Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Cary, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Cary, reviewed by campers like you.
This recreation area is part of B. Everett Jordan Lake
This recreation area is part of B. Everett Jordan Lake
Holly Point offers 158 campsites total, 89 with water and 50/30-amp electric hookups. Both Holly Point and Rolling View have a dump station.
This recreation area is part of Falls Lake
Sites are meant for tent/pop-up camping only. No RV or Trailer is accessible.
Located in Wake County 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park is a cherished retreat from bustling urban life. The park features an extensive network of hiking and multiuse trails, as well as three manmade lakes and their tributaries that are perfect for fishing. Both park entrances offer picnic shelters, and Crabtree Creek offers camping areas. Group camps and the historic Maple Hill Lodge let visitors experience a rustic overnight experience without typical modern camping amenities.
Please note: Campground closes for the N.C. State Fair in October.
Limited camping access is available during the month of October and certain event weekends. Call immediately prior to trip departure to inquire about availability. (919) 612-6767.
Avoid the commute, relax and enjoy the North Carolina State Fairgrounds' campgrounds. With 100 full-service sites and an additional 200 sites on the grounds, we are equipped for all your RV camping needs. Rental cost for a 24-hour period is $30. The campground is closed to the public for the month of October for the N.C. State Fair. Spaces are first come, first served with no advance reservations taken. Check in upon arrival by calling 919-612-6767.
$35 / night
The Moccasin Branch campground is located at 814 Moccasin Branch Road, just prior to the main entrance to the park.
Raven Rock State Park's newest campground includes 9 RV sites, 15 drive-to tent sites, 6 cabins, and a bathhouse. All sites are now open seven days a week. Cabins require a two-night minimum. NO PETS allowed in the cabins.
The campground has a bathhouse with toilets and hot showers available to all campers. There are also potable water spigots and trash and recycling bins around the campground loop for campers to use. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground (cash only).
Nine RV sites (sites 11 to 18 and 22) offer full hookups with 50-amp, 30-amp, and a 20-amp outlet for all RV needs, as well as full water and sewer. Long driveways can accommodate RVs of all sizes. Each site has a tent pad, a campfire ring with a grill, a picnic table, and a lantern hook.
Site 22 is accessible for people with limited mobility or disabilities. Please do not reserve an accessible site if no one in your group needs it, unless it is the only site left available when you are making your reservation.
Fifteen additional sites (sites 1 to 10; 19 to 21; and 23 to 24) provide a "drive-to" experience for tent and trailer campers. These sites each have a tent pad (25 feet by 25 feet) that includes space for two large tents, along with a fire ring, a picnic table, and a lantern hook. These sites do not have RV hookups.
Six rustic camper cabins offer the opportunity to get away from it all.
Each cabin can accommodate up to six people; one bedroom has a queen bed (sleeps two) and the other room sleeps four with two sets of twin-sized bunk beds.
Campers must bring their own pillows and sleeping bags or linens, as these are not provided. The cabins have electric outlets and a heating and air-conditioning unit. There are no restrooms inside the cabin, and campers must use the nearby bathhouse and water spigots. A tent pad with a picnic table, a fire ring, a charcoal grill, two Adirondack chairs, and a lantern hook is provided at each cabin.
Cabin 3 is accessible for people with limited mobility or disabilities. Please do not reserve an accessible site if no one in your group needs it, unless it is the only site left available when you are making your reservation.
Smoking, cooking, and open flames are not permitted inside any of the cabins. Pets are not allowed in the cabins, with the exception of service animals. Each cabin has parking space for two vehicles only.
There is a two-night minimum for a camper cabin rental.
$23 - $78 / night
$10 - $32 / night
$30 / night
Raven Rock State Park's newest campground includes 9 RV sites, 15 drive-to tent sites, 6 cabins, and a bathhouse. All sites are now open seven days a week. Cabins require a two-night minimum. NO PETS allowed in the cabins.
The bathhouse has separate men's and women's restrooms and showers. It also has a family restroom/shower room which is ADA accessible.
Holly Point offers 158 campsites total, 89 with water and 50/30-amp electric hookups. Both Holly Point and Rolling View have a dump station.
Sites are meant for tent/pop-up camping only. No RV or Trailer is accessible.
Located in Wake County 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park is a cherished retreat from bustling urban life. The park features an extensive network of hiking and multiuse trails, as well as three manmade lakes and their tributaries that are perfect for fishing. Both park entrances offer picnic shelters, and Crabtree Creek offers camping areas. Group camps and the historic Maple Hill Lodge let visitors experience a rustic overnight experience without typical modern camping amenities.
Please note: Campground closes for the N.C. State Fair in October.
Limited camping access is available during the month of October and certain event weekends. Call immediately prior to trip departure to inquire about availability. (919) 612-6767.
