Best Equestrian Camping near Lakeview, NC

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.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Lakeview, North Carolina (6)

    1. Cedarock Park

    4 Reviews
    Graham, NC
    12 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "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"

    2. Cane Creek Campground and RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Snow Camp, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 376-8324

    "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!"

    3. Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $27 - $77 / 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. "

    4. William B. Umstead State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Morrisville, NC
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 571-4170

    $27 / 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."

    5. North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    19 Reviews
    Raleigh, NC
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 612-6767

    $35 / 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."

    6. B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Wake Forest, NC
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $72 / 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."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Lakeview, NC

1 Photos of 6 Lakeview Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Lakeview, NC

87 Reviews of 6 Lakeview Campgrounds


  • Kelsey L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2018

    Cedarock Park

    Hidden gem for a quick outdoor getaway

    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 sites are well spaced and can accommodate large groups (you only pay $1 for each additional person for groups larger than 10). The park is also home to 6 miles of hiking trails and 6 miles of equestrian trails. There are two fantastic disc golf courses (I personally enjoy the Wellspring course) and even a historical farm that sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    A Short Drive, Yet a World Away

    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. 

    Bathrooms and showers were clean and comfortable, as were the campsites. 

    Each camping loop felt tucked away into its own little neighborhood, and the large campsites offered space so that you aren’t stacked right next to your neighbor.  We camped in the nonelectric loop (we always bring our solar panel) for 3 nights in mid-February and there were very few campers around, but the neighboring loop with electrical hook-up sites were 3/4 full with large rigs. 

    Hiking, biking, paddling, are all great things to do during your stay. There is also a boat launch within the park in case power boating or fishing is your thing, but kayaks and canoes can easily launch from the lakeside campsites.  It was a bit too chilly to get on the water in February, so we opted for hiking and biking.

    The closest services for gas or a few extra snacks are within 5 minutes of the park.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2023

    Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Lake Jordan Campground Bliss

    Located just 30 miles west of Raleigh, Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve.  And while I’m not a kitesurfer or windsurfer, I’m positive that this campground was named for the pretty amazing headwinds that are enjoyed coming off Falls Lake, which Crosswinds Campground @ Jordan Lake SRA sits on. Take my word for it though, this outdoor nature preserve is truly a slice of heaven carved out in some of North Carolina’s finest camping countryside. If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nicely shaded nature, hiking trails and humble peace & quiet that only God's green nature can offer, then make your way here to Crosswinds Campground, where this heavily wooded forest paradise will embrace you with its inclines, switchbacks and snakelike, swerving road circuits. 

    All of the basics are provided in spades – from picnic table, fold-up fire ring / BBQ grill, bear-proof garbage hanger and a nice pebble-strewn and long-leaf pine shadowed patch of well-maintained nature that offers pristine shade from an unrelenting bit of summer Tar Heel sunshine. While there’s a suitable amount of brush between campsites, surprisingly, it’s the steep inclines and declines between each site that makes one feel that they are truly in the center of their own private wilderness. The on-site bathroom & shower facilities are just slightly north of passable and only a smidge better than you’d expect from a state-run campground, and so this campground gets its only mediocre marks on this front. But that said, there’s plenty of hiking trails to explore and the on-site rangers are incredibly helpful and positive folks that want to ensure you have a great time, but the best amenity on this property is the access to Lake Jordan itself, where there is a perfectly sectioned off swimming area – complete with life safety vests resting on hooks near the shore - as well as boat launching areas for those that want to fish or simply drop a kayak or canoe in the water and take enjoy a lakeside cruise. 

