3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Owl Creek Horse Camp and Idlewild Farm Stays provide limited equestrian camping options near Moncure, North Carolina. Owl Creek Horse Camp features primitive tent camping with toilets available but no electric hookups or showers. The campground maintains basic facilities for horses though specific corral arrangements aren't detailed in available information. Idlewild Farm Stays accommodates larger rigs with 20 RV sites that include water hookups, electric service with both 30-amp and 50-amp connections, and trailer parking suitable for horse transport vehicles. While neither campground lists dedicated horse corrals in their amenities, they support equestrian activities with adequate space for portable corrals or highlines that campers typically bring themselves.
The bridle trails accessible from these campgrounds connect riders to surrounding woodland areas. Equestrians should note that neither facility provides on-site water troughs specifically for horses, so campers need to bring water containers for their animals. Both campgrounds permit campfires, which creates comfortable evening environments after trail rides. The closest full-service equestrian camping alternative is found at William B. Umstead State Park Campground approximately 40 miles northeast of Moncure, offering more developed facilities though still without dedicated horse corrals. Horse owners planning extended stays should contact facilities directly for current equestrian policies, as rules regarding manure management and overnight horse accommodations may change seasonally.
"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
"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."
"This campground is adjacent to the NC State Fairgrounds. Sites are spacious and full hook ups. Gravel roadways and grass/gravel sites."
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
"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!"
"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."
Available next weekend
from $72 / 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"
from $10 / night
from $5 / 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 an excellent place to stay. It’s very clean, lots to do, beautiful view of lake. Great hiking trails.
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).
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area provides the closest developed camping options to Moncure, North Carolina, situated within a 20-minute drive. The campground sits among mixed pine and hardwood forests at approximately 220 feet elevation with moderate humidity levels typical of North Carolina's central region. Seasonal temperatures range from winter lows around 30°F to summer highs approaching 90°F, creating distinct camping conditions throughout the year.
Waterfront activities at Jordan Lake: Crosswinds Campground offers direct lake access with multiple water-based recreation options. "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," notes Wendy M. from Crosswinds Campground.
Equestrian trail riding: Riders seeking horse-friendly trails can access multiple networks within 45 minutes of Moncure. Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides bridle paths through forested terrain. "We absolutely love this area! 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," shares Bran P. from B.W. Wells Campground.
Disc golf courses: Cedarock Park offers two complete disc golf courses totaling 36 holes approximately 45 minutes from Moncure. "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)," reports Kelsey L. from Cedarock Park.
Lake view campsites: Many campers appreciate waterfront positioning at several campgrounds near Moncure. "Some sites are on the lake and close enough to pull your boat up to the shore. The bathhouse has a lot to be desired. Beach is nice and the sites are spacious. I love this campground," mentions Cindy S. about Crosswinds Campground.
Private wooded sites: Shaded, secluded campsites create natural barriers between neighboring campers. "Located on a semi rural area, the sites are very wooded and quiet. There was a lake nearby with an open sky where you could see hundreds of stars at night. Pets are allowed and the bathrooms are in good shape," notes Kristen W. from Falls Lake State Recreation Area.
Historical features: Some campgrounds incorporate educational components alongside natural attractions. "The park is almost 500 acres in size and offers... A historical farm restored to the late 1800s time period," describes Kelsey L. about Cedarock Park.
Gate closure timing: Several campgrounds implement nightly gate closures that restrict entry and exit. "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," warns Debbie F. about Crosswinds Campground.
Road noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds despite natural settings. "The only downside is the road noise at night - it was very loud. Next time we will bring something to help quiet the noise," suggests Tara T. about Cedarock Park.
Limited equestrian facilities: While horse-friendly camping exists near Moncure, designated equestrian amenities vary. "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. from William B. Umstead State Park Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "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 B.W. Wells Campground.
Swimming beaches: Designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation for children. "Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy," notes Angela M. about Crosswinds Campground.
Group camping options: Families traveling together can utilize group sites at certain locations. "I 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," describes Sarah M. from Falls Lake.
Full hookup availability: RVers seeking complete services have limited options within 30 minutes of Moncure. "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. Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station," explains Paul H. from Crosswinds Campground.
Site leveling requirements: RV campers should prepare for varying site conditions. "Our site was level. 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," advises Sheri K. from North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Tree clearance considerations: Overhead branches can impact larger rigs at some sites. "The campground is very cramped and the owner was unwilling to work with me after I asked not to park my fifth wheel under a hickory tree that was rubbing the top of my recently recoated roof," cautions Nina B. from Cane Creek Campground and RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Moncure, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Moncure, 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 Moncure, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Moncure, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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