Avoid the commute, relax and enjoy the North Carolina State Fairgrounds' campgrounds. With 100 full-service sites and an additional 200 sites on the grounds, we are equipped for all your RV camping needs. Rental cost for a 24-hour period is $30. The campground is closed to the public for the month of October for the N.C. State Fair. Spaces are first come, first served with no advance reservations taken. Check in upon arrival by calling 919-612-6767.
$35 / night
The Moccasin Branch campground is located at 814 Moccasin Branch Road, just prior to the main entrance to the park.
Raven Rock State Park's newest campground includes 9 RV sites, 15 drive-to tent sites, 6 cabins, and a bathhouse. All sites are now open seven days a week. Cabins require a two-night minimum. NO PETS allowed in the cabins.
The campground has a bathhouse with toilets and hot showers available to all campers. There are also potable water spigots and trash and recycling bins around the campground loop for campers to use. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground (cash only).
Nine RV sites (sites 11 to 18 and 22) offer full hookups with 50-amp, 30-amp, and a 20-amp outlet for all RV needs, as well as full water and sewer. Long driveways can accommodate RVs of all sizes. Each site has a tent pad, a campfire ring with a grill, a picnic table, and a lantern hook.
Site 22 is accessible for people with limited mobility or disabilities. Please do not reserve an accessible site if no one in your group needs it, unless it is the only site left available when you are making your reservation.
Fifteen additional sites (sites 1 to 10; 19 to 21; and 23 to 24) provide a "drive-to" experience for tent and trailer campers. These sites each have a tent pad (25 feet by 25 feet) that includes space for two large tents, along with a fire ring, a picnic table, and a lantern hook. These sites do not have RV hookups.
Six rustic camper cabins offer the opportunity to get away from it all.
Each cabin can accommodate up to six people; one bedroom has a queen bed (sleeps two) and the other room sleeps four with two sets of twin-sized bunk beds.
Campers must bring their own pillows and sleeping bags or linens, as these are not provided. The cabins have electric outlets and a heating and air-conditioning unit. There are no restrooms inside the cabin, and campers must use the nearby bathhouse and water spigots. A tent pad with a picnic table, a fire ring, a charcoal grill, two Adirondack chairs, and a lantern hook is provided at each cabin.
Cabin 3 is accessible for people with limited mobility or disabilities. Please do not reserve an accessible site if no one in your group needs it, unless it is the only site left available when you are making your reservation.
Smoking, cooking, and open flames are not permitted inside any of the cabins. Pets are not allowed in the cabins, with the exception of service animals. Each cabin has parking space for two vehicles only.
There is a two-night minimum for a camper cabin rental.
$23 - $78 / night
$10 - $32 / night
$30 / night
Scout
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. The site maintenance man, Earl, will direct you into your site, which was a bit tricky in the site we were in.
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.
If you are looking for someplace close to Jordan Dam boat launch, or are looking for a long term site, this is for you.
Scout
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! One of my family’s favorite places to camp!
Scout
My dog Indy and I spent a night here just to try it out and it was the perfect spot. The site is #64 and there's water access right next to the pad. We will definitely be back.
Traveler
Camp Ground is quiet and well laid out. Facilitaies are clean and maintained. Lake was open and fun to play in.
Camp ground is next to airfield, you might get Helicopter nosies from time to time.
Scout
We’ve stayed at Jones Station many times since it opened 10 years ago. Kay, the owner, is just wonderful and Dave and April are both friendly and helpful.
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.
ScoutBeautiful space with nice facilities!
Just be sure to avoid the crotchety old dweeb riding around in his golf cart. I assume he’s the owner, but that doesn’t excuse his cringe and rude behavior to people patronizing his business.
Traveler
The sites are level, not much shade. Garbage cans everywhere. Convenient to get into and out of with full hookup. There are no amenities at all but security drives around. Felt safe. Across from stadium. Price is worth the value.
Traveler
The state park has excellent hiking trails and the RV park is located in an excellent location to use them.
The sites are huge, level, and clean. The bathhouse is clean and modern. While there aren’t many recreational amenities besides the hiking, the price makes this park an excellent value.
Legend
If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and are looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nice shaded nature, hiking trails and calm, peace& quiet that only nature can offer, then make your way here to Shinleaf@ Falls Lake SRA. You’ll discover all of the basics are provided– from picnic table, fold-up fire ring/ grill, bear-proof garbage hanger and a nice pebble-strewn patch of well-maintained flat pitch, perfect for striking camp for the night in your tent amongst the best of what nature has to offer along with pristine shade from an unrelenting bit of summer North Carolina sunshine.
