Canebrake Horse Camp

Welcome, North Carolina outdoor and equestrian enthusiasts! If you're seeking a fantastic camping experience that caters to both you and your equine companions, or simply offers comfortable RV camping with great amenities in a beautiful natural setting, look no further than Canebrake Horse Camp. Nestled within the expansive and ancient Uwharrie National Forest in Troy, NC, Canebrake Horse Camp stands out as a well-equipped and highly regarded destination for both horse owners and general RV campers alike.

The Uwharrie National Forest is a beloved natural treasure in central North Carolina, offering a diverse landscape perfect for a myriad of outdoor activities. Canebrake Horse Camp, as a developed campground within this forest, provides a more comfortable and amenity-rich experience compared to more primitive sites. It's specifically designed with horse owners in mind, boasting features like horse high-tie stanchion posts at each site and a central horse washing station. However, as noted by visitors, it's also a solid choice for those without horses who are looking for RV-friendly sites with electrical hookups, flush toilets, and hot showers. While a recent reviewer shared an experience regarding water access in winter, the core amenities and the presence of a helpful camp host highlight the overall commitment to providing a valuable service to North Carolina's outdoor community. This article will delve into what makes Canebrake Horse Camp an excellent choice for locals seeking a well-appointed base for their Uwharrie adventures.

Canebrake Horse Camp is conveniently located at 616 McLeans Creek Rd, Troy, NC 27371, USA. This address places it squarely within the Uwharrie National Forest, a significant natural landmark primarily situated in Montgomery County, North Carolina. Its location makes it remarkably accessible for many North Carolina residents, particularly those in the Piedmont Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point) and the greater Charlotte metropolitan area.

Accessing Canebrake Horse Camp is generally straightforward. From the town of Troy, a common route involves taking NC Highway 109 North, then turning left onto Mullinix Road (State Highway 1154), and finally a right onto McLeans Creek Road (Forest Service Road 544), which leads directly to the campground. The roads leading to the camp are typically well-maintained, accommodating RVs and horse trailers with ease.

The beauty of Canebrake's location lies in its blend of natural seclusion and reasonable proximity to essential services and extensive recreational opportunities. While you feel immersed in the forest, the town of Troy offers grocery stores, gas stations, and other basic amenities for resupply. More importantly, the campground provides direct access to the vast Uwharrie National Forest trail system, offering nearly 40 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Nearby Badin Lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, making it a comprehensive hub for outdoor recreation. This strategic location allows North Carolina locals to maximize their outdoor time without excessive travel, making it an ideal choice for both planned equestrian trips and general RV camping getaways.

Canebrake Horse Camp is a developed campground within the Uwharrie National Forest, offering a robust set of services designed to enhance the camping experience, particularly for equestrian enthusiasts and RV campers.

• Spacious Campsites: The campground features 28 sites, including single and double options, with large parking spurs specifically designed to accommodate horse trailers and RVs.
• Electrical Hookups: All campsites are equipped with electrical hookups (ranging up to 50 amps), a significant convenience for RV campers and those needing power for equipment.
• Equestrian Amenities at Sites: Each site includes essential amenities for horse owners, such as sturdy horse high-tie stanchion posts, tack tables, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and lantern posts.
• Flush Toilets and Hot Showers: The campground provides modern restroom facilities with flush toilets and completely separate, private shower rooms, offering a comfortable and clean experience that is highly valued by campers.
• Potable Drinking Water: Water spigots/hydrants for drinking water are available within the campground. While individual site water hookups are not available, central access to potable water is provided. (Note: As per a recent review, water access can be turned off in winter, so it's always best to call ahead).
• Sewage Dump Station: A centrally located sewage dump station is available for RVs, allowing campers to dispose of their black and gray water tanks conveniently.
• Horse Washing Station: A dedicated horse washing station is available, ensuring horses can be cleaned after trail rides.
• Direct Trail Access: The campground offers direct access to the Uwharrie National Forest's extensive non-motorized trail system, including nearly 40 miles of trails suitable for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.
• Camp Host On-Site: A camp host is typically present on-site (often at site #20), providing assistance, information, and maintaining the campground. This presence can be invaluable, as highlighted by a recent reviewer's positive experience.
• Reservations Available: Sites can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, allowing campers to plan their trips with certainty. A few sites are also held for first-come, first-served.
• Year-Round Operation: Canebrake Horse Camp is open year-round, accommodating campers in all seasons.

Canebrake Horse Camp boasts several standout features and highlights that make it a premier destination for campers in North Carolina, especially those with horses or those seeking a comfortable RV experience in a natural setting:

• Equestrian-Focused Design: This is its most significant highlight. With specific amenities like horse high-tie stanchion posts and a dedicated washing station, it's uniquely tailored for horse owners, making it a rare and valuable resource in the region.
• Comfortable RV Camping: Despite its horse focus, the campground is excellent for RVs, offering spacious, level, graveled pads and crucial electrical hookups at every site. This provides a level of convenience not always found in national forest campgrounds.
• Modern Restrooms with Hot Showers: The presence of clean flush toilets and private hot showers is a major highlight, significantly enhancing the comfort of a camping trip and making it appealing to a wider range of campers.
• Extensive Trail Network Access: Campers have direct access to approximately 40 miles of multi-use trails (horse, hike, bike) within the Uwharrie National Forest, catering to various outdoor pursuits right from their campsite.
• On-Site Camp Host: The presence of a helpful and resourceful camp host, as noted in a review, provides an invaluable layer of support and local knowledge, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable stay.
• Central Dump Station: The convenience of a centrally located sewage dump station is a significant plus for RV campers, allowing for easy black and gray water disposal.
• Year-Round Accessibility: Being open year-round allows North Carolinians to enjoy the beauty of the Uwharrie National Forest in all seasons, from the vibrant colors of autumn to the quiet solitude of winter (though checking water availability in winter is advised).
• Reservation System: The ability to reserve sites through Recreation.gov offers peace of mind, especially for those planning trips during peak seasons or for longer stays, ensuring a spot is guaranteed upon arrival.

