P
Peter C.
Scout
ScoutRVacation Campground
This is not called vacation campground it’s north point rv resort
Tent Camping near Durham, NC
10 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Tent campers exploring the Durham area can find established sites at Eno River State Park and William B. Umstead State Park, both offering primitive tent camping options with varying amenities. The MST Section 23 Falls Lake Camping area provides secluded walk-in tent sites along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, approximately one mile from roadside parking on Red Mill Road. Several campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of Durham cater specifically to tent campers seeking more natural settings than developed RV parks.
Most tent sites near Durham feature gravel or dirt pads with limited amenities. Eno River State Park requires backpacking to reach primitive tent sites, with distances ranging from 1 to 3.5 miles depending on the access point. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established sites, though running water is scarce. Campers should pack in their own water or bring filtration systems for river water. Park gates typically close in the evening, with varying hours by season, and reservations are required for most designated tent areas. Many sites have pit toilets but no shower facilities, maintaining the primitive camping experience.
The tent camping experience in this region offers proximity to water features and extensive trail networks. Eno River State Park provides tent sites along the river where campers can fall asleep to the sound of rapids. Cedarock Park features walk-in tent sites spaced along Rock Creek, accommodating both small parties and larger groups. Sites at William B. Umstead State Park offer forest immersion but campers should be prepared for noise from the nearby international airport. A camper at MST Section 23 Falls Lake described it as "a hidden gem for MST hikers" with a shelter, fire pit, and multiple tent sites on private land that requires adherence to strict Leave No Trace principles.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Durham (10)
1. Eno River State Park Campground
"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."
"Eno River State Park has amazing backpack in camping that is well worth the beautiful walk through the woods. The last trip here was so wonderful that we extended it by two nights! "
from $17 - $47 / night
Check Availability2. RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground
"We're so happy to have this property on our platform. Feel free to bring your kayak or canoe to take out onto the water. Book them today and come back here to leave them some love."
from $59 - $100 / night
Check Availability3. MST Section 23 Falls Lake Camping
"The campground is located on a private land, has a shelter, a fire pit, and a number of tent sites."
4. Redwood Campsite
"2 day max camping, no footprint camping, I think there are around 9 pads for 2 person tents!"
5. Youth Tent Camp — William B. Umstead State Park
from $37 / night
Check Availability6. Lake Michie Recreation Area
7. Cedarock Park
"Cedarock Park, located in Burlington, North Carolina, is a hidden gem for all sorts of outdoor activities. The park offers hike-in camping with a handful of sites scattered along Rock Creek."
"The park is almost 500 acres in size and offers:
- 6 miles of hiking trails
- 6 miles of equestrian trails
- 2 disc golf courses with a total of 36 holes for play
- A historical farm restored"
from $10 / night
Check Availability8. San-Lee Park
"Contrary to what has been written, I would highly recommend San-Lee Park to anyone looking for a short and easy escape from the nearby Raleigh-Durham area."
"There are hiking and biking trails as well as kayaking and other water sports on the lake there."
from $15 / night
Check Availability9. Family Wilderness Camp — Raven Rock State Park
from $17 / night
Check Availability10. Owl Creek Horse Camp - Bankhead NF
from $5 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 22 min from Raleigh, NC
- 29 min from Burlington, NC
- 45 min from Greensboro, NC
- 1 hr 4 min from Rocky Mount, NC
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Durham, NC
16 Photos of 10 Durham Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Durham, NC
525 Reviews of 10 Durham Campgrounds
- MMegan T.
GuidePoplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Stayed in the C loop right on the water. Bathrooms are up the hill at the entrance to the loop. Sites along the lake aren’t private but are spacious.
- CCasey E.Scout
Youth Tent Camp — William B. Umstead State Park
Not tent campground but new RV campground
New and clean rv campgrounds. 28 spots. Awesome camp host Ron.
- JJonathan B.Guide
Butner lake WMA
Private campground
Like this campground. Was a tight fit with our 20 ft trailer but it is super quiet at night. Nearby road with some noise during the day but overall great place to camp. We have seen several people pull in for over nights but left the next day. Will be back. Also make sure you buy a NC hunting or fishing license before you camp here
Susan A.GuideCrosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Quiet, clean, spacious
The sites are very large, long and wider at the back, plenty of room for a big group or family. The bathrooms look new and they are clean. Here during the week so it's very empty and quiet.
- PPaul R.
TravelerCrosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Great Camp
We visited Crosswinds campground at Jordan Lake State Park on the worst heatwave of the year. The great thing about this area is that the sites a well shaded. We were about 50 yards from the lake, with the wind blowing we still were comfortable all day. We stayed on Loop A, which is my favorite loop at the park. There’s no electricity or water at the sites. There are water spickets throughout the loop with potable water. The site is awesome! There’s a small pond beside it. The neighboring sites are close, but regular conversations can not be heard.this loop is always quiet even when there are a lot of people, but it’s never been full when I’m there. I didn’t do good with photos except for the food.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendHolly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Fantastic Camping Spot at Falls Lake
Arriving here to Holly Point Falls feels overwhelmingly relaxing as the pines embrace you with a welcome that will immediately remind you that you are out in pure nature here. The campgrounds here are thoughtfully laid out, with a mix of tent pads, RV-friendly sites and electric & water hookups at many loops. Sites vary in privacy, but most are generous in size with enough tree cover to make you feel like you’ve claimed your own little slice of wilderness. Bathhouses are clean and functional with the park staff keeping things tidy. Families and four-legged friends are welcome and the paved roads make getting in and out relatively stress-free. Larger rigs will want to pay attention when reserving, as some loops are tighter than others. Our boys simply loved this campground with its EZ access to Falls Lake, which was perfect for us to go fishing and kayaking in. We absolutely recommend Holly Point Campground at Falls Lake for any family looking to get as close to nature, without leaving civilization completely behind.
