RV campgrounds near Carrboro, North Carolina provide camping options within a 30-mile radius of this small college town. Located in the piedmont region at approximately 500 feet elevation, the area features a mix of rolling hills and forested terrain with mild winters and warm, humid summers. Seasonal considerations affect campsite availability, with university events and fall foliage creating higher demand periods from September through November.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area's Poplar Point Campground offers access to the 14,000-acre lake with multiple fishing spots. "There are options for boat or jet ski rentals VERY close," notes one camper, who adds that "there are tons of small beaches that you can walk or boat to that are secluded enough to allow your dog to run freely."
Hiking trails: William B. Umstead State Park provides extensive trail networks for day hikes from camp. "This is a very easy park to find. Decent amount of parking, but it is a highly trafficked area. There are multiple trails, for varying skill level," reports one visitor. Another mentions it "seems to be an outdoor oasis as you can get lost in the woods with the hustle and bustle of the city all around you."
Lake activities: At Cane Creek Campground and RV Park, campers enjoy swimming and boating on the adjacent lake. "Beautiful little park nestled into the woods! The 40s sites seem to be the best spots to get for a view or access to Lake activities," one reviewer notes. Another visitor adds it has "plenty of places to tent camp or RV camp! Places to fish things for kids to play on and of course places to shower after!"
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many RV parks in the Carrboro region offer generously sized camping spots. At Spring Hill RV Park, "the spaces are far enough apart that they aren't on top of each other," according to one reviewer who adds that the park "is nicely hidden in the trees; it's only about 10 min to Chapel Hill/Carrboro stores, restaurants, etc."
Privacy and shade: Campers appreciate the wooded settings available at several campgrounds. One visitor notes about Spring Hill RV Park: "We stayed here for a long weekend. People were very nice and the sites are wooded and big. It is remote and there are no amenities." Another comments it's "very nice campground. Lots of trees for shade and the park is very quiet."
Convenient locations: Several RV parks provide easy access to both natural areas and urban amenities. At Jones Station RV Park, reviewers note its strategic location: "This is absolutely the nicest privately owned RV Park we've visited anywhere in the country. It's immaculately maintained, the spaces are large, and many of them are shaded. If you're visiting the Triad or Triangle areas of NC, this park is a great place to stay."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Bookings can be challenging during peak periods. One Jordan Lake visitor advises planning ahead: "We were even there on 4th of July. There are options for boat or jet ski rentals VERY close. For those that care about working on laptop or streaming TV while camping, our cellphone hotspots worked great."
Campground maintenance: Quality varies between RV parks. At Jordan Dam RV Park, "the RV Park has on-site propane filling, and if you leave your tank on your picnic table, Earl will come and fill it. This was extremely convenient during the winter months, when we were filling one of our tanks every few days."
Booking requirements: Some campgrounds near Carrboro require advance reservations, especially during peak seasons. "We stayed at Jordan Dam RV Park for a year while waiting for our house to be built. The campground is a great, quiet place. There are not a lot of recreational amenities, but there is pond for fishing."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Cane Creek Campground, "there are 3 parks which kiddo had a great time making friends at," mentions one parent, while another says it's "one of my family's favorite places to camp!"
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming access suitable for children. Poplar Point at Jordan Lake has "awesome RV spots" where "there are TONS of spots that are right on the lake yet have plenty of trees for privacy. Each has a nice fire pit/grill and picnic table."
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have terrain that requires extra supervision for young children. A visitor at Poplar Point notes, "Like the way the campsites take advantage of the rolling terrain. Campsites are roomy. Lots of shade. We had a substantial deluge while there, and the water drained just fine."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose sites based on specific needs and preferences. For Jordan Lake, one RVer advises, "Sites F36 and F40 are situated so the awning side of the camper has a direct, unobstructed view of the water. Also liked the numerous trash cans near the sites."
Utility considerations: Check amperage requirements before booking. At 70 East RV Park, visitors find "spacious lots" in "a great location, nearby anything you need. It's family and pet friendly. Neighbors are friendly."
Weather preparedness: Be ready for seasonal weather changes. A Jordan Lake camper mentioned, "We had a substantial deluge while there, and the water drained just fine. Nice shower facilities. We stayed at the F Loop."
