Camelot Farms
The Lowcountry’s Look at the Equestrian Lifestyle
story by JENNIFER BROWN CARPENTER photos courtesy of CAMELOT FARMS/FRIPP ISLAND
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride a horse down a beautiful road that’s covered by trees? Maybe you’ve seen it in the movies and wish you could have your own movie-like experience. You might have sighed, thinking you’d never get the chance. But your luck has changed, and even better, the opportunity has been right off your doorstep this whole time.
Camelot Farms is located between Dataw Island and Fripp Island, and only a few miles away from Harbor and Hunting Island. Nestled on St. Helena Island, Camelot Farms is a 65-acre farm that offers a variety of services and opportunities to both locals and out-of-towners alike. The farm starts on Coffin Point Road and makes its way all the way back to the marsh.
It is fitting that Camelot Farms sits on St. Helena Island, paying homage to the island’s long history of beauty and agriculture. For 20 years, Camelot Farms has been a space where equestrians can go to feel at home.
Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort bought Camelot Farms about a year ago. Camelot Farms Director Hailey Brown says they dove right into making improvements, doing everything they could to make the farm safer for the horses and for the people who come and go. Along with these general improvements, they also started adding opportunities for the public. These include trail rides, pony parties, summer seasonal camps, and more.
Hailey has been managing Camelot Farms since 2019, before Fripp Island bought it. She oversees everything. Hailey grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and did a little bit of everything as a child. “I get bored easily, so I always quit the things I started as a kid, but every Thanksgiving, we would go to a relative’s house, and they had horses. I fell in love.” She begged her parents for a couple of years to take lessons, and they finally agreed. She has stuck with it ever since. Hailey’s parents moved to Beaufort when she was still in college, and she would come here for her Christmas and summer break. She had to find somewhere to keep her horses after getting out of college. As Hailey worked at a couple of restaurants, she noticed that the previous owner of Camelot Farms was looking for a manager. She got the job and has been there ever since.
Just because Fripp Island owns Camelot Farms does not mean it is only for Fripp Island members or visitors. You do not even have to drive onto Fripp Island to be able to visit Camelot Farms. You can book everything online through their website or by phone if you have any questions about their services.
Trail Rides – Camelot Farms offers two different trail rides. The first is a one-hour ride that winds through the trails on the property. This ride is great for first-timers or anyone who might be nervous about riding. The second is a two-hour ride that goes into Coffin Point Plantation, taking you down dirt roads under beautiful Live Oak trees, so you’ll feel like you’re in a Nicholas Sparks movie. You will learn about the agriculture of the trees and plants, and about the history of the plantation. You’ll also make your way down to the beach and see the marked turtle nests. It is a beautiful ride where you’ll get the full experience of the area and horseback riding.
Pony Parties – If you have a little horse lover, a pony party would be the perfect celebration for him or her. Camelot Farms offers three different packages: the Shetland, the Thoroughbred, and the Clydesdale. You can find out what is offered in each package on their website. These parties are a ton of fun for kids to do horse-related activities, and depending on the package, go on pony rides or even a trail ride if they are 13 or older.
Horse Boarding – Camelot Farms offers two types of boarding: stall boarding and pasture boarding. Stall boarding is a little more full-service. Camelot Farms will make sure your horses are blanket covered, as necessary; provided with the gear needed to avoid the sand gnats; and bathed, whenever necessary. They can also offer medicines. They cater to the boarder as much as possible. Camelot Farms has a 14-stall barn, and there are only four empty stalls currently.
Riding Lessons – There are currently 30 students being taught at Camelot Farms, and there is a waitlist. Hailey is getting some more instructors at the farm, so that they can accept more students. Depending on the level of the students, they decide how to best go about teaching them to ride. They offer private, semi-private, and group lessons. Lessons are offered Tuesday through Saturday right now, but Hailey said that soon they will be teaching seven days a week. Lessons mainly happen in the mornings while it is cool during the summer, but during school, they provide lessons in the afternoons. They have a big covered arena with lights, so they can ride into the darker hours. This is especially helpful in the winter when it gets dark so early. Hailey just ordered some new jumps for the arena, which is “the talk of the barn” at the moment. All ages are welcome to take lessons from age 5 and up. “You’re never too old to take lessons.”
Horse Training – If you are planning to buy a horse or already have a horse that needs training, you can take them to Camelot Farms. Hailey treats all the horses at Camelot Farms as if they were her own, so you can chat with her about your horse’s background and determine if it would be a good fit. Know that your horse will be in good hands.
Private Events – In the future, you will be able to have weddings and other special events at Camelot Farms. They are working to make that a reality by the fall of this year. They have had surveyors out and are working to start the projects. They will have a beautiful section for an event center, where they can have oyster roasts, private events, or weddings. There will be space for catering, a beautiful lawn that would provide a perfect center aisle, and more.
As part of Camp Fripp, kids will go to Camelot Farms every Monday to learn about the horses. They will learn to groom horses, study the anatomy of a horse, and do horse-related activities. Kids can also sign up for one of Camelot Farms’ week-long summer camps, where they can go from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and learn about horses, get to ride, have lunch, and more. It is a great way to get kids involved in the equestrian sport.
Camelot Farms wants to continue to be a part of the community. They want to get the public more involved on the farm and provide support and fun to the community, not just the members of Fripp Island. If you have ever been interested in horseback riding, whether just taking a ride or even taking lessons, Camelot Farms is there to provide you with the opportunity to do that. You can learn more by calling (843) 838-3938 or visit their website, www.camelotfarmshorses.com.