The only real down-side I could find to Shinleaf is that there’s not a whole lot of brush between the campsites so you will be exposed to neighboring sites, which wasn’t a problem when we visited as the place was fairly vacant, but during high season, I could see how this would be a bit of a turn-off. The on-site facilities(limited to just bathrooms& showers) are typically better than you’d expect from a state-run campground, and so this spot gets high marks versus some others– and there’s even a designated‘pot wash’ spigot that is near the campsites making for EZ clean up after any meal. There’s plenty of hiking trails to explore and the on-site rangers are incredibly helpful and positive folks that want to ensure you have a great time.
Insider's tips? Here's a few: (1) If you like to fish, there's tons of different varieties here to catch, including: walleye, crappie, white bass, large- and small-mouth bass, blue gill, striped bass as well as catfish; (2) There is no need to go anywhere else to look for a boat launch as Shinleaf has its very own kayak/ canoe launch that is fantastic and located on the eastern side of the property; (3) If you are looking for some really cool outdoors adventures while in these parts, check out Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park that offers treetop rope trails and adventure courses - our kiddos loved it!; (4) When you grow tired of attempting to conjure up your next meal from the depths of your roto-molded Cordova cooler and want to try out some local fare, then I highly recommend nearby Carolina Ale House in Wake Forest or Buffalo Brothers Restaurant & Bar - both have fantastic local cuisine and nice iced area craft beers to pair with; and (5) IMHO, the best campsites here at Shinleaf are: #6, #14, #16-17; #30-33; #37-39; #40; #42-43; #45-47.
Happy Camping!
GuideIt’s ok. Semi secluded and has necessary hookups. Quit packed for what it is. I would not stay here for weeks. Just a stop and go kinda deal. But price is very good.
Guide
Very nice campground. Lots of trees for shade and the park is very quiet. I would recommend staying here. The spots are big and not right up on each other. No laundry facility.
Guide
first time doing any type of dispersed camping but it was really easy to find, just off the road in the woods, just follow the coordinates and its a lil past, look for the signs, with lil sites to pull my car up to deeper in the woods, though you can still see the headlights coming from the road.
I'm not a hunter but no one else was there and I pulled up at 10pm and left 6am on the first day of open season.
GuideWe camped out the first night the campground was open for the season. They were performing controlled burns but nothing bothered us. Sure, we heard the planes overhead but it didn’t keep us up. We tent camped at an RV site just for some extra comfort with the water and power. Bathhouses were super clean. And we were a short walk to the lake to fish and hang out near the water. Absolutely will come back
Traveler
This was our very first full-time RV park. We loved being in the park and it easily accommodated our 39ft. Class A. Back-in site but with plenty of room to do so. Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station. The sites are big with a picnic table, fire pit and lantern hook. Plenty to do here with the lake at your fingertips. Great first experience.
Scout
Popular Point campground is one of my favorite places to pitch a tent in the Jordan Lake area. It's often not as crowded as the others at Jordan Lake are, esp., during the week and outside of holidays or summertime. The views are nice, with sites next to the water. Tents and RVs can camp in the same areas. We normally camp in a tent here, but never in the hottest part of summer, which is most of the summer in the Piedmont area of the state. You gotta go up to 3000 feet, as in the mountains of NC, for a cool weather experience in summertime, but for a night to get away from your regular routine or a weekend when the weather is nice, this is a suitable place. Locals like it because the drive isn't far from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham or Pittsboro.
TravelerThis is our favorite campground in the area. It is clean and quite with easy back in sites. The bathhouse is well maintained as is the camp road. We have stayed here during all four seasons and there isn't a bad time to stay. I can't say enough good things about this campground
Guide
Wet
TravelerThe campground is very cramped and the owner is very unfriendly and was unwilling to work with me after I asked not to park my fifth wheel under a hickory tree that was rubbing the top of my recently recoated roof. She refused. Roughly 7weeks into my 13 week stay a large storm rolled through and a hickory nut busted the top of my ac unit on my roof and the nut broke the blades of my fan off. She refused to acknowledge the damage. I tried to compromise with taking the price of the service of the monthly payment. The owner refused then stated she was going to need the next month payment or she would have my fifth towed. She is very unreasonable and very rude
TravelerLoop C site 19 is a great location. It’s flat with a few good locations off the gravel for tents. Good trees for hammocks are present. There’s no other site within a couple hundred yards to the east. East access to the lake shore and plenty of woods for kids to play in. The bathhouse is a short walk away.
Legend
If you find yourself passing up or down the I-95 corridor and simply need a patch of land to layover for the night and you’ve got one of those incredibly large mobile homes on wheels, then this non-descript RV location near Four Oaks (look for the cross-roads of where Hwy 301 intersects Hwy 701(exit 90 on I-95) may just be the perfect spot for you. But to be perfectly clear, Four Oaks is more of a layover than a destination - I would really only consider this on the way to somewhere else where I am getting in late and leaving early.
