Best Tent Camping near Erwin, NC
Looking for the best Erwin tent camping? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Erwin. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Erwin, North Carolina's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Erwin, NC (8)
1. William B. Umstead State Park Campground
Morrisville, North Carolina18 Reviews•30 Photos•120 SavesSites are meant for tent/pop-up camping only. No RV or Trailer is accessible.
Located in Wake County 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park is a cherished retreat from bustling urban life. The park features an extensive network of hiking and multiuse trails, as well as three manmade lakes and their tributaries that are perfect for fishing. Both park entrances offer picnic shelters, and Crabtree Creek offers camping areas. Group camps and the historic Maple Hill Lodge let visitors experience a rustic overnight experience without typical modern camping amenities.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground
Seven Springs, North Carolina17 Reviews•48 Photos•109 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$26 - $30 / night
3. San-Lee Park
Sanford, North Carolina3 Reviews•13 Photos•32 SavesSan-Lee Park is a 177+ acre park, located at 572 Pumping Station Road, that offers hiking trails, a mountain bike trail, a Nature Center with a multipurpose room that is available for rent, playground, picnic facilities, campgrounds, and two stocked lakes for fishing. Paddle boat rentals are available seasonally.
Campsite rentals are available during park operational hours. A driver’s license or similar identification is required for registration. Sites are available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations are not taken. For additional information, please call 919-776-6221 Ext. 4.
Program Date:
April – October Exceptions for weather & burning bans
Fee:
$15.00 per night
Register:
At park office during park hours Must be 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult
Tent Camping
The park provides tent sites, tables, charcoal grills, water, and a shower house. Campsites are located in a private section of the park close to the lake.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$15 / night
4. Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park
Wagram, North Carolina10 Reviews•29 Photos•70 SavesLocated in Columbus, Robeson, Scotland, and Hoke counties 60 miles south of Fayetteville, Lumber River State Park has two access areas located about 1 hour from each other: Princess Ann and Chalk Banks. Possibilities for paddling on this 115-mile river are extraordinary. An abundance of wildlife and plant life, including the belted kingfisher and the rare Carolina bogmint, helped Lumber River earn federal designation as a National Wild and Scenic River, the only blackwater river in the state to have that honor.
Tent sites (including paddle-in sites) Group tent sites
Both accesses have camping facilities. If you have a reservation, please verify the location of your campsite prior to your visit. Princess Ann and Chalk Banks accesses are located 1 hour apart, so please check that you are headed to the correct campground.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$12 / night
5. Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Wake Forest, North Carolina5 Reviews•21 Photos•22 SavesLocated in Durham and Wake counties 15 miles east of downtown Durham, Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides seven access areas to the reservoir. More than 300 campsites offer a variety of overnight experiences. Trails include a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, as well as one of the premier mountain bike trail systems in the Triangle area, located at Beaverdam access. During the spring and fall, migrating monarch butterflies add to the picturesque beauty of the lake.
Not every access has all the listed facilities. Please check the General Information page to view a table of the facilities at each access: https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/falls-lake-state-recreation-area/plan-your-visit
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$25 - $35 / night
6. Owl Creek Horse Camp - Bankhead NF
Be the first to review!Mamers, North Carolina•1 SaveThe Owl Creek Horse Camp provides primitive overnight campsites for trail riders on a first come, first serve basis. The Owl Creek Trail System is approximately 26 miles and suitable for equestrian riding.
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
$5 / night
7. Family Wilderness Camp — Raven Rock State Park
Be the first to review!Mamers, North Carolina•2 SavesAt the Family Wilderness Camp, there are five campsites just off of the Campbell Creek Loop Trail, approximately 2.5 miles from the parking lot and 0.5 mile from the river. The maximum number of campers for each site is six.
Backpackers can also utilize the canoe camp, located beside the river off of the Little Creek Loop Trail, in a low-lying area. The camping area is a 1.7-mile hike in from the park office. There are six campsites, each accommodating up to six campers.
All supplies, including water, must be packed to the sites. Neither the Family Wildness nor Canoe Camp is accessible by vehicle.
