Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides cabin accommodations across multiple campgrounds within 30 minutes of Raleigh. Cabins operate on seasonal schedules, with most facilities open from March through November. Water and electricity availability varies between locations, with some cabins offering only basic amenities while others provide full hookups. Terrain around Raleigh's camping areas ranges from flat lakeside settings to more wooded environments with moderate elevation changes.
What to do
Hiking on varied terrain: William B. Umstead State Park offers numerous trails with different difficulty levels. "Umstead is an awesome place to come for the weekend whether you are into camping, hiking, running, or biking. There are a wide variety of single track to larger sand/dirt paths," notes one visitor who frequents the park with their cross country team.
Fishing opportunities: Rolling View at Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides excellent fishing access. "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 regular visitor.
Water recreation: The lakes at various parks offer swimming and boating options during warmer months. "The lake is beautiful and great for kids. We will be going back!" shares one camper about their experience at Falls Lake. Many cabins are situated within walking distance of water access points.
Trail running: The extensive network of trails makes this area popular with runners. "I've been to this park over a dozen times to run, and every time seems better than the previous one. Depending on where you park, you can access excellent 8-14 mile loops on the main gravel paths," explains an enthusiastic runner about Umstead State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At B.W. Wells Campground, campers appreciate the spacing between accommodations. "Located on a semi rural area, the sites are very wooded and quiet. There was a lake nearby with an open sky where you could see hundreds of stars at night," notes one visitor about the night sky visibility.
Clean facilities: Crosswinds Campground at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area receives praise for maintenance. "We love camping at Lake Jordan... There's 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," reports one regular visitor.
Year-round access: Some cabin facilities remain open throughout winter. "Starting at $30/night for a camping lot. I came here with a 25 foot shuttle bus. There are people here with deluxe buses, car+tent campers and everything in between," reports a visitor to B.W. Wells Campground, noting the availability of "bathroom facilities with hot showers located near every loop."
Wildlife viewing: The natural surroundings attract diverse wildlife. "My husband and I absolutely love this place! Park rangers are friendly, campsites aren't on top of each other and the restrooms and showers are clean. We love seeing the wildlife," shares a camper from Rolling View, highlighting the animal observation opportunities.
What you should know
Gate closing times: Access restrictions apply at several parks. "This campground is pretty great except for two things. There is no septic on your site, and they lock the gate after a certain hour. If you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck," reports a camper about Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.
Reservation requirements: All cabin accommodations require advance booking, especially during peak season. "We reserved it through their website. They offer a small discount for senior citizens and military," mentions a visitor to B.W. Wells Campground.
Varied amenities: Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages offers more resort-style amenities. "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. They also have organized activities," explains one camper about the additional services available.
Weather considerations: Rain can impact site conditions at some locations. "It has been raining for a couple of days prior. The park was absolutely gorgeous and secluded feeling (probably thanks to the rain!) The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful and provided plenty of info," shares a camper at Canoe Camp in Raven Rock State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature recreational facilities for children. "Loved having a double site with my parents. Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy," notes a visitor to Crosswinds Campground about the family-friendly setup.
Easy hiking for kids: Moccasin Branch Campground at Raven Rock State Park offers trails suitable for younger hikers. "We hiked in from the parking lot too one of the canoe in sites on the river. I loved all the trails, mainly the one that goes from the campsite I was on to the river where there is natural waterslide. This is a very pretty state Park, OK to hike with children."
Swimming areas: Designated swimming spots provide safer water recreation. "Bathroom facilities with hot showers located near every loop. Swimming areas at certain places around the lake," reports a visitor about B.W. Wells Campground, highlighting the convenience for families.
Multiple accommodation options: For groups with varying camping preferences, sites like Raleigh Oaks provide diverse sleeping arrangements. "We wanted the amenities for our four year old. Playground, mini golf, horseshoe, 3 dog parks, 2 pools, lots of bathrooms, 2 launderettes, lots of cabins, pull through spots and cabins," explains a first-time RV camper.
Tips from RVers
Proximity to supplies: The convenience of nearby services appeals to RV travelers. "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 visitor about Rolling View Campground at Falls Lake.
Site spacing: Jordan Lake's Crosswinds Campground provides adequate room for larger vehicles. "Great Campsites, nice wooded sites and close to lake access. Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site. Boat ramp in campground. Swim area and playground," shares an RVer about the spacious accommodations.
Hookup availability: RVers appreciate the utility connections at certain parks. "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," reports a visitor about their experience at Crosswinds Campground.
Year-round facilities: Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages remains operational throughout winter. "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."
