Top Tent Camping near Clayton, NC
Looking for the best options for tent camping near Clayton? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Clayton. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Clayton campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Clayton, NC (9)
1. Eno River State Park
21 Reviews•65 Photos•165 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$10 - $32 / night
2. Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
5 Reviews•21 Photos•22 SavesLocated 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
3. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
17 Reviews•48 Photos•107 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$26 - $30 / night
4. RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground
1 Review•4 Photos•35 SavesFIND 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
5. MST Section 23 Falls Lake
1 Review•4 Photos•34 SavesThere 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
6. San Lee Park
3 Reviews•13 Photos•31 SavesCampsite 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
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
9. Owl Creek Horse Camp - Bankhead NF
Be the first to review!•1 SaveThe 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 Clayton
308 Reviews of 9 Clayton Campgrounds
Chris K.
Scout
Falls Lake State Recreation Area Holly Point Campground
Beeautiful and perfect for water-loving pets
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.
Greg B.
Traveler
Smith Lake Army RV Park
Army Travel Camp, Quite and Beautiful
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.
Amanda A.Traveler
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.
- D
Dale Y.Traveler
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.
Legend
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!
- JJason D.
GuideNorth 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.
- JJason D.Guide
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 H.Guide
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.
- Melinda J.Guide
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
- TTerry S.Traveler
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Small, quiet and relaxed among the pines
Our stay in Site #4 on February 25 in our 20' Mode LT was quiet and restful. The park has an interesting geomorphology, sitting atop cliffs overlooking the river below, and there are miles of hiking trails. The Campground Host was particularly helpful, checking us in when we arrived early. Unlike many state parks they offer their Senior Discount to out-of-state campers. The campground is very clean and sites are very large with gravel pads, but only 14 sites have hook-ups. Our stay was marred by heavy fire smoke from campfires penetrating our van. The distance from I-95 adds an extra hour to your travel if you are just planning a one-nite stopover, so we might not make the trek again.
- PPaul H.Traveler
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.
- MMichelle B.Scout
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.
- RRalph C.Traveler
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
Robert G.Guide
Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Winter
Wet
Paul R.TravelerCrosswinds 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.
- BBrett W.Scout
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.
- JJohn V.Guide
Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park
Excellent cabins
Excellent new cabin’s perfect fire pit new tables/restrooms spaced out beautifully designed campground.
- Keith F.Guide
Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Great place
Great place. Plenty of shade and view of Lake Jordan. Restrooms were clean.
- Keith F.Guide
Kampers Lodge Of America
Great place to stay, safe location, and has a family atmosphere.
Great place to stay, safe location, and has a family atmosphere. Space was large and I was able to pull through without having to de-attach my car trailer.
Karah S.Scout
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.
S B.GuideCliffs of the Neuse State Park
Relaxing stay!
First time camping at cliffs of the neuse and it was great. They sell firewood for $7 (cash only at the camp store) and the park staff was friendly. Our spot was shaded by the trees and even had a little path to the bathroom in the brush. We were surprised by two kittens who cautiously watched us from the bushes. Bathrooms were also very clean. Cleanest I might have ever seen at a camp.
- RRonald C.Guide
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!
- FFrancisco M.Traveler
Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Nice 🔥
Great views by the lake and a great spot to camp
- MMike M.Scout
North Carolina State Fairgrounds
Weekend in Raleigh
Level campground with full hookups. Worked great to explore Raleigh.
Andrew S.GuidePoplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Awesome RV spots
Amazing spots for RVs on the water! 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. Dump stations are not far from any of the circles, and were not too busy (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. We got anywhere from 30-55mbps with our Verizon cell coverage. There are tons of small beaches that you can walk or boat to that are secluded enough to allow your dog to run freely. Also, Idk how....but we had VERY few bugs at our site the whole week we were there...lol. I can not speak for the restrooms (which seem to get bad reviews), as we only used the one in our RV. We loved this place and will definitely be back.
- Stuart K.Legend
Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Lake Jordan Campground Bliss
Located just 30 miles west of Raleigh, Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve. And while I’m not a kitesurfer or windsurfer, I’m positive that this campground was named for the pretty amazing headwinds that are enjoyed coming off Falls Lake, which Crosswinds Campground @ Jordan Lake SRA sits on. Take my word for it though, this outdoor nature preserve is truly a slice of heaven carved out in some of North Carolina’s finest camping countryside. 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 nicely shaded nature, hiking trails and humble peace & quiet that only God's green nature can offer, then make your way here to Crosswinds Campground, where this heavily wooded forest paradise will embrace you with its inclines, switchbacks and snakelike, swerving road circuits.