Both camping areas offer a vault toilet, and all sites include a fire ring with a grill.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
$12 / night
8. RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground
Durham, North Carolina1 Review•4 Photos•36 SavesFIND PEACE AND PURPOSE IN NATURE
If needed for an additional $25 Your camp site comes with a zero contact (New) factory shipped tent that you can keep. Always includes fire pit, camping grill, and good times. This site is adjacent to a city park. When you wake up after a day of fishing and a night of s’mores and campfire stories with the mist in the air and this peaceful lakefront view you will know God is good, you are safe, and you are alive. The air is more crisp and clean and the birds sing you a personal lul-a- bye.
The space Privately owned lakefront property, you can fish, bring a kayak or canoe, the nature is beautiful. The local park is in walking distance
Guest access A 1/2 acre of privately owned lakefront land
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Market
$45 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Erwin
319 Reviews of 8 Erwin Campgrounds
Chris K.
Scout
Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Beeautiful and perfect for water-loving pets
My dog Indy and I spent a night here just to try it out and it was the perfect spot. The site is #64 and there's water access right next to the pad. We will definitely be back.
Greg B.
Traveler
Smith Lake Army RV Park
Army Travel Camp, Quite and Beautiful
Camp Ground is quiet and well laid out. Facilitaies are clean and maintained. Lake was open and fun to play in.
Camp ground is next to airfield, you might get Helicopter nosies from time to time.
Amanda A.Traveler
North Carolina State Fairgrounds
It’s perfect for basic
The sites are level, not much shade. Garbage cans everywhere. Convenient to get into and out of with full hookup. There are no amenities at all but security drives around. Felt safe. Across from stadium. Price is worth the value.
- D
Dale Y.Traveler
Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park
Awesome State Park
The state park has excellent hiking trails and the RV park is located in an excellent location to use them.
The sites are huge, level, and clean. The bathhouse is clean and modern. While there aren’t many recreational amenities besides the hiking, the price makes this park an excellent value.
Stuart K.
Legend
Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Small Hidden Gem in Falls Lake SRA
If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and are looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nice shaded nature, hiking trails and calm, peace& quiet that only nature can offer, then make your way here to Shinleaf@ Falls Lake SRA. You’ll discover all of the basics are provided– from picnic table, fold-up fire ring/ grill, bear-proof garbage hanger and a nice pebble-strewn patch of well-maintained flat pitch, perfect for striking camp for the night in your tent amongst the best of what nature has to offer along with pristine shade from an unrelenting bit of summer North Carolina sunshine.
The only real down-side I could find to Shinleaf is that there’s not a whole lot of brush between the campsites so you will be exposed to neighboring sites, which wasn’t a problem when we visited as the place was fairly vacant, but during high season, I could see how this would be a bit of a turn-off. The on-site facilities(limited to just bathrooms& showers) are typically better than you’d expect from a state-run campground, and so this spot gets high marks versus some others– and there’s even a designated‘pot wash’ spigot that is near the campsites making for EZ clean up after any meal. There’s plenty of hiking trails to explore and the on-site rangers are incredibly helpful and positive folks that want to ensure you have a great time.
Insider's tips? Here's a few: (1) If you like to fish, there's tons of different varieties here to catch, including: walleye, crappie, white bass, large- and small-mouth bass, blue gill, striped bass as well as catfish; (2) There is no need to go anywhere else to look for a boat launch as Shinleaf has its very own kayak/ canoe launch that is fantastic and located on the eastern side of the property; (3) If you are looking for some really cool outdoors adventures while in these parts, check out Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park that offers treetop rope trails and adventure courses - our kiddos loved it!; (4) When you grow tired of attempting to conjure up your next meal from the depths of your roto-molded Cordova cooler and want to try out some local fare, then I highly recommend nearby Carolina Ale House in Wake Forest or Buffalo Brothers Restaurant & Bar - both have fantastic local cuisine and nice iced area craft beers to pair with; and (5) IMHO, the best campsites here at Shinleaf are: #6, #14, #16-17; #30-33; #37-39; #40; #42-43; #45-47.
