Best Campgrounds near Morrisville, NC

Camping near Morrisville, North Carolina centers around several lake-based state recreation areas within a 30-minute drive. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, located 20 miles southwest in Apex, features multiple campgrounds including Poplar Point and Crosswinds, with both tent and RV sites. Falls Lake State Recreation Area, situated northeast of Morrisville, encompasses several campgrounds such as Rolling View, Holly Point, and Shinleaf. William B. Umstead State Park, just 15 minutes from Morrisville, provides additional camping options closer to Raleigh. These areas offer a mix of waterfront and wooded sites with varying levels of amenities and accessibility.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from March through October. Rolling View at Falls Lake remains open year-round, while others like Holly Point operate from March 15 to October 31. William B. Umstead State Park's camping season runs from March 15 to December 1. Summer months bring humid conditions and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with visitors reporting strong signals at Jordan Lake campgrounds. According to reviews, Verizon customers have reported download speeds of 52 Mbps at Poplar Point, making remote work possible for those needing connectivity.

The campgrounds offer distinct experiences based on location and amenities. Jordan Lake sites feature spacious, wooded campsites with good separation between neighbors, boat launches, and designated swimming areas. Many lakefront sites require early reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Falls Lake campgrounds connect to the Mountains to Sea Trail, providing hiking opportunities beyond the immediate camping area. Most state park campgrounds prohibit alcohol, though enforcement varies. RV campers will find electric and water hookups at most locations, with dump stations available but limited full-hookup sites. Campers note that while bathhouse facilities are generally clean, they can be basic, with some visitors mentioning motion-activated showers that can be challenging to use.

Best Camping Sites Near Morrisville, North Carolina (62)

    1. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    52 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    12 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."

    2. Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    11 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."

    3. William B. Umstead State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Morrisville, NC
    5 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."

    4. Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    31 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    14 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."

    5. North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    19 Reviews
    Raleigh, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 612-6767

    $35 / night

    "Restaurants and downtown Raleigh are within short driving distance. Public bathrooms and showers (cold water) are a 2 minute walk to Horse Complex H6, Barn B Very little tree cover."

    "The actual address is 801 Youth Center Drive. One camping location is up in the woods behind the horse complex. The other is on the actual fairgrounds property along Youth Center Drive."

    6. Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    36 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    16 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."

    7. Eno River State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Hillsborough, NC
    19 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."

    8. B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Wake Forest, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $72 / night

    "There are tons of hiking trails all around and plenty of bike trails too! Conveniently located north of Raleigh, NC and close to many major highways."

    "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"

    9. Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Wake Forest, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $27 - $72 / night

    "If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and are looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nice shaded nature, hiking trails and calm, peace& quiet"

    "Falls Lake State Recreation area is an interesting area in that it is made up of a number of non-connecting areas. The camping is at Shinleaf and is walk up only."

    10. New Hope Overlook Primitive Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    B. Everett Jordan Lake, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $17 / night

    "Great hiking trails or you can just read and cook by the fire. Have been going there for years with my kids. An excellent, little known spot."

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Recent Reviews near Morrisville, NC

408 Reviews of 62 Morrisville Campgrounds


  • Maria Mercedes M.
    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.
    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.
    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

  • Bailey R.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    Lake front view

    This is such a pretty camp site. Even if you aren’t on the water you still have a beautiful view of the lake. The spots are well spread out so you don’t feel like you are on top of each other and it’s very kid friendly

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Jordan Lake Crosswinds

    Big Water, Tall Pines & Gorgeous Lakefront Sunsets

    Nestled along the shores of Jordan Lake, Crosswinds Campground is one of those places that makes one feel like they just scored a million-dollar lakefront spot for the cost of a campsite fee. First impressions? Towering pines everywhere, a breeze rolling off the water and the faint hum of boats out on the lake. It’s a large, well-loved campground that still manages to feel peaceful – provided you’re not parked next to that one guy who thinks 'quiet hours' are just a suggestion.

    The facilities here strike a nice balance between rustic and comfortable. Out of the 182 sites, 134 offer water and electric hookups, making it RV-friendly while still keeping things woodsy. Every site has the basics: picnic table, fire ring, lantern / garbage holder and enough tree cover to keep you from baking like a biscuit in the North Carolina summer sun. Bathhouses are clean and scattered through the loops in just about the right proportion where the loos feel like an overcrowded line to see your favorite band with a dump station on site at each of the campground loops. Roads are well-paved –although you will find that errant pothole just waiting to take out one of your tires, so tread carefully – but a little snug for bigger rigs, so if you drive something the size of a tour bus, maybe don’t test your parallel parking skills here.

