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