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Best Camping Spots Near Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina

387 Reviews

The state parks surrounding Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina provide varied camping environments within a 30-mile radius of town. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers multiple campgrounds including Poplar Point and Crosswinds, both accommodating tents and RVs with electric hookups and water connections. Raven Rock State Park, located approximately 20 miles southwest, features both primitive canoe-in sites along the Cape Fear River and the newer Moccasin Branch Campground with full hookup RV sites, tent areas, and cabins. Several state parks in the region maintain campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, from basic tent sites to full-service RV facilities. Campers seeking the best camping near Fuquay-Varina will find diverse options spanning from waterfront campsites with fishing and swimming access to secluded woodland settings perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with limited availability during winter months. Jordan Lake campgrounds typically close from October to January, while Falls Lake facilities maintain longer seasons with some year-round access. "The RV campground is well spaced and have full hookup. It was a great bathhouse that is kept very clean. Lots of hiking trails to explore and a very nice visitors center," noted one Raven Rock visitor. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping, particularly during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winters remain relatively mild with occasional freezing temperatures. Many campsites feature shade trees that provide relief during hot weather, though primitive sites may lack amenities like running water or flush toilets.

Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and maintenance of facilities at state parks near Fuquay-Varina. At Raven Rock State Park, visitors highlight the spacious campsites and excellent hiking opportunities along the Cape Fear River. One camper described it as "a new and clean campground. Very nice rangers monitor the campground and are extremely helpful. Each site is large and well spaced out from other campers." The trails at Raven Rock receive particular attention in reviews, with multiple users noting their accessibility for families. Jordan Lake's campgrounds offer water recreation opportunities including boating, swimming, and fishing, making them popular during warmer months. Falls Lake Recreation Area, located north of Raleigh, provides similar water-based activities with campsites featuring lake views and access to multiple swimming areas.

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Best Camping Sites Near Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina (69)

    1. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    52 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $27 - $37 / night

    "Poplar Point Campground could quite possibly be the best campground in all of North Carolina!"

    "Poplar Point is located on the banks of the lake in the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area."

    2. Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $27 - $77 / night

    "This area is such a short drive from the triangle area of North Carolina, yet this park feels quite remote. Like many state parks, this one excels in the services department. "

    "This is a pretty nice campground, similar to other state parks in North Carolina. The sites are spacious, we stayed at a double site that allowed up to 4 cars."

    3. Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park

    21 Reviews
    Mamers, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 893-4888

    $27 - $75 / night

    "The campground is walking distance to Raven Rock trails and you get a free walk up pass to get in. We had a very good time and will definitely go back."

    "It is a place of beauty and next to cape fear river ,Has plenty of places to hike to and to camp."

    4. North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    19 Reviews
    Raleigh, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 612-6767

    $35 / night

    "Restaurants and downtown Raleigh are within short driving distance. Public bathrooms and showers (cold water) are a 2 minute walk to Horse Complex H6, Barn B Very little tree cover."

    "The actual address is 801 Youth Center Drive. One camping location is up in the woods behind the horse complex. The other is on the actual fairgrounds property along Youth Center Drive."

    5. William B. Umstead State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Morrisville, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 571-4170

    $27 / night

    "We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months."

    "Lots of great paths to walk."

    6. Canoe Camp — Raven Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    Mamers, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (910) 893-4888

    $17 / night

    "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."

    "There are a few sites and a pit toilet nearby but you can not see each other. I highly recommend!"

    7. Phelps West

    2 Reviews
    Fuquay-Varina, NC
    4 miles
    +1 (919) 491-9331

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Great spot for boondocking near town. Secluded area. Easy communication with homeowner. Thanks!"

    8. Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    36 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $27 - $77 / night

    "If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nice shaded nature, hiking trails and calm peace & quiet that"

    "The North Carolina State Park campgrounds are typically very nice, and this one is no exception. My site is adjacent to a large, clean, working bathhouse and a 2 minute walk from a swim beach."

    9. Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $27 - $77 / night

    "Tucked away and nestled off of 98 highway, Rolling View campground is a great, secluded spot."

    "I spent a night in Shinleaf walk in campground in April as part of a backpacking trip along the Falls Lake MST trail, sections 8-12."

    10. Coopers RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Clayton, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 359-8060
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Recent Camping Photos near Fuquay-Varina, NC

122 Photos of 69 Fuquay-Varina Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fuquay-Varina, NC

387 Reviews of 69 Fuquay-Varina Campgrounds

  • Mike A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 1, 2026

    Spacious Skies Sandy Run

    Great Campground for a Stopover

    While this is a Spacious Skies Campground with all of the SS stuff (playground, bounce pad, pool, dog run, etc) it doesn't quite have the SS vibe.  Felt a little more like a long term campground.  There are 55 sites. While we were there, I counted 38 campers that I'm almost sure were long term and 5 that seemed short term like us.  The only thing that put me off about this though was a couple of sites seem to keep their dogs mostly outside in dog fences.

