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."
$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."
$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. "
$45 / 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."
$27 / night
"We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months."
"Lots of great paths to walk."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
"The lake is the true star."
"The only bad thing was the traffic noise, so I recommend getting a site near the lake."
$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."
GuideStayed here for 5 nights and they were short staffed. But I made a reservation. Bathrooms and the shower stalls were clean. The only bad thing was the traffic noise, so I recommend getting a site near the lake.
ScoutThis Site is Clean, and relatively quiet. The Rest room is Clean as well as the Shower. The water is nice and hot to shower. I stay 2 nights and my next visit I will fish 🐠🐟.
ScoutWhen I pulled up, there was a large, unattended RV with 4 aggressive dogs in a cage outside. A couple other camps gave a sketchy vibe, and they were all close together. We bailed.
ScoutGreat spot for boondocking near town. Secluded area. Easy communication with homeowner. Thanks!
LegendB.W. Wells Campground at Falls Lake felt like stepping into a quiet forest hideaway, where the kids could explore trails, spot eagles over the water, and watch butterflies while we enjoyed campfires under the trees. It’s strictly hike-in and tent-only, so we had to pack light and plan carefully, but the trade-off was true peace and space to connect without the noise of RVs or busy roads. With shaded group sites, fire pits, picnic tables, nearby restrooms, and lake access perfect for paddling or fishing, it offered a rustic yet rewarding experience that was still close enough to Wake Forest for a quick meal or supply run when we needed it.
LegendPulling into Phelps West in Fuquay-Varina was nothing short of unsettling - it felt less like a campground and more like I had accidentally driven into someone’s front yard. The tiny gravel road led past a mailbox and straight onto what looked like private property, complete with several cars scattered around the house, and when I knocked on the door for guidance, no one answered despite it being the middle of the day. With kids in tow, the whole situation felt awkward and a bit creepy, and I honestly wasn’t comfortable staying; if you’re even considering this spot, definitely call or email ahead because showing up unannounced was not a family-friendly experience.
LegendPoplar Point Campground at Jordan Lake quickly became one of my family’s favorite spots, offering the perfect mix of nature and convenience just outside Raleigh. With over 500 shaded sites, many right along the shoreline, the kids had room to play while we enjoyed peaceful lake views and easy access to boating, kayaking, and fishing. The campground has plenty of family-friendly touches from playgrounds, picnic tables, fire rings, and boat ramps along with water and electric hookups at most sites, though I learned that some loops have cleaner bathhouses than others. Bald eagles overhead, herons by the water, and fiery sunsets made it feel like we were far from the city, yet Apex and Pittsboro were just a short drive away when we needed a meal or groceries. My tips: aim for a lakefront site in Loops C, F, or G, pack serious bug spray for summer, and plan to catch at least one sunset across the water as it’s the kind of view the kids will remember long after the trip.
TravelerAll 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
TravelerThis 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
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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