Best Campgrounds near Apex, NC

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 a range of accommodations from primitive tent sites to RV hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections. 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."

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Best Camping Sites Near Apex, North Carolina (62)

    1. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    51 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $27 - $37 / night

    "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."

    2. Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $27 - $77 / 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. "

    3. North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    19 Reviews
    Raleigh, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 612-6767

    $35 / night

    "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."

    4. William B. Umstead State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Morrisville, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 571-4170

    $27 / night

    "We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months."

    "Lots of great paths to walk."

    5. Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park

    21 Reviews
    Mamers, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 893-4888

    $27 - $75 / night

    "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."

    6. Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    31 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $27 - $77 / night

    "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."

    7. Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    36 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $27 - $77 / night

    "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."

    8. New Hope Overlook Primitive Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    B. Everett Jordan Lake, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $17 / night

    "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."

    9. Parkers Creek Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    B. Everett Jordan Lake, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $27 - $72 / night

    "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."

    10. Jordan Lake Crosswinds

    1 Review
    New Hill, NC
    6 miles

    "The lake is the true star."

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Recent Reviews near Apex, NC

368 Reviews of 62 Apex Campgrounds


  • Donnelle The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Butner lake WMA

    Be Advised!

    All Campers MUST have a fishers/hunters license. Rangers wrote us a warning ticket for not having our own, but we are headed to Walmart to get one for about $30

  • Bailey R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Lake front view

    This is such a pretty camp site. Even if you aren’t on the water you still have a beautiful view of the lake. The spots are well spread out so you don’t feel like you are on top of each other and it’s very kid friendly

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Jordan Lake Crosswinds

    Big Water, Tall Pines & Gorgeous Lakefront Sunsets

    Nestled along the shores of Jordan Lake, Crosswinds Campground is one of those places that makes one feel like they just scored a million-dollar lakefront spot for the cost of a campsite fee. First impressions? Towering pines everywhere, a breeze rolling off the water and the faint hum of boats out on the lake. It’s a large, well-loved campground that still manages to feel peaceful – provided you’re not parked next to that one guy who thinks 'quiet hours' are just a suggestion.

    The facilities here strike a nice balance between rustic and comfortable. Out of the 182 sites, 134 offer water and electric hookups, making it RV-friendly while still keeping things woodsy. Every site has the basics: picnic table, fire ring, lantern / garbage holder and enough tree cover to keep you from baking like a biscuit in the North Carolina summer sun. Bathhouses are clean and scattered through the loops in just about the right proportion where the loos feel like an overcrowded line to see your favorite band with a dump station on site at each of the campground loops. Roads are well-paved –although you will find that errant pothole just waiting to take out one of your tires, so tread carefully – but a little snug for bigger rigs, so if you drive something the size of a tour bus, maybe don’t test your parallel parking skills here.

    The lake is the true star. With 180 miles of shoreline surrounding a 12,000-acre reservoir, Jordan Lake sprawls wide enough to feel like a small ocean … and Crosswinds puts you right on the edge of it. Beyond the lake itself, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area covers a span of some 46,000 acres of public land, so there’s tons of nature to explore here. Boating, fishing and kayaking are all top-notch, and the eagle-spotting here is so good you’ll feel like you wandered onto a National Geographic special. If you want civilization, the quaint and full-service townships of Cary, Apex and Pittsboro are all close by for groceries, breweries or just a break from your campfire cooking experiments.

    As for the campground itself, there are 3 distinct loops: A, B & C (yes, even your kindergartner can keep these 3 straight!). Here’s a breakdown of each loop, because each one offers up something different and unique – some things good, some things not so much – that may influence where you choose to camp. Here’s a snapshot:

    Loop A (AKA 'Boats & Bobbers'): (1) the only loop that is entirely non-electric, so if powering up your campsite is important, then bring your own source or look to the other loops; (2) closest to the main entrance, so great for quick access, but the only loop if you take a left at the fork (the other 2 loops are right of the fork); (3) nearest the boat launch, so you will experience all of the boat-launching skippers driving westward past your loop from dusk to dawn, which is great if you are thumbing your way to the boat launch, not so great if you prize peace & quiet; (4) an ‘easter egg’ of a hidden trail exists near A21 that will lead you down to the lakeshore to a quiet spot perfect for uncorking that vintage Bordeaux you’ve been looking for the right location and moment to savor; and (5) IMHO the best sites are those that are lake-facing such as 19– 22 and 45– 47.

    Loop B (AKA 'Sand & Swimming'): (1) if Loop A is defined by its proximity to the boat launch, then this loop can be dubbed the Beach Loop as it is the only circuit with an actual beachhead and proper swimming area; (2) while centrally located in between the other 2 loops, this area is definitely considered more tranquil and has a tighter feeling of community; (3) unlike the previous loop, this one has campsites with running electric and water, but there’s a bonus to some of these sites as they are considered duplex campsites, so while a bit more$ ($25 more for non-electric and $40 more for duplexes with electric), you’ll have more space, which is especially important if there’s 2 families looking to camp together; and (4) IMHO the best sites here are those westernmost, lake-facing spots such as 24, 26, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 40.