With a couple dozen or so RV parking lanes for your parking pleasure, all of the sites come equipped with the typical 20 / 30 / 50 amp electrical hook-ups, waste disposal and water connections. There’s the standard picnic table, fire ring / BBQ, garbage receptacles, propane refilling stations, covered pavilions and even a community BBQ. The hosts are somewhat grumpy and offer pricing by the night, week and month. Overall, the community is inviting and friendly and there were a few that invited us over to chat with them and share a beer. While there’s not a ton of amenities to pick and choose from, this location does come with BBQ, doggie park, free WiFi & high-speed internet, store and vending machines. Near this RV parking lot, you do have access to Wilmington, Emerald Isle and lovely (but crowded) Myrtle Beach. One of the best perks though is that this campground serves up a nice continental breakfast on the weekends for campground guests, plus there's also free ice and cable for any overnight guests.
Insider’s tip? Here's a few: (1) Take advantage of the close proximity to 30 acre Tucker Lake (conveniently located where Interstate 40 intersects 95), where some decent fishing can be had – we caught (and released) several smallmouth bass, brook trout and black bullheads. Here, you’ll find white sandy beaches, paddle boats, kayaks and canoes for rent, rope swings, 165 foot waterslide for the kids to jump into the water and scattered open pavilions with BBQ’s and grills. There’s also a handful of ill-maintained trails to hike on; (2) If you'd like to hit the links then nearby Johnston County Country Club has some really nice fairways that you'll want to explore; (3) Should you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your onboard mini-fridge and want to try out some local fare, then head on over to nearby JP's Country BBQ where they serve up smoked chicken, ribs as well as mac-n-cheese along with some good 'ol Southern cole slaw; (4) Should you find yourself in need of anything there's Ronnie's Country Store just down the road (you wouldn't even need to drive there from Four Oaks), where you can get basic groceries, ice and just about anything for your journey; (5) My favorite site on the property is #8 or #10 as they are furthest from the nearby highway and offer decent shade; and (6) If you come bearing kayak or canoe and are looking for a nice wet piece of paradise to launch into, then check out Holts Lake located just due north of this campground where there's also some pretty decent fishing to be had.
Happy Camping!
Scout
I’ve camped here twice now. The hike in and out is very easy. Only about 2 miles each way. The spots are clean and well spread out with a hook to hang things on, a fire pit, and a picnic table at each site. The pit toilet is central to all 6 sites. It’s a pit toilet so it’s nothing glamorous but it’s there if you need it. The river is a short walk away from all the sites if you want to get a great picture with the sunrise. Overall, I definitely recommend.
Guide
Rv sites are really nice and not on top of each other. Some are close to the water. Lots of clearly marked hiking trails, 3 playgrounds, Frisbee golf and horshoe pits. Really preety and lots of boat docks. Staff are super nice. The only negative is the state of the showers and bathrooms. They are in need of a lot of repair. Heater in the showers and bathrooms didn't work. Water was hot though. Overall, this place is really good for the price. With good restrooms, this place easily be double the nightly rate.
GuideExcellent new cabin’s perfect fire pit new tables/restrooms spaced out beautifully designed campground.
GuideGreat place. Plenty of shade and view of Lake Jordan. Restrooms were clean.
Scout
We are from out of town. We picked this spot because it was a last minute trip and on their website it advertised they had first come first serve spots open. We drive over there see a completely empty campground and think we won’t have any issue getting a spot. And when I say empty I mean there was quit literally no other campers . So we tried to check in, but there is no place to check in. So we went to the nature center and asked around to try to get some help. We had to wait for some other man to come around because no one else who worked there could help us. After finally tracking this man down at the paddle boats and an hour of back and forth, we were told you have to call and make a reservation but we shouldn’t have a problem getting a spot since it’s empty. After calling and only getting voicemails, we found the man again who called his boss. His boss finally answered and said we can only camp there by making reservations 72 hours ahead of time. Probably the most difficulty I’ve ever had trying to get a camp site.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! The Oasis is a new campsite on the Dyrt for those looking to explore the area but stay close to civilization and other Conveniences. Check them out and leave a review on the Dyrt!
Scout
70 East RV Park is a nice park with spacious lots. It's in a great location, nearby anything you need. It's family and pet friendly. Neighbors are friendly.
Camping near Cary, North Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.
Camping around Cary, NC, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cary, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cary, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 55 campgrounds and RV parks near Cary, NC and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cary, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cary, NC is Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 49 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cary, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Cary, NC.
What parks are near Cary, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Cary, NC that allow camping, notably B. Everett Jordan Lake and John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir.