These features combine to make Canebrake Horse Camp a highly sought-after destination, providing a blend of rustic charm and essential modern conveniences.

As a campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Uwharrie National Forest, Canebrake Horse Camp operates under federal fee structures and typically does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. However, it does participate in federal programs that provide reduced fees, which serve as ongoing "special offers" for eligible individuals.

• Standard Site Fees: Single sites are typically $20 per night, with double sites priced at $40 per night. An additional surcharge of $7 for single sites and $14 for double sites applies for the electrical hookups, bringing total fees to $27 and $54 per night respectively.
• Interagency Senior Pass Discount: U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or over who hold a valid Interagency Senior Pass are eligible for a 50% discount on the base camping fee for single sites. This means a single site with electric hookup would be $10 (50% off base $20) plus the $7 electric surcharge, totaling $17 per night. Discounts generally do not apply to double sites or the electrical surcharge.
• Interagency Access Pass Discount: Similarly, U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities who possess an Interagency Access Pass also receive a 50% discount on the base camping fee for single sites, resulting in the same $17 per night rate for an electrical site. Discounts do not apply to double sites or the electrical surcharge.
• No Reservation Fees: While reservations are recommended and available through Recreation.gov, there are no additional fees beyond the nightly camping rate for making a reservation.
• First-Come, First-Served Options: A few sites (e.g., sites #9 and #22) are often held for first-come, first-served use, providing flexibility for spontaneous arrivals, though these are typically single sites.

It is crucial for prospective campers to check the latest fee information directly on Recreation.gov or with the Uwharrie Ranger District office, as fees and policies can change. While not traditional promotions, these established discounts make Canebrake Horse Camp an incredibly accessible and value-driven choice for eligible North Carolina residents looking for a well-equipped outdoor adventure.

For reservations, general inquiries, or to confirm current conditions at Canebrake Horse Camp within the Uwharrie National Forest, please use the following contact details:

Address: 616 McLeans Creek Rd, Troy, NC 27371, USA (This is the physical location of the campground.)

For reservations, which are highly recommended, you can typically use the federal reservation system:

Reservations via Recreation.gov:

Online: www.recreation.gov (Search for "Canebrake Horse Camp")

Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (TTY: 1-877-833-6777)

For direct inquiries or specific questions about the campground or Uwharrie National Forest conditions, contact the Uwharrie Ranger District Office:

Uwharrie Ranger District Office

Address: 789 Biscoe Road, Troy, NC 27371 (This is the administrative office.)

Phone: (910) 576-6391 (This is the official number for the Ranger District.)

It is particularly advisable to call the Ranger District during the winter months to confirm water availability, as a recent review indicated that water access can be secured for the season. Confirming details like this ensures a smooth and enjoyable camping trip.

For North Carolina residents, Canebrake Horse Camp in the Uwharrie National Forest is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination, offering a versatile and comfortable camping experience that caters to both equestrian enthusiasts and general outdoor lovers. Its appeal stems from a combination of its specialized amenities, convenient location, and the quality of its facilities.

Firstly, its primary suitability lies in its designation as a premier horse camp. For the many North Carolinians who enjoy horseback riding and wish to camp with their horses, Canebrake provides unparalleled convenience and features. The spacious, level sites with dedicated high-tie stanchion posts, alongside the horse washing station and direct access to miles of equestrian trails, create an ideal environment for memorable equine adventures. This specialized focus fills a crucial niche for local horse owners, making their outdoor pursuits significantly more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Secondly, even for those without horses, Canebrake Horse Camp offers a superior RV camping experience compared to many other national forest sites. The availability of electrical hookups at every site, combined with modern flush toilets and hot showers, provides a level of comfort that appeals to a wide range of campers. This means families, couples, and individuals can enjoy the beauty of the Uwharrie National Forest without completely roughing it, making it an accessible option for those new to camping or who prefer more amenities. The central dump station further enhances the convenience for RV owners.

Finally, the camp’s strategic location within the Uwharrie National Forest ensures that campers are immersed in nature while still being reasonably close to essential services in Troy. The vast network of trails for hiking, biking, and riding, coupled with water-based activities on nearby Badin Lake, means there’s always an adventure waiting. The ability to reserve sites also provides peace of mind, allowing North Carolina residents to confidently plan their escape into the heart of the Uwharries. Canebrake Horse Camp is more than just a place to park; it’s a well-equipped gateway to the rich outdoor heritage that North Carolina proudly offers its residents, fostering countless opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and connection with nature.

Canebrake Horse Camp

616 McLeans Creek Rd, Troy, NC 27371, USA