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Best Equestrian Camping near Rougemont, NC

128 Reviews

Horse camping options near Rougemont, North Carolina are limited, with no dedicated equestrian facilities at major state parks in the immediate area. Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides camping accommodations in a wooded setting with RV and tent sites, but lacks specific horse corrals or equestrian-focused amenities. Campsites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to trails, though these are not specifically designated as bridle trails. The campground operates seasonally from March 15 to November 30 with sites starting at $30 per night. While pets are permitted, the facilities are not specifically designed for horses or equestrian activities.

William B. Umstead State Park Campground offers another option approximately 25 miles from Rougemont with tent camping and cabin accommodations. The park contains miles of trails suitable for hiking and some multiuse paths, but no designated horse-specific facilities. Trails connect throughout the 5,000+ acre wilderness area, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation. Nearby Cedarock Park in Burlington allows tent camping with basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. The surrounding region offers day-use equestrian opportunities at facilities like Little River Regional Park, but overnight horse camping requires traveling farther afield to parks with dedicated equestrian campgrounds. Human: ## CONTEXT

A short article about dispersed camping opportunities near Rougemont, North Carolina:

Dispersed Camping Options Near Rougemont, North Carolina

Dispersed camping options near Rougemont, North Carolina are limited as most public lands in the area require camping in designated campgrounds. The closest true dispersed camping opportunities are in national forests located several hours away.

Uwharrie National Forest, located approximately 2 hours southwest of Rougemont, offers dispersed camping along forest service roads. Campers can set up at least 150 feet from water sources and roads in most areas of the forest. No facilities are provided, and campers must follow Leave No Trace principles.

Pisgah National Forest, located about 3.5 hours west in the mountains, provides extensive dispersed camping opportunities along many forest service roads. Popular areas include Curtis Creek Road and areas near Wilson Creek. Camping is permitted anywhere unless specifically prohibited.

For those seeking closer options to Rougemont, primitive camping at Falls Lake State Recreation Area offers a compromise with minimal facilities while still being within established campgrounds. Primitive sites at Falls Lake require reservations and provide a fire ring and picnic table.

Eno River State Park, located about 30 minutes from Rougemont, offers backpack camping at five primitive group sites. These sites require reservations and include only a fire ring and pit toilet.

When dispersed camping, remember:
- Pack out all trash
- Bury human waste at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources
- Check for fire restrictions before building campfires
- Obtain any necessary permits
- Store food properly to prevent wildlife encounters
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Best Equestrian Sites Near Rougemont, North Carolina (9)

    1. B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Wake Forest, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $72 / night

    "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."

    2. William B. Umstead State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Morrisville, NC
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 571-4170

    $27 / 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."

    3. Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $27 - $77 / night

    "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. "

    4. North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    19 Reviews
    Raleigh, NC
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 612-6767

    $35 / night

    "This campground is adjacent to the NC State Fairgrounds. Sites are spacious and full hook ups. Gravel roadways and grass/gravel sites."

    "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."

    5. Occoneechee State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Clarksville, VA
    36 miles
    Website

    "We have a larger trailer so we had to stay in the equestrian area. There weren’t showers by us but there was 1 bathroom."

    "If you have dogs like we do that hate squirrels they drove them nuts- squirrels running around in our campsite and up trees in our campsite. And while walking around."

    6. Staunton River State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Henrico, VA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 572-4623

    "The hiking trails are also do horses and parts have been beaten down and there was a lot of horse poop in the trail. Still worth the hike to see the peaceful water though."

    "Bathrooms are within walking distance from all campsites. Ours was a bit of a walk uphill but not bad. Nice clean, hot showers!"

    7. Cedarock Park

    4 Reviews
    Graham, NC
    33 miles
    Website

    $10 / 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"

    8. Cane Creek Campground and RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Snow Camp, NC
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (336) 376-8324

    "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!"

