Best Tent Camping near Chapel Hill, NC

Tent campers seeking outdoor experiences near Chapel Hill, North Carolina have several established options within a 30-mile radius. Eno River State Park Campground offers primitive tent sites accessible via hiking trails, while William B. Umstead State Park provides both drive-in and walk-in tent camping opportunities. Cedarock Park in Burlington features hike-in tent camping along Rock Creek with well-spaced sites that can accommodate larger groups.

Most tent sites in the Chapel Hill area feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Eno River's primitive sites require a 1-1.5 mile hike from parking areas and have no running water, making water filtration equipment essential. Sites at William B. Umstead are set on gravel pads that some campers find uncomfortable for tent sleeping. Cedarock Park's walk-in tent sites are a short quarter-mile hike from parking and cost $10 per night for groups under 10 people, with a 3-night maximum stay. Reservations are required at most locations, with permits available at park offices.

The tent camping experience around Chapel Hill offers varying levels of seclusion and natural immersion. According to one visitor, "The sites are well spaced but not a lot of privacy. The proximity to water is amazing and you can hear the nearby rapids at night." Tent campers at Eno River particularly appreciate the riverside locations and trail access, though airplane noise can be noticeable at William B. Umstead due to its proximity to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. MST Section 23 Falls Lake Camping provides a more secluded experience for hikers on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, with established tent pads located on private property about one mile from roadside parking. Many tent sites throughout the region offer good tree cover, providing shade during hot summer months and access to water features for swimming or fishing.

Best Tent Sites Near Chapel Hill, North Carolina (11)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Chapel Hill, NC

393 Reviews of 11 Chapel Hill Campgrounds


  • Katy S.
    Aug. 4, 2020

    MST Section 23 Falls Lake Camping

    A great spot for MST hikers

    This is a hidden gem for a MST hiker. The campground is located on a private land, has a shelter, a fire pit, and a number of tent sites. It's a hike in only campground, located approximately 1 mile from the roadside parking on Red Mill Road, Durham NC. 

    The information can be found here:

    There is an authorized camping area available on private property in this section of the Falls Lake Trail(between Red Mill Road and Old Oxford Road). Follow the blue-blazed trail off the MST approximately 1 mile west of Red Mill Road. NOTE: This campsite is on private property. It is a HUGE PRIVILEGE to be allowed to camp at this location. Vandalism, neglect or any trash left at this campsite could result in closing of this campsite by the landowner. No water or toilet facilities are provided. There are seven established campsite pads for 2-person tents. Campsite rules:(1) Practice Leave No Trace ethics.(2) Do NOT leave any trash. Pack it in= Pack it out.(3) There is a 2-night maximum stay.(4) Do NOT explore past a 75 yard radius of the Shelter.(5) NO FIRES except in the established fire pit.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    Family Friendly Campground

    B.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.

  • Bran P.
    Jul. 13, 2016

    Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    Great Stay at Holly Point!

    Great campground located just outside of Raleigh, NC (20 minutes). Plenty of large sites – for both tents and RVs. Sites have tent pads, fire rings, trash/lantern poles, etc. Gravel base on most of the sites with some natural dirt as well. Be sure to check out a site with a lake view. Huge pines and hardwoods decorate the sites as well. Sites are pretty well spread out but of course tree cover helps with privacy as well. Lots of families all around the campground. Conveniently located in the triangle area. Shower facilities are typical of what you would expect. This campground also has a nice swim area but use caution in swimming in Falls Lake. There are often high levels of bacteria (ie poo) and they often shut down the local swim holes. Also, lots of chemical contaminants drain into the lake. Overall a great campground…I would however not choose to swim or let kids swim in the lake.

