Equestrian camping near B. Everett Jordan Lake offers access to over 1,200 acres of mixed hardwood forest and shoreline trails. The region maintains moderate temperatures year-round, with average summer highs around 87°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 30°F. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with spring bringing occasional muddy sections while fall delivers packed dirt paths ideal for horseback riding.
What to do
Trail riding on shoreline routes: Jordan Lake's equestrian trails feature several water access points that aren't mentioned in the horse camp descriptions. At Crosswinds Campground, campers can enjoy "boat ramp in campground" and "great hiking trails" with "deer walked right behind our site," according to Wendy M.
Disc golf at nearby parks: Just 30 minutes from Jordan Lake, Cedarock Park offers "two fantastic disc golf courses" with a total of 36 holes. Kelsey L. notes the "Wellspring course" is particularly enjoyable for campers looking to break up their horse-focused activities.
Fishing from shore or boat: The lake provides ample fishing opportunities beyond the equestrian areas. Paula U. mentions that some Crosswinds Campground sites "offer a tie-off of your boat adjacent to your campsite," making it convenient to bring your horse and boat for a multi-activity trip.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Unlike the close quarters described at Owl Creek Horse Camp, nearby William B. Umstead State Park offers "campgrounds are close but separated by trees and forest to create privacy," according to Sydney S., providing a more secluded alternative for equestrians who value space between neighbors.
Clean facilities that serve multiple user types: While Owl Creek focuses on equestrian basics, nearby options offer broader amenities. Robert P. simply states that Crosswinds Campground "has all the emenitys," while Paula U. elaborates that it features "a nice sand beach on the lake and a boat launch as well."
Level terrain for easy setup: The camping areas around Jordan Lake feature relatively flat ground. Paul H. notes that Crosswinds "easily accommodated our 39ft. Class A" with "plenty of room" despite being a back-in site, offering an alternative for equestrians with larger rigs than typically accommodated at horse-specific camps.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Jordan Lake area experiences seasonal storms that can affect camping conditions. One camper at Cane Creek Campground reported that "a large storm rolled through and a hickory nut busted the top of my ac unit on my roof," highlighting the need for awareness about overhead tree coverage.
Gate access limitations: Unlike Owl Creek's 24-hour accessibility, some nearby alternatives have restricted access times. Debbie F. notes that at Crosswinds, "they lock the gate after a certain hour. If you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck."
Site drainage issues: Some campsites around Jordan Lake have drainage problems after rain. Rick M. described his experience at Crosswinds as a "mud hole, the site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry," suggesting equestrians should inquire about elevated sites when booking during rainy seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds near campsites: For families bringing both children and horses, look for campgrounds with child-friendly amenities. At Falls Lake State Recreation Area, amanda L. "loved that there was a playground near the site" and noted that "the hikes around were stunning," offering activities for non-riders.
Swimming options during hot months: Jordan Lake has designated swimming areas for cooling off after trail rides. Angela M. enjoyed "close to the beach where we sat for hours" at Crosswinds Campground, making it practical for families to combine horse activities with water recreation.
Field space for games: Beyond trail riding, families need areas for other activities. Sarah M. found that Falls Lake offers "a large open field great for recreational games (we played frisbee!)" near their campsite that "lined the lake," providing diversions when not on horseback.
Tips from RVers
Early arrival benefits: RVers with horses should plan morning arrivals. Shannon S. at Falls Lake appreciated that "they let us in a couple hours early which was great" for setting up their rig before taking horses on the trails.
Full hookup limitations: Unlike basic equestrian camping, RV sites with full amenities have specific constraints. Jason N. observed that at B.W. Wells Campground, "none of the sites are located right on the lake. You either walk the trails or drive down," requiring planning for those bringing both horses and large RVs.
Dust and surface conditions: RV campers note that site surfaces vary significantly. S G. mentioned that at North Carolina State Fairgrounds, the "biggest issue is that the grass doesn't seem to be maintained and dusty," a consideration for horse owners concerned about respiratory conditions for their animals.
