Middlesex, North Carolina sits in Nash County at an elevation of 220 feet, close to several state recreation areas and campgrounds. The area features heavily wooded campsites interspersed with lake access points. Nearby Falls Lake spans 12,000 acres with multiple campground options around its shoreline.
What to do
Fishing in stocked lakes: B.W. Wells at Falls Lake State Recreation Area offers excellent fishing access directly from camping areas. "Sites are right on the lake, perfect for kayaking. The sites are close together but still semi private. Lots of short hikes and a swimming area," notes Heather L.
Beach swimming with facilities: Holly Point provides a dedicated swim area with amenities for day use. "Beautiful beach we didn't get to take advantage of but would love to go back! Large sites made it easy to set up multiple tents or camper and tent," reports Michelle M. The beach area includes restrooms and is within walking distance of some campsites.
Hiking trail access: William B. Umstead State Park Campground connects to multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "Primitive camping has drive in, picnic table, fire ring, tent spot, and trails starting at your back door," explains Cara G. The park offers both paved and natural surface trails suitable for different hiking abilities.
What campers like
Spacious pull-through sites: RVacation Campground provides large sites designed for easy access. "Pull through spots that make overnight, or even a couple day, stays very easy. Full hook ups. Clean. Even though just off the highway, very quiet," shares Casey W. The campground maintains level gravel pads that accommodate various RV sizes.
Heated water lines: Camping during winter months remains viable at certain locations. "We stayed for several months while waiting for a house to be built...in freeeezing cold weather! We were impressed that the water lines are heated, so we didn't have to disconnect our water for the unusually cold 2 degree weather," explains lorie M. about RVacation Campground.
Clean facilities: Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area maintains well-kept bathroom buildings. "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," states Dana M. Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities across the park.
What you should know
Airport noise: Several campgrounds experience periodic aircraft noise due to proximity to RDU International Airport. "The only thing you will contend with is occasional air traffic noise from RDU. If you're sensitive consider bringing earplugs for your comfort," advises Jessica H. at Holly Point.
Highway proximity: Interstate noise affects some pet-friendly camping near Middlesex, North Carolina. "Right off the highway. Campground up against i95 so traffic noise constantly. Site was nice but they can really pack them in," reports Bob W. about one location.
Seasonal availability: State Fairgrounds Campground has limited access during events. "Limited camping access is available during the month of October and certain event weekends," as noted in the campground information. The fairgrounds offers basic sites with full hookups but limited amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas when traveling with children. "Very Family-friendly. It's best if you can get a site near the beach if you have kids Otherwise you'll end up driving them back-and-forth," recommends Sherri P. regarding Holly Point.
Dedicated recreation areas: Some campgrounds feature organized activities and designated play spaces. "Two pools, one Jacuzzi, 3 Dog parks. Volley ball, playground, putt putt and more...Every Friday, Saturday and Sundays they have free waffles for small donation," describes Mary jo A. about Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages.
Kid-friendly water access: Look for campgrounds with gradual water entry points. "Clean and spacious. We camped out the first night the campground was open for the season. They were performing controlled burns but nothing bothered us. We tent camped at an RV site just for some extra comfort with the water and power. Bathhouses were super clean. And we were a short walk to the lake to fish and hang out near the water," shares Melinda J. about her experience at Holly Point.
Tips from RVers
Extended stay options: Several campgrounds accommodate longer-term visitors. "Coopers is a clean well maintained park between Clayton and Garner. Just minutes from downtown Raleigh. All of their sites have both 30 and 50 amp service. They all also have both water and sewer. They offer both weekend and extended rental," explains Donald R. about Coopers RV Park.
Level sites save setup time: Many campgrounds in the area feature pre-leveled pads. "This is a very large campground that can accommodate any size RV. They do not allow tents. All sites are gravel, but are quite level. I pulled in, and didn't have to adjust anything," reports Sheri K. about the State Fairgrounds Campground.
Pet exercise areas: Dedicated dog parks exist at several locations for pet-friendly camping near Middlesex. "Peaceful camping. We really enjoyed how peaceful this campground is and everyone was friendly. The spots are a really nice size and the park has sweet donkeys and a duck pond to visit," notes Jaime W. about WNC Kampers Lodge Of America.
