Equestrian camping near Middlesex, North Carolina offers direct access to woodland trails for riders within the Piedmont region. The area sits at approximately 200-300 feet above sea level with a subtropical climate that allows for extended camping seasons from spring through fall. Summer temperatures typically reach highs in the upper 80s with moderate humidity, making early morning and evening rides most comfortable.
What to do
Trail riding access: At Medoc Mountain State Park Campground, riders can access over 10 miles of trails through mature forests. "This campground is beautiful for fall camping. There are over 10 miles of trails to hike. We also conoed down the creek. The creek is about 2.5 miles long and took us only 2 hours to paddle," notes Caroline G.
Fishing opportunities: Falls Lake provides shoreline fishing access within a 30-minute drive. "We camped here with a large group and we fit in one campground nicely. Some people slept in tents but a lot strung Eno hammocks between the Carolina Pines. 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.
Mountain biking: Several trails accommodate both horse and mountain bike enthusiasts. "Nice sites and great for mountain bikers," says Stacey S. about Medoc Mountain, though note that seasonal closures may affect trail availability.
What campers like
Large, separated sites: B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides spacious camping areas. "Stayed here for a quick overnight during the NC RV Show. Easy setup and check in. They let us in a couple hours early which was great," mentions Shannon S., highlighting the convenience for horse trailers.
Modern facilities: Renovated bathhouses with hot showers enhance the camping experience. "Unlike other NC State Parks, the bath house seemed quite new and was spacious. Showers were hot and had great water pressure," explains Rick S., noting the contrast with older facilities in the region.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting supports diverse animal spotting opportunities. "Deer walked right behind our site," shares Wendy M. from her experience at Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most equestrian facilities have limited operations during winter months. "We spent one night here in April. It was great! There are some pretty easy hiking trails, great for kids. Really beautiful wooded area," reports Katie M. about Medoc Mountain State Park.
Site drainage issues: Some campgrounds experience poor drainage after rainfall. "Mud hole, the site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry," warns Rick M. about his experience at Jordan Lake.
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be spotty throughout the region. "No cell service! 😀 Clean restrooms, hot showers! Camp host and rangers are great!" mentions RENEE D., suggesting disconnection can be a positive feature for some campers.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: William B. Umstead State Park Campground offers accessible trails for young hikers. "This is a very easy park to find. Decent amount of parking, but it is a highly trafficked area. I have not yet camped here, but I've hiked on the trails. There are multiple trails, for varying skill level," explains Samantha P.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas near campsites. "Loved that there was a playground near the site. The site itself was gravelly and not super private but it was great- the hikes around were stunning," shares amanda L. about Falls Lake.
Safety considerations: Gated campgrounds provide security but may restrict late arrivals. "This campground is pretty great except for two things. There is no septic on your site, and they lock the gate after a certain hour. If you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck," cautions Debbie F. about Jordan Lake facilities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: North Carolina State Fairgrounds offers full-service sites for larger rigs. "This 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," reports Sheri K.
Water fill considerations: Come prepared with full water tanks at some locations. "Unlike other NC State Parks, the bath house seemed quite new and was spacious. Showers were hot and had great water pressure. 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," advises Rick S.
Leveling requirements: Most sites require minimal adjustments for comfort. "Awesome State Park. 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. about his Jordan Lake experience.