Jill S.ScoutButner lake WMA
Only open after Sept 1
We didn’t realize the campground was only open for hunting season. We showed up late at night in the end of July and saw it was roped off but decided to pitch our tent anyway and woke up with a State Trooper shining a flash light in our tent😂😭 He let us off, but we still had to pack up and find a hotel at 1am since there’s no other free camping that we knew of around the area.
It’s a sad day when you can’t just pitch a tent and sleep in the woods peacefully but it is what it is! Would come back during the legal season for sure though, the woods were really nice and cleared out.
John P.ScoutMayo Lake Park
Nice Place
This is a nice place to paddle board. They also have a really cool disk golf course that we just hiked. The staff are super friendly. Classic NC country folk. The restrooms have been redone and now there is a bank of individual shower/rest rooms. The only drawback is it's kind of a long uphill walk from the campsites on a gravel road.
Guide to Durham
Tent campers near Durham, North Carolina have several options beyond the well-known state parks. The region sits at elevations ranging from 350-400 feet above sea level with an average summer temperature of 87°F and mild winters rarely dipping below freezing. Fall camping season typically runs from September through mid-November with lower humidity and temperatures in the 60-70°F range during the day.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Cedarock Park offers two full disc golf courses with 36 total holes across nearly 500 acres of parkland. A camper noted, "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."
Water activities: Lake Michie Recreation Area provides fishing opportunities in a secluded setting just outside Durham. According to reviews, the area is "quite secluded and quiet. Also very clean," though campers should note that "all of the sites are very small, not very level, and have low clearance."
Trail running: William B. Umstead State Park maintains extensive trail networks ideal for runners. One visitor shared, "I've been to this park over a dozen times to run, and every time seems better than the previous one. Depending on where you park, you can access excellent 8-14 mile loops on the main gravel paths."
What campers like
Waterfront sleeping: Eno River State Park offers unique riverside camping experiences. A camper mentioned, "Piper Creek is our favorite. Flat and easy 1.2 mile hike in along the river," which makes for accessible backpacking for beginners.
Privacy between sites: Most tent campers appreciate the separation between camping areas. At Cedarock Park, sites are "well spaced and can accommodate large groups (you only pay $1 for each additional person for groups larger than 10)," according to a reviewer.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer historical or natural education elements. A visitor to Eno River State Park praised "the educational experiences at this park. Very knowledgeable and clean."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Each campground has different booking requirements. San-Lee Park requires early planning as "tent campers can book a campsite on a first-come, first-served basis" though recent visitors note confusion about their system, with one reporting "you have to call and make a reservation but we shouldn't have a problem getting a spot since it's empty."
Gate closing times: Most parks lock their gates in the evening. Cedarock Park hours change seasonally: "November-March: 8am to 6pm, April: 8am to 8pm, May-August: 8am to 9pm, September-October: 8am to 8pm." One camper warned, "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."
Noise considerations: Some of the best tent camping near Durham, North Carolina can have noise issues. William B. Umstead State Park sits near an airport, while Cedarock Park has road noise issues with one camper noting, "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
Kid-friendly amenities: Cedarock Park offers numerous family activities beyond camping. A visitor reported, "This park was great for my family. We hiked down with our stuff and set up at campsite 4... While staying at the park we went on hikes, fished, and played disc golf."
Multiple activities: San-Lee Park provides diverse family entertainment options. A reviewer listed the amenities: "This park has lots of hiking trails, a fantastic park for the kiddos, Nature Center, a gorgeous lake perfect for a day of fishing, mountain bike trails, paddle boat rental and… a pretty impressive campground!"
Easy access options: For families who don't want to hike far, consider campgrounds with shorter access trails. At MST Section 23 Falls Lake, sites are "located approximately 1 mile from the roadside parking on Red Mill Road," making it accessible for families with younger children who can handle a shorter hike.
Tips from RVers
Primitive camping alternative: When RV parks are full, tent camping offers a backup option. William B. Umstead State Park provides "primitive camping has drive in, picnic table, fire ring, tent spot, and trails starting at your back door," according to a camper who usually travels by RV.
Historic cabin options: Some locations offer structures beyond tent sites. At William B. Umstead State Park, "there are historic cabins with cots to sleep on" and "there is electricity in the cabins," making this an option for RVers who occasionally want a different experience without their vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Durham, NC?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Durham, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Durham, 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
Durham, NC?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Durham, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Durham, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring