Park Your RV Along The Beautiful East Coast Shoreline At This Campground

A few hours east of busy Raleigh, North Carolina, a hidden gem awaits those who want to get away from it all. Whether you're in the mood to become a beach cowboy for the day or relax in front of a seaside campfire with your family, you can do it all at Cedar Island Ranch Beach Camp & Stables. You'll encounter wide-open spaces there that make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Of course, it helps that there's a wild population of Spanish horses that have grazed on the shores for hundreds of years.

As you might imagine, the horseback riding tours along the Pamlico Sound are the biggest tourist draw, as visitors can amble across miles of unspoiled beach scenery far from civilization. With the help of skilled guides at the helm, you can cross 1,000 feet of water and roam between the islands, folding in that extra sense of adventure. Nearby, you might even spot dolphins, otters, stingrays, and sea birds, all species known to frequent the coastline.

The Stables of Cedar Island Ranch offer beach trail rides for one hour to 90 minutes all year round, Tuesdays through Sundays. The rides typically take place during the coolest part of the day for the comfort of both the riders and the horses. If you're an avid equestrian, you can bring your horse from home and use the short-term boarding facilities.

Aside from the amazing horseback riding adventures, the campground offers other family-friendly amenities for a well-rounded stay. If you're not quite finished exploring the sea, rent a canoe or kayak and paddle around Cedar Island. Back at the campground, families can strike up a game of volleyball, swing around on the playground, or play lawn games like horseshoes and cornhole. For something more laid back, you can cast a net for some crabs or grab your rod and fish for speckled trout, red drum, or mullet for a seafood dinner. End the night with treats from the camp store and a gathering around the campfire, just as camping should be.

Whatever you're in the mood for, the Stables of Cedar Island Ranch has plenty of accommodation options. The most affordable ones are the primitive tent sites. On the beach, the sites include a fire ring, picnic table, showers, and free WiFi for $17 to $19 per night, depending on your trip length. Don't be surprised if a wild horse or curious cow comes around to say hello. If you'd prefer a wooded tent area, it'll cost $14 to $16 per night, though prices are subject to change.

RV dwellers can pick several picturesque lots, from back-in spaces with the basics ($31 per night) to full hookups with waterfront views ($51 per night). The sites include 30-amp and 50-amp service, picnic tables, and fire rings. Long-term travelers can take advantage of the monthly rates.

After a long day of outdoor activities, some folks might prefer the comforts of home. In that case, on-site motel rooms have a TV, microwave, mini-fridge, coffee pot, and WiFi for $80 per night. If you plan on cooking, the condo suites come with a refrigerator, stove, oven, dishes, cookware, blender, and coffee maker for $112 per night. This is one East Coast beach you don't want to miss.