2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
North Carolina State Fairgrounds provides full hookup camping with equestrian facilities adjacent to the Hunt Horse Complex. The fairgrounds offer camping in two locations - one in the wooded area behind the horse complex and another along Youth Center Drive closer to the main fairgrounds. Sites include water, sewer, and electrical connections with gravel roadways and grass/gravel sites that can accommodate large rigs. The camping area remains open during equestrian events at the neighboring horse complex, making it convenient for competitors and horse owners. Security staff patrol the grounds, though some visitors note limited oversight of the 14-day maximum stay policy.
Located just minutes from downtown Raleigh, the fairgrounds camping area serves as a practical base for equestrians participating in shows and events. The Hunt Horse Complex hosts regular competitions throughout the year, with weekend horse shows occurring frequently. While the campground itself offers minimal amenities and no dedicated recreation areas, campers have access to public bathrooms and cold-water showers approximately a two-minute walk away at Horse Complex H6, Barn B. The sites are primarily functional rather than scenic, with limited tree cover and basic facilities. The $35 nightly fee reflects the utilitarian nature of the camping experience, which primarily serves those attending equestrian events rather than recreational campers seeking natural surroundings.
"Cedarock Park, located in Burlington, North Carolina, is a hidden gem for all sorts of outdoor activities. The park offers hike-in camping with a handful of sites scattered along Rock Creek."
"The park is almost 500 acres in size and offers:
- 6 miles of hiking trails
- 6 miles of equestrian trails
- 2 disc golf courses with a total of 36 holes for play
- A historical farm restored"
from $10 / 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!"
"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 next weekend
from $27 - $77 / night
"We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months."
"Lots of great paths to walk."
Available next weekend
from $27 - $75 / night
"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
"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 next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $72 / 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 primarily serves equestrians participating in events at the adjacent Hunt Horse Complex. This specialized camping facility sits on gravel roadways with grass/gravel sites that can accommodate large rigs. While not designed for recreational camping, the fairgrounds offer a practical base for those attending equestrian competitions with full hookup capabilities including water, sewer, and electricity.
Attend equestrian events: The Hunt Horse Complex hosts competitions throughout the year. As J D. notes at North Carolina State Fairgrounds, "It's a pretty relaxing spot. Restaurants and downtown Raleigh are within short driving distance."
Explore nearby outdoor recreation: Several parks with trails are within driving distance. At William B. Umstead State Park Campground, visitors enjoy extensive trail systems. One camper shares, "There are a wide variety of single track to larger sand/dirt paths. My cross country team will come here for long day."
Visit historic farms: Cedarock Park offers a historical farm experience about an hour from Raleigh. A reviewer at Cedarock Park mentions it "sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina."
Shaded sites: Some fairgrounds camping areas include oak trees for shade. At Cane Creek Campground and RV Park, campers appreciate the natural setting: "Beautiful little park nestled into the woods! Our site (17) was on the opposite side of the real lake access and right across from the annual spots."
Easy access to downtown: The fairgrounds location provides quick access to Raleigh attractions. One camper notes, "Location is everything and you are smack dab in the middle of it. Good WiFi, great cellular."
Level parking: The fairgrounds offers flat, easily accessible sites. As Sheri K. explains, "This is a very large campground that can accommodate any size RV. All sites are gravel, but are quite level. I pulled in, and didn't have to adjust anything."
Limited amenities: Unlike recreational campgrounds, the fairgrounds focus on practical necessities. A camper points out, "There are no amenities so you must be fully self-contained."
Shower access: Cold-water showers are available nearby. According to J D., "Public bathrooms and showers (cold water) are a 2 minute walk to Horse Complex H6, Barn B."
Security presence: Security staff patrol the grounds regularly. Joy B. notes, "Campground is quiet and security staff very friendly."
Dust issues: The gravel roads can create dust problems. One camper mentions, "Lots of fine dust converted from gravel roadway...it's insidious."
Long-term campers: The fairgrounds sometimes host extended-stay guests. According to Liz C., "The issue here is lack of oversight. There are security folks, but only if you call and request them."
Bring entertainment: Unlike recreational campgrounds, the fairgrounds has no dedicated play areas. Families visiting Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area appreciate its recreational options: "Nice area and nice facilities. Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site."
Consider noise levels: Some fairgrounds areas can be noisy during events or construction. One camper notes, "Busy workdays around campground...construction. Noise could be issue for some. After 5pm...great camp."
Day trips to swimming areas: Since the fairgrounds lacks swimming options, families can plan day trips to nearby lakes. At B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, campers enjoy "Swimming areas at certain places around the lake. Kayaking and boat access also."
First-come, first-served: No reservations are accepted at the fairgrounds. Joy B. explains, "Sites are first come first serve; no reservations."
GPS directions: Specific directions are important. One RVer 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."
Affordable rates: The $30-35 nightly fee includes full hookups. Jenifer K. reports, "We needed to stop in Raleigh for the night and stayed here. It's quiet and huge and full hookups for $30/night."
Back-in only: All sites require backing in. S G. notes, "All spaces are back-in. Our site was level."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lakeview, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lakeview, NC is Cedarock Park with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lakeview, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Lakeview, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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