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Best Campgrounds near Raleigh, NC

405 Reviews

Raleigh, North Carolina offers many camping options that fit different outdoor styles. The City Park Campground is close by with simple facilities like bathrooms and picnic tables. Raleigh Area State Park has campsites among trees with hiking trails nearby. Camping in the North Carolina National Forest puts you in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Watch out for wildlife in the area and store food properly to avoid animal problems. Families might like the Raleigh Recreation Area with its playgrounds and fishing spots. Book early during busy times since campsites fill up fast. Groups can find good space at Raleigh County Park Campground. The area is good for day trips to the Great Smoky Mountains and parts of the Appalachian Trail. Most campgrounds have water and showers. Weekends and holidays get crowded, so check availability before going. You can usually book months ahead to secure your spot. Raleigh's camping areas work well for short trips or longer stays, with something for everyone who likes camping.

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Best Camping Sites Near Raleigh, North Carolina (63)

    1. Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    34 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (984) 867-8000

    $23 - $62 / 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"

    "A great, centrally located campground.  Raleigh is a short drive away. Wonderful shopping, antiquing, and sightseeing abound. 

    The Wake-Med Hospital is also great for emergencies."

    2. Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    31 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    13 miles
    Website

    "Raleigh is a great city, and Falls Lake St. Rec Area contributes to its awesomeness. Got to love the lakes at a state park"

    "OTA TV is ok, but not as good as one would expect being this close to Raleigh-Durham."

    3. William B. Umstead State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Morrisville, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 571-4170

    $23 / night

    "Umstead is conveniently located in the heart of Raleigh, NC. It seems to be an outdoor oasis as you can get lost in the woods with the hustle and bustle of the city all around you."

    "This park offers miles of hiking within Raleigh. You would never realize you were in Raleigh. It’s a great escape from traffic and noise a city can bring."

    4. North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    18 Reviews
    Raleigh, NC
    5 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."

    "Worked great to explore Raleigh."

    5. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    50 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    22 miles
    Website

    "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."

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

    10 Reviews
    Wake Forest, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 676-1027

    $30 / 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."

    "None of the sites are located right on the lake. You either walk the trails or drive down."

    7. Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    21 miles
    Website

    "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. "

    "Located just 30 miles west of Raleigh, Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve. "

    8. Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

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

    $62 / 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."

    9. Eno River State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Hillsborough, NC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 383-1686

    $12 - $42 / 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.  "

    "This is the best primitive camping I have found near Raleigh, NC. Permits are required and available at the park office for $13. Make sure you bring a water filter and TP."

    10. Coopers RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Clayton, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (919) 359-8060

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Raleigh, NC

155 Photos of 63 Raleigh Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Raleigh, NC

405 Reviews of 63 Raleigh Campgrounds

Guide to Raleigh

Camping near Raleigh, North Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while still being close to the city.

What to do

What campers like

What you should know

  • Noise from planes: Some campgrounds are near airports, which can be noisy. A camper at William B. Umstead State Park Campground said, "You will hear planes all day and most all night landing and taking off."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Eno River State Park Campground noted, "There are no showers, but the river is beautiful, the trails are very nice, and it’s incredibly peaceful."
  • Reservations recommended: Popular sites can fill up quickly. A camper at Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area advised, "I would highly suggest booking in advance since waterfront sites book up quick."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at North Bend Park mentioned, "Kid-friendly. We spent an afternoon at the splash pad, which is a great way to cool off in the summer."
  • Pack for comfort: Bring sleeping pads and other comforts for a better experience. A camper at Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park suggested, "The RV campground is well spaced and has full hookup."
  • Plan activities: Keep kids entertained with planned activities. A visitor at Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area shared, "We fished for hours, kayaked on the lake and the kids caught minnows."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site levels: Some sites may not be level, so check descriptions. A camper at North Bend Park noted, "Many of the sites in A are not very level for vans."
  • Use dump stations: Make sure to know where the dump stations are located. A visitor at Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "Dump stations are not far from any of the circles."
  • Bring your own firewood: Some campgrounds may not provide firewood. A camper at Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area said, "Firewood at every bathhouse you can take on the honor system."

Camping around Raleigh, NC, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Raleigh, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Raleigh, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 63 campgrounds and RV parks near Raleigh, NC and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Raleigh, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Raleigh, NC is Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.

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

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

What parks are near Raleigh, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Raleigh, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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