    Insider’s tips? Here's a bundle: (1) Be sure to get down to the lake from wherever your campsite is just after sunset and bring a couple of folding chairs and a telescope (pre-planning here is needed!) to catch a glimpse of one of the most amazing star-studded night skies you’ve ever seen in your life!; (2) While IMHO there are no bad sites per se here, certainly there are some that are better than others, amongst which, I would highly recommend those that are closer to the tree fall lines as well as those that place you closest to either lakeside or lake view.  With 3 loops to choose from (A, B & C), I recommend the following sites: Loop A - #18-19; #21-22; and #44-47; Loop B - #33, #36, #37, #39, #40,#43; Loop C - #19, #21, #23, #24, #26, #32, #34, #36, #40, #42; (3) If you have a boat, you may want to consider calling ahead of time, while you are reserving your campsite and reserve a boat slip - we just thought that they would be readily available, but as it turns out, there's quite a few daytime boaters that don't camp here and are simply looking for a slip to occupy for the day, so plan ahead!; (4) SUPER INSIDER SECRET: there's a little pathway next to site #32 that will lead you to a hidden beachhead where all the cool kids hang out and party; (5) The showers are pretty annoying in that they are regulated by body movement - so as a hack, we applied duct tape and VOILA! the hot water stayed on the whole time! (but remove when you are done or the water won't stop running!); and (6) When you grow tired or anxious after digging through what remains of your Cordova cooler and / or want to sample some local fare, be prepared to drive a short distance (20 minutes or so) back to Apex, where I would recommend The Peak on Salem that serves up some pretty mean Caribbean conch & shrimp fritters as well as some very nice seafood entrees like NC clam bucatini or sweet tea ginger whiskey braised beef short rib.

    Happy Camping!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2023

    North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    Over-Priced Parking lot !

    I have stayed there twice over the past couple years.  The only changes to this Campground are the Prices !!  ..which keep going up (to $35 day now).  For this, you get a parking space with full hookups.. that's it, no Amenities whatsoever!

    It's pretty much a "Camper Trap", because there are so few options in the North Carolina Piedmont.  Spaces are tight, a lot of the people there are long-term workers, that totally ignore any "Dust" decorum, speeding through the area as if they were on public streets!

  • Katy S.
    Jul. 6, 2020

    Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Great access to the lake

    This is a pretty nice campground, similar to other state parks in North Carolina. The sites are spacious, we stayed at a double site that allowed up to 4 cars. The site was level and stayed dry during the heavy rain, however we saw other sites that had big puddles, with tents in the water. The bathrooms were cleaned regularly, but they were not very nice. The shower didn't look good at all, we didn't use it.

    A great things about the campground is that it has its own kayak/canoe ramp, just a few minutes drive from the site. We saw people fishing from the ramp as well. On our morning paddle we saw a couple of bald eagles, they were amazing. We stayed at the campsite after heavy rains, so the beach was closed. It must be nice when not flooded.

    This is a state campground, so alcohol is not allowed.

  • Joy B.
    Mar. 19, 2022

    North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    Plain Jane Camping

    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. There seem to be quite a few long-term campers. Campground is quiet and security staff very friendly. Equestrian facility is next door. Sites are first come first serve; no reservations.

  • J D.
    May. 21, 2021

    North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    $30/night RV/campers/busses

    Water, sewer, electrical hook-ups It's a pretty relaxing spot. 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.

  • J
    Apr. 30, 2022

    North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    Camping in two locations

    The actual address is 801 Youth Center Drive. One camping location is up in the woods behind the horse complex. The other is on the actual fairgrounds property along Youth Center Drive. These are less desirable unless you are doing an event on the fairgrounds and want to be closer.

  • Angel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2016

    Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Wonderful Campground of the Family

    We recently took a trip to this campground after years of camping at other spots on Jordan Lake and we loved it. The facilities were close by and very clean. We decided to stay at this spot because of the close proximity to astronomy event that was taking place nearby. The Moorehead Planetarium has events at Jordan Lake about once a month and this was a great opportunity to see space and have a fun camping trip.


Guide to Lakeview

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.

What to do

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."

What campers like

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."

What you should know

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."

Tips for camping with families

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."

Tips from RVers

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.