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Jordan Lake State Recreation Area dominates the camping landscape around Apex, North Carolina, with multiple campgrounds including Poplar Point, Crosswinds, Parkers Creek, and New Hope Overlook. Located approximately 10 miles southwest of Apex, these campgrounds offer accommodations from primitive tent sites to RV hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections — making camping near Apex accessible for a wide range of setups. Most campgrounds within the recreation area feature waterfront or water-view sites, with Crosswinds Campground also offering cabin and glamping options. Additional camping opportunities can be found at Falls Lake State Recreation Area about 25 miles northeast, and William B. Umstead State Park near Raleigh.
Camping availability at Jordan Lake follows seasonal patterns, with most campgrounds operating from March through October, though some areas like Poplar Point remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. The campgrounds feature well-maintained facilities including clean bathrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Most sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, making these campgrounds suitable for remote workers. A visitor noted that "Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve" and that the campgrounds are "only 20 or so minutes away from a large city like Raleigh."
Waterfront access represents the primary draw for campers visiting the Apex area, with multiple review comments highlighting the lake views and water activities. Fishing opportunities abound, with anglers targeting largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish in Jordan Lake. The campgrounds feature boat ramps and designated swimming areas, though some visitors mention that "access to the lake can be treacherous with steep and rocky banks near the campsites." The heavily wooded sites provide ample shade during hot summer months, with pine forests creating natural buffers between campsites. While alcohol is officially prohibited in North Carolina state parks, several reviewers noted this rule isn't strictly enforced. Campers particularly praise the spaciousness of sites, with one review describing Poplar Point as "heavily wooded forest paradise that delivers privacy and solitude."
"Poplar Point Campground could quite possibly be the best campground in all of North Carolina!"
"Poplar Point is located on the banks of the lake in the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area."
from $27 - $37 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $27 - $77 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The actual address is 801 Youth Center Drive. One camping location is up in the woods behind the horse complex. The other is on the actual fairgrounds property along Youth Center Drive."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months."
"Lots of great paths to walk."
from $30 - $78 / night
Check Availability"Tucked away and nestled off of 98 highway, Rolling View campground is a great, secluded spot."
"I spent a night in Shinleaf walk in campground in April as part of a backpacking trip along the Falls Lake MST trail, sections 8-12."
from $27 - $77 / night
Check Availability"The campground is walking distance to Raven Rock trails and you get a free walk up pass to get in. We had a very good time and will definitely go back."
"It is a place of beauty and next to cape fear river ,Has plenty of places to hike to and to camp."
from $27 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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"
"The North Carolina State Park campgrounds are typically very nice, and this one is no exception. My site is adjacent to a large, clean, working bathhouse and a 2 minute walk from a swim beach."
from $27 - $77 / night
Check Availability"Great hiking trails or you can just read and cook by the fire. Have been going there for years with my kids. An excellent, little known spot."
from $17 / night
Check Availability"The lake is the true star."
"The only bad thing was the traffic noise, so I recommend getting a site near the lake."
"I could barely believe that we're only 20 or so minutes away from a large city like Raleigh and we are able to access such amazing natural beauty so easily. "
"Dry sites right on lake shore facing east. Quite lake with few powerboats so my partner could enjoy it with our dog in a blowup kayak. Some traffic noise from US 64 in daylight hours but not bad."
from $27 - $72 / night
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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.
ScoutWe were able to squeak in for Labor Day weekend. And they are always a great time. Well kept grounds, and really friendly people. The waffles are always a hit and much appreciated! If you can help it- plz don’t skip this spot! You won’t regret it.
