2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent camping opportunities surround Hillsborough, North Carolina with several notable options within a short drive. Eno River State Park Campground offers primitive tent sites accessible via hiking trails, while Cedarock Park provides tent-only camping with basic amenities approximately 15 miles west of Hillsborough. Both locations feature walk-in tent sites that require campers to hike in their gear from designated parking areas.
Tent campsites at Eno River State Park feature gravel tent pads that can be uncomfortable without proper sleeping pads. Most sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though campers must pack in their own water or filter from the river. The primitive tent setups require a hike ranging from 1-3.5 miles depending on the specific site chosen. Park gates close at 7:30pm and reopen at 7:00am, restricting late arrival or early departure. Campers should secure permits in advance from the park office, which cost approximately $13 per night.
The tent camping experience at Eno River offers peaceful seclusion despite sites being visible to neighboring campers. Access to extensive hiking trail networks makes these locations ideal base camps for day hiking excursions. The proximity to the Eno River provides opportunities for swimming and fishing during warmer months. Sites along the river allow campers to fall asleep to the sound of flowing water. According to one visitor, "The sites are always clean. The primitive sites are spaced far enough apart that it truly feels like solitude." Cedarock Park offers similar tent camping experiences but campers should note that once the gates close at night, you cannot leave until morning - something to consider when planning overnight stays.
"My partner and I camped at Fanny’s Ford at one of the primitive sites. The sites are well spaced but not a lot of privacy. We didn’t mind and everyone was cordial."
"Eno River State Park has amazing backpack in camping that is well worth the beautiful walk through the woods. The last trip here was so wonderful that we extended it by two nights! "
Available this weekend
from $17 - $47 / night
"The campground is located on a private land, has a shelter, a fire pit, and a number of tent sites."
"We're so happy to have this property on our platform. Feel free to bring your kayak or canoe to take out onto the water. Book them today and come back here to leave them some love."
from $59 - $100 / night
"Cedarock Park, located in Burlington, North Carolina, is a hidden gem for all sorts of outdoor activities. The park offers hike-in camping with a handful of sites scattered along Rock Creek."
"The park is almost 500 acres in size and offers:
- 6 miles of hiking trails
- 6 miles of equestrian trails
- 2 disc golf courses with a total of 36 holes for play
- A historical farm restored"
from $10 / night
"2 day max camping, no footprint camping, I think there are around 9 pads for 2 person tents!"
from $37 / night
"Contrary to what has been written, I would highly recommend San-Lee Park to anyone looking for a short and easy escape from the nearby Raleigh-Durham area."
"There are hiking and biking trails as well as kayaking and other water sports on the lake there."
from $15 / night
from $17 / night
TravelerSpot was not far off the road, so there’s a bit of noise of traffic but not too bad. There were a couple other people camping. They were all quiet and kept to selves. There were plenty of other pull off spots available, Some with fire pits some without. Felt super safe and at peace here.
GuideStopped here after our fiasco with holly bluff. Beautiful campground with trees. Very quiet during the day and peaceful. The only thing we found curious was the vehicle in and right back out activity between 10:30-pm and 1am back and forth to campers that were long term stays. Made nighttime hard to sleep in site 3 with vehicles back and forth for hours .
GuideStayed in the C loop right on the water. Bathrooms are up the hill at the entrance to the loop. Sites along the lake aren’t private but are spacious.
ScoutLooking for a nice place for a camping getaway? We highly recommend checking out the Deep River Campground in Asheboro, NC. The location itself is beautiful. It is literally on the Deep River and features a hiking trail that runs along the river past the remnants of a historical damn, where a small area of rapids gently swirls around the big rocks spanning the river. There’s also a large lake with a nice grassy expanse for picnics, playing games or just lazing around lakeside. This campground has been around for a while, but it has new owners now and they are breathing some for real new life into the place. They have already made lots of repairs and improvements, and you can see more in progress. There are sites for RVs with all the hook-ups, and great primitive sites for tent camping, several located right on the river. If you don’t have an RV and sleeping on the ground doesn’t spark joy, they have a few small rustic but nicely-appointed cabins. You’ll find two pools, several covered picnic shelters, a playground for the small ones, and several options for older kids and adults to play, like a horseshoe pit and a nice game room. They also have planned activities like movie nights and weiner roasts most evenings to entertain and create community among campers. They are pet friendly and have their own pet mascots on site— a flock of ducks including beautifully colored teals and mallards. We were just there for 2 nights, but I have a good feeling we’ll be visiting there again soon. Definitely worth a visi
ScoutNew and clean rv campgrounds. 28 spots. Awesome camp host Ron.
GuideLike this campground. Was a tight fit with our 20 ft trailer but it is super quiet at night. Nearby road with some noise during the day but overall great place to camp. We have seen several people pull in for over nights but left the next day. Will be back. Also make sure you buy a NC hunting or fishing license before you camp here
GuideThe sites are very large, long and wider at the back, plenty of room for a big group or family. The bathrooms look new and they are clean. Here during the week so it's very empty and quiet.