Happy Camping!
- JJason D.
GuideNorth Carolina State Fairgrounds
Good for a quick stop
It’s ok. Semi secluded and has necessary hookups. Quit packed for what it is. I would not stay here for weeks. Just a stop and go kinda deal. But price is very good.
Bobbie S.Guide
Camp Clearwater
Busy Campground
This is a very large campground with mostly full-time people. Nice laundry facilities, decent sized transient sites, beautiful beach and piers. It was "off-season" but the weekends were quite busy. There is a 5mph campground rule that most definitely is NOT followed. Kids and adults drive golf carts like it's the Indy 500. Was a nice stay, but probably won't go back.
- JJason D.Guide
Spring Hill RV Park
Peaceful Campground
Very nice campground. Lots of trees for shade and the park is very quiet. I would recommend staying here. The spots are big and not right up on each other. No laundry facility.
- Melinda J.Guide
Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Clean and spacious
We camped out the first night the campground was open for the season. They were performing controlled burns but nothing bothered us. Sure, we heard the planes overhead but it didn’t keep us up. We tent camped at an RV site just for some extra comfort with the water and power. Bathhouses were super clean. And we were a short walk to the lake to fish and hang out near the water. Absolutely will come back
- TTerry S.Traveler
Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground
Small, quiet and relaxed among the pines
Our stay in Site #4 on February 25 in our 20' Mode LT was quiet and restful. The park has an interesting geomorphology, sitting atop cliffs overlooking the river below, and there are miles of hiking trails. The Campground Host was particularly helpful, checking us in when we arrived early. Unlike many state parks they offer their Senior Discount to out-of-state campers. The campground is very clean and sites are very large with gravel pads, but only 14 sites have hook-ups. Our stay was marred by heavy fire smoke from campfires penetrating our van. The distance from I-95 adds an extra hour to your travel if you are just planning a one-nite stopover, so we might not make the trek again.
- PPaul H.Traveler
Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Awesome State Park
This was our very first full-time RV park. We loved being in the park and it easily accommodated our 39ft. Class A. Back-in site but with plenty of room to do so. Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station. The sites are big with a picnic table, fire pit and lantern hook. Plenty to do here with the lake at your fingertips. Great first experience.
- MMichelle B.Scout
Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Lakeside North Carolina state park campground.
Popular Point campground is one of my favorite places to pitch a tent in the Jordan Lake area. It's often not as crowded as the others at Jordan Lake are, esp., during the week and outside of holidays or summertime. The views are nice, with sites next to the water. Tents and RVs can camp in the same areas. We normally camp in a tent here, but never in the hottest part of summer, which is most of the summer in the Piedmont area of the state. You gotta go up to 3000 feet, as in the mountains of NC, for a cool weather experience in summertime, but for a night to get away from your regular routine or a weekend when the weather is nice, this is a suitable place. Locals like it because the drive isn't far from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham or Pittsboro.
- RRalph C.Traveler
Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park
Clean and quite!
This is our favorite campground in the area. It is clean and quite with easy back in sites. The bathhouse is well maintained as is the camp road. We have stayed here during all four seasons and there isn't a bad time to stay. I can't say enough good things about this campground
Robert G.Guide
Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Winter
Wet
Paul R.TravelerCrosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
A great site!
Loop C site 19 is a great location. It’s flat with a few good locations off the gravel for tents. Good trees for hammocks are present. There’s no other site within a couple hundred yards to the east. East access to the lake shore and plenty of woods for kids to play in. The bathhouse is a short walk away.
- Stuart K.Legend
Four Oaks Lodging & RV Resort
Non-Descript Roadside RV Parking Lot
If you find yourself passing up or down the I-95 corridor and simply need a patch of land to layover for the night and you’ve got one of those incredibly large mobile homes on wheels, then this non-descript RV location near Four Oaks (look for the cross-roads of where Hwy 301 intersects Hwy 701(exit 90 on I-95) may just be the perfect spot for you. But to be perfectly clear, Four Oaks is more of a layover than a destination - I would really only consider this on the way to somewhere else where I am getting in late and leaving early.
