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Discover a rustic equestrian escape at Trail Barn Paddocks near Ferguson, NC, where horse lovers can enjoy private grassy paddocks and hand-fed care steps from miles of mountain trails. Prepare for a simple, nature-first experience in the Leatherwood Mountains.
Discover a rustic equestrian escape at Trail Barn Paddocks near Ferguson, NC, where horse lovers can enjoy private grassy paddocks and hand-fed care steps from miles of mountain trails. Prepare for a simple, nature-first experience in the Leatherwood Mountains.
Book with Leatherwood Mountains Camping
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Leatherwood Mountains Camping · Ferguson, North Carolina
Located in the heart of the Leatherwood Mountains near Ferguson, North Carolina, the Trail Barn Paddocks offer an authentic and peaceful escape for horse owners and small groups seeking a private, nature-immersed experience. This distinct camping and paddock rental spot is a quiet haven for equestrian enthusiasts who want to blend their love of riding with the outdoors in a raw, uncomplicated setting. Situated just across a gentle creek from the main campground, the Trail Barn features four grassy paddock areas and 10 stalls, providing ample room to accommodate horses comfortably. Each paddock supports up to two horses, perfect for riders traveling with companions or maintaining privacy while still within easy reach of the main facilities.
The Trail Barn’s rustic charm stems from its deliberate simplicity — guests should be prepared for a truly off-grid experience. There are no bathroom or shower facilities on-site, requiring visitors to plan accordingly and utilize the nearby West Barn amenities. The barn includes its own tack room and paddocks with direct access to miles of surrounding Leatherwood Mountain trails, renowned for their natural beauty and varied terrain. The forest here consists mainly of hardwoods and pines, and seasonal changes bring vibrant foliage that adds another layer of wonder for those riding or hiking the area.
Health and safety protocols uphold the area’s equestrian focus: dogs must be leashed, Coggins tests must be current within the past year, and visitors coming from out of state are advised to bring health certificates and vaccination records for their horses. Horse owners are responsible for bringing their own feed, hay, water, and buckets — the Trail Barn does not supply these — fostering a self-reliant, authentic experience that emphasizes connection with the land and animals.
Ferguson is the closest town and offers visitors a taste of small-town Appalachian charm with essential services and local eateries. The Leatherwood Mountains' trail system is celebrated for its variety, catering to beginners and experienced riders alike with varying difficulty levels through shaded woods, rolling hills, and creek crossings. This destination stands out as a rare spot for those who want to combine recreational riding with backcountry camping in a serene and minimally developed environment.
Trail Barn Paddocks’ uniqueness lies in its blend of rustic equestrian infrastructure with direct access to one of North Carolina’s treasured trail networks, creating a rarely found balance of comfort and wilderness. Whether you’re looking to extend a day ride into an overnight adventure or simply need a quiet paddock for your horse within a stunning forested environment, Trail Barn Paddocks brings a rare, unfiltered connection to nature and horse culture amid the Leatherwood range.
moderate.
1–7 nights.
Moderate fitness recommended to manage horses and enjoy trail rides; basic riding experience suggested
No, there are no bathroom or shower facilities directly at the Trail Barn, but guests can use facilities at the nearby West Barn.
Yes, you can bring dogs, but they must be kept on a leash at all times while on the trails and property.
No, you need to bring your own feed, hay, water, and buckets for your horse as the paddocks don't offer these supplies.
Yes, a negative Coggins test within a year is required, and a health certificate and vaccination records are recommended if you're coming from out of state.
Each paddock can hold up to two horses comfortably.
No, paddocks must be rented by guests who are staying on the mountain in a cabin or camping facility.
The Leatherwood Mountains have long been a favored region for riding and outdoor recreation, with trails used historically by local Appalachian communities.
Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the delicate mountain ecosystems and maintain water quality in the creek areas.
Leatherwood Mountains Camping operates a multi-use camping and equestrian facility in the Leatherwood Mountains area. The property provides creekside and mountainside camping, RV hookups, and barn stall rentals for horse owners and small groups. Facilities include the Trail Barn with five RV or tent sites, open-air accommodations and covered stalls; Trail Barn also offers ten stalls, four grassy rental paddocks, and a creekside camping spot. Guests at Trail Barn should bring a water hose and drop cord and be prepared for limited bathroom facilities in some paddock areas. The West Barn area features outside stalls on both camp and paddock sides, inside 12' x 12' stalls with rubber mats and outdoor views, a community tack room, wash pits, hot showers, a riding arena, round pen and sand paddocks. West Barn supports horse care and provides stable-focused amenities for riders who camp or stay in cabins on the mountain. Elk Creek Campground offers year-round camping along Elk Creek with 30 AMP power and water hook-ups suitable for RVs and trailers up to 35 feet. Elk Creek permits pets and has easy access for vehicles. Leatherwood Mountains Camping lists each trip with specific amenities and limitations so guests can plan accordingly. The site is suitable for horse owners seeking stall and paddock access, small groups pursuing private creekside camping, and RV travelers needing powered hook-ups. Trip summaries detail what to bring and what to expect for a safe, prepared outdoor stay. Reservations and specific site details are available through the listing platform.
Book with Leatherwood Mountains Camping