3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh accommodates equestrian visitors with sites adjacent to the onsite horse complex. Full hookups are available for RVs at $35 per night with water, electric, and sewer connections. The campground is primarily used during horse shows and equestrian events, offering convenient access for competitors and their animals. Security staff regularly patrol the grounds, creating a safe environment for campers with valuable horses and equipment. The fairgrounds provide level, spacious sites that can accommodate large trucks and horse trailers. Most weekends feature horse shows next door, creating an active equestrian atmosphere.
Located approximately 30 minutes from Angier, the fairgrounds offer two distinct camping areas: one behind the horse complex and another along Youth Center Drive. Horse owners find the proximity to competition rings particularly convenient during events. No dedicated horse corrals are provided on the camping grounds, so visitors must arrange their own containment options. The campground remains open year-round with limited availability during October and specific event weekends. Restroom facilities with cold water showers are accessible within a short walking distance in the Horse Complex. The relatively flat terrain and sparse tree cover create unobstructed spaces for maneuvering large rigs and horse trailers, though sites can become swampy when wet.
"This area is such a short drive from the triangle area of North Carolina, yet this park feels quite remote. Like many state parks, this one excels in the services department. "
"Located just 30 miles west of Raleigh, Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve. "
Available next weekend
from $27 - $77 / night
"Restaurants and downtown Raleigh are within short driving distance. Public bathrooms and showers (cold water) are a 2 minute walk to Horse Complex H6, Barn B Very little tree cover."
"This campground is adjacent to the NC State Fairgrounds. Sites are spacious and full hook ups. Gravel roadways and grass/gravel sites."
from $45 / night
"We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months."
"Lots of great paths to walk."
Available next weekend
from $27 - $75 / night
"There are tons of hiking trails all around and plenty of bike trails too! Conveniently located north of Raleigh, NC and close to many major highways."
"None of the sites are located right on the lake. You either walk the trails or drive down."
Available next weekend
from $72 / night
from $5 / night
"Our site (17) was on the opposite side of the real lake access and right across from the annual spots so we never really had too much privacy but most of the neighbors were very curteous and friendly."
"Located close to nothing else, this campground was so peaceful at night. During the day, it’s beautiful. It’s got showers with hot water and accessible facilities. Great camping!"
from $30 - $60 / night
GuideThe sites are very large, long and wider at the back, plenty of room for a big group or family. The bathrooms look new and they are clean. Here during the week so it's very empty and quiet.
TravelerWe visited Crosswinds campground at Jordan Lake State Park on the worst heatwave of the year. The great thing about this area is that the sites a well shaded. We were about 50 yards from the lake, with the wind blowing we still were comfortable all day. We stayed on Loop A, which is my favorite loop at the park. There’s no electricity or water at the sites. There are water spickets throughout the loop with potable water. The site is awesome! There’s a small pond beside it. The neighboring sites are close, but regular conversations can not be heard.this loop is always quiet even when there are a lot of people, but it’s never been full when I’m there. I didn’t do good with photos except for the food.
ScoutDecent campground in a beautiful location along Lake Jordan. Crosswinds Campground is one of several sites on the lake. We chose this location since the gates stay open all the time, while other sites have a curfew that can lock you out for the night.
The staff are super friendly and helpful. There’s apparently a camp host whom we never met and they’re on the site next to ours (not sure if they’re supposed to greet us or help us get acquainted with the site, but the staff member at check in was great and did all that when we arrived).
Loop C is quiet, very few children, and less road noise compared to the other loops, but doesn’t have the same access to the lake.
Site C50 is conveniently located close to the bath house, has a large fire pit with adjustable grill, picnic table, and hookups for water and electricity. We’re in a tent, so really just use the electricity. The picnic table here should be replaced, as the wood seems to be rotting, but still does the job. There are a few sites in loop C that do have direct access to the lake, but those tend to be booked all of the time. We explored one last night and couldn’t believe it was vacant and how much nicer it seemed.
Bathrooms are not as clean as I would like, but I bring disinfectant wipes to wipe the toilet before use. Showers are fine, but use an annoying motion sensor to turn the water on/off. Showering at night is annoying with the bugs because the bathhouse is lit like a beacon (probably for safety). Waiting for the daytime is a better experience. Also, there isn’t a washing station for dishes, and we do that at our site.
Firewood can be purchased by the staff at the campground entrance; however, the exact same firewood is almost $4 fewer at a Refuel station down the street. Definitely stop into that gas station store for things you might need.
Overall, really good experience staying here, some annoying things, but won’t ruin your stay.
ScoutReally fantastic spot to camp! Great sites and hook ups (no sewer, but EASY dump station)! Go for Loop B - it has the beach.
LegendB.W. Wells Campground at Falls Lake felt like stepping into a quiet forest hideaway, where the kids could explore trails, spot eagles over the water, and watch butterflies while we enjoyed campfires under the trees. It’s strictly hike-in and tent-only, so we had to pack light and plan carefully, but the trade-off was true peace and space to connect without the noise of RVs or busy roads. With shaded group sites, fire pits, picnic tables, nearby restrooms, and lake access perfect for paddling or fishing, it offered a rustic yet rewarding experience that was still close enough to Wake Forest for a quick meal or supply run when we needed it.
