Cedarock Park encompasses nearly 500 acres in Burlington with a quarter-mile hike required to reach primitive campsites. The park closes and locks gates at sunset, with varying seasonal hours from 8am-6pm in winter months to 8am-9pm during summer. Road noise from nearby highways can be noticeable at night, which affects sleep quality for some campers.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Cedarock Park offers two complete disc golf courses with 36 total holes. According to Kelsey L., "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."
Hiking trail connections: The main trail system connects to multiple recreation areas. At Tanglewood Park, visitors find extensive trails for various activities. As Kelly H. notes, "Nearly tame deer all over the place," while Dave B. adds it's "next door to a 4 mile paved exercise path with mountain bike trails in the middle."
Lake activities: Crosswinds Campground at Jordan Lake offers water-based recreation with boat access from campsites. Cindy S. confirms, "Some sites are on the lake and close enough to pull your boat up to the shore," and Wendy M. mentions "Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many horse campgrounds near McLeansville, North Carolina provide adequate space between camping areas. At Cane Creek Campground, Mandy L. notes, "Beautiful little park nestled into the woods! Our site was on the opposite side of the real lake access," though she recommends "the 40s sites seem to be the best spots to get for a view or access to Lake activities."
Creek access: Water features add recreational options for campers. Tara T. shared about Cedarock Park: "We hiked down with our stuff and set up at campsite 4. We were the only ones there for the weekend and there was ample space for setting up. We used the fire pit and the kids played in the creek."
Quiet atmosphere: Despite highway proximity, many equestrian camping areas maintain a peaceful environment. Dimitry A. describes Cane Creek Campground as "Located close to nothing else, this campground was so peaceful at night. During the day, it's beautiful."
What you should know
Gate closure policies: Campgrounds implement strict security measures affecting accessibility. Summer C. cautions about Cedarock Park: "The campsites are alright minus the hike but the downside is they lock the gate at night and no one else is there so if you have an emergency or just need to leave you can't, you're literally stuck."
Campsite leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some locations. Wesley L. notes about Tanglewood Park: "Several sites including mine very hard to level," while Tiffany D. elaborates, "Negatives are unlevel lots (we had to lower ours by over 4" and still weren't level, but couldn't adjust anymore)."
Weather impacts: Rain can significantly affect site conditions and access. Rick M. reports at Crosswinds Campground: "Mud hole, the site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Several parks offer dedicated children's areas. At Cane Creek Campground, Mandy L. mentions "There are 3 parks which kiddo had a great time making friends at," and Krista H. confirms it's a "Great family campground! Plenty of places to tent camp or RV camp! Places to fish things for kids to play on."
Beach access: Jordan Lake provides swimming opportunities during warmer months. Angela M. shares, "Loved having a double site with my parents. Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy."
Historical learning: Educational opportunities exist within some parks. Kelsey L. reports Cedarock Park includes "a historical farm that sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina," providing context for family discussions about regional history.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete utility connections. Paul H. describes Crosswinds Campground: "Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station. The sites are big with a picnic table, fire pit and lantern hook."
Late arrival procedures: Check campground policies for after-hours check-in. Debbie F. cautions about Jordan Lake, "they lock the gate after a certain hour. if you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck."
Dump station access: Not all sites provide sewer connections at individual sites. As Debbie F. notes about Crosswinds Campground, "there is no septic on your site," requiring trips to the central dump station.
Ranger
