Shade defines the experience at Shinleaf, a state-managed campground on the shores of Falls Lake about eight miles west of Wake Forest. The campground sits off New Light Road near Highway 98, making it a straightforward drive-in for car campers and RV rigs alike. Full hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections are available, and a dump station is on-site. Sites come standard with a picnic table, fire ring, and a pole for hanging gear or bear-proof garbage bags.
Site spacing is worth noting before you book. Reviewers consistently mention that brush between sites is minimal, which means neighbors are visible even when the campground is not full. The campground layout branches off a central gravel path into smaller "leaf" roads, and sites tucked onto those side roads tend to see less foot traffic from day-use hikers and trail runners who stick to the main route. A dedicated pot-wash spigot near the sites makes cleanup after cooking straightforward. Bathrooms and showers are in a bathhouse at the edge of the parking area.
Water access is a recurring draw. Several reviewers mention fishing from lakeside sites, and the campground has its own kayak and canoe launch on the eastern side of the property. Brian G. keeps it simple: "bring a fishing rod if you have a fishing license." Target species reported by campers include crappie, striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, walleye, and catfish. Hikers can reach multiple points along the lakeshore from the campground trail network. Campers wanting to compare nearby options can browse camping near Falls Lake State Recreation Area, or consider Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area about a mile north for a different site configuration.
Description
Located in Durham and Wake counties 15 miles east of downtown Durham, Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides seven access areas to the reservoir. More than 300 campsites offer a variety of overnight experiences. Trails include a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, as well as one of the premier mountain bike trail systems in the Triangle area, located at Beaverdam access. During the spring and fall, migrating monarch butterflies add to the picturesque beauty of the lake.
Not every access has all the listed facilities. Please check the General Information page to view a table of the facilities at each access: https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/falls-lake-state-recreation-area/plan-your-visit
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Holiday booking date rules are as follows: 2 nights Minimum Stay on holiday weekend (Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday) 2 nights Minimum Stay still apply to cabin rentals at Hanging Rock, Morrow Mountain, and Cliffs of the Neuse State Parks 1 night Minimum Stay on holiday weekend if the booking dates within 14 Days before Arrival Date Rule applies to the following holiday weekends: Memorial Day July 4th Labor Day
Falls Lake SRA is currently in the construction phase of our project to upgrade our wastewater systems. During construction some bathrooms, facilities, and camping areas will be closed. Currently construction is progressing in Beaverdam and Holly Point Recreation Areas. Other facilities are operating under their normal schedule. Currently, the following facilities are affected: BEAVERDAM: Beaverdam remains open, but all restrooms are closed through July 2026. Portable toilets are available. Restrooms will reopen once the work is completed. HOLLY POINT: Holly Point campground will be closed starting June 1 and will reopen by November 16, 2026. Reservations will be honored but contact the park office or Reserve America if you would like to transfer an existing reservation due to this project. **Changes to the existing closures or additional closures are expected as the project progresses.** We will update this alert throughout the project when dates change as the project moves forward. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please contact the Falls Lake park office if you have any questions.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsShinleaf is located in North Carolina near Wake Forest
Directions
Go directly to reserved facility location. You do not need to check in at the main park office. **Main Office** - 13304 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587, is located on NC 50, two miles north of NC 98. **Shinleaf** - 13708 New Light Road in Wake Forest, one and two miles north of NC 98 and one mile east of NC 50. **Holly Point** - 14424 New Light Road, in Wake Forest, one and two miles north of NC 98 and one mile east of NC 50. **Rollingview** - 4201 Baptist Road in Durham. Baptist Road is on NC 98, approximately five miles east of Durham and seven miles west of NC 50. **Beaverdam** - 14600 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, is located on NC 50, three miles north of NC 98. **Sandling Beach** - 14605 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, is located on NC 50, three miles north of NC 98. **B.W. Wells** - 1630 Bent Road in Wake Forest, approximately five miles east of NC 50 and three miles west of US 1/Wake Forest. From NC 98, take Stony Hill Road north and turn left on Bud Morris Road. Turn left on Bent Road and follow it to the recreation area.
Address
13304 Creedmoor Rd
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Coordinates
35.993353 N
78.653836 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/17/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/17/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/17/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/17/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/17/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/17/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 15 min from Raleigh, NC
- 16 min from Durham, NC
- 46 min from Burlington, NC
- 53 min from Rocky Mount, NC
