Horse camping near Morrisville, North Carolina features a mix of public and private facilities within 30-45 minutes of town. The region's clay soil can become challenging after rain, especially at lakeside campsites that sit at approximately 250-350 feet elevation. Summer temperatures average 87-92°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons for equestrians and their mounts.
What to do
Trail riding at Jordan Lake: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area's Crosswinds Campground offers trails accessible to day riders. "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. The park provides boat ramps for those wanting to combine water activities with riding.
Disc golf between rides: Cedarock Park features equestrian-friendly trails and recreational options. "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," writes Kelsey L. The park also maintains "6 miles of equestrian trails" and "two fantastic disc golf courses."
Historical farm visits: Bring your horse to explore working farms in the region. "Cedarock Park offers a historical farm restored to the late 1800s time period," according to Kelsey L. These educational stops provide context for the agricultural heritage of the area while giving riders and horses a rest stop.
What campers like
Spacious sites for horse trailers: Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides room for equestrian camping setups. "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," reports Kristen W. The woodsy environment offers natural screening between sites.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses. "Starting at $30/night for a camping lot. I came here with a 25 foot shuttle bus. There are people here with deluxe buses, car+tent campers and everything in between," notes J D. about Falls Lake, adding, "Bathroom facilities with hot showers located near every loop."
Lake access for horses: Cane Creek Campground offers water access that some riders appreciate. "Beautiful little park nestled into the woods! The 40s sites seem to be the best spots to get for a view or access to Lake activities," writes Mandy L. The lake provides opportunities to cool down horses after rides.
What you should know
Gate closure times: Most area parks have strict entry/exit restrictions. "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 State Recreation Area.
Reservation requirements: For equestrian camping near Morrisville, advance booking is essential. "Reservations are required (though they do accept walk-ins at the park office). You can reserve a site either by calling the park office or by going online," explains Kelsey L. about Cedarock Park.
Weather considerations: The region's clay soil creates muddy conditions after rain. "Mud hole, the site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry," warns Rick M. about Jordan Lake. Horse trailers can become stuck, so checking recent weather before arrival is crucial.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: William B. Umstead State Park offers recreational areas for children. "Umstead is an awesome place to come for the weekend whether you are into camping, hiking, running, or biking. There are a wide variety of single track to larger sand/dirt paths," shares Sarah M. The diverse trail system accommodates riders of various skill levels.
Kid-friendly water activities: Many local lakes have designated swimming areas. "Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy," mentions Angela M. about Jordan Lake. These beaches typically include rope-marked swimming zones and sandy shores.
Educational opportunities: Combine horse camping with learning experiences. "The park is also home to a historical farm that sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina," notes Kelsey L. about Cedarock Park. These visits can enhance children's understanding of regional history.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options for horse trailers: North Carolina State Fairgrounds provides comprehensive services. "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. The fairgrounds regularly host equestrian events.
Surface considerations: Gravel lots predominate at fairground facilities. "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," observes Joy B. about the State Fairgrounds. These surfaces drain better than dirt sites during wet weather.
Security for expensive equestrian equipment: Some campgrounds offer additional protection. "Campground is quiet and security staff very friendly. Equestrian facility is next door," notes Joy B. about the State Fairgrounds, which maintains regular security patrols to protect valuable tack and trailers.
