5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Medoc Mountain State Park's equestrian campground provides the primary horse camping option near Wake Forest, with 13 sites specifically designed for horses and riders. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and access to water and electric hookups. The campground offers direct access to the 10-mile bridle trail system that winds through hardwood forests and crosses Medoc Creek. Trailer parking is available at each campsite, with pull-through sites accommodating larger rigs. The bathhouse includes hot showers and toilet facilities convenient to the horse sites. Sites are well-spaced and shaded, offering reasonable privacy between camping parties. The trails accommodate riders of various skill levels, with both novice-friendly routes and more challenging terrain available.
Located approximately 45 miles northeast of Wake Forest, the horse trails at Medoc Mountain connect to a network of hiking paths that explore the 2,300-acre park's diverse terrain. The equestrian trails follow old farming roads and forest paths, offering scenic views of the mountain and surrounding woodlands. Water access for horses is available at several points along the trails, including creek crossings that provide natural watering spots. Riders must bring proof of negative Coggins test for each horse. The park enforces strict manure management policies, requiring campers to clean up after their horses at campsites and staging areas. Trails remain open year-round, though some sections may close after heavy rainfall to prevent erosion damage. Reservations are required for overnight stays and can be made through the North Carolina State Parks reservation system up to 11 months in advance.
"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"
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $72 / 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 this weekend
from $27 - $75 / 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."
from $45 / 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. "
Available this weekend
from $27 - $77 / night
"Good location off of 85. Great trails and equestrian trails!"
"Not far from the Roanoke River and right around the corner from Halifax, this spot is perfect for getting away from it all."
from $27 - $75 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $21 - $384 / 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 ."
from $22 - $53 / night
from $17 / 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 $4 fewer at a Refuel station down the street. Definitely stop into that gas station store for things you might need.
Overall, really good experience staying here, some annoying things, but won’t ruin your stay.
ScoutReally fantastic spot to camp! Great sites and hook ups (no sewer, but EASY dump station)! Go for Loop B - it has the beach.
GuideMedoc Mountain State Park campground has been recently renovated. All of the full hook up sites and primitive sites are spacious and well kept. We camped in site #26 which was level and spacious. The sites on the outside of the loop are pretty level. The bathrooms/showers are new, spacious, and clean. There is a great playground in walking distance. There are many hiking trails that start near the campground. None of them have amazing views, but they are nice and well marked. I enjoyed the Bluff View trail the most. We were able to hike 6 miles both days we were there. Added bonus: campground is close to I-95. The only drawback is the lack of a close grocery store. Dollar General is less than 5 miles away.
GuideBeautiful, small, newly renovated campground. Gorgeous bath house. A few sites are level but most aren’t. Quiet. Easy to get to from I-95.
GuideWent there with my family in March over spring break. Can’t say this was exactly camping the way we did it, but the cabin was absolutely amazing. Each cabin is probably on a 2 acre plot of land and most of them have fantastic views of Kerr Reservoir.
Kitchens are nicely appointed, rooms are nicely decorated, just bring your own sheets and linens and get ready for a fantastic time.
ScoutDecent bathhouse on Iron Bow. Sites are really close together and narrow so doesn’t leave a lot of room between campers. Not terrible but also have had stayed at more spacious state park campsites. 7$ bundles for firewood for sale near the bathhouse. The Visitor center is nice with some good souvenirs for purchase and history section. Plenty of spots for fishing and launching watercraft. No designated swimming areas though. No WiFi. Verizon device at the campground worked okay. Clarksville town is quaint with some shops worth checking.
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.
Medoc Mountain Equestrian Campground provides 13 dedicated horse sites located approximately 45 miles northeast of Wake Forest. This specialized camping area connects directly to 10 miles of bridle trails winding through the park's diverse 2,300-acre landscape. Elevations in the region range from 150 to 325 feet, with well-maintained trails crossing varied terrain including mixed hardwood forests and stream valleys.
Trail riding at Medoc Mountain State Park: The equestrian trails follow old farming roads with access points for horses to drink at creek crossings. According to one rider, "There are over 10 miles of trails to hike. We also canoed down the creek. The creek is about 2.5 miles long and took us only 2 hours to paddle" (Caroline G., Medoc Mountain State Park Campground).
Water activities at Jordan Lake: Located within driving distance from Wake Forest, Jordan Lake offers multiple recreational options. "Close to the beach where we sat for hours... Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy" (Angela M., Crosswinds Campground). The lake has designated swimming areas with sandy beaches and boat launches.
Hiking at Falls Lake: Falls Lake Recreation Area provides extensive hiking opportunities near Wake Forest. "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. There are tons of beach areas and places to enjoy the great outdoors" (Bran P., Falls Lake State Recreation Area).
Spacious campsites: Horse campers appreciate the ample room at equestrian campgrounds near Wake Forest. At Medoc Mountain, "Large, level sites that are very secluded and far apart from each other. Bathrooms were clean and well situated. Very family-friendly!" (Katie M., Medoc Mountain State Park).
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting provides chances to observe local fauna. "Deer walked right behind our site" (Wendy M., Jordan Lake State Recreation Area). The forested areas around Wake Forest support diverse wildlife including deer, various bird species, and small mammals.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking a more rustic experience than the equestrian campground, B.W. Wells Campground offers secluded tent sites. "B.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" (Maria Mercedes M., Falls Lake State Recreation Area).
Reservation requirements: Equestrian camping near Wake Forest requires advance planning. Unlike general camping, horse facilities have specific requirements. One visitor to nearby Occoneechee State Park noted, "Driving around the campground, there are some fantastic waterfront sites in the same loop as the yurts that we'd love to come back and stay at! They have great views of Buggs Island Lake" (Katie M., Occoneechee State Park).
Seasonal considerations: Trail conditions vary throughout the year in the Wake Forest region. "We stayed in September so the fact that there is no AC or electricity in the yurt was not an issue because the weather was moderate" (Katie M., Occoneechee State Park).
Limited cell service: Some equestrian camping areas have poor connectivity. At Medoc Mountain State Park, campers report "No cell service!" (RENEE D., Medoc Mountain State Park), which can affect communication but enhances the wilderness experience.
Look for campgrounds with amenities: When traveling with children, facilities matter. "Bathhouse had a lot to be desired. Beach is nice and the sites are spacious" (Cindy S., Jordan Lake State Recreation Area).
Choose accessible trails: Select riding paths appropriate for various skill levels. "This was my first time hiking with my teen daughter by ourselves, setting up camp, tent, cooking, etc. Picnic table, fire pit w/grill, level gravel tent pad on site, water spigot and trash can right in front of camp site" (Becqui M., Medoc Mountain State Park Campground).
Consider proximity to water: Waterfront locations offer additional activities. "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" (Kristen W., Falls Lake State Recreation Area).
Check hookup availability: While equestrian camping sites typically provide water and electric hookups, not all facilities are equal. "Each site includes water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station. The sites are big with a picnic table, fire pit and lantern hook" (Paul H., Crosswinds Campground).
Be prepared for varying site conditions: Surface types differ between campgrounds. "Interior roads were all paved and easy to navigate -- no low-hanging branches. The camp hosts were visible and attentive" (Rick S., William B. Umstead State Park Campground).
Plan for weather contingencies: Drainage can be an issue at some sites. "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" (Debbie F., Jordan Lake State Recreation Area).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Wake Forest, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Wake Forest, NC is B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Wake Forest, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Wake Forest, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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