ScoutThe staff are all very friendly and helpful
GuideThis is an excellent place to stay. It’s very clean, lots to do, beautiful view of lake. Great hiking trails.
GuideThis is a very large campground that can accommodate any size RV. They do not allow tents. All sites are gravel, but are quite level. I pulled in, and didn't have to adjust anything. Pets are welcome, but as everywhere, dogs must be on a leash (not more than 6' long). If you put the address into your GPS, it will take you to the main fairgrounds. You need to put NC state fairgrounds CAMPGROUND. It is about a quarter mile from the main fairgrounds.
ScoutNo amenities, but the price reflects that. Conveniently located to everything this area offers. Fun to check out whatever is happening at the fairgrounds and the horse complex is across the street. Big rig friendly but you might need to park your your truck/road a ver short walk away if you have a very large rig. The issue here is lack of oversight. There are security folks, but only if you call and request them. There is trash pickup, but no other staff anywhere. So people break the various rules often. Mainly they stay longer than 14 days. There were squatters when we were here one time - about 5 rigs and they wouldn’t leave and had no reservations. They were gone two weeks later when we came back (state troopers and Raleigh PD had to get involved).
The North Carolina State Fairgrounds camping area attracts equestrian visitors year-round, with a concentration of horse enthusiasts during shows and events at the adjacent horse complex. The fairgrounds sit at an elevation of approximately 420 feet in Raleigh's gentle rolling terrain, creating a practical base for campers with specialized equestrian needs. Weather conditions vary seasonally with hot, humid summers and mild winters, occasionally affecting ground conditions.
Trail riding opportunities: Visitors seeking equestrian camping near Angier, North Carolina can find several options beyond the fairgrounds. At Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, campers can combine horseback riding with water activities. "Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site. Boat ramp in campground," notes Wendy M.
Attend equestrian events: The fairgrounds hosts numerous horse shows throughout the year, particularly on weekends. "This is a very large campground that can accommodate any size RV. They do not allow tents... Pets are welcome, but as everywhere, dogs must be on a leash (not more than 6' long)," explains Sheri K.
Water recreation: For those wanting a break from horses, B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area offers lake activities just 30 minutes from the fairgrounds. "The lake is great, roped off area for swimming with a great little sandy beach area next to a playground and toilets," shares Shannon S.
Convenient location: Many appreciate the fairgrounds' central positioning. "We needed to stop in Raleigh for the night and stayed here. It's quiet and huge and full hookups for $30/night. Call the number when you get close and the attendant will meet you to show you to your spot," shares Jenifer K.
Security measures: Campers value the security staff who patrol the grounds. "Campground is quiet and security staff very friendly. Equestrian facility is next door. Sites are first come first serve; no reservations," notes Joy B. from North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Level sites: The flat, open terrain makes setup easier for large rigs. "I pulled in, and didn't have to adjust anything. Pets are welcome, but as everywhere, dogs must be on a leash," says Sheri K. This contrasts with some nearby alternatives like William B. Umstead State Park Campground where one camper mentions: "This campground is right on a lake allowing for drive in campground with a body of water to swim, kayak, and enjoy only 100 yards away."
Limited amenities: Fairgrounds camping is basic compared to traditional campgrounds. "No amenities, but the price reflects that. Conveniently located to everything this area offers. Fun to check out whatever is happening at the fairgrounds and the horse complex is across the street," explains Liz C.
Access considerations: The fairgrounds camping area requires specific navigation. "If you put the address into your GPS, it will take you to the main fairgrounds. You need to put NC state fairgrounds CAMPGROUND. It is about a quarter mile from the main fairgrounds," advises Sheri K.
Shower facilities: Cold water showers are available but require a short walk. "Public bathrooms and showers (cold water) are a 2 minute walk to Horse Complex H6, Barn B. Very little tree cover," notes J D.
Alternative campgrounds for kids: Families seeking more recreational options might prefer Cane Creek Campground and RV Park, located about an hour from Angier. "Beautiful little park nestled into the woods! There are 3 parks which kiddo had a great time making friends at. The bathhouses were very clean-if a little spidery for me (eek!), and both in pretty convenient locations for everyone," recommends Mandy L.
Weather preparation: The fairgrounds' limited tree cover means little shade during summer months. "The sites are level, not much shade. Garbage cans everywhere. Convenient to get into and out of with full hookup," explains Amanda A.
Activity planning: Consider coordinating your stay with scheduled horse shows for entertainment. "Location is everything and you are smack dab in the middle of it. Good WiFi, great cellular... After 5pm...great camp," suggests LaKevius M.
Site selection: RVers should consider specific location needs within the fairgrounds. "We stayed for 12 days in the section with full hookups and found the campground pretty quiet. The lots were close, but you didn't feel crowded. Some shade from oak trees. All spaces are back-in. Our site was level," shares S G.
Dust management: The gravel roads can create significant dust during dry periods. "Lots of fine dust converted from gravel roadway...it's insidious. Can literally do anything you want from this location. Cost could be a little cheaper (30 bucks/night). Water, electric, sewer, and WiFi provided," notes LaKevius M.
Hookup availability: All sites offer full connections for RVs. "Big rig friendly but you might need to park your truck/road a very short walk away if you have a very large rig. The issue here is lack of oversight. There are security folks, but only if you call and request them," explains Liz C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Angier, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Angier, NC is Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Angier, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Angier, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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