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.

Best Camping Sites Near Hillsborough, North Carolina (67)

    1. Eno River State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Hillsborough, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 383-1686

    $17 - $47 / night

    "This is one of my favorite camping spots in the North Carolina triangle area.  There is a tremendous amount of hiking and trails to do around here.  "

    "On Friday there were a few logs left for campers at the entrance to the sites, which we appreciated given the recent rain."

    2. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    52 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    25 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."

    3. Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    31 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    21 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."

    4. Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    36 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    25 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."

    5. Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    24 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."

    6. Jones Station RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Mebane, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 568-0153

    $45 - $50 / night

    "Super Walmart 5 miles away along with Dollar Tree, Chick-fil-A, Zaxbys, Arbys, McDonald’s and various other restaurants  Easy access to/from Interstate 40 

    CON

    Our itinerary only permitted us an"

    7. Spring Hill RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Carrboro, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 967-4268

    "The Wifi is excellent and, I believe, cell service is good for pretty much everyone since it's so close to the Triangle. There are no facilities/bathhouses."

    8. Butner lake WMA

    10 Reviews
    Stem, NC
    20 miles
    Website

    "And whatever it is running around in the woods."

    9. Hidden Lake Park

    1 Review
    Saxapahaw, NC
    12 miles
    +1 (336) 578-0329

    10. William B. Umstead State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Morrisville, NC
    26 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."

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Recent Reviews near Hillsborough, NC

504 Reviews of 67 Hillsborough Campgrounds


  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Occoneechee State Park Campground

    Epic Cabin Retreat

    Went there with my family in March over spring break. Can’t say this was exactly camping the way we did it, but the cabin was absolutely amazing. Each cabin is probably on a 2 acre plot of land and most of them have fantastic views of Kerr Reservoir.

    Kitchens are nicely appointed, rooms are nicely decorated, just bring your own sheets and linens and get ready for a fantastic time.

  • Chris R.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Phelps West

    Great Location

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

  • Harry B.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Occoneechee State Park Campground

    Decent Campground Iron Bow

    Decent bathhouse on Iron Bow. Sites are really close together and narrow so doesn’t leave a lot of room between campers. Not terrible but also have had stayed at more spacious state park campsites. 7$ bundles for firewood for sale near the bathhouse. The Visitor center is nice with some good souvenirs for purchase and history section. Plenty of spots for fishing and launching watercraft. No designated swimming areas though. No WiFi. Verizon device at the campground worked okay. Clarksville town is quaint with some shops worth checking.

  • 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

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Greensboro KOA

    Noisy- Ok for one night

    This campground is only 100 yards from the Interstate! Lots of road noise all night. Very noisy especially in a tent. 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. Full hookups (30/50 amp) Pool, playground and camp store with basics. Shower and bathroom were clean.


Guide to Hillsborough

Camping near Hillsborough, North Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful campgrounds just a short drive away, you can enjoy nature while still being close to home.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, provide easy access to the water. One visitor mentioned, "There are tons of small beaches that you can walk or boat to that are secluded enough to allow your dog to run freely."
  • Hiking: Trails abound in places like Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park. A camper shared, "The state park has excellent hiking trails and the RV park is located in an excellent location to use them."
  • Stargazing: If you love the night sky, check out Staunton River State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "This is part of the International Dark Sky Association. We brought stargazing folding chairs and binoculars."

What campers like:

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Hillsborough, North Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fix wet spots in my lawn in Hillsborough, NC?

While this isn't directly related to camping, fixing wet spots in Hillsborough lawns typically involves improving drainage through aeration, adding topsoil to low areas, and installing French drains for persistent problems. Hillsborough's clay soil often contributes to drainage issues. For native soil inspiration, visit Crosswinds Campground to observe how natural areas manage water flow in similar soil conditions. Local garden centers near Hillsborough can provide region-specific soil amendments and grass seed varieties that handle moisture better than standard mixes.

Where can I find camping spots near Hillsborough, NC?

Hillsborough offers several excellent camping options nearby. Eno River State Park Campground is one of the closest, offering primitive sites with great hiking trails and safe swimming in the Eno River. A short drive away, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area provides multiple campgrounds with lakeside sites. Other nearby options include Falls Lake State Recreation Area to the east and Cedarock Park to the west, which offers affordable hike-in camping along Rock Creek. For RV travelers, consider Jones Station RV Park near Mebane for full hookups.

What camping is available near Hillsborough, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hillsborough, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 67 campgrounds and RV parks near Hillsborough, NC and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hillsborough, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hillsborough, NC is Eno River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hillsborough, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Hillsborough, NC.