All of the basics are provided in spades – from picnic table, fold-up fire ring / BBQ grill, bear-proof garbage hanger and a nice pebble-strewn and long-leaf pine shadowed patch of well-maintained nature that offers pristine shade from an unrelenting bit of summer Tar Heel sunshine. While there’s a suitable amount of brush between campsites, surprisingly, it’s the steep inclines and declines between each site that makes one feel that they are truly in the center of their own private wilderness. The on-site bathroom & shower facilities are just slightly north of passable and only a smidge better than you’d expect from a state-run campground, and so this campground gets its only mediocre marks on this front. But that said, 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, but the best amenity on this property is the access to Lake Jordan itself, where there is a perfectly sectioned off swimming area – complete with life safety vests resting on hooks near the shore - as well as boat launching areas for those that want to fish or simply drop a kayak or canoe in the water and take enjoy a lakeside cruise.
Insider’s tips? Here's a bundle: (1) 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!; (2) While IMHO there are no bad sites per se here, certainly there are some that are better than others, amongst which, I would highly recommend those that are closer to the tree fall lines as well as those that place you closest to either lakeside or lake view. With 3 loops to choose from (A, B & C), I recommend the following sites: Loop A - #18-19; #21-22; and #44-47; Loop B - #33, #36, #37, #39, #40,#43; Loop C - #19, #21, #23, #24, #26, #32, #34, #36, #40, #42; (3) If you have a boat, you may want to consider calling ahead of time, while you are reserving your campsite and reserve a boat slip - we just thought that they would be readily available, but as it turns out, there's quite a few daytime boaters that don't camp here and are simply looking for a slip to occupy for the day, so plan ahead!; (4) SUPER INSIDER SECRET: there's a little pathway next to site #32 that will lead you to a hidden beachhead where all the cool kids hang out and party; (5) The showers are pretty annoying in that they are regulated by body movement - so as a hack, we applied duct tape and VOILA! the hot water stayed on the whole time! (but remove when you are done or the water won't stop running!); and (6) When you grow tired or anxious after digging through what remains of your Cordova cooler and / or want to sample some local fare, be prepared to drive a short distance (20 minutes or so) back to Apex, where I would recommend The Peak on Salem that serves up some pretty mean Caribbean conch & shrimp fritters as well as some very nice seafood entrees like NC clam bucatini or sweet tea ginger whiskey braised beef short rib.
Happy Camping!
Greg S.
RangerRolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
4.8 stars
Just stopped for one day/night on the way through, and I am amazed with this place. All three loops have great sites. Our site is fantastic, really large and overlooking the lake. The path to the fishing dock goes right by our site, giving great access to the lake. Cool rocks along the lake to climb on and swim off of. There are nice trails winding through the campground, a large sandy beach, and several playgrounds. Lots to do and very serene.
Guide to Clayton
Camping near Clayton, 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 or an RV.
What to do:
- Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, provide easy access to the water. One camper mentioned, "We fished for hours, kayaked on the lake, and the kids caught minnows."
- Hiking: Trails abound in places like Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area. A visitor shared, "There’s plenty of hiking trails to explore and the on-site rangers are incredibly helpful."
- Wildlife watching: Campers at Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park enjoy spotting various animals. One reviewer noted, "This was, by far, one of the cleanest, most well-organized parks I have ever been to."
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campgrounds like Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area are praised for their cleanliness. A camper remarked, "The bathhouse was very clean, and the sites were well spaced."
- Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area said, "The sites are big with a picnic table, fire pit, and lantern hook. Plenty of shade and view of Lake Jordan."
- Friendly atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. One reviewer at Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area said, "The staff was helpful, and the trails were nice."
What you should know:
- Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like William B. Umstead State Park Campground, may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper noted, "The sites are level and spacious, but you will hear the sounds of jets all day long."
- Reservations recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area advised, "I would highly suggest booking in advance since waterfront sites book up quick."
- Seasonal access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons for camping. For example, Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area is open from March 15 to October 31.
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A family at Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park mentioned, "The sites are huge, level, and clean."
- Plan for activities: Bring along games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One camper at Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area said, "There are nice trails winding through the campground, a large sandy beach, and several playgrounds."
- Pack snacks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A visitor at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground noted, "The campground is really pretty with large, private sites."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area said, "Each site has water and electric hook-up."
- Use dump stations: Some campgrounds, like Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, have dump stations nearby. A camper mentioned, "Dump stations are not far from any of the circles."
- Stay connected: If you need to work or stay in touch, check cell service availability. One camper at Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area shared, "Our cellphone hotspots worked great. We got anywhere from 30-55mbps with our Verizon cell coverage."
Camping near Clayton, North Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clayton, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clayton, 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 Clayton, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Clayton, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.