Campgrounds near Elon, North Carolina offer a variety of overnight options within driving distance of the university town. Located in the central Piedmont region at approximately 600 feet elevation, this area experiences four distinct seasons with mild winters and warm, humid summers. Most local campgrounds remain open year-round, though water activities peak from May through September when temperatures consistently reach the 80s and 90s.
What to do
Lake activities and fishing: 15 minutes from Oak Hollow Campground, visitors can rent boats and fish on the 800-acre lake. "There was a nice sand beach on the lake and a boat launch as well. Some of the sites offer a tie-off of your boat adjacent to your campsite," notes camper Paula U. at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.
Disc golf: Available at multiple locations, including a full course at Lake Reidsville Recreation Park. "Campground is on a peaceful lake, popular with boaters. Kayak rental, disc golf course, playground, picnic area and nature trail," explains Leigh R.
Hiking options: From moderate to challenging trails, multiple campgrounds connect to trail networks. "We hike and swim Eno nearly weekly. The primitive sites are spaces far enough apart that it truly feels like solitude. Piper Creek is our favorite. Flat and easy 1.2 mile hike in along the river," writes Sarah W. about Eno River State Park Campground.
Morning water views: Best from waterfront sites where campers report stunning sunrises. "Beautiful sun rise over the lake," notes Glenn F., who visited in October. The areas around Durham and Greensboro offer numerous water-adjacent camping options with early morning photography opportunities.
What campers like
Level, spacious sites: Important for both tent and RV campers. "The sites are large enough for most RVs. Adequate space between sites, and some grass. There are a few trees around the campground but not in the RV sites," describes Joel R. at Greensboro KOA.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned in positive reviews. "The bathhouse was well kept. The staff had decorations throughout the park for Halloween which is something I dont remember them doing in the past. There is a nice playground for the kids," shares Glenn F.
Water access: Direct lake and river frontage is highly valued by campers across multiple locations. "I've stayed at this park many times... The park is nice and clean. Beautiful sun rise over the lake," notes another reviewer. Many sites allow boats to be docked near campsites for easy water access.
Quiet zones for serious campers: Some parks offer dedicated areas for adult campers seeking peace. "The Sanctuary area is awesome and the tent sites are right on the creek. It is for those with no pets or kids and is limited to 2 people per site. It's a quiet zone," explains Rebecca about their experience at a local campground.
What you should know
Highway noise affects some campgrounds: Several reviews mention proximity to roads and highways. "This campground has a lot of potential. Unfortunately it is situated right next to a major highway so it is quite noisy," explains Rick B., who stayed in a travel trailer at Greensboro KOA.
Primitive camping requires preparation: When choosing backcountry or primitive sites, bring all supplies. "The only facilities are pit toilets with no showers or running water. That is why you need to be prepared and take in your own water and toilet paper," advises Myron C.
Reservation policies vary significantly: Some parks have strict cancellation rules while others are more flexible. "We called and explained the situation we were in and was spoken to VERY rudely. And was not able to get any of our money back," warns Justin S. about their experience at one campground.
Seasonal closures and access limitations: While most campgrounds operate year-round, specific amenities close seasonally. "We stayed here in the winter months (Feb - April) and it was really nice. Nearest town for groceries is 10 min away but you'll have to travel to Greensboro for bigger stores," advises Bri N. at Falls Lake State Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with dedicated activities: Look for organized programming for different age groups. "A newer campground with only a handful of sites but the kids enjoyed it. A lot of planned kids activities almost like summer camp," shares Elise H. about her family's experience at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Verify playground conditions and locations: Playgrounds vary widely in quality and placement. "Playground could use updating and maybe a fence around since it's so close to the road," cautions Danielle W. about one facility, highlighting safety concerns.
Water safety considerations: Not all lakefront properties allow swimming. "We love going camping here. You can rent paddle boats or kayak's or paddle boards. You may fish or rude boats. The only down fall is the bath house needs updating and you can't swim," explains Jack and Lisa L.
Yurt camping for families: Some parks near Elon, North Carolina offer yurt accommodations as an alternative to traditional camping. Yurt options provide a middle ground between tent camping and cabin rentals, often featuring electricity and beds while maintaining a camping atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling requirements: Many RVers mention challenges with uneven sites. "The gravel sites are wide enough but ours was way off from level," notes kelly N., suggesting bringing extra leveling blocks to North Carolina campgrounds.
Hookup placement matters: Some sites have unusual utility configurations. "We also noted that our water and electricity was on the passenger side of our vehicle so it was a good thing we had an extra hose to reach the water as well as a long enough cord to reach the electric box," advises Barb T. about their experience at Hyco Lake State Park Campground.
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. "The freeway noise is the biggest negative. The host was extremely nice and friendly, the gravel sites are wide enough but ours was way off from level," explains one camper, suggesting noise-sensitive RVers should research locations carefully.
Connectivity varies widely: Cell service and WiFi fluctuate throughout the region. "Surprisingly good cell reception for being in the mountains and having lots of tree cover. Got 1-3 bars ATT depending on where I was within the campground, and we had no issues using our TMobile hotspot to stream videos/tv," reports Ruth P.
