Best Campgrounds near Hillsborough, NC
The area around Hillsborough, North Carolina has several good camping spots within driving distance. Raven Rock State Park sits about an hour away and combines hiking trails with basic camping areas. Campers also head to Umstead State Park Campground when they want clean facilities and quiet woods without going too far from town. For those who like fishing and swimming, Staunton River State Park Campground puts you right by the water, though you'll need to drive a bit farther. Some of the back roads to these sites get rough after rain, so check conditions before heading out in a low car. Most parks in the region require camping permits, and fire rules change seasonally, so look up current regulations before your trip. The state park reservation system lets you book spots ahead of time, which is worth doing on summer weekends when sites fill up. From Hillsborough, you can also take day trips to both the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. The Appalachian Trail isn't far either if you want to add some hiking to your camping trip. Just remember that many of these camping areas have only basic bathrooms and water spigots, so pack accordingly.