Cooper Black Recreation Area
🏆 Official Guide: Cooper Black Recreation Area — The H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area — a 7,000-acre park near Cheraw in South Carolina, renowned for national-level field trial competitions, 20–40+ miles of equestrian trails, stables and kennels, 27 campsites with hookups, fishing ponds, and a premier destination for horse enthusiasts and sporting dog events.
H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area (commonly called Cooper Black) near Cheraw, South Carolina, is one of the Southeast’s premier equestrian and sporting dog parks. Spanning 7,000 acres of Sandhills terrain, it features extensive horse trails, stables, competition arenas, and camping — all adjacent to Cheraw State Park.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Cheraw, Chesterfield County, SC |
| Size | 7,000 acres |
| Primary Focus | Equestrian + field trial competitions |
| Campsites | 27 sites — water + electric hookups |
| Contact | (843) 378-1555 or 1-866-345-PARK |
| Adjacent | Cheraw State Park (golf, cabins, lake) |
Equestrian Facilities
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trails | 20–40+ miles of equestrian trails + sand roads |
| Stables | On-site stables available |
| Kennels | Dog kennel facilities |
| Arenas | Multiple corrals, arenas, show ring |
| Meeting Hall | Available for organizations |
| Field Trials | National-level retriever + pointing dog competitions |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Horseback Riding | 20–40+ mi — Sandhills terrain, pine forests |
| Field Trials | National-caliber retriever + sporting dog events |
| Camping | 27 hookup sites + primitive — horse-friendly |
| Fishing | Goose Pond, Mallard Pond + other park ponds |
| Hiking | Multi-use trails through Sandhills terrain |
| Bird Watching | Pine forest + pond habitats |
| Hunting | Seasonal — orange clothing required |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp with my horse at Cooper Black?
Yes — the campground is specifically designed for equestrian use. The 27 campsites (water and electric hookups) are located near corrals, stalls, and stables. Primitive camping is also available. The park is one of South Carolina’s premier horse camping destinations.
What are field trials?
Field trials are competitive events where sporting dogs (retrievers, pointers, setters) demonstrate their natural hunting abilities in controlled outdoor settings. Cooper Black hosts national-level competitions — the 7,000-acre terrain provides ideal conditions for retriever trials and pointing dog events. These events may temporarily close the park to general visitors.
Is Cheraw State Park the same as Cooper Black?
No — they are separate but adjacent parks. Cheraw State Park offers a championship golf course, cabin rentals, lake recreation, and developed campground. Cooper Black focuses on equestrian facilities and field trials. The two parks complement each other well for extended stays.
