Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Apex is the way to go. Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect equestrian sites that are scenic and easy to access.
This recreation area is part of B. Everett Jordan Lake
Sites are meant for tent/pop-up camping only. No RV or Trailer is accessible.
Located in Wake County 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park is a cherished retreat from bustling urban life. The park features an extensive network of hiking and multiuse trails, as well as three manmade lakes and their tributaries that are perfect for fishing. Both park entrances offer picnic shelters, and Crabtree Creek offers camping areas. Group camps and the historic Maple Hill Lodge let visitors experience a rustic overnight experience without typical modern camping amenities.
Please note: Campground closes for the N.C. State Fair in October.
Limited camping access is available during the month of October and certain event weekends. Call immediately prior to trip departure to inquire about availability. (919) 612-6767.
Avoid the commute, relax and enjoy the North Carolina State Fairgrounds' campgrounds. With 100 full-service sites and an additional 200 sites on the grounds, we are equipped for all your RV camping needs. Rental cost for a 24-hour period is $30. The campground is closed to the public for the month of October for the N.C. State Fair. Spaces are first come, first served with no advance reservations taken. Check in upon arrival by calling 919-612-6767.
$35 / night
$30 / night
Cane Creek Campground is located just 12 miles south of I-85/40 Interstate. We have available full hook-ups (50/30 amps) and power & water sites (30 amp) also primitive tent sites. We are a family oriented campground with area local attractions, events and amenities to make your stay with us enjoyable. We can accommodate all types of campers from the smallest tent to the biggest 5th wheel and motorhomes with slide-outs. At Cane Creek Campground we want to make your stay with us pleasant and relaxing while you enjoy quality time with your family and friends. Come see what Cane Creek Campground has to offer.
$10 / night
The Owl Creek Horse Camp provides primitive overnight campsites for trail riders on a first come, first serve basis. The Owl Creek Trail System is approximately 26 miles and suitable for equestrian riding.
$5 / night
Ranger
Cedarock Park, located in Burlington, North Carolina, is a hidden gem for all sorts of outdoor activities. The park offers hike-in camping with a handful of sites scattered along Rock Creek. The sites are well spaced and can accommodate large groups (you only pay $1 for each additional person for groups larger than 10). The park is also home to 6 miles of hiking trails and 6 miles of equestrian trails. There are two fantastic disc golf courses (I personally enjoy the Wellspring course) and even a historical farm that sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina.
Guide
I have stayed there twice over the past couple years. The only changes to this Campground are the Prices !! ..which keep going up (to $35 day now). For this, you get a parking space with full hookups.. that's it, no Amenities whatsoever!
It's pretty much a "Camper Trap", because there are so few options in the North Carolina Piedmont. Spaces are tight, a lot of the people there are long-term workers, that totally ignore any "Dust" decorum, speeding through the area as if they were on public streets!
GuideThis campground is adjacent to the NC State Fairgrounds. Sites are spacious and full hook ups. Gravel roadways and grass/gravel sites. Most sites appear to be fairly level; we did have to use blocks on one side. There are no amenities so you must be fully self-contained. There seem to be quite a few long-term campers. Campground is quiet and security staff very friendly. Equestrian facility is next door. Sites are first come first serve; no reservations.
TravelerWater, sewer, electrical hook-ups It's a pretty relaxing spot. 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.
ScoutThe actual address is 801 Youth Center Drive. One camping location is up in the woods behind the horse complex. The other is on the actual fairgrounds property along Youth Center Drive. These are less desirable unless you are doing an event on the fairgrounds and want to be closer.
Ranger
This is a pretty nice campground, similar to other state parks in North Carolina. The sites are spacious, we stayed at a double site that allowed up to 4 cars. The site was level and stayed dry during the heavy rain, however we saw other sites that had big puddles, with tents in the water. The bathrooms were cleaned regularly, but they were not very nice. The shower didn't look good at all, we didn't use it.
A great things about the campground is that it has its own kayak/canoe ramp, just a few minutes drive from the site. We saw people fishing from the ramp as well. On our morning paddle we saw a couple of bald eagles, they were amazing. We stayed at the campsite after heavy rains, so the beach was closed. It must be nice when not flooded.
This is a state campground, so alcohol is not allowed.
LegendThis 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.
Bathrooms and showers were clean and comfortable, as were the campsites.
