4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Horse camping near Knightdale includes equestrian campgrounds with full hookups and direct trail access, ranging from state park sites to fairgrounds campsites. Medoc Mountain State Park's equestrian campground in Hollister requires campers to bring horses. The facility offers electric hookups with both 30 and 50-amp service, water connections, and sewer access for RVs. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings where fires are permitted. The campground provides shower facilities but lacks dedicated horse corrals. Reservations are required for the equestrian sites, which accommodate various vehicle sizes including larger rigs. Campers note the fairgrounds campground can get swampy when wet with few level sites. The equestrian area at Medoc Mountain provides separate camping from the main campground, allowing horse owners more specialized access to the park's trail system.
The North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh offers camping near the horse complex, providing proximity for those participating in equestrian events. Full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections cost $35 per night. The fairgrounds location provides convenient access to downtown Raleigh while offering space for horse trailers. Campsites are positioned on grass and gravel surfaces with minimal shade. The adjacent horse complex hosts regular weekend shows, creating an active equestrian environment. The campground operates on a first-come basis without reservations and allows stays up to 14 days. Security staff patrol the grounds, though facilities are basic with no dedicated amenities beyond hookups. Most spaces accommodate large vehicles, though finding level spots can require adjustments.
"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."
"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."
Available next weekend
from $27 - $75 / 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
"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
"Good location off of 85. Great trails and equestrian trails!"
"Not far from the Roanoke River and right around the corner from Halifax, this spot is perfect for getting away from it all."
from $27 - $75 / night
from $5 / night
from $17 / 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.
GuideMedoc Mountain State Park campground has been recently renovated. All of the full hook up sites and primitive sites are spacious and well kept. We camped in site #26 which was level and spacious. The sites on the outside of the loop are pretty level. The bathrooms/showers are new, spacious, and clean. There is a great playground in walking distance. There are many hiking trails that start near the campground. None of them have amazing views, but they are nice and well marked. I enjoyed the Bluff View trail the most. We were able to hike 6 miles both days we were there. Added bonus: campground is close to I-95. The only drawback is the lack of a close grocery store. Dollar General is less than 5 miles away.
GuideBeautiful, small, newly renovated campground. Gorgeous bath house. A few sites are level but most aren’t. Quiet. Easy to get to from I-95.
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.
Equestrian camping near Knightdale, North Carolina provides riders and their horses access to trails through mixed pine and hardwood forests. Located in the eastern Piedmont region with elevations ranging from 200-350 feet, the area experiences humid summers with temperatures often reaching the 90s and mild winters. The camping season typically runs March through November, with some facilities limiting horse camping access during peak event weekends.
Trail riding at Medoc Mountain State Park: Equestrians can access over 10 miles of dedicated horse trails through forested terrain. "Great trails and equestrian trails!" notes Elizabeth V., who appreciated the park's "good location off of 85." The equestrian campground requires campers to bring horses.
Paddle at Falls Lake: B.W. Wells Campground offers lake access for water activities. "Our campground lined the lake so just through the trees, we were able to go for a quick dip or sit and watch the water," shares Sarah M. The recreation area includes designated swimming areas and boat launches just 25 minutes from Knightdale.
Mountain biking: Umstead State Park offers excellent single-track trails for riders of varying abilities. Daniel P. reports: "I've been to this park over a dozen times to run, and every time seems better than the previous one... The single track trails will keep you entertained for quite some time. Consider bringing your bike with you too!"
Spacious sites at Jordan Lake: Campers appreciate the room between sites at Crosswinds Campground. "The camping sites are spacious and most are level. Some of the sites offer a tie-off of your boat adjacent to your campsite," writes Paula U. The campground is approximately 45 minutes from Knightdale.
Easy fairgrounds camping for events: The North Carolina State Fairgrounds accommodates various sized rigs for equestrian competitions. "This is a very large campground that can accommodate any size RV," notes Sheri K. The fairgrounds location provides convenient access to both downtown Raleigh and the adjacent horse complex.
Family-friendly beaches: Jordan Lake offers swimming areas with sandy beaches. Angela M. enjoyed "having a double site with my parents. Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy."
Limited camp store options: Most campgrounds near Knightdale don't offer on-site stores. At B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, J D. recommends planning ahead: "Starting at $30/night for a camping lot... Great restaurants and gas stations near by... Firewood is $5/bundle."
Fairgrounds navigation: Finding the right entrance matters at the fairgrounds. Sheri K. 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."
Security considerations: Some locations have variable oversight. Liz C. shares about fairgrounds camping: "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."
Beach and playground access: Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers family-friendly amenities. Wendy M. explains: "Great Campsites, nice wooded sites and close to lake access. Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site. Boat ramp in campground. Swim area and playground."
Historical cabin options: At William B. Umstead State Park Campground, families can stay in rustic cabins. Erica F. notes: "There are historic cabins with cots to sleep on... there is electricity in the cabins."
Multi-use trails for young explorers: Umstead Park offers accessible trails for families. Scott P. finds it convenient: "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 and there are a few good hikes in Umstead Park."
Level sites at fairgrounds: The fairgrounds offer practical camping for larger rigs. J D. shares: "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)."
Reservations vs. first-come: Medoc Mountain State Park Campground requires reservations, while the fairgrounds operates first-come, first-served. Joy B. explains fairgrounds camping: "Sites are first come first serve; no reservations. Sites are spacious and full hook ups. Gravel roadways and grass/gravel sites."
Hook-up differences: Understanding utility options matters. At Medoc Mountain, Rick S. advises: "Half the sites have electric, none have individual water. There are communal water spigots throughout the campground, but they don't easily allow hose connections, so be sure to fill your water tank before arriving."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Knightdale, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Knightdale, 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 Knightdale, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Knightdale, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
