Best Campgrounds near Durham, NC
The Durham area provides a range of camping options within Falls Lake State Recreation Area and Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, where visitors can find established campgrounds suitable for tents, RVs, and even cabin accommodations. Within 20 miles of the city, sites like Eno River State Park offer primitive camping experiences accessible by short hikes, while more developed facilities at Rolling View and Crosswinds campgrounds provide electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Many mixed-use campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several also offering cabins or glamping options.
Most state park campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with many sites closing between November and March. "The primitive sites are always clean. The sites are spaced far enough apart that it truly feels like solitude," notes one camper about Eno River State Park. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays, particularly at developed sites with water and electric hookups. Camping areas at Eno River require permits and involve hikes of approximately one mile to reach tent sites. The region experiences hot, humid summers when swimming areas become popular, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures ideal for hiking the extensive trail networks that connect many camping areas.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw across multiple campgrounds in the Durham region. Falls Lake and Jordan Lake camping areas provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling directly from campsites. Several visitors highlighted the peaceful atmosphere at these locations, with one noting that "the proximity to the water is amazing and you can hear the nearby rapids at night." Primitive sites at Eno River State Park receive consistently high ratings for their secluded nature and riverside locations, though they require carrying in all supplies. Campers report that while the hikes to these sites are manageable for most ability levels, the tent pads can be uncomfortable without proper sleeping pads. The Mountain to Sea Trail passes through several campground areas, providing additional hiking opportunities from established camping areas.