    The campground is appropriately named (Sandy Run) because is it mostly sand.  There is at least a half mile sand road to get back to the campground.  All of the roads in it are sand, though you can tell the base is gravel.  The campsites themselves are mostly sand, with thick gravel to park on, nice concrete pads with picnic tables to sit at and a fire ring at each site.  There was a very nice short hiking trail that went around a small lake.  

    All of the staff was super friendly and helpful.  The campground and sites are clean and well maintained.  The bath and laundry house are also clean.

    We had the only non-FHU site, so I had to use the dump station, which was easy access and well maintained.

    The campground is close to I95 with easy access, but far enough away that you can't hear the highway noise.  It is right next to the Fayetteville airport, but being a regional, it is not very busy.

    Bottom line, I would definitely stay here again, but we have family in the area.

  • nt B.
    Nov. 10, 2025

    Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    Rolling View

    This Site is Clean, and relatively quiet. The Rest room is Clean as well as the Shower. The water is nice and hot to shower. I stay 2 nights and my next visit I will fish 🐠🐟.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    Butner lake WMA

    Sketchy

    When I pulled up, there was a large, unattended RV with 4 aggressive dogs in a cage outside. A couple other camps gave a sketchy vibe, and they were all close together. We bailed.

  • Chris R.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Phelps West

    Great Location

    Great spot for boondocking near town. Secluded area. Easy communication with homeowner. Thanks!

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    Family Friendly Campground

    B.W. Wells Campground at Falls Lake felt like stepping into a quiet forest hideaway, where the kids could explore trails, spot eagles over the water, and watch butterflies while we enjoyed campfires under the trees. It’s strictly hike-in and tent-only, so we had to pack light and plan carefully, but the trade-off was true peace and space to connect without the noise of RVs or busy roads. With shaded group sites, fire pits, picnic tables, nearby restrooms, and lake access perfect for paddling or fishing, it offered a rustic yet rewarding experience that was still close enough to Wake Forest for a quick meal or supply run when we needed it.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Phelps West

    Someone's Front Yard

    Pulling into Phelps West in Fuquay-Varina was nothing short of unsettling - it felt less like a campground and more like I had accidentally driven into someone’s front yard. The tiny gravel road led past a mailbox and straight onto what looked like private property, complete with several cars scattered around the house, and when I knocked on the door for guidance, no one answered despite it being the middle of the day. With kids in tow, the whole situation felt awkward and a bit creepy, and I honestly wasn’t comfortable staying; if you’re even considering this spot, definitely call or email ahead because showing up unannounced was not a family-friendly experience.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Family Friendly Lake Jordon

    Poplar Point Campground at Jordan Lake quickly became one of my family’s favorite spots, offering the perfect mix of nature and convenience just outside Raleigh. With over 500 shaded sites, many right along the shoreline, the kids had room to play while we enjoyed peaceful lake views and easy access to boating, kayaking, and fishing. The campground has plenty of family-friendly touches from playgrounds, picnic tables, fire rings, and boat ramps along with water and electric hookups at most sites, though I learned that some loops have cleaner bathhouses than others. Bald eagles overhead, herons by the water, and fiery sunsets made it feel like we were far from the city, yet Apex and Pittsboro were just a short drive away when we needed a meal or groceries. My tips: aim for a lakefront site in Loops C, F, or G, pack serious bug spray for summer, and plan to catch at least one sunset across the water as it’s the kind of view the kids will remember long after the trip.

  • Donnelle The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Butner lake WMA

    Be Advised!

    All Campers MUST have a fishers/hunters license. Rangers wrote us a warning ticket for not having our own, but we are headed to Walmart to get one for about $30

  • Bailey R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Lake front view

    This is such a pretty camp site. Even if you aren’t on the water you still have a beautiful view of the lake. The spots are well spread out so you don’t feel like you are on top of each other and it’s very kid friendly

Guide to Fuquay-Varina

Campgrounds near Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina offer year-round options spanning Piedmont terrain between 200-400 feet elevation. The region's sandy soil drains quickly after rain, making most sites accessible even after storms. Many campsites within the area can accommodate larger groups with multiple tents or RVs at single sites.

What to do

Water activities at Rolling View: Falls Lake State Recreation Area's Rolling View Campground provides extensive shoreline access with fishing piers and multiple swim areas. "We've camped here 2 or 3 times now and we can't get enough of this park. It is huge, covered in hiking trails like Mountains to Sea Trail and Falls Lake Trail. The dogs love it, the camp sites are beautiful and clean," notes one regular visitor.

Hiking opportunities: The trail system at Moccasin Branch Campground connects to scenic riverside paths with varying difficulty levels. "I absolutely love this spot! I've been here a few times now and it was absolutely incredible! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a chill hike and a nice campsite," shares a repeat camper.

