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