Each camping loop felt tucked away into its own little neighborhood, and the large campsites offered space so that you aren’t stacked right next to your neighbor. We camped in the nonelectric loop (we always bring our solar panel) for 3 nights in mid-February and there were very few campers around, but the neighboring loop with electrical hook-up sites were 3/4 full with large rigs.
Hiking, biking, paddling, are all great things to do during your stay. There is also a boat launch within the park in case power boating or fishing is your thing, but kayaks and canoes can easily launch from the lakeside campsites. It was a bit too chilly to get on the water in February, so we opted for hiking and biking.
The closest services for gas or a few extra snacks are within 5 minutes of the park.
TravelerI live in Raleigh and use this campground if I need a place to work on the rig or staging before going out for months at a time. Full hookups are available at all sites and very convenient to downtown Raleigh. Check-in is simple and you can pick your own spot. Most weekends have a horse show next door.
Only cons are the sites are grassy and can get swampy when wet, and not very level.
LegendLocated just 30 miles west of Raleigh, Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve. And while I’m not a kitesurfer or windsurfer, I’m positive that this campground was named for the pretty amazing headwinds that are enjoyed coming off Falls Lake, which Crosswinds Campground @ Jordan Lake SRA sits on. Take my word for it though, this outdoor nature preserve is truly a slice of heaven carved out in some of North Carolina’s finest camping countryside. If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nicely shaded nature, hiking trails and humble peace & quiet that only God's green nature can offer, then make your way here to Crosswinds Campground, where this heavily wooded forest paradise will embrace you with its inclines, switchbacks and snakelike, swerving road circuits.
All of the basics are provided in spades – from picnic table, fold-up fire ring / BBQ grill, bear-proof garbage hanger and a nice pebble-strewn and long-leaf pine shadowed patch of well-maintained nature that offers pristine shade from an unrelenting bit of summer Tar Heel sunshine. While there’s a suitable amount of brush between campsites, surprisingly, it’s the steep inclines and declines between each site that makes one feel that they are truly in the center of their own private wilderness. The on-site bathroom & shower facilities are just slightly north of passable and only a smidge better than you’d expect from a state-run campground, and so this campground gets its only mediocre marks on this front. But that said, there’s plenty of hiking trails to explore and the on-site rangers are incredibly helpful and positive folks that want to ensure you have a great time, but the best amenity on this property is the access to Lake Jordan itself, where there is a perfectly sectioned off swimming area – complete with life safety vests resting on hooks near the shore - as well as boat launching areas for those that want to fish or simply drop a kayak or canoe in the water and take enjoy a lakeside cruise.
Insider’s tips? Here's a bundle: (1) Be sure to get down to the lake from wherever your campsite is just after sunset and bring a couple of folding chairs and a telescope (pre-planning here is needed!) to catch a glimpse of one of the most amazing star-studded night skies you’ve ever seen in your life!; (2) While IMHO there are no bad sites per se here, certainly there are some that are better than others, amongst which, I would highly recommend those that are closer to the tree fall lines as well as those that place you closest to either lakeside or lake view. With 3 loops to choose from (A, B & C), I recommend the following sites: Loop A - #18-19; #21-22; and #44-47; Loop B - #33, #36, #37, #39, #40,#43; Loop C - #19, #21, #23, #24, #26, #32, #34, #36, #40, #42; (3) If you have a boat, you may want to consider calling ahead of time, while you are reserving your campsite and reserve a boat slip - we just thought that they would be readily available, but as it turns out, there's quite a few daytime boaters that don't camp here and are simply looking for a slip to occupy for the day, so plan ahead!; (4) SUPER INSIDER SECRET: there's a little pathway next to site #32 that will lead you to a hidden beachhead where all the cool kids hang out and party; (5) The showers are pretty annoying in that they are regulated by body movement - so as a hack, we applied duct tape and VOILA! the hot water stayed on the whole time! (but remove when you are done or the water won't stop running!); and (6) When you grow tired or anxious after digging through what remains of your Cordova cooler and / or want to sample some local fare, be prepared to drive a short distance (20 minutes or so) back to Apex, where I would recommend The Peak on Salem that serves up some pretty mean Caribbean conch & shrimp fritters as well as some very nice seafood entrees like NC clam bucatini or sweet tea ginger whiskey braised beef short rib.
Happy Camping!
