2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cedarock Park offers primitive horse camping with access to 6 miles of equestrian trails through a 500-acre wooded landscape. Located in Burlington, North Carolina, the park provides tent camping sites along Rock Creek with ample space for horses and riders. While no dedicated horse corrals are available, the spacious camping areas accommodate portable corrals or highlines. The hike-in tent sites require a short quarter-mile walk from the parking area, which may present challenges for horse trailer access. Each site includes a fire pit and bench with flat terrain for comfortable setup. Sites are particularly well-spaced, making them suitable for equestrian groups. The park locks its gates at night, which restricts emergency exit options.
The extensive trail system supports both hiking and horseback riding, with separate designated paths to minimize user conflicts. Trail riders benefit from the park's natural features including streams for water access and varied terrain through scenic wooded areas. Beyond equestrian activities, the park offers two disc golf courses, fishing ponds, a historical farm, and canoe rentals. Camping reservations are required through the park office or online reservation system, with a 3-night maximum stay. Sites cost $10 per night for groups under 10 people with an additional $1 per person for larger groups. The roads within the park feature inclines, switchbacks and curves that may require careful navigation with horse trailers. Road noise at night can be noticeable from nearby highways, so riders planning overnight stays should consider this when selecting campsites.
"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
"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!"
"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
"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
"Walking path paved. Bike trails and horse trails. Near to I40 but any noise from that is very minimal. Full hookups. Wi fi present but not strong enough for any streaming. Will definitely return"
"Great hosts, spacious spots, nearby dog park, loved staying here. The bath houses are a little dated but very clean. There is horse shoe, volleyball, soccer goals on the camp ground."
from $35 / 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.
ScoutNo permanent sites so it's clean with no clutter, host greeted upon arrival, lots of access to hike/bike trails, near park with ponds, pool, ball courts. Several sites including mine very hard to level
GuideThis is an excellent place to stay. It’s very clean, lots to do, beautiful view of lake. Great hiking trails.
ScoutPlenty of places to tent camp or RV camp! Places to fish things for kids to play on and of course places to shower after! One of my family’s favorite places to camp!
TravelerThis was our very first full-time RV park. 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. 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. Plenty to do here with the lake at your fingertips. Great first experience.
TravelerThe campground is very cramped and the owner is very unfriendly and was unwilling to work with me after I asked not to park my fifth wheel under a hickory tree that was rubbing the top of my recently recoated roof. She refused. Roughly 7weeks into my 13 week stay a large storm rolled through and a hickory nut busted the top of my ac unit on my roof and the nut broke the blades of my fan off. She refused to acknowledge the damage. I tried to compromise with taking the price of the service of the monthly payment. The owner refused then stated she was going to need the next month payment or she would have my fifth towed. She is very unreasonable and very rude
Cedarock Park provides tent-only camping in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, approximately 15 miles west of Whitsett. The wooded landscape sits at an elevation of around 600 feet, with camping sites positioned along Rock Creek at the edge of the 500-acre park property. Road access to the camping area requires navigation of switchbacks that can be challenging for vehicles pulling horse trailers, especially during wet conditions when soil becomes muddy.
Disc golf courses: Cedarock Park features two 18-hole disc golf courses that wind through varied terrain. Kelsey L. notes, "There are two fantastic disc golf courses (I personally enjoy the Wellspring course)" which offers different challenges than the original course.
Fishing opportunities: Cane Creek Campground and RV Park offers lakeside access for anglers. "Plenty of places to fish" according to Krista H., with shoreline access directly from some campsites.
Historical exploration: Beyond the equestrian trails, Cedarock Park maintains a historical farm exhibit. According to Kelsey L., the park has "a historical farm that sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina," providing educational context about the region's agricultural heritage.
Family water activities: Crosswinds Campground offers swimming and boating options. Angela M. mentions, "Close to the beach where we sat for hours," making it ideal for families wanting water recreation beyond what's available at Cedarock.
Well-spaced sites: At Cedarock Park, the distance between camping areas provides privacy not commonly found at other campgrounds. Tara T. notes their experience: "We were the only ones there for the weekend and there was ample space for setting up."
Creek access: The proximity to Rock Creek provides additional recreational opportunities. "We used the fire pit and the kids played in the creek," reports Tara T., highlighting how the water feature enhances the camping experience at Cedarock.
Clean facilities: William B. Umstead State Park maintains high standards for their amenities. Cara G. shares that their "primitive camping has drive in, picnic table, fire ring, tent spot, and trails starting at your back door," providing convenience without sacrificing the natural experience.
Wildlife viewing: Tanglewood Park offers encounters with local wildlife. Brandon notes, "Deer roam throughout the park and campground," providing natural viewing opportunities from campsites.
Locked gates after hours: Cedarock Park implements strict security measures that limit flexibility. Summer C. warns, "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."
Highway noise concerns: The camping area's proximity to roadways creates noise pollution. Tara T. mentions, "The only downside is the road noise at night - it was very loud. Next time we will bring something to help quiet the noise."
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons. At William B. Umstead State Park, camping is only available "March 15 to December 1," requiring advance planning for equestrian camping near Whitsett during winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Whitsett, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Whitsett, NC is Cedarock Park with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Whitsett, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Whitsett, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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