Top Tent Camping near Chapel Hill, NC

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Chapel Hill? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Chapel Hill's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Chapel Hill, NC (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Eno River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eno River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eno River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eno River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eno River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eno River State Park

    1. Eno River State Park

    21 Reviews
    65 Photos
    165 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $10 - $32 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    2. Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    21 Photos
    22 Saves

    Located in Durham and Wake counties 15 miles east of downtown Durham, Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides seven access areas to the reservoir. More than 300 campsites offer a variety of overnight experiences. Trails include a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, as well as one of the premier mountain bike trail systems in the Triangle area, located at Beaverdam access. During the spring and fall, migrating monarch butterflies add to the picturesque beauty of the lake.

    Not every access has all the listed facilities. Please check the General Information page to view a table of the facilities at each access: https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/falls-lake-state-recreation-area/plan-your-visit

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $25 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cedarock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedarock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedarock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedarock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedarock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedarock Park

    3. Cedarock Park

    4 Reviews
    13 Photos
    38 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground

    4. RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    35 Saves

    FIND PEACE AND PURPOSE IN NATURE

    If needed for an additional $25 Your camp site comes with a zero contact (New) factory shipped tent that you can keep. Always includes fire pit, camping grill, and good times. This site is adjacent to a city park. When you wake up after a day of fishing and a night of s’mores and campfire stories with the mist in the air and this peaceful lakefront view you will know God is good, you are safe, and you are alive. The air is more crisp and clean and the birds sing you a personal lul-a- bye.

    The space Privately owned lakefront property, you can fish, bring a kayak or canoe, the nature is beautiful. The local park is in walking distance

    Guest access A 1/2 acre of privately owned lakefront land

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Market
    • Trash

    $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from MST Section 23 Falls Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from MST Section 23 Falls Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from MST Section 23 Falls Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from MST Section 23 Falls Lake

    5. MST Section 23 Falls Lake

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    34 Saves

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Michie Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park

    7. San Lee Park

    3 Reviews
    13 Photos
    31 Saves

    Campsite rentals are available during park operational hours. A driver’s license or similar identification is required for registration. Sites are available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations are not taken. For additional information, please call 919-776-6221 Ext. 4. Program Date: April – October Exceptions for weather & burning bans Fee: $15.00 per night Register: At park office during park hours Must be 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult Tent Camping The park provides tent sites, tables, charcoal grills, water, and a shower house. Campsites are located in a private section of the park close to the lake.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water

    $15 / night

    • No image available

      8. Family Wilderness Camp — Raven Rock State Park

      Be the first to review!

      At the Family Wilderness Camp, there are five campsites just off of the Campbell Creek Loop Trail, approximately 2.5 miles from the parking lot and 0.5 mile from the river. The maximum number of campers for each site is six.

      Backpackers can also utilize the canoe camp, located beside the river off of the Little Creek Loop Trail, in a low-lying area. The camping area is a 1.7-mile hike in from the park office. There are six campsites, each accommodating up to six campers.

      All supplies, including water, must be packed to the sites. Neither the Family Wildness nor Canoe Camp is accessible by vehicle.

      Both camping areas offer a vault toilet, and all sites include a fire ring with a grill.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Drinking Water
      • Toilets

      $12 / night

      • No image available

        9. Owl Creek Horse Camp - Bankhead NF

        Be the first to review!
        1 Save

        The Owl Creek Horse Camp provides primitive overnight campsites for trail riders on a first come, first serve basis. The Owl Creek Trail System is approximately 26 miles and suitable for equestrian riding.

        • Tents
        • Equestrian
        • Drinking Water
        • Toilets

        $5 / night


      Recent Tent Reviews In Chapel Hill

      367 Reviews of 9 Chapel Hill Campgrounds


      • K
        Camper-submitted photo from Cane Creek Campground and RV Park
        Oct. 29, 2024

        Cane Creek Campground and RV Park

        Great family campground!

        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!

      • Amanda A.
        Camper-submitted photo from North Carolina State Fairgrounds
        Jul. 7, 2024

        North Carolina State Fairgrounds

        It’s perfect for basic

        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.

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park
        Jul. 2, 2024

        Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park

        Awesome State Park

        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.

      • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
        Jul. 1, 2024

        Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

        Small Hidden Gem in Falls Lake SRA

        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!

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from North Carolina State Fairgrounds
        May. 30, 2024

        North Carolina State Fairgrounds

        Good for a quick stop

        It’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.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Spring Hill RV Park
        Apr. 29, 2024

        Spring Hill RV Park

        Peaceful Campground

        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.

      • S
        Camper-submitted photo from Nutbush Bridge — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
        Apr. 27, 2024

        Nutbush Bridge — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

        Site 23. Lakefront. Kind of small

        The site is directly on the lake. Mere steps from your door. Beautiful view on the adjacent shoreline and bridge. Rocky shoreline. Easy to back in. I only have 2 complaints. The proximity of neighbors. The only thing separating you from site 24 is the tent pad. And the site length listed is a little misleading. It says 40 feet which I assume is true. But we fit our 27 foot travel trailer in there and had a really hard time wedging our tow vehicle (F250) in there. Parked at an odd angle on the tent pad. Wouldn’t choose this site again but definitely recommend for a smaller trailer.

      • S H.
        Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
        Apr. 1, 2024

        Butner lake WMA

        terrific spot to pull up for a night

        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.

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Hagan-Stone Park
        Apr. 1, 2024

        Hagan-Stone Park

        Best!

        We frequent this campground very often. Very nice play grounds. Does cost and long waiting line at pool, but one of the best to just get away and relax.