With a couple dozen or so RV parking lanes for your parking pleasure, all of the sites come equipped with the typical 20 / 30 / 50 amp electrical hook-ups, waste disposal and water connections. There’s the standard picnic table, fire ring / BBQ, garbage receptacles, propane refilling stations, covered pavilions and even a community BBQ. The hosts are somewhat grumpy and offer pricing by the night, week and month. Overall, the community is inviting and friendly and there were a few that invited us over to chat with them and share a beer. While there’s not a ton of amenities to pick and choose from, this location does come with BBQ, doggie park, free WiFi & high-speed internet, store and vending machines. Near this RV parking lot, you do have access to Wilmington, Emerald Isle and lovely (but crowded) Myrtle Beach. One of the best perks though is that this campground serves up a nice continental breakfast on the weekends for campground guests, plus there's also free ice and cable for any overnight guests.
Insider’s tip? Here's a few: (1) Take advantage of the close proximity to 30 acre Tucker Lake (conveniently located where Interstate 40 intersects 95), where some decent fishing can be had – we caught (and released) several smallmouth bass, brook trout and black bullheads. Here, you’ll find white sandy beaches, paddle boats, kayaks and canoes for rent, rope swings, 165 foot waterslide for the kids to jump into the water and scattered open pavilions with BBQ’s and grills. There’s also a handful of ill-maintained trails to hike on; (2) If you'd like to hit the links then nearby Johnston County Country Club has some really nice fairways that you'll want to explore; (3) Should you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your onboard mini-fridge and want to try out some local fare, then head on over to nearby JP's Country BBQ where they serve up smoked chicken, ribs as well as mac-n-cheese along with some good 'ol Southern cole slaw; (4) Should you find yourself in need of anything there's Ronnie's Country Store just down the road (you wouldn't even need to drive there from Four Oaks), where you can get basic groceries, ice and just about anything for your journey; (5) My favorite site on the property is #8 or #10 as they are furthest from the nearby highway and offer decent shade; and (6) If you come bearing kayak or canoe and are looking for a nice wet piece of paradise to launch into, then check out Holts Lake located just due north of this campground where there's also some pretty decent fishing to be had.
Happy Camping!
- BBrett W.Scout
Canoe Camp — Raven Rock State Park
Great spot for a night or two
I’ve camped here twice now. The hike in and out is very easy. Only about 2 miles each way. The spots are clean and well spread out with a hook to hang things on, a fire pit, and a picnic table at each site. The pit toilet is central to all 6 sites. It’s a pit toilet so it’s nothing glamorous but it’s there if you need it. The river is a short walk away from all the sites if you want to get a great picture with the sunrise. Overall, I definitely recommend.
John V.GuideMoccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park
Excellent cabins
Excellent new cabin’s perfect fire pit new tables/restrooms spaced out beautifully designed campground.
- Keith F.Guide
Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Great place
Great place. Plenty of shade and view of Lake Jordan. Restrooms were clean.
Karah S.Scout
San-Lee Park
Difficult
We are from out of town. We picked this spot because it was a last minute trip and on their website it advertised they had first come first serve spots open. We drive over there see a completely empty campground and think we won’t have any issue getting a spot. And when I say empty I mean there was quit literally no other campers . So we tried to check in, but there is no place to check in. So we went to the nature center and asked around to try to get some help. We had to wait for some other man to come around because no one else who worked there could help us. After finally tracking this man down at the paddle boats and an hour of back and forth, we were told you have to call and make a reservation but we shouldn’t have a problem getting a spot since it’s empty. After calling and only getting voicemails, we found the man again who called his boss. His boss finally answered and said we can only camp there by making reservations 72 hours ahead of time. Probably the most difficulty I’ve ever had trying to get a camp site.
- EEvan S.Traveler
Legacy Farms Roughing It
Beautiful small farm
Beautiful Arabian horses. Also goats, ducks, turkeys, chickens, roosters, Guineas, etc.. Cats and dogs add to the fun. Tom and his wife are great hosts. I set up a small tent on the lawn, and the fall weather was perfect. Would have stayed longer, but I had to hit the road.