    Loop C ('Sunsets& Sundowners'): (1) just like the previous loop, here you’ll find all campsites have running water & electric, so no primitive shenanigans to deal with here; (2) of the 3 loops, this is the one located most northernly, most secluded, furthest from the entrance and has no amenities (like a beach or boat launch) that will draw non-camping traffic; (3) the biggest draw of this loop are the arresting views of Lake Jordan, especially at dusk, where you can place your fold-up camping chair in just the right direction, sit back and sip on those sunset-inspired Mai Tais; (4) There’s a small, hidden beach (shhh! don’t tell your fellow campers in Loop B, lest they become disenfranchised!) that you can access near site 32 that will allow for a private swim or late-night evening hang-out staring at the breathtaking moonlit starscape; and (5) IMHO the best sites are (you guessed it) the ones that have the best views of that incandescent sundowner view facing westward, so you’ll want to eye spots 19, 21, 23, 24 – with the absolute pinnacle sites being 24, 26, 30, 32, 34 – as well as those that have even a partial view, including 36, 40 and 42.

    Insider Tips?  Here's a smattering: (1) Plan a swim or paddle near the Ebenezer Church swimming beach, just a short drive from Crosswinds. It’s less crowded than the main day-use areas and offers sandy shoreline, gentle water entry, and shady picnic spots; (2) For paddling, launch in the morning from the camper-only ramp before the motorboats hit the water and turn it into Daytona-on-the-lake; (3) Eat at The Fearrington House Restaurant in Pittsboro if you’re feeling fancy – exotic meats and Oregon Pinot Noirs so smooth they’ll make you forget you slept on a foam mattress last night; (4) Bring bug spray – the mosquitoes here treat Off! like it’s a garnish; and (5) Don’t skip stargazing on a clear night, the Milky Way shows off, and it’s better than cable.

    Happy Camping!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    Great campground

    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.

    My cell reception outside the camper is excellent, and of if I had a cell booster it would be adequate for streaming inside the camper. I don’t have one as I depend on Starlink for internet access when traveling. Unfortunately Starlink isn’t going to work in my specific site or in most of the others. This is a wooded campground and all the sites are completely shaded

    My site has water and electric. About half of the available RV sites have water and electric, it there is no sewer. There is a dump station in the campground. Unusual for NC State facilities, there are no trash bins placed around the campground, but there is a large dumpster station co-located with the dump station.

    It’s about a 15-20 minute drive to shopping, but there are several convenience stores a few minutes away.

    The campground is clean and well maintained. It meanders around a very large lake, with several beaches and boat launch areas.

  • Gregg P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    Working in town

    I really enjoyed this site. While the approach was a bit steep the pad was level. Power and water at site dump station around the corner. Bathrooms and showers were impressively clean. Not full of spiders and cobwebs like most parks. High canopy and dense woods makes the park very quiet and dark at night bring plenty of light.

  • k
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Cane Creek Campground and RV Park

    Lekotawind

    This is an excellent place to stay. It’s very clean, lots to do, beautiful view of lake. Great hiking trails.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2025

    North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    Large & Level

    This 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.

  • Donnelle The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Butner lake WMA

    Quiet, Discreet and Welcoming

    My fiance and I camped out a little longer than the actually extension period for individuals, but never had a problem. Several others have showed up to camp out a couple days but were gone shortly. For the most part it was just us. And whatever it is running around in the woods. I heard many coyotes elks and a an owl but nothing never stumbled to our campsite close enough to get a look at it other than one young fox which was running away when we pulled in one late night. I think the animals are aware that the campground is human territory so they stay away. It's at 10 different spots to set up with your car parked right next to your tent. Our Boost mobile wi-fi worked perfectly fine. There is a lake 2 mins away one way and another 7 mins away the other way. The city dump is also 2 mins away. And town is 5 mins away. I wish the gates never closed because we would still be there.


Guide to Apex

Camping near Apex, North Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy everything from lakeside views to hiking trails.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Poplar Point Campground, provide easy access to Jordan Lake. One camper mentioned, “We fished for hours, kayaked on the lake, and the kids caught minnows.”
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area. A visitor shared, “There’s plenty of hiking trails to explore, and the on-site rangers are incredibly helpful.”
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area. One reviewer noted, “There is a perfectly sectioned off swimming area, as well as boat launching areas.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Crosswinds Campground said, “Great place. Plenty of shade and view of Lake Jordan.”
  • Privacy: Many sites are well-spaced, allowing for a more secluded experience. One camper at Moccasin Branch Campground mentioned, “The sites are huge, level, and clean.”
  • Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds like Hagan-Stone Park offer playgrounds and trails. A reviewer said, “The park itself is huge and has SO much to offer while camping here.”

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at North Carolina State Fairgrounds noted, “There are no amenities at all but security drives around. Felt safe.”
  • Noise levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near urban areas. One visitor at William B. Umstead State Park Campground mentioned, “Camping in a tent means you will be hearing the sounds of jets all day long.”
  • Booking in advance: Popular sites can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area advised, “I would highly suggest booking in advance since waterfront sites book up quick.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area said, “Very nice playgrounds. Does cost and long waiting line at the pool, but one of the best to just get away and relax.”
  • Pack for activities: Bring fishing gear, swimming suits, and hiking shoes. A family at Poplar Point Campground enjoyed, “There are tons of small beaches that you can walk or boat to that are secluded enough to allow your dog to run freely.”
  • Plan meals ahead: Make meal prep easier by planning simple meals. A camper at Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area suggested, “When you grow weary of having to fix up that next campsite meal, check out nearby Buffalo Bros for some pretty mighty wings.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A visitor at Moccasin Branch Campground mentioned, “The RV campground is well spaced and has full hookup.”
  • Be prepared for noise: If you’re near urban areas, expect some noise. One camper at William B. Umstead State Park Campground noted, “You will hear planes all day and most all night landing and taking off.”
  • Utilize dump stations: Make sure to use the sanitary dump stations available. A camper at Hagan-Stone Park said, “No sewer, just dump stations.”

Camping near Apex, North Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure!

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.