TravelerWe visited Crosswinds campground at Jordan Lake State Park on the worst heatwave of the year. The great thing about this area is that the sites a well shaded. We were about 50 yards from the lake, with the wind blowing we still were comfortable all day. We stayed on Loop A, which is my favorite loop at the park. There’s no electricity or water at the sites. There are water spickets throughout the loop with potable water. The site is awesome! There’s a small pond beside it. The neighboring sites are close, but regular conversations can not be heard.this loop is always quiet even when there are a lot of people, but it’s never been full when I’m there. I didn’t do good with photos except for the food.
LegendArriving here to Holly Point Falls feels overwhelmingly relaxing as the pines embrace you with a welcome that will immediately remind you that you are out in pure nature here. The campgrounds here are thoughtfully laid out, with a mix of tent pads, RV-friendly sites and electric & water hookups at many loops. Sites vary in privacy, but most are generous in size with enough tree cover to make you feel like you’ve claimed your own little slice of wilderness. Bathhouses are clean and functional with the park staff keeping things tidy. Families and four-legged friends are welcome and the paved roads make getting in and out relatively stress-free. Larger rigs will want to pay attention when reserving, as some loops are tighter than others. Our boys simply loved this campground with its EZ access to Falls Lake, which was perfect for us to go fishing and kayaking in. We absolutely recommend Holly Point Campground at Falls Lake for any family looking to get as close to nature, without leaving civilization completely behind.
Tent camping near Hillsborough, North Carolina offers diverse overnight options in the Piedmont region, where the average summer temperature reaches 89°F with high humidity. The area sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with a mix of hardwood forests and water features. Most tent camping locations experience seasonal closures during winter months with William B. Umstead State Park's facilities closed from December through mid-March.
Hiking the suspension bridge: At Eno River State Park Campground, trails connect to a notable suspension bridge that adds adventure to day hikes. "We really enjoy the hiking trails here and can't get enough of them! The suspension bring is pretty sweet too! Very peaceful as you walk through the park," notes Bran P.
Swimming in abandoned quarries: Summer visitors find relief from heat at natural swimming areas. "Great quarry for easy cliff jumping and swimming in the summertime," reports Daniel P. who enjoys the unique swimming spot at Eno River during warmer months.
Mountain biking trails: The William B. Umstead State Park Campground trail network accommodates cyclists with varied terrain options. "Consider bringing your bike with you too!" suggests Daniel P., who has visited the park numerous times for outdoor activities.
Educational programming: Several parks offer nature education experiences. "We loved the educational experiences at this park. Very knowledgeable and clean," shares Elizabeth V. about her stay at Eno River State Park.
Waterfront camping: Sites near water features rank highly among tent campers. "If you can camp close to the river, I recommend, it's great to fall asleep to the sounds of the river," advises Samantha P., who considers Eno River one of her favorite camping spots in the North Carolina triangle area.
Group camping facilities: San-Lee Park provides communal camping options with shared amenities. "It's an okay place, great if you are with a large group, as the sites are open but situated somewhat close to each other," explains Marvin D. about the park's layout.
Gate closure restrictions: Many parks strictly enforce entry/exit times. "They lock the gate at night and no one else is there so if you have an emergency or just need to leave you can't, you're literally stuck," warns Summer C. about Cedarock Park.
Reservation procedures: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others operate differently. "Reservations are not taken, but rather, tent campers can book a campsite on a first-come, first-served basis," explains Stuart K. about San-Lee Park's system.
Noise considerations: Road noise can impact sleep quality at certain sites. "The only downside is the road noise at night - it was very loud. Next time we will bring something to help quiet the noise," shares Tara T. about her otherwise enjoyable stay at Cedarock Park.
Playgrounds and activities: Family-friendly campgrounds include recreational facilities. "There is a tremendous amount of hiking and trails to do around here. The Eno River is more than safe to swim or paddle in. Dogs are welcome here!" shares Samantha P. about activities at Eno River.
Short hiking options: RTP Lakefront Campsite allows families to access water recreation easily. "Feel free to bring your kayak or canoe to take out onto the water," suggests Ashley F., highlighting the property's water access benefits.
Proximity to facilities: Sites near bathrooms minimize nighttime treks. "Showers, bathrooms, and running drinking water is nearby," notes Sydney S. about her experience at William B. Umstead State Park, making family camping more convenient.
Limited RV accommodations: Most tent camping locations near Hillsborough restrict vehicle types. "This is not a park for RVers, but it is a great park if you like hiking, canoeing, or primitive camping," explains Myron C. about MST Section 23 Falls Lake Camping.
Storage and parking limitations: Vehicle access varies by campground. "The sites are only available via hiking in (though the 'hike' is a short quarter mile down a wooded forest path)," Kelsey L. reports about Cedarock Park, indicating vehicles must remain in designated lots.
Alternative lodging options: Some locations offer cabins instead of RV sites. "There are historic cabins with cots to sleep on. There is electricity in the cabins," mentions Erica F. about William B. Umstead State Park's alternative accommodations for those seeking more shelter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hillsborough, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hillsborough, NC is Eno River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hillsborough, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Hillsborough, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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