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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.