The North Carolina State Fairgrounds Campground serves as a central hub for equestrian camping near Raleigh, North Carolina. Located minutes from downtown, the campground offers full RV hookups on level, gravel sites that accommodate large rigs. Most sites have minimal shade coverage, and the fairgrounds maintain separate waste management systems for horses and campers. Visitors can expect security patrols throughout the grounds and convenient access to both the equestrian facilities and urban attractions.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: Access miles of bridle paths directly from several equestrian-focused camping areas. At B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, campers can "spot eagles over the water, and watch butterflies while we enjoyed campfires under the trees" according to Maria Mercedes M., who appreciated the peaceful forest setting.
Attend equestrian events: The fairgrounds host competitions year-round. "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," notes Sheri K., helping visitors find their way to the North Carolina State Fairgrounds camping area.
Explore hiking trails: When not riding, take advantage of nearby walking paths. A visitor to William B. Umstead State Park Campground shared: "I've been to this park over a dozen times to run, and every time seems better than the previous one. Depending on where you park, you can access excellent 8-14 mile loops on the main gravel paths."
Visit historical sites: Several campgrounds offer access to regional historical attractions. Cedarock Park features "a historical farm restored to the late 1800s time period" according to ranger reviewer Kelsey L., along with fishing ponds and a "picturesque waterfall over an old mill dam."
What campers like
Spacious sites for trailers: Many horse-friendly campgrounds feature extra-large parking areas. At Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, Paul H. found that "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."
Proximity to equestrian facilities: Horse owners appreciate short walking distances to barns and arenas. "We needed to stop in Raleigh for the night and stayed here. It's quiet and huge and full hookups for $30/night. Call the number when you get close and the attendant will meet you to show you to your spot," explains Jenifer K. about the State Fairgrounds.
Level parking areas: Most horse-friendly camping spots offer flat surfaces for easy trailer parking. LaKevius M. noted at the fairgrounds: "Location is everything and you are smack dab in the middle of it. Good WiFi, great cellular. Excellent ranger Sgt. Teasley."
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive in some locations, most equestrian camping areas maintain reasonable standards. At Cane Creek Campground and RV Park, a visitor mentioned, "The bathhouses were very clean-if a little spidery for me (eek!), and both in pretty convenient locations for everyone."
What you should know
Weather impacts: Gravel or dirt areas can become muddy after rain. At Jordan Lake, Rick M. warned, "Mud hole, the site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry."
Limited amenities in horse areas: Most equestrian campgrounds offer basic facilities only. J D. noted about B.W. Wells: "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."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds don't accept advance bookings. Joy B. explains about the fairgrounds: "This campground is adjacent to the NC State Fairgrounds. 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. There are no amenities so you must be fully self-contained."
Security considerations: Management varies between locations. Liz C. reports at the fairgrounds: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Mandy L. from Cane Creek Campground says, "There are 3 parks which kiddo had a great time making friends at."
Swimming opportunities: Several locations include water access. Shannon S. describes Falls Lake: "The lake is great, roped off area for swimming with a great little sandy beach area next to a playground and toilets."
Educational experiences: Historical exhibits can enhance a family camping trip. Kelsey L. notes that Cedarock Park includes "a historical farm that sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina."
Park closures: Be aware of operating hours when planning activities. Summer C. cautions: "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds require minimal adjustment. Amanda A. says of the fairgrounds: "The sites are level, not much shade. Garbage cans everywhere. Convenient to get into and out of with full hookup."
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections are standard at most Raleigh-area equestrian campgrounds. S G. reported: "We stayed for 12 days in the section with full hookups and found the campground pretty quiet. The lots were close, but you didn't feel crowded. Some shade from oak trees. All spaces are back-in. Our site was level."
Size accommodation: Large rigs with horse trailers can find suitable spaces. About the fairgrounds, Sheri K. notes: "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."
Dust management: Some areas have surface material issues. LaKevius M. observed at the fairgrounds: "Lots of fine dust converted from gravel roadway...it's insidious. Can literally do anything you want from this location."
