3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
North Carolina State Fairgrounds provides equestrian camping with full hookups for RVs and trailers adjacent to the Hunt Horse Complex. The campground features spacious sites with water, sewer, and electrical connections on gravel roadways with grass sites. Horse owners have direct access to the equestrian facility next door, where cold water showers and public bathrooms are available in Barn B of the Horse Complex. The campground accommodates large rigs and offers convenient access for horse trailers. Security staff patrol the grounds, though oversight is limited and campers should be prepared for self-contained camping as there are few amenities beyond the hookups. Weekend horse shows regularly take place at the adjacent complex.
Located just minutes from downtown Raleigh, the fairgrounds campground serves as a practical base for equestrians participating in events at the horse complex. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. The actual camping address is 801 Youth Center Drive, with two distinct camping areas—one in the woods behind the horse complex and another along Youth Center Drive closer to fairground events. Owl Creek Horse Camp in the Bankhead National Forest offers a more primitive camping alternative with drinking water and toilet facilities for tent campers. Both locations provide strategic access to regional bridle trails and riding opportunities. The fairgrounds location has a 14-day maximum stay policy, though enforcement varies. Campers report the convenience of restaurants and services nearby makes this location particularly suitable for equestrians needing urban amenities while attending horse events.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $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).
North Carolina State Fairgrounds campground serves equestrian visitors with full hookup sites featuring 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections. The campground is situated adjacent to the Hunt Horse Complex with easy access for horse trailers and large rigs. Non-reservation camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis at $30 per night, with a security patrol monitoring the grounds. The facility offers limited amenities beyond hookups, making it best suited for self-contained RV camping while attending equestrian events.
Explore lake activities: At Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach area and access boat launches. "Great 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," notes Wendy M.
Visit historical sites: The Cedarock Park features a historical farm restored to showcase farming life in 19th century North Carolina. "The park is also home to 6 miles of hiking trails and 6 miles of equestrian trails. There are two fantastic disc golf courses and even a historical farm that sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina," explains Kelsey L.
Enjoy urban accessibility: When staying at State Fairgrounds, explore downtown Raleigh just minutes away. "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.
Well-maintained facilities: William B. Umstead State Park offers clean camping areas with drive-in access to tent sites. "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. Showers, bathrooms, and running drinking water is nearby," reports Sydney S.
Spacious sites: The State Fairgrounds provides ample room for equestrian camping near Cary, North Carolina. "This 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," notes Sheri K.
Natural surroundings: B.W. Wells Campground at Falls Lake features wooded sites with natural privacy. "This is one of my favorite campgrounds. Located on a semi rural area, the sites are very wooded and quiet. There was a lake nearby with an open sky where you could see hundreds of stars at night," writes Kristen W.
Limited oversight: State Fairgrounds camping operates with minimal staff supervision. "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," explains Liz C.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is open January 1 to October 2, while William B. Umstead State Park campground operates from March 15 to December 1.
Pack out trash: At Cane Creek Campground, campers should prepare to manage their own waste. "Beautiful little park nestled into the woods! Our site 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," reports Mandy L.
Look for playground access: Many campgrounds near Cary offer facilities for children. "Loved that there was a playground near the site. The site itself was gravelly and not super private but it was great- the hikes around were stunning," shares Amanda L. about B.W. Wells Campground.
Consider noise factors: Some campgrounds have unexpected noise issues. At Cedarock Park, "The only downside is the road noise at night - it was very loud. Next time we will bring something to help quiet the noise," advises Tara T.
Choose lake-adjacent sites: When horseback riding isn't the priority, families enjoy water access for recreation. "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!" exclaims Krista H. about Cane Creek Campground.
Navigation guidance: When visiting the State Fairgrounds for equestrian camping, be specific with directions. "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.
Site leveling: Many RV sites require minimal adjustment at Jordan Lake. "This 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," explains Paul H.
Understand dump station policies: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups at individual sites. "This 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," notes Debbie F. about Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cary, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cary, 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 Cary, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Cary, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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