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Owl Creek Horse Camp offers primitive tent camping with bathroom facilities for horseback riders near Pittsboro, North Carolina. The campground provides direct trail access for equestrians, with vault toilets available but no running water for horses or campers. Sites accommodate both tent camping and horse trailers, with sufficient space for temporary horse containment during overnight stays. The campground remains moderately secluded despite proximity to recreational areas, providing a quieter experience for those camping with horses.
Located approximately 35 miles from Pittsboro, the horse camp connects to trail systems suitable for day rides. Horse owners must bring all necessary supplies including water for their animals, as drinking water is not available on-site. Most campers establish temporary containment systems using portable electric fencing or high-lines for overnight horse management. Proper manure management is required at all camping locations. While Owl Creek provides basic amenities, Cedarock Park offers additional options with accessible hiking trails where horses are permitted on designated paths. Trail access varies seasonally, with some routes becoming limited during wet weather conditions. Advance reservations are recommended during peak riding seasons.
"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. "
from $27 - $77 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $27 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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!"
"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
Check Availability"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."
from $72 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $5 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability
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).
Equestrian camping options near Pittsboro, North Carolina provide dedicated spaces for riders and their horses within the Piedmont region. Located in Chatham County with elevations ranging from 350-500 feet, the area experiences mild winters and warm summers, making spring and fall ideal for trail riding. Local horse camps vary in their amenities and trail access requirements, with most requiring advance planning for overnight stays.
Trail riding on maintained paths: At Cedarock Park, equestrians can access 6 miles of designated horse trails separate from hiking paths. As reviewer Kelsey L. notes, "The park is also home to 6 miles of hiking trails and 6 miles of equestrian trails," making it suitable for both horseback riding and hiking groups.
Fishing from shorelines: Many camping areas provide lake access where riders can fish after trail rides. At B.W. Wells Campground, campers appreciate the water proximity: "There was a lake nearby with an open sky where you could see hundreds of stars at night," shares reviewer Kristen W., highlighting the dual benefit of fishing access and stargazing opportunities.
Historical farm exploration: Several camping areas feature restored farm buildings and educational displays. Cedarock Park offers "a historical farm restored to the late 1800s time period," according to Kelsey L., providing context about regional agricultural practices that shaped the local landscape and trail systems.
Secluded camping spots: Many equestrian campgrounds maintain distance between sites for horse comfort. At Cane Creek Campground, reviewer Mandy L. appreciated that "Our site (17) was on the opposite side of the real lake access and right across from the annual spots," showing how site selection affects camping experience.
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: Campers consistently mention bathroom maintenance as important when traveling with horses. Dimitry A. notes about Cane Creek, "It's got showers with hot water and accessible facilities. Great camping!" which matters after long days on dusty trails.
Spacious sites for trailers: Horse trailers require extra space beyond standard camping equipment. At Crosswinds Campground, Paula U. confirms "The camping sites are spacious and most are level," which helps when setting up temporary containment systems for horses.
Water access varies significantly: Many horse camps lack running water for animals. At William B. Umstead State Park, camper Sydney S. explains, "Showers, bathrooms, and running drinking water is nearby," but this refers to human facilities, not horse-specific water sources.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Reservation policies can differ, with some sites being first-come: "Reservations are required (though they do accept walk-ins at the park office)," notes Kelsey L. about Cedarock Park.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience unexpected noise despite rural settings. Tara T. observed at Cedarock Park, "The only downside is the road noise at night - it was very loud. Next time we will bring something to help quiet the noise," which can affect both horses and riders trying to rest.
Choose sites with playgrounds: Families appreciate designated play areas after trail rides. At Falls Lake, Shannon S. reports, "The lake is great, roped off area for swimming with a great little sandy beach area next to a playground and toilets," offering alternatives for children when not riding.
Look for multi-use trails: Family-friendly horse camps often feature beginner-friendly paths. Reviewer Sarah M. experienced this at B.W. Wells: "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," showing how water access supplements trail riding.
Pack for weather variables: The Piedmont region experiences sudden weather changes that affect trail conditions. At North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Joy B. notes practical site features: "Gravel roadways and grass/gravel sites. Most sites appear to be fairly level," which helps manage camping during unexpected rain.
RV length restrictions: Horse trailers with living quarters face different limitations than standard RVs. Paul H. from Crosswinds Campground shares, "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," indicating sufficient space for larger rigs.
Electrical requirements: Horse trailers often need reliable power for living quarters. LaKevius M. confirms at State Fairgrounds, "Good WiFi, great cellular... Water, electric, sewer, and WiFi provided," which matters for extended stays with horses.
Parking surface conditions: Ground stability affects both RVs and horse trailers. Joy B. observes about State Fairgrounds, "Sites are spacious and full hook ups. Gravel roadways and grass/gravel sites," noting the mixed surfaces that affect trailer stability during loading and unloading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pittsboro, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pittsboro, 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 Pittsboro, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Pittsboro, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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