Hillsborough's surrounding area offers a mix of wooded RV parks within 30 miles of town, nestled in the Piedmont region where elevations range from 350 to 700 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall particularly popular for campers seeking moderate weather. Winter camping remains viable with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods.
What to do
Fishing at nearby lakes: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area provides excellent fishing opportunities with multiple access points. "We loved this place and will definitely be back. There are tons of small beaches that you can walk or boat to that are secluded enough to allow your dog to run freely," notes a visitor to Poplar Point Campground.
Hiking through forested trails: William B. Umstead State Park offers extensive trail systems suitable for all skill levels. "Umstead is an awesome place to come for the weekend whether you are into camping, hiking, running, or biking. There are a wide variety of single track to larger sand/dirt paths," shares one camper at William B. Umstead State Park.
Kayaking and canoeing: The numerous waterways near Hillsborough provide paddling opportunities. "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," explains a visitor who enjoyed water activities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacing at many RV parks. At Spring Hill RV Park, a reviewer notes, "The spaces are far enough apart that they aren't on top of each other. The park is nicely hidden in the trees; it's only about 10 min to Chapel Hill/Carrboro stores, restaurants, etc."
Reliable connectivity: For those needing to stay connected, the area delivers. "The Wifi is excellent and, I believe, cell service is good for pretty much everyone since it's so close to the Triangle," mentions another Spring Hill RV Park visitor.
Kid-friendly amenities: Families find plenty of activities at parks like Cane Creek Campground. "Plenty of places to tent camp or RV camp! Places to fish things for kids to play on and of course places to shower after! One of my family's favorite places to camp!"
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many RV parks near Hillsborough experience peak seasons during spring and fall. "Beautiful little park nestled into the woods! Our site (17) was on the opposite side of the real lake access and right across from the annual spots," notes a Cane Creek visitor about site selection.
Site features vary significantly: While most RV campgrounds offer the basics, amenities differ between parks. At Jones Station RV Park, a reviewer found "Extra wide and extra long pull thru site, sites nicely spaced apart similar to state parks, shady site #28, very quiet, extra wide roadways, level site, gravel site."
Advanced reservations recommended: Popular sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. "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," shares a Poplar Point camper about lakeside amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds have dedicated play areas. "The 40s sites seem to be the best spots to get for a view or access to Lake activities. There are 3 parks which kiddo had a great time making friends at," explains a visitor to Cane Creek Campground.
Swimming opportunities: Lakes provide cooling relief during hot months. "Been here twice this summer with friends. Loved being able to just chill in the lake away from it all," shares a visitor about Jordan Lake.
Educational opportunities: State parks often offer ranger programs. "Located close to nothing else, this campground was so peaceful at night. During the day, it's beautiful. It's got showers with hot water and accessible facilities," notes a Cane Creek visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: When staying at RV campgrounds in Hillsborough, North Carolina, experienced campers recommend specific sites. "We camped at C-52. This site was very spacious, easy to back into, and level. This was a HUGE site, lots of space between neighbors," shares a Poplar Point camper.
Local shopping access: Many RV parks provide convenient access to necessities. "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," notes a Jones Station RV Park visitor.
Extended stay options: For longer visits to the area, several RV parks accommodate monthly residents. At Jordan Dam RV Park, "We stayed at Jordan Dam RV Park for a year while waiting for our house to be built. The campground is a great, quiet place. The RV Park has on-site propane filling, and if you leave your tank on your picnic table, Earl will come and fill it."