  • Amelia P.
    Apr. 11, 2022

    William B. Umstead State Park Campground

    Very small

    Avoid site 6! There’s so many tree roots, it’s an awful tripping hazard around a fire pit with kids! There are only three spaces out sites, 18,19,21. These sites are 10x10 designate for your tent, and picnic table and fire ring. Some are very very close together. The trails are good, the bathrooms are clean and maintained. Firewood can be purchased for $6/bundle. Be aware this is right next to the airport, you will hear planes all day and most all night landing and taking off.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2022

    Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Outdoor Perfection @ Jordan Lake SRA Poplar Point Campground

    Poplar Point Campground could quite possibly be the best campground in all of North Carolina! Yes, I know, that’s quite a statement to make, considering all of the amazing places in the great state of North Carolina. So let me explain why I reached this conclusion:

    • Some of the most outstanding hiking trails

    • Heavily wooded forest paradise that delivers privacy and solitude

    • Perfectly maintained amenities such as picnic tables, fold-up fire ring and grills

    • Bathroom facilities are some of the best I’ve experienced with state-run facilities

    • Direct access to a fantastic lakeside experience, complete with boat launches

    • Designated swimming area complete with life vests

    • On-site park staff were nothing short of amazing, helpful and incredibly friendly

    • Close access to purchase anything that might be needed 

    Insider’s tip? Be sure to get down to the lake from wherever your campsite is just after sunset and bring a couple of folding chairs and a telescope (pre-planning here is needed!) to catch a glimpse of one of the most amazing star-studded night skies you’ve ever seen in your life! 

    Happy Camping!

  • M
    Oct. 8, 2022

    Spring Hill RV Park

    Almost want to keep it a secret

    We stayed here during the week, on short notice, and were really happy with it. The management was accommodating and responsive, and friendly. The park is nicely hidden in the trees; it's only about 10 min to Chapel Hill/Carrboro stores, restaurants, etc. The spaces are far enough apart that they aren't on top of each other. The Wifi is excellent and, I believe, cell service is good for pretty much everyone since it's so close to the Triangle. There are no facilities/bathhouses. There is water, sewer, and electricity, and each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. This is a "former" mobile home park but there are a handful of mobile homes grandfathered in. We didn't have any problem with it, though. It's nice, quiet, and peaceful at night. We'll hopefully be returning here often.

  • KB H.
    Jun. 7, 2021

    Eno River State Park Campground

    Perfect weekend getaway!

    This was my first time ever visiting Eno River State Park. My partner and I camped at Fanny’s Ford at one of the primitive sites. The sites are well spaced but not a lot of privacy. We didn’t mind and everyone was cordial. On Friday there were a few logs left for campers at the entrance to the sites, which we appreciated given the recent rain. The proximity to the water is amazing and you can hear the nearby rapids at night. Recommendations: bring in your own water, or at least your own containers to fill up at the picnic area parking lot, bring a sleeping pad (the gravel on each site is unforgiving), don’t be afraid to contact the park rangers if you need something (folks were camping without permits in our reserved space and the rangers helped sort everything out)

    Big tip: instead of following the ~1 mile trail to the sites, park at the canoe access and walk down to Fews Ford, cross the river via the Ford and continue right until you see a fannys Ford camping sign on your left. It will make your trek SO MUCH easier!

  • C
    Apr. 30, 2019

    Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Beyond Beautiful

    Reserve online to assure a spot. Every single space is HUGE, even the tent only sites. Lake views are everywhere. There are various loops for tents and RV's. Water for tents; water and electric for campers. 2 different dump sites. Firewood in 2019 is $5. Must be in the campground by 8 pm before the gates are locked.

    Beaches will be cleaned up after heavy spring rains. Plenty of sand for swimming, boat docks, and fishing.

    Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh easy drives for sightseeing. Weekend camping traffic is gone and there has been silence.

    Will probably be crazy here in the summer but would like to return in the fall mid-week.

  • 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!


Guide to Chapel Hill

Tent camping near Chapel Hill, North Carolina offers access to diverse ecosystems including hardwood forests, lakeshores, and river valleys. The region has elevations ranging from 250 to 600 feet above sea level, with warm humid summers reaching 90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though some tent sites close seasonally from December through February.

What to do

Hiking trails access: At Eno River State Park Campground, campers can explore numerous hiking options. "We hike and swim Eno nearly weekly and are so thankful this resource is so close to us! We also backpack into the primitive sites frequently. We love the trails," shares Sarah W. The park features riverside trails with varying difficulty levels.

Fishing opportunities: The region's water features provide excellent fishing spots. Lake Michie Recreation Area offers secluded fishing access with "quite secluded and quiet" camping areas according to Jeff K., though reservations require calling the county for permits.

Disc golf courses: Cedarock Park features two full disc golf courses. "There are two fantastic disc golf courses (I personally enjoy the Wellspring course) and even a historical farm that sheds light on what life was like as a farmer in 19th century North Carolina," notes one camper. The park's 36 total holes provide options for both beginners and experienced players.

Swimming spots: Natural water features provide cooling relief during summer months. "The Eno River is more than safe to swim or paddle in. Dogs are welcome here! If you can camp close to the river, I recommend, it's great to fall asleep to the sounds of the river," explains Samantha P.

What campers like

Creek-side camping: The walk-in sites at San-Lee Park provide accessible water proximity. "All the sites have the standard fire ring, picnic table and running water. While you'll have to ascend to reach the campground, once you are up there, it's quite flat," explains Stuart K. The campground offers approximately 20 tent sites arranged in an open setting.

Private primitive camping: For hikers seeking seclusion, MST Section 23 Falls Lake Camping provides a unique experience. "This is a hidden gem for a MST hiker. The campground is located on a private land, has a shelter, a fire pit, and a number of tent sites," notes Katy S. These sites sit approximately 1 mile from roadside parking on Red Mill Road.

Historical features: Beyond just natural settings, campers appreciate cultural elements. "We loved the educational experiences at this park. Very knowledgeable and clean," shares Elizabeth V. about Eno River State Park. Several campgrounds in the region incorporate historical structures or interpretive displays about local history.

Flat, accessible sites: Many campers note the practical camping surfaces. "Primitive camping has drive in, picnic table, fire ring, tent spot, and trails starting at your back door," reports Cara G. about William B. Umstead State Park's camping setup.

What you should know

Gate closing times: Park operations affect camping logistics. At Cedarock Park, "they lock the gate at night and no one else is there so if you have an emergency or just need to leave you can't, you're literally stuck," warns Summer C. Campers should verify operating hours when making reservations.

Water availability: Water sources vary significantly between sites. At William B. Umstead State Park Campground, "Showers, bathrooms, and running drinking water is nearby," notes Sydney S. However, many primitive sites require carrying or filtering water.

First-come basis: Some campgrounds don't accept advance reservations. "Reservations are not taken, but rather, tent campers can book a campsite on a first-come, first-served basis," explains Stuart K. about San-Lee Park. Arriving early on weekends is recommended, especially during peak season from April through October.

Road noise considerations: Ambient sounds affect some camping experiences. At Cedarock Park, one camper noted "The only downside is the road noise at night - it was very loud. Next time we will bring something to help quiet the noise."

Tips for camping with families

Children's amenities: Eno River State Park Campground offers family-friendly features. "Love hiking here with the family and friends plenty of beautiful family and pet friendly trails," shares Timothy A. The park provides educational programs seasonally, especially during summer months.

Swimming safety: Natural water features require supervision. "This is one of my favorite camping spots in the North Carolina triangle area. There is a tremendous amount of hiking and trails to do around here. The Eno River is more than safe to swim or paddle in," notes Samantha P.

Shorter hike-in options: For families with young children, consider accessibility. Cedarock Park offers "a short quarter mile down a wooded forest path" to reach campsites, making gear transport manageable even with children. The flat terrain at the sites provides easy tent setup.

Educational opportunities: Several parks incorporate learning experiences. William B. Umstead State Park includes historic structures where "there are historic cabins with cots to sleep on, there is electricity in the cabins," according to Erica F., making for comfortable family overnight experiences.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most tent camping areas near Chapel Hill have limited RV access. San-Lee Park specifically notes "no RVs welcomed here, just tents" according to recent visitors. Vehicle size restrictions apply at most parks due to narrow access roads and limited parking.

Airport proximity awareness: RV campers should consider ambient noise. William B. Umstead's location means "the only bummer is the occasional airplane you will inevitably hear above you as the park is located right next to RDU international airport," notes Bran P. This factor affects both tent and RV camping experiences in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chapel Hill, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chapel Hill, NC is Eno River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Chapel Hill, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Chapel Hill, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.