Bird watching: The forests around campsites near Fuquay-Varina support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. At Rolling View, campers report, "Great sites here at this CG in central NC. Minutes from the RDU area, convenient to 540. Tucked away and nestled off of 98 highway, Rolling View campground is a great, secluded spot... Connect with the Mountains to Sea trail too for a great hike!"

What campers like

Spacious, lake-view sites: At Poplar Point Campground, campers appreciate the site layout. "Like the way the campsites take advantage of the rolling terrain. Campsites are roomy. Lots of shade. We had a substantial deluge while there, and the water drained just fine," explains one visitor who stayed in the F Loop.

Clean facilities: Camping facilities around Fuquay-Varina receive consistent praise for maintenance standards. "The bathhouse has a lot to be desired. Beach is nice and the sites are spacious. I love this campground!" reports a camper at Holly Point. Another notes, "Bathhouses were super clean. And we were a short walk to the lake to fish and hang out near the water."

Wildlife viewing: The natural setting around camping areas provides frequent wildlife encounters. "Deer walked right behind our site. Boat ramp in campground. Swim area and playground," shares a Crosswinds camper. The diverse ecosystem supports numerous bird species including waterfowl along lake shorelines.

What you should know

Seasonal closures: Several campsites near Fuquay-Varina operate on limited schedules. William B. Umstead State Park Campground closes from December to mid-March, while some waterfront sites close from November through February due to water level management.

Reservation requirements: Peak season (April-October) typically requires bookings 2-6 months in advance for weekend stays. "We stayed at Jordan Lake Campground. It had nice hiking trails. The lake is pretty big. Exploring on our kayaks was a lot of fun. Our tent site was by the water and included water and electric," notes a camper.

Airport noise: Due to proximity to RDU International Airport, some campgrounds experience periodic aircraft noise. "If you're sensitive consider bringing earplugs for your comfort," suggests a Holly Point camper who otherwise enjoyed their stay.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming access: Sites with gradual shoreline entry work best for families with small children. "The lake is beautiful and great for kids. We will be going back!" shares a Falls Lake visitor. Most swimming areas lack lifeguards and operate seasonally from late May through early September.

Playground proximity: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds near camping loops. "Very Family-friendly. It's best if you can get a site near the beach if you have kids. Otherwise you'll end up driving them back-and-forth," advises a Holly Point camper.

Educational opportunities: William B. Umstead State Park offers interpretive programs on weekends during summer. "So much fun to camp here. They had a controlled burn of the Holly Hill Loop in February. It was really neat and educational to see the charred bottoms of the trees," reports a visitor who appreciated the learning experience with their children.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for big rigs: RVers with larger vehicles should target specific loops at Jordan Lake campgrounds. "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," notes a Poplar Point visitor.

Extended stay options: For longer visits, Coopers RV Park offers monthly rates with full hookups. "David Bannister runs a very nice park. The spots are well spaced out. He has daily, weekly and monthly rates. No pool or amenities, just a nice place to park with a concrete pad and full hook ups," explains one reviewer.

Dump station planning: Most state park campgrounds require using centralized dump stations rather than in-site sewer connections. "Great weekend close to Apex," notes a Jordan Lake camper, highlighting the convenience of the location for provisioning and service access.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Fuquay-Varina, NC?

The Fuquay-Varina area boasts several exceptional campgrounds within a short drive. Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area is highly rated for its clean facilities, swim beach access, and excellent cell reception. Parkers Creek Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers stunning natural beauty just 20 minutes from Raleigh, making it perfect for weekend getaways. For those seeking more seclusion, Eno River State Park Campground provides riverside camping with extensive hiking trails and swimming opportunities. Each of these destinations combines convenience with natural beauty, making them standout choices for camping near Fuquay-Varina.

How much do campsites near Fuquay-Varina typically cost?

Campsite costs near Fuquay-Varina vary by amenities and location. State parks like Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offer more affordable options, typically ranging from $20-35 per night for standard sites. For RV-specific accommodations, North Pointe RV Resort in nearby Selma provides well-maintained, level sites with full hookups at slightly higher rates. Budget-conscious campers should consider state parks during weekdays, while private RV parks generally command premium prices for their additional amenities. Most campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays and have different pricing tiers based on hookup availability and site location.

What amenities are available at Fuquay-Varina area camping grounds?

Camping grounds near Fuquay-Varina offer a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area provides clean bathrooms and showers, well-maintained campsites, and a sense of seclusion despite being close to urban areas. For a unique experience, Cedarock Park in Burlington features hike-in camping along Rock Creek with sites that can accommodate large groups. Many campgrounds in the area offer water access for swimming and paddling, hiking trails, picnic areas, and fire rings. RV-friendly sites typically include electrical hookups, water connections, and dump stations, while tent campers will find level pads and access to communal facilities.

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