2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Owl Creek Horse Camp, located 33 miles southwest of Apex, serves as the primary equestrian camping area in the region. The campground provides basic facilities for horse owners, including toilets, drinking water, and tent camping accommodations. The site layout allows for both drive-in and walk-in access, making it convenient for those traveling with horse trailers. Sites frequently go underwater after light rain, requiring careful planning during wet weather periods. The campground does not feature dedicated horse corrals, so riders must bring portable containment systems or tie-out equipment.
The nearby trail system connects to multiple forest paths suitable for day rides. Unlike other campgrounds in the area, Owl Creek specifically caters to horse camping rather than general recreation. Water access points for horses are available along the trail routes, though campers should verify current water conditions before planning extended rides. No electrical hookups or RV accommodations exist at this primitive horse camp. Camping is permitted year-round, though seasonal conditions affect trail quality and campsite conditions significantly. Trail riders must stay on designated bridle paths and follow all posted regulations regarding horse management on public lands. The absence of reservation systems means campers should arrive early during peak riding seasons to secure camping spots.
"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 this weekend
from $27 - $77 / night
"This campground is adjacent to the NC State Fairgrounds. Sites are spacious and full hook ups. Gravel roadways and grass/gravel sites."
"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."
from $45 / night
"We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months."
"Umstead is conveniently located in the heart of Raleigh, NC. It seems to be an outdoor oasis as you can get lost in the woods with the hustle and bustle of the city all around you."
Available this 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $72 / 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!"
"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 park is almost 500 acres in size and offers:
- 6 miles of hiking trails
- 6 miles of equestrian trails
- 2 disc golf courses with a total of 36 holes for play
- A historical farm restored"
from $10 / night
from $5 / 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).
Owl Creek Horse Camp serves as a dedicated equestrian camping destination 33 miles southwest of Apex. The camp provides tent sites suitable for horse owners and basic facilities including drinking water and toilet access. Trails connect directly from the campground to forest paths that accommodate day rides throughout the region. Seasonal conditions significantly impact both trail quality and campsite usability, with sites often becoming waterlogged after rain events.
Trail riding for all levels: The trail system around B.W. Wells Campground connects to several routes appropriate for various riding abilities. "We were able to go for a quick dip or sit and watch the water" after riding, notes camper Sarah M., highlighting the lake access points where horses can be watered.
Equestrian events: During spring and fall, the horse facilities near North Carolina State Fairgrounds host competitions and gatherings. "Equestrian facility is next door," mentions Joy B., making it convenient for overnight stays between show days. The fairgrounds provide large, level sites that can accommodate rigs with horse trailers.
Training sessions: Novice riders find the gentle terrain around Owl Creek suitable for skill-building exercises. Several flat areas adjacent to the campground allow for groundwork practice before venturing onto trails. More experienced riders can test their abilities on the varied terrain found along the connecting forest routes.
Private camping areas: Horse campers appreciate the seclusion at Crosswinds Campground compared to general recreation sites. "Spacious sites and plenty of privacy," according to Angela M., creates comfortable separation between horse trailers and other camping equipment.
Water access: The ability to cool down horses after riding remains crucial during warmer months. "Boat ramp in campground" mentioned by Wendy M. provides convenient water access for horses at multiple points throughout the day rides. Designated horse watering areas prevent erosion and protect sensitive shoreline environments.
Extended parking: Horse owners require significantly more space than standard campers. The expanded parking areas at horse-friendly sites accommodate truck-and-trailer combinations without crowding neighboring campsites. This practical consideration prevents congestion around the camping areas during peak riding seasons.
Seasonal flooding: Sites at Owl Creek frequently become waterlogged after even light rainfall. This issue affects multiple equestrian camping areas in the region, requiring careful planning during wet seasons. "Mud hole, the site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry," reports Rick M. at William B. Umstead State Park Campground, highlighting similar drainage challenges.
No permanent corrals: Horse containment systems are not provided at most area equestrian campgrounds. Campers must bring portable panels, electric tape systems, or use trailer ties. This requirement increases preparation needs but allows flexibility in how horses are secured overnight.
Reservation limitations: Most horse campgrounds in the area operate on a first-come basis during non-peak seasons. During popular riding periods from April through October, sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving mid-week improves chances of securing preferred camping locations.
Multiple recreation options: Families staying at horse campgrounds near Apex can enjoy activities beyond riding. Cane Creek Campground offers "Places to fish things for kids to play on and of course places to shower after!" according to Krista H., providing welcome diversions for non-riders.
Playground proximity: Several equestrian camping areas include play facilities within sight of the horse camping areas. "Loved that there was a playground near the site," notes Amanda L., allowing adults to manage horses while keeping children entertained safely nearby.
Educational opportunities: The historical aspects of regional horse trails create learning experiences for younger visitors. Many trails follow historic routes used for commerce and transportation, with interpretive signs explaining their significance to the region's development.
Site selection for trailers: When camping with living-quarters horse trailers, choosing properly sized sites becomes critical. Cedarock Park offers "ample space for setting up," according to Tara T., though the sites require a short walk-in distance that may limit large trailer access.
Utility connections: Most dedicated horse camps offer limited hookups compared to standard RV parks. Campers with horse trailers should prepare for boondocking conditions by filling water tanks and charging batteries before arrival. Generator restrictions often apply during quiet hours, typically from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Manure management: Horse owners must practice proper waste disposal when camping. Most equestrian campgrounds require campers to scatter manure in wooded areas away from water sources or pack it out completely. This responsibility helps maintain environmental quality and prevents conflict with non-equestrian campers sharing adjacent facilities.
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 34 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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