RangerCampground Review
As one of the best and biggest parks in my area, I've spent a good bit of time at Cedarock Park. There is SO much to do for any outdoor fan. The park is almost 500 acres in size and offers:
Cedarock Park offers a handful of sites along Rock Creek, which runs through the park. The sites are only available via hiking in (though the "hike" is a short quarter mile down a wooded forest path). Each site includes a fire pit and bench with ample space to set up tents. The sites are all super flat, which makes finding some place comfortable to set up a tent that much easier. Sites are $10/night for groups under 10 people in size and cost an additional $1 for each person over 10. Reservations are required (though they do accept walk-ins at the park office). You can reserve a site either by calling the park office or by going online. There is a 3 night limit for camping. Park hours are as follows:
Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to test and review products from time to time. At this campground, I tested OOFOS OOmg low shoes for women.
As someone with perpetually flat feet (due in part to being a swimmer most of my life and in part because I do everything in my Birkenstocks) it's always been hard for me to find a pair of shoes that I not only like but will actually wear. I can say with confidence that OOFOS OOmg shoes will be added to my very small list of shoes I love. Here's a few of the reasons why:
Overall I would recommend these shoes in a heartbeat. They're comfortable, breathable, and light weight, making them the perfect pair of shoes for outdoor lovers of any variety.
GuideGreat place. Plenty of shade and view of Lake Jordan. Restrooms were clean.
TravelerLoop C site 19 is a great location. It’s flat with a few good locations off the gravel for tents. Good trees for hammocks are present. There’s no other site within a couple hundred yards to the east. East access to the lake shore and plenty of woods for kids to play in. The bathhouse is a short walk away.
TravelerThis was our very first full-time RV park. We loved being in the park and it easily accommodated our 39ft. Class A. Back-in site but with plenty of room to do so. Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station. The sites are big with a picnic table, fire pit and lantern hook. Plenty to do here with the lake at your fingertips. Great first experience.
GuideJordan lake has so much opportunity--from walking trails to great water activities. There are public and private beaches, and Crosswinds has great beach access. You could be camping just yards from the beach and lake. Though the pictures are from a gloomier day, I've had so many great sunny days at Jordan Lake--including the first time I was ever able to get up on some water skis!
I would recommend this campsite to college students looking to get away from the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area... particularly during the summers when it gets hot and early fall.
RangerWe recently took a trip to this campground after years of camping at other spots on Jordan Lake and we loved it. The facilities were close by and very clean. We decided to stay at this spot because of the close proximity to astronomy event that was taking place nearby. The Moorehead Planetarium has events at Jordan Lake about once a month and this was a great opportunity to see space and have a fun camping trip.
GuideRight alongside the water of Jordan Lake, crosswinds has a great location! We had a larger group coming so we loved the double sites available. We were close to water and the bathrooms and a short drive away from the boat launch and meadow trails. We didn't see the sun this weekend, but there was still a lot to do!! Would recommend, especially for group trips.
TravelerThe campground, like other ones around Jordan Lake, is beautifully shaded amongst the Carolina pine trees. Most of the sites are close together and do not provide much privacy. However, the double sites provide ample room and more privacy than the single sites. If you are planning on swimming, be prepared to walk to the swimming beach. Access to the lake can be treacherous with steep and rocky banks near the campsites.
GuideWe have camped at Crooswinds several times and we have enjoyed each time. The plane traffic is not too bad. So far we have camped each time in the B loop and every spot we've had has been a good one. You can hear the traffic on highway 64 more in the B loop than in C loop.
TravelerIt has electricity and water and primitive sites with boat ramps
TravelerIt has all the emenitys
Scoutthis campground is pretty great except for two things. there is no septic on your site, and they lock the gate after a certain hour. if you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck.
Scoutthis is a terrific place, no septic on sites. No water in off season. Excellent hiking trail.
ScoutSuch a beautiful, relaxing campground! Some sites are on the lake and close enough to pull your boat up to the shore. The bathhouse has a lot to be desired. Beach is nice and the sites are spacious. I love this campground!
GuideGreat Campsites, nice wooded sites and close to lake access. Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site. Boat ramp in campground. Swim area and playground.
ScoutThere is a lot of workers staying here and they are right next door to us
Things go missing
ScoutFamily friendly, swimming, fishing, close to stores if needed, very clean and well maintained.
TravelerLoved having a double site with my parents. Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy.
North Carolina offers a fantastic experience for horse camping enthusiasts, with several campgrounds providing excellent amenities and access to beautiful trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Apex, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Apex, NC is Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Apex, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Apex, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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