S B.GuideCliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground
Relaxing stay!
First time camping at cliffs of the neuse and it was great. They sell firewood for $7 (cash only at the camp store) and the park staff was friendly. Our spot was shaded by the trees and even had a little path to the bathroom in the brush. We were surprised by two kittens who cautiously watched us from the bushes. Bathrooms were also very clean. Cleanest I might have ever seen at a camp.
- RRuth P.Traveler
Moonshine Creek Campground
Peaceful!
This was our 3rd time staying here. This park has a wonderful creek running through the middle of it and most short-term sites back up to it. There are also a couple of camping cabins and some tent sites. The campground road is sort of narrow and the sites can be a little tight, making it awkward to back in if you have a large TV and full-size camper - but once you’re in it’s all good. The creek and nice natural landscaping of the park are very worth it. The owners have done a fantastic job over the years with this piece of property, keeping that mountain forest feeling and just tweaking nature a little. No pool and no playground, but there are spots to get into the creek. Good clean bathhouse with newer washers/dryers and a covered porch where you can hang out waiting for your laundry (or just hang out, period). A good contingent of spots that are booked for the season and plenty of weekend campers like us. It’s a good balance. No full-timers, as the park is closed during the winter. The campground is conveniently located between Sylva and Waynesville and very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. They do have wifi at the camp office but we didn’t need to use it.
- RRonald C.Guide
North Carolina State Fairgrounds
Over-Priced Parking lot !
I have stayed there twice over the past couple years. The only changes to this Campground are the Prices !! ..which keep going up (to $35 day now). For this, you get a parking space with full hookups.. that's it, no Amenities whatsoever!
It's pretty much a "Camper Trap", because there are so few options in the North Carolina Piedmont. Spaces are tight, a lot of the people there are long-term workers, that totally ignore any "Dust" decorum, speeding through the area as if they were on public streets!
- FFrancisco M.Traveler
Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Nice 🔥
Great views by the lake and a great spot to camp
- MMike M.Scout
North Carolina State Fairgrounds
Weekend in Raleigh
Level campground with full hookups. Worked great to explore Raleigh.
Andrew S.GuidePoplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Awesome RV spots
Amazing spots for RVs on the water! There are TONS of spots that are right on the lake yet have plenty of trees for privacy. Each has a nice fire pit/grill and picnic table. Dump stations are not far from any of the circles, and were not too busy (we were even there on 4th of July). There are options for boat or jet ski rentals VERY close. For those that care about working on laptop or streaming TV while camping, our cellphone hotspots worked great. We got anywhere from 30-55mbps with our Verizon cell coverage. There are tons of small beaches that you can walk or boat to that are secluded enough to allow your dog to run freely. Also, Idk how....but we had VERY few bugs at our site the whole week we were there...lol. I can not speak for the restrooms (which seem to get bad reviews), as we only used the one in our RV. We loved this place and will definitely be back.
Guide to Erwin
Tent camping near Erwin, North Carolina offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from serene lakeside sites to wooded retreats, there's something for every tent camper.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy hiking and biking trails at William B. Umstead State Park Campground, where you can explore the natural beauty of the area.
- Experience the tranquility of the river while kayaking or fishing at Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park, perfect for water enthusiasts.
- Discover the peaceful surroundings and hiking opportunities at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground, where you can enjoy stunning views from the cliffs.
Tips for tent camping near Erwin
- Arrive early to secure a good spot at San-Lee Park, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill up quickly.
- Bring mosquito repellent when camping at Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park to ensure a comfortable experience in the great outdoors.
- Make sure to check the availability of amenities like drinking water and restrooms at Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area to plan your camping trip effectively.
Local attractions to explore while camping
- Visit the nearby nature center at San-Lee Park for educational programs and family-friendly activities.
- Take advantage of the extensive trail system at William B. Umstead State Park Campground for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
- Explore the picturesque landscapes and unique geological features at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground, which offers a variety of outdoor activities and stunning views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Erwin, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Erwin, NC is William B. Umstead State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Erwin, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Erwin, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.