    The lake is the true star. With 180 miles of shoreline surrounding a 12,000-acre reservoir, Jordan Lake sprawls wide enough to feel like a small ocean … and Crosswinds puts you right on the edge of it. Beyond the lake itself, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area covers a span of some 46,000 acres of public land, so there’s tons of nature to explore here. Boating, fishing and kayaking are all top-notch, and the eagle-spotting here is so good you’ll feel like you wandered onto a National Geographic special. If you want civilization, the quaint and full-service townships of Cary, Apex and Pittsboro are all close by for groceries, breweries or just a break from your campfire cooking experiments.

    As for the campground itself, there are 3 distinct loops: A, B & C (yes, even your kindergartner can keep these 3 straight!). Here’s a breakdown of each loop, because each one offers up something different and unique – some things good, some things not so much – that may influence where you choose to camp. Here’s a snapshot:

    Loop A (AKA 'Boats & Bobbers'): (1) the only loop that is entirely non-electric, so if powering up your campsite is important, then bring your own source or look to the other loops; (2) closest to the main entrance, so great for quick access, but the only loop if you take a left at the fork (the other 2 loops are right of the fork); (3) nearest the boat launch, so you will experience all of the boat-launching skippers driving westward past your loop from dusk to dawn, which is great if you are thumbing your way to the boat launch, not so great if you prize peace & quiet; (4) an ‘easter egg’ of a hidden trail exists near A21 that will lead you down to the lakeshore to a quiet spot perfect for uncorking that vintage Bordeaux you’ve been looking for the right location and moment to savor; and (5) IMHO the best sites are those that are lake-facing such as 19– 22 and 45– 47.

    Loop B (AKA 'Sand & Swimming'): (1) if Loop A is defined by its proximity to the boat launch, then this loop can be dubbed the Beach Loop as it is the only circuit with an actual beachhead and proper swimming area; (2) while centrally located in between the other 2 loops, this area is definitely considered more tranquil and has a tighter feeling of community; (3) unlike the previous loop, this one has campsites with running electric and water, but there’s a bonus to some of these sites as they are considered duplex campsites, so while a bit more$ ($25 more for non-electric and $40 more for duplexes with electric), you’ll have more space, which is especially important if there’s 2 families looking to camp together; and (4) IMHO the best sites here are those westernmost, lake-facing spots such as 24, 26, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 40.

    Loop C ('Sunsets& Sundowners'): (1) just like the previous loop, here you’ll find all campsites have running water & electric, so no primitive shenanigans to deal with here; (2) of the 3 loops, this is the one located most northernly, most secluded, furthest from the entrance and has no amenities (like a beach or boat launch) that will draw non-camping traffic; (3) the biggest draw of this loop are the arresting views of Lake Jordan, especially at dusk, where you can place your fold-up camping chair in just the right direction, sit back and sip on those sunset-inspired Mai Tais; (4) There’s a small, hidden beach (shhh! don’t tell your fellow campers in Loop B, lest they become disenfranchised!) that you can access near site 32 that will allow for a private swim or late-night evening hang-out staring at the breathtaking moonlit starscape; and (5) IMHO the best sites are (you guessed it) the ones that have the best views of that incandescent sundowner view facing westward, so you’ll want to eye spots 19, 21, 23, 24 – with the absolute pinnacle sites being 24, 26, 30, 32, 34 – as well as those that have even a partial view, including 36, 40 and 42.

    Insider Tips?  Here's a smattering: (1) Plan a swim or paddle near the Ebenezer Church swimming beach, just a short drive from Crosswinds. It’s less crowded than the main day-use areas and offers sandy shoreline, gentle water entry, and shady picnic spots; (2) For paddling, launch in the morning from the camper-only ramp before the motorboats hit the water and turn it into Daytona-on-the-lake; (3) Eat at The Fearrington House Restaurant in Pittsboro if you’re feeling fancy – exotic meats and Oregon Pinot Noirs so smooth they’ll make you forget you slept on a foam mattress last night; (4) Bring bug spray – the mosquitoes here treat Off! like it’s a garnish; and (5) Don’t skip stargazing on a clear night, the Milky Way shows off, and it’s better than cable.

    Happy Camping!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    Great campground

    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.

    My cell reception outside the camper is excellent, and of if I had a cell booster it would be adequate for streaming inside the camper. I don’t have one as I depend on Starlink for internet access when traveling. Unfortunately Starlink isn’t going to work in my specific site or in most of the others. This is a wooded campground and all the sites are completely shaded

    My site has water and electric. About half of the available RV sites have water and electric, it there is no sewer. There is a dump station in the campground. Unusual for NC State facilities, there are no trash bins placed around the campground, but there is a large dumpster station co-located with the dump station.

