Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

We camped out the first night the campground was open for the season. They were performing controlled burns but nothing bothered us. Sure, we heard the planes overhead but it didn’t keep us up. We tent camped at an RV site just for some extra comfort with the water and power. Bathhouses were super clean. And we were a short walk to the lake to fish and hang out near the water. Absolutely will come back

I’m not sure if this campground is correctly named Holly Point Campground, which after my experience, I would rename it HOLY Point Campground, as this outdoor nature preserve is truly a slice of heaven carved out in the middle of North Carolina’s finest camping paradise. 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 nice shaded nature, hiking trails and calm peace & quiet that only nature can offer, then make your way here to Holly Point Campground@ Falls Lake SRA, where you will not be disappointed. 

All of the basics are provided in spades – from picnic table, fold-up fire ring / BBQ grill, bear-proof garbage hanger and a nice small pebble-strewn flat patch of well-maintained nature that offers pristine shade from an unrelenting bit of summer North Carolina sunshine from the tall matchstick-like long leave needle pines. While there’s not a terrible amount of brush between the campsites, you will have semi-privacy unlike many other nearby campgrounds. 

The on-site facilities (bathrooms& showers) 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 Falls Lake itself, where there is a perfectly sectioned off swimming area, 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 handful: (1) While IMHO there is no bad spot here in all of Holly Point Campground, there are obviously some that are better than others.  Given this, I would highly rank Loops 4 (#118-119, #121-123) & 5 (#141-147; #149, #150, #152-155) as well as the southern and eastern side of Loop 2 (#36-39; #55-71; #73, #75), given their proximity to and views of Falls Lake itself.  Of course, the sites that are located closer to the water are those more preferred; (2) If you're an angler, you'll be looking to catch some large-mouthed bass, yellow perch, blue gill, channel and flathead catfish and I recommend the areas that are heaviest shadowed around the lake edges; (3) When you grow weary of having to fix up that next campsite meal and simply want to error on the side of ease and comfort, then check out nearby Buffalo Bros who serve up some pretty might wings and amazing pies (there's also burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads and other basic Americana foodstuffs) or Nantucket Grill for some pretty outstanding Jambalaya and seafood diablo pasta; and (4) If you love extreme outdoors adventures, then check out Xtreme Park Adventures for indoor and outdoor courses for paintball and laser tag.

Happy Camping!

Sites were well spaced. Bathrooms had hot showers and were clean. Boat ramp and swim beach on site. Very nice lake. Only noise was from planes above from a regional airport with close proximity.

Well kept, reliable and friendly park rangers, good amenities, well marked trails, very private. Only campers allowed in area. Really good.

Spent two night in this lovely place. Nice wooded camping spot and though there was a lot of activity the spot was quiet and peaceful and made a great relaxing opportunity

The area was pretty, lots of shade, camp sites were big and nice. The restrooms and showers were in great shape. My real gripe was that it's right under the flight line for planes landing at RDU. They woke me up multiple throughout the night as they are very low. If it weren't for that, I would highly recommend this camp ground as everything else was awesome. One thing to note, when I was there, there was a big thunderstorm, that could have had something to do with the abundance of low planes, but would have to camp here again to be sure.

I was pleasantly surprised at this campground. Our spot was very private and extremely shaded. Smaller spot, which was fine for our RV. But if you have a bigger rig, be sure to check the site lengths as they are not all equal. The campground wasn’t very crowded since it was September but even in the busy season this place would be great. Several bathhouses around each loop. Picnic tables, fire rings and lots and lots of shade. The day use area was awesome. Playground, picnic tables, bathhouse, large field for playing and small swim beach with lots of access to the water. Several boat ramps and tons of parking (if you arrive early and need a place to wait, this is ideal). Definitely visiting again and again.

We had site 17. Maintenance was’t very good there were bits of trash and sticks everywhere. The water comes on and then goes down to a trickle. There was a water junction box with water leaking down into the site so the bottom stays wet and muddy. The swimming beach has sharp roots sticking up out of the bottom towards shore and people were hurting their feet, but the kids didn’t mind. They had a great time. The bathroom/ shower was very clean and newer though. The sites are large and nicely spaced. It’s very quiet after dark. The park rangers are ever present, bordering on creepy. Not sure why, it doesn’t seem like a place that gets out of control.

Sites were spacious. Ours was entirely shaded, but others seemed to have some sun. Site came with table, light/garbage pole, fire pit. Bathhouse was a walk, but the weather was fine and inside was clean. Showers were timed, but could be started multiple times. Low privacy with only a shower curtain and the dressing benches together along the far wall.

Campers around the CG were quiet, but friendly. Lake was pretty, but far from site. Swimming area and playground were nice.

Big sites. Very private. We had ez pull thru. All gravel. It was rainy but didn't get too muddy. Had buddy sites. Closest to

Duke Medical. No sewer but dump site. Had buddy launch. Very pretty

The last time I stayed in this area, it rained so much that I ended up sleeping in my SUV rather than in my tent, which was surrounded by an inch of water. This time, I decided our teardrop camper would be better just in case there was another deluge. This campground is in a different section of Falls Lake, however, but it has some of the same issues. Some of the sites were not well drained, but site 123 is. The main attraction for this campground is the lake, of course. There are two boat ramps side by side so in busy times there isn’t as much of a wait for a ramp. It didn’t matter to me since I kayak anyway, but it is good for boaters. As far as the campsites, the one I chose was primitive, but the campground has access to water close by. There are some campsites that do have water and electricity, and there is also a bath house with hot showers and a tiled floor. This is a lot better than some state and national parks that I have been to. There were not many campers when I was there, so the campground was really quiet. From what I understand, however, this campground can get crowded and reservations are suggested. There are only a few walk-in sites. There is a swimming area, but because of the pandemic, it was closed. There is also a playground and lots of opportunities for fishing. Overall, this was a pretty good campground. I would love to go again sometime when the pandemic hasn’t turned everything upside-down.