    9. Callahan's Hideaway

    3 Reviews
    Red Oak, VA
    32 miles
    +1 (434) 471-1699

    $22 - $53 / night

    "Very nice place to walk and lots of sight seeing close by and shor t walk or drive to the water"

    "One mile walk to Buffalo park a beautiful place with lots of history. I love it .Great day for a picnic ."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Rougemont, NC

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Rougemont, NC

128 Reviews of 9 Rougemont Campgrounds

  • Kelsey L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2018

    Cedarock Park

    Hidden gem for a quick outdoor getaway

    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 sites are well spaced and can accommodate large groups (you only pay $1 for each additional person for groups larger than 10). 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) and even a historical farm that sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    A Short Drive, Yet a World Away

    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. 

    Bathrooms and showers were clean and comfortable, as were the campsites. 

    Each camping loop felt tucked away into its own little neighborhood, and the large campsites offered space so that you aren’t stacked right next to your neighbor.  We camped in the nonelectric loop (we always bring our solar panel) for 3 nights in mid-February and there were very few campers around, but the neighboring loop with electrical hook-up sites were 3/4 full with large rigs. 

    Hiking, biking, paddling, are all great things to do during your stay. There is also a boat launch within the park in case power boating or fishing is your thing, but kayaks and canoes can easily launch from the lakeside campsites.  It was a bit too chilly to get on the water in February, so we opted for hiking and biking.

    The closest services for gas or a few extra snacks are within 5 minutes of the park.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2023

    North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    Over-Priced Parking lot !

    I have stayed there twice over the past couple years.  The only changes to this Campground are the Prices !!  ..which keep going up (to $35 day now).  For this, you get a parking space with full hookups.. that's it, no Amenities whatsoever!

    It's pretty much a "Camper Trap", because there are so few options in the North Carolina Piedmont.  Spaces are tight, a lot of the people there are long-term workers, that totally ignore any "Dust" decorum, speeding through the area as if they were on public streets!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2023

    Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Lake Jordan Campground Bliss

    Located just 30 miles west of Raleigh, Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve.  And while I’m not a kitesurfer or windsurfer, I’m positive that this campground was named for the pretty amazing headwinds that are enjoyed coming off Falls Lake, which Crosswinds Campground @ Jordan Lake SRA sits on. Take my word for it though, this outdoor nature preserve is truly a slice of heaven carved out in some of North Carolina’s finest camping countryside. If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nicely shaded nature, hiking trails and humble peace & quiet that only God's green nature can offer, then make your way here to Crosswinds Campground, where this heavily wooded forest paradise will embrace you with its inclines, switchbacks and snakelike, swerving road circuits. 

    All of the basics are provided in spades – from picnic table, fold-up fire ring / BBQ grill, bear-proof garbage hanger and a nice pebble-strewn and long-leaf pine shadowed patch of well-maintained nature that offers pristine shade from an unrelenting bit of summer Tar Heel sunshine. While there’s a suitable amount of brush between campsites, surprisingly, it’s the steep inclines and declines between each site that makes one feel that they are truly in the center of their own private wilderness. The on-site bathroom & shower facilities are just slightly north of passable and only a smidge better than you’d expect from a state-run campground, and so this campground gets its only mediocre marks on this front. But that said, there’s plenty of hiking trails to explore and the on-site rangers are incredibly helpful and positive folks that want to ensure you have a great time, but the best amenity on this property is the access to Lake Jordan itself, where there is a perfectly sectioned off swimming area – complete with life safety vests resting on hooks near the shore - as well as boat launching areas for those that want to fish or simply drop a kayak or canoe in the water and take enjoy a lakeside cruise. 

