2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Owl Creek Horse Camp stands as the primary equestrian camping option near Bynum, North Carolina, providing essential facilities for riders bringing their own horses. The campground features toilet facilities and drinking water for basic needs. Horse owners will find tent camping accommodations with drive-in or walk-in access. While the campground doesn't offer dedicated horse corrals according to the data, the camping areas are designed to accommodate equestrians with their animals. The natural setting allows for practical horse management during overnight stays, with space for portable containment systems that many experienced horse campers bring with them.
Trail access serves as the main attraction for equestrians visiting the Bynum area. Riders can explore connecting paths throughout the surrounding public lands, with camping serving as a convenient base for extended trail adventures. The Owl Creek area connects to regional bridle trail systems that offer varying terrain and difficulty levels suitable for different riding experiences. Campers should note that primitive camping conditions require proper preparation, including bringing sufficient water for horses and removal of manure from camping areas. For equestrians seeking more developed facilities, the greater North Carolina region offers additional horse camping options with more extensive amenities, though they require traveling farther from the Bynum area.
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
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).
Equestrian enthusiasts seeking horse campgrounds near Bynum, North Carolina have several options within a 30-mile radius. Located in the central Piedmont region at approximately 315 feet elevation, Bynum offers a mild climate with four distinct seasons. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing for extended periods, making year-round equestrian camping feasible at many nearby facilities.
Trail riding at Jordan Lake: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area's Crosswinds Campground provides access to lakeside trails. "Great Campsites, nice wooded sites and close to lake access. Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site," notes Wendy M., highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities while riding.
Disc golf between rides: When taking a break from horseback activities, Cedarock Park offers two complete disc golf courses. "Cedarock Park, located in Burlington, North Carolina, is a hidden gem for all sorts of outdoor activities... There are two fantastic disc golf courses (I personally enjoy the Wellspring course)," shares Kelsey L.
Historical farm visits: Combine equestrian camping with historical education at nearby parks. "There is a historical farm restored to the late 1800s time period," reports a Cedarock Park visitor, providing context for the region's agricultural heritage that shaped today's equestrian traditions.
Swimming and fishing breaks: After trail riding, cool down at designated swimming areas. A Falls Lake visitor reports, "Swimming areas at certain places around the lake. Kayaking and boat access also," making it ideal for multi-activity equestrian camping trips.
Spacious sites for horse trailers: At B.W. Wells Campground, space is ample for equipment. One camper notes, "Very large sites, well shaded, paved and all the hook ups," which accommodates horse trailers and camping gear comfortably.
Proximity to equestrian facilities: North Carolina State Fairgrounds Campground offers direct access to horse facilities. A camper mentions, "Across from horse complex. Price is worth the value," noting the convenience for equestrians competing or training at adjacent venues.
Privacy between sites: Many equestrian campers appreciate well-separated camping areas. At Cane Creek Campground, "Beautiful little park nestled into the woods! Our site (17) was on the opposite side of the real lake access," reports Mandy L., describing the layout that provides some separation from other campers.
Clean facilities for post-ride comfort: After a day on horseback, proper facilities matter. A visitor to Cane Creek notes, "The bathhouses were very clean-if a little spidery for me (eek!), and both in pretty convenient locations for everyone."
Reservation requirements vary: While some equestrian campgrounds require advance booking, others operate differently. At the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, "Sites are first come first serve; no reservations," according to Joy B., so plan accordingly during busy equestrian event weekends.
Seasonal closures affect availability: Check operating dates before planning horse camping trips. William B. Umstead State Park Campground operates from "March 15 to December 1," limiting winter equestrian camping options.
Security considerations: Some horse campgrounds have varying levels of overnight security. At North Carolina State Fairgrounds, "There are security folks, but only if you call and request them," notes Liz C., important information when leaving valuable horses and equipment overnight.
Weather impacts: The region's terrain can create challenges in wet conditions. One Jordan Lake camper reported, "Mud hole, the site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry," something horse owners should consider when planning trips with trailers.
Playgrounds near horse facilities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for children. At Cane Creek, "Plenty of places to tent camp or RV camp! Places to fish things for kids to play on and of course places to shower after! One of my family's favorite places to camp!" shares Krista H.
Combined activities for varied interests: Family-friendly equestrian camping works best with diverse options. "While staying at the park we went on hikes, fished, and played disc golf. It was a great time!" reports Tara T. about Cedarock Park, showing how families can enjoy activities beyond horseback riding.
Expect road noise at some locations: When camping with children who are light sleepers, consider noise levels. A Cedarock camper warns, "The only downside is the road noise at night - it was very loud. Next time we will bring something to help quiet the noise."
After-hours access policies: Some parks restrict movement after closing. A Summer C. notes about Cedarock Park, "The downside is they lock the gate at night and no one else is there so if you have an emergency or just need to leave you can't," which families should consider when planning overnight horse camping with children.
Equestrian-friendly RV hookups: RVers with horses appreciate full-service sites. At Falls Lake State Recreation Area, one camper notes, "$30/night for a camping lot. I came here with a 25 foot shuttle bus. There are people here with deluxe buses, car+tent campers and everything in between," showing the flexibility for various rigs with horses.
Dust control for equipment: Horse owners with RVs should consider surface conditions. At the State Fairgrounds, S.G. mentioned, "Biggest issue is that the grass doesn't seem to be maintained and dusty," which can affect both equestrian equipment and RV systems.
Level sites for horse trailers: Finding level ground simplifies setting up horse containment areas. At North Carolina State Fairgrounds, a visitor noted, "The sites are level, not much shade. Garbage cans everywhere. Convenient to get into and out of with full hookup," providing practical information for those hauling horse trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bynum, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bynum, 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 Bynum, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Bynum, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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