4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Medoc Mountain State Park Campground provides the only dedicated equestrian camping area near Zebulon. The Medoc Mountain Equestrian Campground requires visitors to bring horses and features electric hookups with both fifty-amp and thirty-amp service. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with showers and sanitary dump stations available for campers. The campground is reservable in advance through the North Carolina State Parks system. Equestrian sites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking space. Water hookups and sewer connections serve campers with RVs or horse trailers equipped with living quarters. The sites remain fairly level for easy trailer parking and setup.
Located approximately 35 miles northeast of Zebulon, Medoc Mountain offers extensive bridle trails through the wooded terrain. The park maintains dedicated horse trails that connect directly to the equestrian camping area, allowing riders immediate access to the trail system. Horses require proof of current negative Coggins test results upon check-in. The park's trail system includes several water crossings and varied terrain suitable for different riding experience levels. Equestrian campers should bring their own feed and water buckets as the park does not provide feeding equipment. The trails remain open year-round, though seasonal conditions may affect accessibility after heavy rainfall. The campground serves as an excellent base for day rides throughout the 2,300-acre park's mixed hardwood forest and meadow landscapes.
"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
"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
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $72 / 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
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.
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 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.
Equestrian camping near Zebulon, North Carolina includes additional options beyond the dedicated facilities at Medoc Mountain State Park. Zebulon sits in Wake County with an elevation of about 350 feet above sea level in the gently rolling eastern Piedmont region. The area experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, making camping comfortable from spring through fall with average summer temperatures reaching the upper 80s.
Trail riding options: At Medoc Mountain State Park Campground, horseback riders can access over 10 miles of bridle trails through diverse terrain. "There are over 10 miles of trails to hike. We also conoed down the creek. The creek is about 2.5 miles long and took us only 2 hours to paddle," reports Caroline G.
Hiking adventures: The trails at William B. Umstead State Park Campground offer various difficulty levels for day hikes. "There are a wide variety of single track to larger sand/dirt paths. My cross country team will come here for long day," notes Sarah M., highlighting the trail diversity.
Swimming and beach activities: Families enjoy the sandy beaches at Lake Jordan's recreation areas. "Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy," shares Angela M. about Crosswinds Campground.
Mountain biking trails: Several parks near Zebulon maintain dedicated mountain biking paths suitable for various skill levels. "Nice sites and great for mountain bikers," mentions Stacey S. about trails at Medoc Mountain State Park.
Spacious, private sites: The camping areas at B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area offer generous spacing between sites. "Sites are nicely spaced apart (privacy). Airplanes fly overhead pretty regularly; seemed to stop in the late evening & start up early," says Eric S.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses and amenities. "The bath house has a lot to be desired. Beach is nice and the sites are spacious. I love this campground!" notes Cindy S. about Crosswinds Campground.
Natural wildlife encounters: The wooded settings provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Deer walked right behind our site. Boat ramp in campground. Swim area and playground," shares Wendy M. about her experience at Jordan Lake.
Level camping pads: Many campsites feature well-designed, level areas for easy setup. "Our site required minimal leveling. Interior roads were all paved and easy to navigate -- no low-hanging branches," explains Rick S. about Medoc Mountain State Park.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian camping areas require advance booking, especially during peak seasons from April to October. "Double site with my parents. Close to the beach where we sat for hours," says Angela M. about Crosswinds Campground.
Documentation needed: Horse owners must bring current negative Coggins test results for each animal. "Great location off of 85. Great trails and equestrian trails!" mentions Elizabeth V. about Medoc Mountain State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Zebulon, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Zebulon, NC is North Carolina State Fairgrounds with a 4.1-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Zebulon, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Zebulon, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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