RV camping near Durham, North Carolina offers diverse options within a 30-minute radius of the city. The area sits in the Piedmont region at approximately 400 feet above sea level, experiencing mild winters and humid summers with an average annual rainfall of 46 inches. Weather conditions allow for extended camping seasons, with most campgrounds in the region remaining open year-round.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Jordan Dam RV Park provides access to fishing at their on-site pond. "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," notes Michael R.
Playground access: Cane Creek Campground and RV Park features multiple play areas for children. "There are 3 parks which kiddo had a great time making friends at," mentions Mandy L., while another camper adds, "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!"
Hiking trails: The wooded areas surrounding many campgrounds offer walking paths. According to Dimitry A., Cane Creek provides "beautiful" surroundings, noting it's "located close to nothing else, this campground was so peaceful at night." Another camper highlighted that the park offers "great hiking trails."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds prioritize giving RVs ample room. At 70 East RV Park, a camper notes it's "a nice park with spacious lots. It's in a great location, nearby anything you need. It's family and pet friendly."
Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds offer peaceful settings away from traffic noise. "Very nice campground. Lots of trees for shade and the park is very quiet. I would recommend staying here," says Jason D. about Spring Hill RV Park.
Wooded surroundings: Spring Hill RV Park offers natural settings with tree cover. Mike C. explains, "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."
What you should know
Limited amenities at some parks: Not all RV parks provide full facilities. Spring Hill RV Park has "no facilities/bathhouses. There is water, sewer, and electricity, and each site has a fire ring and a picnic table," according to Mike C.
Reservation needs: Many state parks in the region fill quickly during peak seasons. At Jones Station RV Park, one camper mentioned making a reservation "via phone 144 days prior to arrival."
Cell service and WiFi quality: Connectivity varies between parks. At Spring Hill RV Park, "The Wifi is excellent and, I believe, cell service is good for pretty much everyone since it's so close to the Triangle," states one reviewer.
Maintenance standards: Campground upkeep can differ significantly. According to one camper at Jones Station, the bathrooms require "entry combo required for very clean toilet/shower building," while another mentioned it being "immaculately maintained."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly activities: Raleigh Oaks RV Resort offers numerous recreation options. One camper notes, "We wanted the amenities for our four year old. Playground, mini golf, horseshoe, 3 dog parks, 2 pools, lots of bathrooms."
Consider proximity to services: Staying near towns provides convenience for families. For Spring Hill RV Park, a reviewer highlighted it's "only about 10 min to Chapel Hill/Carrboro stores, restaurants, etc."
Check pool availability: Swimming options matter for family trips. Mark D. notes Raleigh Oaks has "super clean and well organized" facilities, while another camper mentions it has "two pools, one Jacuzzi."
Look for space between sites: Kids need room to play without disturbing neighbors. "The spaces are large, and many of them are shaded," reports one camper about Jones Station RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Propane services: Some parks offer on-site propane filling. At Jordan Dam RV Park, "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," shares Michael R.
Site leveling: Check ahead about the terrain. A Goodwins RV Campground visitor notes the area is "split basically into 2 areas (high and low), where you'll find space for about 15 RV's on the upper level, and perhaps 5-7 on the lower level."
Big rig accessibility: Not all parks accommodate larger vehicles. Amy H. mentions that Raleigh Oaks has "large, mostly level, pull through spots," making it suitable for bigger RVs.
WiFi reliability: Internet access varies significantly. At Spring Hill RV Park, a camper emphasized "the WiFi is excellent," while others note spotty service at other locations.
