2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Limited horse camping options exist near Lillington, North Carolina. Owl Creek Horse Camp offers the only dedicated equestrian facilities in the region, providing basic amenities with vault toilets for tent campers. The primitive campground accommodates riders bringing their own horses, though no formal horse corrals are available on site. Most equestrians set up highlines or portable corrals for overnight stays. Sites tend to maintain reasonable privacy with flat areas for setting up camp alongside horse containment.
Trail access from Owl Creek connects riders to multiple bridle paths through surrounding woodlands. Day-use riders and overnight campers share access to approximately 15 miles of marked equestrian trails that wind through varied terrain. Water sources for horses are available seasonally at designated creek crossings along the trail system. Riders should bring their own water during drier months as facilities are minimal. For equestrians seeking more amenities, alternatives include bringing horses as day visitors to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, which permits trail riding but lacks overnight horse camping facilities. Trailer parking remains limited throughout the region with most equestrians needing to arrive early to secure adequate space.
"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
"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
from $5 / 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
from $30 - $60 / 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 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).
TravelerThe 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.
Equestrian camping options in the Lillington area extend beyond the primary facility at Owl Creek Horse Camp. The central North Carolina Piedmont region sits at approximately 250-300 feet elevation with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. Fall provides optimal conditions for equestrian camping with moderate temperatures between 60-75°F and reduced insect activity along trails.
Trail riding at Jordan Lake: Access roughly 15 miles of multi-use trails with varying difficulty levels and scenic water views. "Great Campsites, nice wooded sites and close to lake access. Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site," notes Wendy M. about Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.
Day trips to state parks: Combine horse camping with visits to nearby parks for expanded trail access. "Love this place! Lots of great paths to walk," shares Jennifer M. about William B. Umstead State Park Campground, which offers additional trail options within 45 minutes of Lillington.
Seasonal events: Participate in organized trail rides and equestrian gatherings hosted at local facilities throughout spring and fall. The North Carolina State Fairgrounds occasionally hosts equestrian competitions where campers can "see whatever is happening at the fairgrounds and the horse complex is across the street," according to Liz C.
Secluded camping spots: Equestrian campers appreciate the privacy between sites at many local facilities. "The camping sites are spacious and most are level. Plenty of privacy," reports Paula U. about Crosswinds Campground.
Natural water features: Creek access points provide natural water sources during wetter seasons. "Starting at $30/night for a camping lot... Swimming areas at certain places around the lake. Kayaking and boat access also," explains J D. about B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area.
Diverse terrain: Riders enjoy variety in trail conditions from sandy flats to rolling hills. "The hikes around were stunning," shares amanda L., describing the landscape around Falls Lake, which offers similar terrain to what equestrians encounter on bridle paths near Lillington.
Seasonal availability: Most equestrian facilities have limited operating seasons with closures during winter. William B. Umstead State Park operates from "March 15 to December 1," providing a typical window for regional horse camping seasons.
Advance planning required: Trailer parking fills quickly at popular equestrian areas, especially on weekends. "I reserved it through their website. They offer a small discount for senior citizens and military," mentions J D. about North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Varying amenities: Facilities range from primitive to moderately equipped. "Plain Jane Camping... 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 Joy B. about the State Fairgrounds campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds near equestrian trails include play areas for children. "Loved that there was a playground near the site," says amanda L. about B.W. Wells Campground, offering similar amenities to what families find at horse-friendly campgrounds.
Swimming opportunities: Combine trail riding with lake swimming during summer months. "The lake is great, roped off area for swimming with a great little sandy beach area next to a playground and toilets," notes Shannon S. about Falls Lake State Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing: Families can enjoy nature observation between riding sessions. "Deer walked right behind our site," shares Wendy M., highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities at Jordan Lake that complement the equestrian experience.
Limited hookup availability: Most dedicated horse campgrounds offer minimal RV services. "Our campground is 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 S G. about the camping experience at the fairgrounds.
Equipment considerations: Bring portable corrals or highline setups as permanent horse containment is limited. "This campground is adjacent to the NC State Fairgrounds. Sites are spacious and full hook ups," notes Joy B., though she cautions that "there are no amenities so you must be fully self-contained."
Alternative parking options: Consider nearby RV-friendly campgrounds with day-use horse facilities. "This was our very first full-time RV park. We loved being in the park and it easily accommodated our 39ft. Class A. Back-in site but with plenty of room to do so," shares Paul H., describing Jordan Lake's accommodation for larger vehicles that might transport horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lillington, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lillington, NC is Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lillington, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Lillington, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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