LegendSometimes you pull into a campground expecting little more than a comfortable place to sleep and discover the kids have already made tomorrow’s plans before you’ve even finished setting up, and Fayetteville RV Resort & Cottages was that kind of happy surprise for our family. Tucked into the countryside of Wade just minutes from I-95, this beautifully maintained resort combines spacious, mostly shaded RV sites (including enormous pull-throughs accommodating big rigs) with cottages and enough green space that it feels remarkably removed from the highway. Families are especially spoiled here with two swimming pools, mini golf, a playground, walking path, fitness center, clubhouse, clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities and dog parks, while full-hookup sites with 30/50-amp service make Mom and Dad’s life considerably easier too. One of my favorite memories was watching the boys bounce between swimming and miniature golf until that wonderful end-of-the-day exhaustion finally set in, leaving us to enjoy a quieter evening together back at the campsite. Some campgrounds are where you sleep between adventures - this is one where convincing the kids to actually leave becomes the adventure. With the resort offering numerous long pull-through and back-in sites rather than one clearly superior campsite, I’d choose one of the more shaded sites away from the busiest activity areas if your family values a quieter evening. We would enthusiastically recommend Fayetteville RV Resort for families because it’s exceptionally clean, wonderfully convenient and packed with enough kid-friendly recreation to turn what could easily have been an I-95 pit stop into a genuine family camping getaway.
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.
LegendArriving here to Holly Point Falls feels overwhelmingly relaxing as the pines embrace you with a welcome that will immediately remind you that you are out in pure nature here. The campgrounds here are thoughtfully laid out, with a mix of tent pads, RV-friendly sites and electric & water hookups at many loops. Sites vary in privacy, but most are generous in size with enough tree cover to make you feel like you’ve claimed your own little slice of wilderness. Bathhouses are clean and functional with the park staff keeping things tidy. Families and four-legged friends are welcome and the paved roads make getting in and out relatively stress-free. Larger rigs will want to pay attention when reserving, as some loops are tighter than others. Our boys simply loved this campground with its EZ access to Falls Lake, which was perfect for us to go fishing and kayaking in. We absolutely recommend Holly Point Campground at Falls Lake for any family looking to get as close to nature, without leaving civilization completely behind.
ScoutWe didn’t realize the campground was only open for hunting season. We showed up late at night in the end of July and saw it was roped off but decided to pitch our tent anyway and woke up with a State Trooper shining a flash light in our tent😂😭 He let us off, but we still had to pack up and find a hotel at 1am since there’s no other free camping that we knew of around the area.
It’s a sad day when you can’t just pitch a tent and sleep in the woods peacefully but it is what it is! Would come back during the legal season for sure though, the woods were really nice and cleared out.
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.
TravelerFirst time to Loop C and we loved it. There are some great sites here, they are big and most are decently spaced. It rained heavily while there, some sites will hold water, but I didn’t see any fully submerged. There’s no electrical hook ups, there are a few potable water spickets throughout the loop. The bathroom was very clean.
ScoutJust getting things set up but it is super clean and quite cheaper then most places around us. Its very nice place
Camping options near Apex, North Carolina center around Jordan Lake, a 14,000-acre reservoir with more than 180 miles of shoreline. The area sits at approximately 220 feet elevation with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers where temperatures often exceed 90°F from June through August. Most campsites provide partial to full shade from pine forests, creating natural cooling during summer camping trips.
Fishing opportunities: At Poplar Point Campground, anglers can catch largemouth bass, crappie and several catfish varieties. "I can't get enough of Jordan lake. This place is excellent for walking, hiking, boating, canoeing, fishing and more," reports a camper who visits frequently.
Kayaking access: Paddlers will find multiple launch points at Holly Point where sites "take advantage of the rolling terrain" with some campsites offering direct water access. "We 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)."
Hiking trails: The region offers extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. William B. Umstead State Park features "excellent single track trails for running" with "a wide variety of single track to larger sand/dirt paths." Located approximately 20 miles from Apex, the park provides a more forested experience compared to lakefront camping.
Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between campsites. At Poplar Point, "campsites are roomy. Lots of shade." Another review notes site C-52 was "very spacious, easy to back into, and level. This was a HUGE site, lots of space between neighbors."