Made my first visit to Falls Lake, camping at Holly Point campground from 3/26/2021 - 4/2/2021. Very impressed with this park. The sites are laid out nice. Some could use a little fresh gravel but would not consider this a problem. Sites have a nice fire pit, which the staff cleans after each visitor departs. Bath houses were clean. There are a couple of nice beach areas. The park also has some really nice trails. Definatly will add this campground to my list and have already made reservations for another visit later this year.

Great spot to meet friends for a couple of nights of camping. This loop was quiet, without hookups, but had water nearby. The lake has many inlets and this one wasn't used much while we were here. Probably the summer would be different. The bottom of the driveways were pretty level given the rolling hills of the area.

Site was level and well maintained. Back the trailer in and hook ups were ready and available. Beautiful area with really nice views of the lake.

I have been at this camp ground for nearly two weeks. Every Ranger and employee I’ve interacted with has been amazingly professional and nice. The facilities are kept in pristine shape regarding cleanliness and upkeep. The campers have all been friendly and welcoming. If you’re looking for a close getaway in the Raleigh area, this is the place to go!!

We hadn't been camping since december of 19. Then came covid. We finally felt good enough to venture out and regain our hiking legs. We decided on falls because the trails are easy and it seemed like it would be a very chill place on the water. The boats start at 630 in the morning and go ALL night. People were partying until 330 am across the water at another loop, the camp host is located in that loop!!! I would say its a great spot if you like summer water sports. I'm guessing it gets much quieter in the fall/winter. The actual sites are spaced well with plenty of tree coverage. Our spot was on the outer rim with a path right down to the water to swim! Not the peaceful relaxing trip we had hoped for but it served its purpose of getting our unused gear out and making sure everything was in good order.

Lots of trees for shade and hammocks. Well maintained campgrounds and facilities. Friendly staff.

A great, centrally located campground.  Raleigh is a short drive away. Wonderful shopping, antiquing, and sightseeing abound. 

The Wake-Med Hospital is also great for emergencies.

Had a great time! Some of the sites are right on the water allowing for camping and kayaking. Sites are large to accommodate two tents and two vehicles nicely. Bathrooms are what you would expect but clean. Some sites further back (not water side) have trees for hammocking. The trees near my site (122) did not have adequate trees for hammocking. I will absolutely be back.

(The only thing you will contend with is occasional air traffic noise from RDU. If you’re sensitive consider bringing earplugs for your comfort.)

Falls Lake State Recreation Area is huge, with seven access areas (4 of which offer camping).  We stayed at Holly Point, which offers both tent and RV camping on large, wooded lots.  Our campsite, 57, backed up to a finger of Falls Lake for fishing.  It was just a short walk to a clean swimming beach.  Best of all, it was a great place for the kids to explore!

Sites had their own trash cans.  A nice grocery store, some gas stations, and some restaurants were just a short drive out of the park.  We'd love to return.

Wide spots are easy to get in and out of even with more than one vehicle. Some spots are doubles so camping with friends is very easy. The hiking trail to the boat launch is the the shade but lots of bugs! Nice swim areas. We arrived mid week and it was not crowded, the weekend filed the campground but everyone was pleasant. I would highly recommend and will be coming back!

This lake was incredible. We ended up camping right beside the lake. The facilities were well taken care of. Plenty of space and room for cars. there wasn't as many trees per campsite unless you were in certain areas of the park. Neighbors friendly and park staff would go around for safety checks. The sunrise was the most stunning view. 10/10 would recommend.

Very Family-friendly. It’s best if you can get a site near the beach if you have kids Otherwise you’ll end up driving them back-and-forth. lots of sites. If you’re willing to not be near the beach there are some pretty sites with the lake just steps away. Very pretty backdrop. So

The tent campsites are right next to the water with beautiful views of the lake. You can kayak directly to your campsite. There’s also a swimming beach with pfds, grills, and picnic tables available. Each campsite has a trash can, picnic table, and fire pit. The only issue we had was the drinking water. The water pump next to our campsite produced brown water. We had to bring large jugs of bottled water to use instead.

Great campground but we were limited due to rain! Nice secluded camping sites with space between. Large sites made it easy to set up multiple tents or camper and tent. Beautiful beach we didn’t get to take advantage of but would love to go back!

I stayed on the cove of Holly point. These are very nice and quiet sites.

Good options if you would like some privacy while camping. They also have good spots for fishing and small boat launches( canoe's, and kayaks)

Sites are right on the lake, perfect for kayaking. The sites are close together but still semi private. Lots of short hikes and a swimming area.

Visited 4 times to the same spot and loved the shade, proximity to bath house and lake

The first thing we noticed was the plane traffic. During the week a plane flies overhead about every minute during the day. In my opinion the sites are too close to each other. During our stay the other campers were respectful we didn't have any issues with anyone. Our site is considered a moderate site in regard to elevation.

Like the title, great water access to Falls Lake from both the campsites and a separate boat launch. Most of the RV sites were back-in with water and power, no sewage hook-ups, just a dump station upon your exit. Fire pit and picnic table at each site. Additionally, there's a small swim area boomed off with a little beach, great to just sit and hang out by the waterfront. Lots of tall, norrow trees for hammock set-ups. Also, driving distance to Beaver biking trails.

Only drawback was pretty dingy showers, and they were alighty narrow so I felt a little claustrophobic, especially while trying not to touch any of the sides. Toilet stalls were okay. Sinks were also dirty. Other than that, I would definitely come back for the waterfront access alone.