Camping options near Knightdale, North Carolina range from primitive tent sites to modern accommodations. The area sits in the eastern Piedmont region at approximately 315 feet elevation, where summer temperatures typically reach 87-91°F. Many campgrounds in the region remain open year-round with seasonal restrictions at select locations like B.W. Wells, which closes from December through mid-March.
What to do
Hiking network access: The Mountains to Sea Trail sections at Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area connect to multiple shorter loops for varied difficulty levels. "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 camper.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple fishing piers and lake access points provide options for anglers at Bullocksville Campground — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area where bass fishing proves consistently productive. "Nice, big sites and plenty of good areas for swimming, hiking, and fishing. We always catch a ton of fish!! Bath houses are always clean and the park is in a convenient location," reports a visitor.
Wildlife observation: Trails through mixed pine and hardwood forests offer opportunities for bird watching and spotting native wildlife. "We love seeing the wildlife," mentions a camper at Rolling View. The area hosts several species of waterfowl, songbirds, and small mammals throughout the year.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area maintains well-regarded bathroom facilities with hot water showers. "Great Campsites, nice wooded sites and close to lake access. Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site," a visitor reports.
Quiet environment: Eno River State Park Campground offers a more secluded camping experience with primitive sites spaced for privacy. "The primitive sites are spaces far enough apart that it truly feels like solitude. Piper Creek is our favorite. Flat and easy 1.2 mile hike in along the river," notes a regular camper.
Winter camping options: Many sites accommodate cold-weather camping with varying levels of amenities. "Love sitting by the campfire and staring up through the trees at the moon and stars," reports a winter visitor to Rolling View who notes the bathhouse wasn't heated during November camping.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Campground accessibility varies by season, with some facilities operating on limited schedules. At Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park, trails follow the Cape Fear River, offering year-round access. "There are quite a few different campsites to choose from. There is the group site which accommodates a large group. The Canoe camp site is for the person brave enough to challenge the mighty Cape Fear River," explains a repeat visitor.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays from April through October. "Sites are large, as most are at Falls Lake, convenient access to water to put the kayak or canoe in straight from your site (check map first)," advises a camper about waterfront locations.
Site selection matters: Terrain varies significantly across campgrounds. At Bullocksville, "Not all sites are flat and some are very hard to drive into. Many have very nice lake views, and some are totally private!" This makes pre-arrival research essential.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Fayetteville RV Resort & Cottages offers swimming pools, mini-golf, and playground facilities included with camping fees. "Great spot and one of the best kept secrets of Fayetteville, NC. Great location. Right off of 95. Family friendly and tremendous facilities. Putt Putt. Weight Room. Pool. Event Center. Basketball Courts. Play Ground and Nature Trail," explains a local visitor.
Educational opportunities: Several parks host ranger-led programs focused on local ecology and history. "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," describes a family visitor to Rolling View.
Yurt camping options: For families seeking more comfort than traditional tent camping near Knightdale, North Carolina, yurt accommodations provide a middle ground. Fayetteville RV Resort & Cottages extends yurt camping options approximately 60 miles south of Knightdale. "This resort is very community oriented with activities throughout the week and a free waffle breakfast every Saturday," notes a visitor, highlighting amenities that complement the yurt camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Pay attention to length and width specifications when booking. "These sites are mostly reservable on the state website... When on site to reserve if you check amenities, it gives you many details, level, length, width, tent pads, etc. so just pay attention to those things and you should be able to book a wonderful campsite," advises an RVer at Bullocksville.
Utilities access: Not all electrified sites provide the same amperage options. "Well kept sites with water and power access. Clean public restrooms and some water and fishing pier access. Some short trails for walking but nothing too long," notes a camper about Rolling View's RV accommodations.
Winter access considerations: For those planning yurt camping near Knightdale, North Carolina during colder months, verify heating options. "We've camped here 2 or 3 times now... January was just as cold, but we rented a camper," explains one visitor who found cabins or hard-sided accommodations more comfortable during winter visits.
