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Owl Creek Horse Camp near Clayton, North Carolina provides designated camping areas for equestrians with toilet facilities on site. The campground accommodates tent camping with drive-in and walk-in access options. Water is available for horses and campers, though the camp lacks electric hookups, showers, and permanent corrals. The natural terrain offers suitable areas for setting up temporary containment systems or highlines for horses. Sites are relatively basic with minimal amenities, making this an option for riders seeking a more primitive camping experience. The campground's unpaved access roads can become dusty during dry periods, affecting both horses and equipment.
The camp connects to a network of bridle trails through surrounding woodland areas, giving riders access to varied terrain suitable for day rides directly from the campsite. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with some sections becoming challenging after rainfall. Horse owners should bring their own feed storage containers as facilities for secure feed storage are limited. The campground requires proper manure management, with campers responsible for cleanup. Drinking water for horses is accessible, though riders often bring additional water during hot weather conditions. Most visitors recommend weekday stays to avoid weekend crowds when trail traffic increases. Proximity to Clayton provides convenience for purchasing supplies or accessing veterinary services if needed.
"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
Check Availability"We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months."
"Lots of great paths to walk."
from $27 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $27 - $77 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $72 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
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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 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).
TravelerThe sites are level, not much shade. Garbage cans everywhere. Convenient to get into and out of with full hookup. There are no amenities at all but security drives around. Felt safe. Across from stadium. Price is worth the value.
Owl Creek Horse Camp in North Carolina offers primitive equestrian camping facilities with access to woodland bridle trails. The camp sits at approximately 350 feet elevation in the rolling Piedmont region where sandy soil creates well-draining trail conditions after rain. Water access points accommodate both horses and riders, though facilities remain minimal with basic toilet amenities only.
Trail riding access: Riders at North Carolina State Fairgrounds can enjoy equestrian facilities directly across from the campground. "Fun to check out whatever is happening at the fairgrounds and the horse complex is across the street," notes Liz C.
Scenic hiking options: Explore forested paths at William B. Umstead State Park Campground with varying difficulty levels. "There are a wide variety of single track to larger sand/dirt paths. My cross country team will come here for long day," shares Sarah M., highlighting the trail diversity.
Lake activities: Take advantage of Falls Lake's swimming areas with designated safety zones. "The lake is great, roped off area for swimming with a great little sandy beach area next to a playground and toilets," mentions Shannon S., describing the family-friendly setup.
Spacious sites: Crosswinds Campground offers generous camping areas with natural barriers. "Loved having a double site with my parents. Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy," reports Angela M.
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings attract various wildlife species for observation. "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," explains Kristen W. about her experience.
Outdoor recreation options: Multiple activity options exist within short distances. "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," shares Bran P. about regional outdoor access.
Water management: During wet periods, some campgrounds experience drainage issues. "Mud hole, the site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry," warns Rick M. about seasonal conditions at certain sites.
Security considerations: Campground oversight varies significantly between locations. "The issue here is lack of oversight. There are security folks, but only if you call and request them," explains Liz C., noting the importance of self-awareness.
Gate restrictions: B.W. Wells Campground enforces strict entry times. "They lock the gate after a certain hour. If you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck," cautions Debbie F. about access limitations.
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas to keep children entertained. "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," recommends Amanda L.
Group accommodations: For family gatherings, seek designated group areas. "I camped here with a large group and we fit in one campground nicely. Some people slept in tents but a lot strung Eno hammocks between the Carolina Pines," describes Sarah M.
Swimming safety: Equestrian camping near Clayton provides family-friendly water options with safety features. "B.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," shares Maria Mercedes M.
Site leveling: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers relatively flat parking for large vehicles. "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," notes Paul H.
Dump station only: Plan accordingly for waste management limitations. "This campground is pretty great except for two things. There is no septic on your site," advises Debbie F. about preparing for sewer arrangements.
GPS coordinates: Ensure proper navigation instructions when traveling to horse camping facilities near Clayton. "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," explains Sheri K. about finding correct locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Clayton, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Clayton, NC is North Carolina State Fairgrounds with a 4.1-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Clayton, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Clayton, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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