Clean facilities: Crosswinds Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "Very clean" and "It has all the emenitys" are common observations. Another camper adds: "Great Campsites, nice wooded sites and close to lake access. Great hiking trails and very family friendly."
Cellular connectivity: For remote workers, multiple campgrounds offer reliable internet access. A recent visitor to Poplar Point noted, "For those that care about working on laptop or streaming TV while camping, our cellphone hotspots worked great. We got anywhere from 30-55mbps with our Verizon cell coverage."
Seasonal closures: Most Jordan Lake campgrounds operate from March through October or November, though schedules vary by location. New Hope Overlook Primitive Campground specifies a season from "March 6 to November 27," making it important to check current schedules.
Varied water conditions: Water quality can fluctuate based on rainfall and location. At New Hope Overlook, one camper reported, "When we got to the gate, we were told there was no water, but I had a water filter. When I went to the lake to filter water, the water was still brown."
Campsite terrain: Sites range from level to sloped. At Holly Point, one camper observed a "large park with a hodgepodge of level sites and not so much." Parker's Creek features sites described as "perfectly carved INTO nature," requiring careful selection when booking.
Gate restrictions: Some campgrounds enforce strict access hours. At Crosswinds Campground, a visitor noted "they lock the gate after a certain hour. If you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck."
Beach access: For families with children, Rolling View at Falls Lake offers "nice, big sites and plenty of good areas for swimming, hiking, and fishing." Located about 25 miles northeast of Apex, it features a "nice sand beach on the lake" where families "sat for hours."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer nature observation opportunities. At Crosswinds Campground, "Deer walked right behind our site," creating memorable encounters for children. Parents report this makes for "a very family friendly" camping experience.
Site selection: When camping with children, location matters. At Holly Point, a reviewer advises: "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." Request waterfront sites when possible for easier supervision during water activities.
Accessibility considerations: For larger rigs, the North Carolina State Fairgrounds campground offers "a very large campground that can accommodate any size RV" with "all sites are gravel, but are quite level." Many campers note pulling in without needing adjustments.
Hookup availability: Jordan Lake campgrounds typically offer electric and water hookups but limited sewer connections. A visitor to Crosswinds noted, "there is no septic on your site" with dump stations available at loop entrances. Most loops feature either 30 or 50-amp service.
Weather preparation: During rainy periods, drainage quality varies by campground. At Poplar Point, one RVer reported, "We had a substantial deluge while there, and the water drained just fine," while at Crosswinds, another camper found "the site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Apex, NC?
The Triangle area offers several excellent campgrounds near Apex. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is widely considered one of the best in the region, featuring lakeside sites and excellent facilities just a short drive from Apex. Another top option is Parkers Creek Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, located only about 20 minutes from Raleigh. Both offer clean facilities, spacious sites, and water recreation opportunities. These campgrounds provide a perfect outdoor escape while remaining conveniently close to town amenities.
What family-friendly campsites are available near Apex?
Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is an excellent family-friendly option near Apex. Despite being a short drive from the Triangle area, it feels secluded with clean bathrooms, comfortable showers, and individual camping loops that provide privacy. Eno River State Park Campground is another family favorite in the Triangle region, offering numerous hiking trails, safe swimming areas in the river, and dog-friendly policies. Both parks provide the perfect setting for creating lasting family memories in nature while remaining close to Apex.
How much does camping cost at locations around Apex, North Carolina?
Camping costs around Apex vary by location and amenities. At Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, you'll find reasonably priced state park camping with clean facilities, swim beaches, and excellent cell reception. For RV camping, North Pointe RV Resort in nearby Selma offers well-maintained, level sites with full hookups and amenities at moderate rates. The North Carolina State Fairgrounds provides basic full hookup sites for around $35/day with no additional amenities. Budget-conscious campers might consider Cedarock Park, where sites cost just $1 per additional person, making it ideal for larger groups.
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