    Insider’s tips? Here's a bundle: (1) Be sure to get down to the lake from wherever your campsite is just after sunset and bring a couple of folding chairs and a telescope (pre-planning here is needed!) to catch a glimpse of one of the most amazing star-studded night skies you’ve ever seen in your life!; (2) While IMHO there are no bad sites per se here, certainly there are some that are better than others, amongst which, I would highly recommend those that are closer to the tree fall lines as well as those that place you closest to either lakeside or lake view.  With 3 loops to choose from (A, B & C), I recommend the following sites: Loop A - #18-19; #21-22; and #44-47; Loop B - #33, #36, #37, #39, #40,#43; Loop C - #19, #21, #23, #24, #26, #32, #34, #36, #40, #42; (3) If you have a boat, you may want to consider calling ahead of time, while you are reserving your campsite and reserve a boat slip - we just thought that they would be readily available, but as it turns out, there's quite a few daytime boaters that don't camp here and are simply looking for a slip to occupy for the day, so plan ahead!; (4) SUPER INSIDER SECRET: there's a little pathway next to site #32 that will lead you to a hidden beachhead where all the cool kids hang out and party; (5) The showers are pretty annoying in that they are regulated by body movement - so as a hack, we applied duct tape and VOILA! the hot water stayed on the whole time! (but remove when you are done or the water won't stop running!); and (6) When you grow tired or anxious after digging through what remains of your Cordova cooler and / or want to sample some local fare, be prepared to drive a short distance (20 minutes or so) back to Apex, where I would recommend The Peak on Salem that serves up some pretty mean Caribbean conch & shrimp fritters as well as some very nice seafood entrees like NC clam bucatini or sweet tea ginger whiskey braised beef short rib.

    Happy Camping!

  • Katy S.
    Jul. 6, 2020

    Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Great access to the lake

    This is a pretty nice campground, similar to other state parks in North Carolina. The sites are spacious, we stayed at a double site that allowed up to 4 cars. The site was level and stayed dry during the heavy rain, however we saw other sites that had big puddles, with tents in the water. The bathrooms were cleaned regularly, but they were not very nice. The shower didn't look good at all, we didn't use it.

    A great things about the campground is that it has its own kayak/canoe ramp, just a few minutes drive from the site. We saw people fishing from the ramp as well. On our morning paddle we saw a couple of bald eagles, they were amazing. We stayed at the campsite after heavy rains, so the beach was closed. It must be nice when not flooded.

    This is a state campground, so alcohol is not allowed.

  • Joy B.
    Mar. 19, 2022

    North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    Plain Jane Camping

    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. There seem to be quite a few long-term campers. Campground is quiet and security staff very friendly. Equestrian facility is next door. Sites are first come first serve; no reservations.

  • RL
    May. 20, 2023

    Staunton River State Park Campground

    Tent Camping

    This is a pretty standard campground. Sites are extremely close together and campground is kind of tiny. One bathhouse for the whole campground. This park would probably appeal to equestrians, boaters, and RVers over tent campers. Unfortunately the promixity of other campers was stressful this weekend because of the screaming family right next to us. River views are nice. Probably won’t return.

  • J D.
    May. 21, 2021

    North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    $30/night RV/campers/busses

    Water, sewer, electrical hook-ups It's a pretty relaxing spot. 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.

  • J
    Apr. 30, 2022

    North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    Camping in two locations

    The actual address is 801 Youth Center Drive. One camping location is up in the woods behind the horse complex. The other is on the actual fairgrounds property along Youth Center Drive. These are less desirable unless you are doing an event on the fairgrounds and want to be closer.

Guide to Rougemont

Horse camping in North Carolina offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine companions. With a variety of campgrounds that cater to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to saddle up and enjoy the trails.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and water access

Tips for equestrian camping near Rougemont, North Carolina

  • When visiting Cedarock Park, be sure to bring a good quality sleeping pad, as the tent pads are gravel, which can be uncomfortable for camping.
  • At Callahan's Hideaway, plan your trip around the local attractions, as there are plenty of scenic spots nearby for both you and your horse to explore.
  • Always check for specific horse camping regulations at each location, as some campgrounds may have restrictions on where horses can be tied or ridden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Rougemont, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Rougemont, NC is B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Rougemont, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Rougemont, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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