Canebrake Horse Camp

4.27

208 reviews

616 McLeans Creek Road, Troy, NC 27371

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

525 ft

Price

$27 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Uwharrie National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

525 ft

Price

$27 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Uwharrie National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Canebrake Horse Camp

$27.00 - $54.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly rates vary between $27 for single sites and $54 for double sites, with additional fees for electricity surcharges. Discounts are available...

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

910-576-6391 X 0null

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 208 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousfriendlysites

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

616 McLeans Creek Road, Troy, NC 27371

Canebrake Horse Camp

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.

Best Time to Camp at Canebrake Horse Camp

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer is humid and busy, especially with horseback riders; less tranquil then.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall recommended for mild weather and pleasant conditions.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring recommended for mild weather and good trail conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 22% in NC

Open year-round; winters are quieter with cool mornings and warm bathrooms noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 to December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: The Uwharrie National Forest conducts prescribed burns periodically, which may cause smoky conditions.

About Canebrake Horse Camp

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.

Best Campsites

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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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are arranged in two loops and include parking spurs for horse trailers.

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).

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.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and level. "Large wooded sites that are level with a tent pad," noted one user.

PrivacySites are noted for their privacy, with one user commenting, "The campsites are nicely spaced for privacy.

Total Campsites29 campsites

Recommended SitesSome users recommend bringing extra rope for hitching posts and bagged shavings for horse mats, and using sites close to water spigots for convenience.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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.

HikingHiking 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.

FishingFishing 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!"

SwimmingSwimming opportunities exist in Badin Lake, adjacent to the campground. There are no dedicated swimming pools or indoor facilities.

BikingMountain biking is available on designated trails within the recreation area.

BoatingBoating is allowed on Badin Lake, with no specific details provided about docking or boat rentals.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer is commonly seen within the campground. "Lots of deer that eat horses' leftover grains," noted one user.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife 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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire pits. Campers are warned against moving firewood to prevent spreading tree-killing pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not specified.

Emergency ServicesEmergency 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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned, but users highlighted the availability of manure pits and wheelbarrows for equestrian waste management.

Water FeaturesLocated near Badin Lake, campers can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating.

Camp HostMultiple reviews highlight the helpfulness of the camp host, but some users have reported issues with host availability and behavior.

Weather at Canebrake Horse Camp

Reviews

4.3

208 reviews

Satisfactory

Canebrake Horse Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 208 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 208 reviews

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 208 reviews

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 208 reviews

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 208 reviews

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 208 reviews

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 208 reviews

Accessibility 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 208 reviews

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 208 reviews

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