2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
North Carolina State Fairgrounds provides full hookup camping adjacent to the Hunt Horse Complex, making it a practical option for equestrians participating in events. The campground features spacious sites with water, sewer, and electrical connections for self-contained RVs and horse trailers. While the fairgrounds camping area itself has limited amenities, its proximity to the equestrian facility offers convenient access for competitors and horse owners. The camping area accommodates large rigs and horse trailers with ample parking space. Sites remain open during horse shows, equestrian competitions, and select event weekends, though availability is first-come, first-served with no reservation system.
Located approximately 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh, the fairgrounds camping area serves as a functional base for equestrians competing at the adjacent horse complex. The facility includes cold-water showers and restrooms within a short walking distance at Horse Complex H6, Barn B. Campers should note the limited tree cover and primarily gravel surfaces throughout the camping area. The fairgrounds location provides convenient access to restaurants, supplies, and veterinary services in the greater Raleigh area. Security staff patrol the grounds, though oversight can be inconsistent during busy event periods. Equestrians should be prepared for varying ground conditions, as sites can become muddy during wet weather. The campground's $35 nightly fee reflects its utilitarian nature and proximity to equestrian facilities.
"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."
"Lots of great paths to walk."
Available this weekend
from $27 - $75 / night
"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
"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
"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!"
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).
The North Carolina State Fairgrounds camping area sits at approximately 435 feet above sea level in the eastern Piedmont region. The area experiences moderate seasonal changes with humid summers and mild winters, making it accessible for camping most of the year. The fairgrounds offer equestrian-focused camping with full hookups that primarily serves participants in horse shows at the adjacent Hunt Horse Complex.
Horse show watching: Visit the Hunt Horse Complex during events where campers can observe competitions from the bleachers. As one visitor to North Carolina State Fairgrounds noted, "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."
Jogging paths: Exercise along the fairgrounds perimeter paths which offer 1-2 miles of mostly flat terrain. "I went for a jog around the fairgrounds; it's sprawling," reports a camper who stayed at the fairgrounds.
Lake activities: Drive 30 minutes to Crosswinds Campground at Jordan Lake for swimming and boating. "Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy," writes one visitor who enjoyed the lake access.
Hiking trails: Explore over 13 miles of woodland trails at William B. Umstead State Park just 15 minutes from the fairgrounds. A regular visitor mentions, "I've been to this park over a dozen times to run, and every time seems better than the previous one. Depending on where you park, you can access excellent 8-14 mile loops on the main gravel paths."
Level sites: Campers appreciate the flat, even terrain at the fairgrounds that requires minimal setup adjustments. "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 one satisfied camper.
Security presence: The fairgrounds maintain security staff who patrol the grounds, providing peace of mind for equipment and vehicles. One camper at the fairgrounds mentioned, "There are security folks, but only if you call and request them."
Affordability: The $30-35 nightly rate for full hookups offers good value compared to other equestrian camping near Garner, North Carolina. A visitor to B.W. Wells Campground compared pricing: "Quick overnight stay; pad was large & easy to back into with our Cricket trailer- sites are nicely spaced apart (privacy). Airplanes fly overhead pretty regularly; seemed to stop in the late evening & start up early."
Convenient location: The fairgrounds' central position provides easy access to Raleigh resources while still offering a camping experience. "Location is everything and you are smack dab in the middle of it. Good WiFi, great cellular. Excellent ranger Sgt. Teasley," reports a camper who appreciated the convenience.
Weather considerations: The gravel surfaces throughout the fairgrounds camping area can become dusty during dry periods and muddy after rain. One fairgrounds camper noted, "Busy workdays around campground...construction. Noise could be issue for some. After 5pm...great camp. Some trees...get on if can. Lots of fine dust converted from gravel roadway...it's insidious."
GPS directions: Standard navigation systems may direct you to the main fairgrounds entrance rather than the camping area. A camper advises, "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."
Limited amenities: The fairgrounds camping area is functional but basic, with few recreational facilities. "This campground is adjacent to the NC State Fairgrounds. Sites are spacious and full hook ups. Gravel roadways and grass/gravel sites. Most sites appear to be fairly level; we did have to use blocks on one side. There are no amenities so you must be fully self-contained," explains a visitor.
Stay limits: During non-event periods, a 14-day maximum stay is enforced at the fairgrounds. "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)," shared a camper describing enforcement of stay limits.
Playground access: While the fairgrounds has no dedicated play areas, nearby Cane Creek Campground offers multiple playgrounds for children. "There are 3 parks which kiddo had a great time making friends at. The bathhouses were very clean-if a little spidery for me (eek!), and both in pretty convenient locations for everyone," notes a family who camped there.
Shower facilities: The cold-water showers at the Horse Complex H6, Barn B are functional but basic. Plan accordingly for younger campers who may need warmer water. "Public bathrooms and showers (cold water) are a 2 minute walk to Horse Complex H6, Barn B. Very little tree cover," advises a fairgrounds camper.
Alternative family sites: For families seeking more recreational options, consider the state parks within 30 minutes of Garner. "We absolutely love this area! 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. There are tons of beach areas and places to enjoy the great outdoors. Picnic areas too!" shares an enthusiastic visitor to B.W. Wells Campground.
Hookup reliability: The fairgrounds electrical and water connections are well-maintained and reliable, even during busy event weekends. "We stayed for 12 days in the section with full hookups and found the campground pretty quiet. The lots were close, but you didn't feel crowded. Some shade from oak trees. All spaces are back-in. Our site was level," reports a long-term RV camper.
Spacious sites: The fairgrounds camping area can accommodate large rigs including full-size horse trailers with living quarters. "This is a very large campground that can accommodate any size RV. All sites are gravel, but are quite level," confirms a fairgrounds visitor.
Garbage disposal: Multiple trash receptacles are available throughout the fairgrounds camping area, making waste management convenient. "The 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," notes a recent camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Garner, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Garner, 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 Garner, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Garner, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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