riding conditions.
ElevationNestled within the gentle rolling terrain of North Carolina's Piedmont region, Canebrake Horse Camp offers riders a varied landscape of modest hills and valleys that provide just enough elevation change to keep trail rides interesting without being overly challenging for horses or riders of various skill levels.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the serene beauty of a mixed forest where towering pines mingle with stately oaks and hickories, creating a diverse canopy that changes with the seasons. The campground's proximity to the stunning 5,000-acre Badin Lake adds another dimension to the landscape, offering glimpses of sparkling water through the trees and opportunities for lakeside trail rides. The surrounding dense woods are punctuated by gentle rolling hills and babbling streams that provide natural water sources for horses along the trails, while the varied terrain ensures every ride offers new vistas and experiences.
Geological RegionCanebrake Horse Camp sits within the ancient and weathered landscape of the Uwharrie National Forest, where millions of years of geological history have created a terrain perfect for horseback exploration. The forest's characteristic mix of pine, oak, and hickory thrives on these old hills, which are among the oldest in North America. Near the shores of Badin Lake, the landscape tells a story of both natural evolution and human intervention, where rolling hills meet man-made waters, and winding streams carve gentle paths through forested valleys. This unique combination of geological features creates an intricate network of trails that wind through varied ecosystems, offering riders everything from ridge-top views to shaded creek crossings.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features include spacious campsites and close proximity of amenities like showers and water spigots. Some users appreciated the campground's layout for parking larger trailers.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and level. "Large wooded sites that are level with a tent pad," noted one user.
Sites PrivacySites are noted for their privacy, with one user commenting, "The campsites are nicely spaced for privacy."
Total Campsites29 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome users recommend bringing extra rope for hitching posts and bagged shavings for horse mats, and using sites close to water spigots for convenience.
Best CampsitesSites 9 and 22 are noted for walk-up availability. Site-specific recommendations are not detailed.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The campground accommodates guests based on individual site reservations.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are arranged in two loops and include parking spurs for horse trailers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites 9 and 22 are designated for first-come, first-serve campers and can be paid for on-site.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee apply for late cancellations (from midnight one day before check-in).
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers extensive recreational activities, including horseback riding, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and boating. "Campers will delight in nearly 40 miles of forested horseback riding trails," according to the official description. Off-road vehicle riding is available within the recreation area but not within the campground itself.
Hiking
Hiking trails can be accessed directly from the campground, with trails ranging from easy to difficult. "Trails are great but need better signage," noted one user.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include bass, bream, crappie, and catfish. One user commented, "We had to go elsewhere in Uwharrie National Forest to fish, but it was worth it because my grandson caught a large and tasty bass!"Swimming
Swimming opportunities exist in Badin Lake, adjacent to the campground. There are no dedicated swimming pools or indoor facilities.Biking
Mountain biking is available on designated trails within the recreation area.Boating
Boating is allowed on Badin Lake, with no specific details provided about docking or boat rentals.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer is commonly seen within the campground. "Lots of deer that eat horses' leftover grains," noted one user.Winter Activities
Winter activities are limited due to weather conditions, but some users enjoy camping during colder months. "Bathrooms were warm with hot shower water," noted one reviewer during a winter stay.Water Sports
Water sports include swimming, boating, and fishing on Badin Lake, but details on kayaking or paddleboarding are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits. Campers are warned against moving firewood to prevent spreading tree-killing pests.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as deer and bears may be present. Campers are advised to store food securely.
Active alertsThe Uwharrie National Forest conducts prescribed burns periodically, which may cause smoky conditions.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services can be found in Troy, NC, about 10 miles away. This includes a hospital, police station, and the Uwharrie National Forest Ranger District office at 789 Biscoe Road, Troy, NC.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned, but users highlighted the availability of manure pits and wheelbarrows for equestrian waste management.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Badin Lake, campers can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating.
Common complaintsIssues with non-equestrian campers occupying horse sites, lack of maintenance on wheelbarrows, and limited enforcement of regulations such as leash laws have been noted.
HostMultiple reviews highlight the helpfulness of the camp host, but some users have reported issues with host availability and behavior.
Campground Map
616 McLeans Creek Road, Troy, NC 27371
Driving directionsFrom Troy, North Carolina, take State Highway 109 north for approximately 10 miles. Turn left onto Mullinix Road (State Highway 1154) and travel approximately 1.5 miles to a stop sign and "T" intersection. Turn right, and travel about 0.25 mile to the campground on the right.
Roads to the campground are well-maintained and accessible year-round. Mullinix Road is paved, ensuring smooth travel for vehicles and trailers. However, users have mentioned navigating dirt roads to nearby areas like Badin Lake Campground, which might be challenging in winter months.Nearby places
Troy - approximately 10 miles (15 minutes), Denton - 20 miles (30 minutes), Albemarle - 30 miles (40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Troy, NC, about 10 miles away. Larger shopping centers are located in Albemarle, about 30 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.3
112 reviews
Canebrake Horse Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is well-reviewed overall for equestrian camping, with positive comments about trails, spacious sites, and clean facilities. However, there are concerns about non-equestrian campers occupying sites, uneven enforcement of rules, and occasional issues with cleanliness and site maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 112 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean and spacious campsites, helpful camp hosts, extensive horseback riding trails, and family-friendly atmosphere. "Loved it!!! Beautiful, clean facility with fabulous...
Based on 112 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints often focus on non-equestrian campers using sites, lack of maintenance (broken wheelbarrows, manure pits overflowing), poor restroom cleanliness, and limited enforcement of rules....
Based on 112 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing extra water buckets for horses due to limited hose access, and being prepared for muddy conditions in some campsites. "Bring a rope since they do not have stalls," advised...
Based on 112 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter camping is quieter, with fewer visitors and warm bathrooms. Summer is described as humid and busy, especially with horseback riders. Spring and fall are recommended for mild weather and...
Based on 112 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"We camp at Canebrake at least 5-6 times per year. The sites are always clean and ready for occupation," one user noted. "Great place to camp and ride horses," said another. "The trails are...
Based on 112 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight cleanliness and accessibility for sites like 027 and 011. However, issues with reservations being taken by other campers were noted for sites 002 and 004.
Based on 112 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features like large, level sites are appreciated, but users noted challenges with maneuverability for larger trailers. "Trailer sites advertised as full shade were not full shade,"...
Based on 112 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some users complained about dogs roaming off-leash and causing disturbances. "Few campers let their dogs roam the campground off leash without supervision," said one reviewer.
Based on 112 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025