    It’s about a 15-20 minute drive to shopping, but there are several convenience stores a few minutes away.

    The campground is clean and well maintained. It meanders around a very large lake, with several beaches and boat launch areas.

  • Ari A.
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Brookhaven Mill Farm

    Quaint Site with Goats!

    I only needed to stay at this site for a few hours with my dog for dinner and a quick nap before heading on my way! The grass was a little overgrown which was just a little itchy but otherwise it was an amazing site, with a well maintained porta potty and cute animals on site!


Guide to Morrisville

Jordan Lake and Falls Lake state recreation areas provide most camping spots near Morrisville, North Carolina. Located within forested terrain at elevations between 250-350 feet, these areas experience temperature drops of 15-20 degrees at night compared to daytime highs. Many campgrounds remain busy year-round due to their proximity to the Raleigh-Durham metropolitan area, with weekends frequently reaching full capacity.

What to do

Hiking accessible trails: The Mountains to Sea Trail connects with Falls Lake campgrounds and offers extensive hiking opportunities. "We camped out the first night the campground was open for the season. They were performing controlled burns but nothing bothered us... Bathhouses were super clean. And we were a short walk to the lake to fish and hang out near the water," notes a visitor at Holly Point.

Fishing year-round: Multiple species are available in the lakes surrounding Morrisville. "If you're an angler, Lake Jordan is very well known for its large mouthed bass as well as black croppie and there's also yellow and white perch as well as a few different variety of catfish," reports a camper at New Hope Overlook Primitive Campground.

Paddling opportunities: Both lakes offer kayak and canoe access points. "We enjoyed this campsite. It was clean, quiet and very close to the boat ramp! We had a great time and will definitely be back!" shares a visitor to Crosswinds Campground.

What campers like

Waterfront access: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for boats and swimming. "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. We got anywhere from 30-55mbps with our Verizon cell coverage," notes a visitor to Poplar Point Campground.

Well-maintained facilities: Most campgrounds feature reliable bathhouses and facilities. "I have been at this camp ground for nearly two weeks. Every Ranger and employee I've interacted with has been amazingly professional and nice. The facilities are kept in pristine shape regarding cleanliness and upkeep," shares a camper at Holly Point.

Convenient urban proximity: Campsites offer natural settings while remaining close to urban amenities. "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. Our tent site was by the water and included water and electric. We will return," explains a visitor at Poplar Point.

What you should know

Seasonal variations: Different campgrounds operate on distinct schedules. "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. We love camping with lots of trees and nature. Great campground for biking," mentions a camper at Poplar Point.

Aircraft noise: The proximity to RDU airport means occasional overhead flights. "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 a visitor at Holly Point.

Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially for peak periods. "This campground is right on a lake allowing for drive in campground with a body of water to swim, kayak, and enjoy only 100 yards away. Showers, bathrooms, and running drinking water is nearby," notes a visitor at William B. Umstead State Park Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas near the campsites. "Loved that there was a playground near the site. The site itself was gravelly and not super private but it was great- the hikes around were stunning," shares a visitor at B.W. Wells Campground.

Beach swimming areas: Dedicated swimming beaches offer safer water access. "Crosswinds has a nice sand beach on the lake and a boat launch as well. Some of the sites offer a tie-off of your boat adjacent to your campsite. The camping sites are spacious and most are level," notes a camper at Crosswinds Campground.

Educational opportunities: Ranger programs and nature activities are available seasonally. "We loved the educational experiences at this park. Very knowledgeable and clean," shares a visitor at Eno River State Park Campground.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Most campgrounds have generally level sites but variations exist. "Amazing spots for RVs on the water! There are TONS of spots that are right on the lake yet have plenty of trees for privacy. Each has a nice fire pit/grill and picnic table. Dump stations are not far from any of the circles," explains an RVer at Poplar Point.

Distance between sites: Space varies significantly between campgrounds. "Like the way the campsites take advantage of the rolling terrain. Campsites are roomy. Lots of shade. We had a substantial deluge while there, and the water drained just fine. Nice shower facilities," notes a visitor at Poplar Point.

Limited full hookups: While water and electric are common, sewer hookups are less available. "This was our very first full-time RV park. We loved being in the park and it easily accommodated our 39ft. Class A. Back-in site but with plenty of room to do so. Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station," explains a visitor at Crosswinds Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Morrisville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Morrisville, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 62 campgrounds and RV parks near Morrisville, NC and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Morrisville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Morrisville, NC is Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 52 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Morrisville, NC.