6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Equestrian camping options near Erwin, North Carolina remain limited, with few facilities specifically designed for horse owners. The North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh provides camping primarily during horse shows at the adjacent Horse Complex. Full hookups for RVs are available at $35 per night, though the sites lack equestrian-specific amenities. Security personnel regularly patrol the fairgrounds area, with the camping area conveniently positioned near the equestrian event facilities. The large, level sites accommodate RVs of any size, though tent camping is not permitted.
Located approximately 40 minutes from Erwin, the campground at the Horse Complex offers proximity to scheduled equine events without dedicated horse corrals or permanent stalls. Campers should contact the fairgrounds office directly regarding trailer parking availability during non-event periods. Water and electrical hookups are standard at all sites, with sewer connections also available. During major equestrian competitions, the campground fills quickly as participants seek convenient accommodations. Some visitors note the campground's gravel roads generate significant dust during dry periods, potentially affecting horses with respiratory sensitivities.
"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"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."
"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."
from $27 - $75 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / 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 $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability
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.
Equestrian camping options expand beyond Raleigh for riders seeking accommodations near Erwin, North Carolina. Located in the central part of the state at approximately 200 feet elevation, this region offers moderate year-round temperatures with distinct seasonal variations. The area provides access to several trail systems suitable for horseback riding within a 40-60 mile radius, though dedicated horse camping facilities remain limited.
Trail riding at Falls Lake: The recreation area provides several miles of multi-use trails where horseback riding is permitted. One visitor noted, "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."
Swimming access at B.W. Wells Campground: After a day of riding, cool off in Falls Lake. A camper shared, "The lake is great, roped off area for swimming with a great little sandy beach area next to a playground and toilets."
Horseback events at Fairgrounds: During equestrian competitions at the Horse Complex, non-participants can watch shows. A visitor mentioned, "Equestrian facility is next door" to the camping area, making it convenient to observe events.
Bird watching near Jordan Lake: Observe eagles and other wildlife while camping. A camper at Crosswinds Campground reported, "Deer walked right behind our site. Boat ramp in campground. Swim area and playground."
Privacy between sites: Many equestrian campers appreciate separation between camping spots. At William B. Umstead State Park, a camper noted, "Campgrounds are close but separated by trees and forest to create privacy."
Horse-friendly surroundings: While dedicated horse corrals are uncommon, some areas accommodate equestrian needs. The State Fairgrounds Campground has "security drives around. Felt safe. Across from stadium. Price is worth the value."
Lake access for cooling horses: Several campgrounds offer water access important for horses after trail rides. One Jordan Lake visitor shared, "Some sites are on the lake and close enough to pull your boat up to the shore."
Easy highway connections: Riders appreciate quick access to major roads. A camper at Umstead State Park commented, "This is a great little campground right inside Raleigh. I've camped there several times with the kids and it's great because it's so close."
Limited dedicated horse facilities: Most campgrounds near Erwin lack specific equestrian amenities like corrals or stables. At William B. Umstead State Park, "there are historic cabins with cots to sleep on" but no horse-specific accommodations.
Dust concerns for horses: Some campgrounds have conditions that may affect sensitive horses. At State Fairgrounds, a visitor observed, "Gravel roadways and grass/gravel sites. Most sites appear to be fairly level; we did have to use blocks on one side."
Seasonal availability varies: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Umstead State Park operates "March 15 to December 1" while other facilities have different seasonal restrictions.
Water and terrain conditions: Weather impacts trail conditions for riding. At Jordan Lake, one camper warned, "Mud hole, the site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry."
Choose sites with playgrounds: When bringing children and horses, look for facilities with recreation areas. At Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, a visitor appreciated the "great hiking trails and very family friendly" environment.
Consider noise factors: Some campgrounds experience disruptions that might startle horses. Near Umstead Park, a camper mentioned the "occasional airplane you will inevitably hear above you as the park is located right next to RDU international airport."
Pack for tent-only areas: Some horse-accessible sites require specific equipment. At B.W. Wells Campground, a visitor explained, "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."
Check for group site availability: Larger family groups with multiple horses need adequate space. Falls Lake offers advantages as "I camped here with a large group and we fit in one campground nicely."
Horse trailer parking considerations: Verify trailer accommodation before arrival. At State Fairgrounds, a visitor advised, "This is a very large campground that can accommodate any size RV... If you put the address into your GPS, it will take you to the main fairgrounds. You need to put NC state fairgrounds CAMPGROUND."
Full hookups for extended stays: Horse campers often need extended facilities. The State Fairgrounds provides "water, sewer, electrical hook-ups" with "garbage cans everywhere. Convenient to get into and out of with full hookup."
Security for horse equipment: Protection for valuable tack and equipment matters. At the Fairgrounds, "There are security folks, but only if you call and request them. There is trash pickup, but no other staff anywhere."
Gate hours and access: Some facilities restrict late arrivals, problematic for horse transport delays. One camper noted about Jordan Lake, "they lock the gate after a certain hour. if you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Erwin, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Erwin, 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 Erwin, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Erwin, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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