Best Campgrounds near Hillsborough, NC
Hillsborough, North Carolina provides access to several established campgrounds and primitive camping areas within a short drive of town. Eno River State Park Campground, located just 7 miles east in Durham, offers primitive tent sites and hiking-accessible camping areas with picnic tables and fire rings. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, approximately 20 miles southwest, features multiple campgrounds including Poplar Point and Crosswinds with options for tent camping, RV hookups, and even cabin accommodations. The region includes both state-managed recreation areas and private RV parks that accommodate different camping styles from basic tent sites to full hookup RV facilities.
Many campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operating schedules, with several sites closing during winter months. William B. Umstead State Park Campground operates from March 15 to December 1, while Jordan Lake's Crosswinds Campground is available from January 1 to October 31. "The primitive sites are always clean. The primitive sites are spaces far enough apart that it truly feels like solitude," noted one visitor about Eno River State Park. Access to camping areas varies considerably, with Eno River's primitive sites requiring a moderate 1-1.5 mile hike from parking areas, while developed campgrounds like Jones Station RV Park offer direct drive-in access. Reservations are recommended for most established campgrounds, particularly during peak summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly.
Waterfront camping experiences rank highly among visitor reviews, particularly at Falls Lake and Jordan Lake recreation areas where boat-in access is available. Campers consistently praise the natural setting of Eno River State Park's primitive sites, which require hiking in but reward with riverside camping. One visitor remarked, "The hike to the grounds was by far the best part. A beautiful walk along Eno River with lots of animals along the way." Several campgrounds feature amenities like showers, electric hookups, and sanitary dump stations for RVs, while primitive sites typically offer minimal facilities such as fire rings and tent pads. During warmer months, swimming opportunities in local rivers and lakes provide additional recreation options for campers, with Eno River State Park offering both hiking trails and river access directly from camping areas.