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Asheboro
        Apr. 1, 2024

        Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Asheboro

        Worst to deal with

        My family planned a trip here, including our camper and 2 others. (3 sites total). Our camper needed work done and due to an unexpected sudden death in the family, taking the camper to be worked on 2 weeks prior to our planned visit was our only option. We called and explained the situation we were in and was spoken to VERY rudely. And was not able to get any of our money back. If there’s a possibility that you may have an unplanned death in the family that may complicate your trip, don’t book with them! We will NEVER plan another trip here!!

      • Melinda J.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Falls Lake State Recreation Area Holly Point Campground
        Mar. 16, 2024

        Falls Lake State Recreation Area Holly Point Campground

        Clean and spacious

        We 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

      • PThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
        Mar. 11, 2024

        Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

        Awesome State Park

        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.

      • M
        Camper-submitted photo from Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
        Feb. 18, 2024

        Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

        Lakeside North Carolina state park campground.

        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.

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park
        Jan. 22, 2024

        Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park

        Clean and quite!

        This 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

      • Nina B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cane Creek Campground and RV Park
        Dec. 27, 2023

        Cane Creek Campground and RV Park

        Experienced travel

        The 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

      • Paul R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
        Dec. 19, 2023

        Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

        A great site!

        Loop 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.

      • B
        Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Camp — Raven Rock State Park
        Nov. 29, 2023

        Canoe Camp — Raven Rock State Park

        Great spot for a night or two

        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.

      • adam B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Mayo Lake Park
        Nov. 29, 2023

        Mayo Lake Park

        Great RV sites, lots to do.

        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.

      • Matthew S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Reidsville Recreation Park
        Nov. 26, 2023

        Lake Reidsville Recreation Park

        Just a weekend getaway to try out our new to us camper.

        We love coming to Lake Reidsville. We have tent camped many times there and now have been with a camper. It was peaceful and the view is always amazing.

      • Karah S.
        Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park
        Oct. 21, 2023

        San Lee Park

        Difficult

        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.

      • R
        Camper-submitted photo from Moonshine Creek Campground
        Aug. 13, 2023

        Moonshine Creek Campground

        Peaceful!

        This was our 3rd time staying here. This park has a wonderful creek running through the middle of it and most short-term sites back up to it. There are also a couple of camping cabins and some tent sites. The campground road is sort of narrow and the sites can be a little tight, making it awkward to back in if you have a large TV and full-size camper - but once you’re in it’s all good. The creek and nice natural landscaping of the park are very worth it. The owners have done a fantastic job over the years with this piece of property, keeping that mountain forest feeling and just tweaking nature a little. No pool and no playground, but there are spots to get into the creek. Good clean bathhouse with newer washers/dryers and a covered porch where you can hang out waiting for your laundry (or just hang out, period). A good contingent of spots that are booked for the season and plenty of weekend campers like us. It’s a good balance. No full-timers, as the park is closed during the winter. The campground is conveniently located between Sylva and Waynesville and very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Surprisingly good cell reception for being in the mountains and having lots of tree cover. Got 1-3 bars ATT depending on where I was within the campground, and we had no issues using our TMobile hotspot to stream videos/tv. They do have wifi at the camp office but we didn’t need to use it.

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from North Carolina State Fairgrounds
        Jul. 29, 2023

        North Carolina State Fairgrounds

        Over-Priced Parking lot !

        I have stayed there twice over the past couple years.  The only changes to this Campground are the Prices !!  ..which keep going up (to $35 day now).  For this, you get a parking space with full hookups.. that's it, no Amenities whatsoever!

        It's pretty much a "Camper Trap", because there are so few options in the North Carolina Piedmont.  Spaces are tight, a lot of the people there are long-term workers, that totally ignore any "Dust" decorum, speeding through the area as if they were on public streets!



      Guide to Chapel Hill

      Camping near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful lakes and lush forests, there are plenty of spots to pitch a tent or park your RV.

      What to do:

      What campers like:

      • Scenic views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area said, "Our site is fantastic, really large and overlooking the lake."
      • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. A reviewer at Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area noted, "The sites are big with a picnic table, fire pit and lantern hook," which adds to the camping experience.
      • Clean facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper at Holly Point remarked, "Bathhouses were super clean," which is always a plus.

      What you should know:

      • Noise from nearby airports: Some campgrounds are close to airports, which can be noisy. A visitor at William B. Umstead State Park Campground mentioned, "You will hear planes all day and most all night landing and taking off."
      • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at Staunton River State Park Campground pointed out, "There’s only one bathhouse with just 2 showers," which could be a concern during busy times.
      • Reservations recommended: Popular sites can fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at Poplar Point advised, "I would highly suggest booking in advance since waterfront sites book up quick."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Staunton River State Park enjoyed "smores around the fire" and "outdoor movie" nights, which made their trip memorable.
      • Space for play: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. A reviewer at Rolling View mentioned, "There are nice trails winding through the campground," perfect for kids to explore.
      • Safety first: Make sure to keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Holly Point felt "very secluded and safe" while letting their kids roam.

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check site sizes: Some sites may not be level or spacious enough for larger RVs. A reviewer at North Bend Park noted, "Many of the sites in A are not very level for vans."
      • Plan for dump stations: Make sure to know where the nearest dump stations are. A camper at Moccasin Branch mentioned, "The bathhouse is clean and modern," which is a good sign for RV facilities.
      • Bring your own supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Crosswinds Campground suggested, "Be prepared to drive a short distance for supplies," so plan ahead.

      Camping near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway.

      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 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 9 tent camping locations near Chapel Hill, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.