Falls Lake State Recreation Area and Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offer diverse camping options within 30 miles of Raleigh. These recreation areas feature extensive trail systems connecting campsites to the lakes, with some trails like the Mountains to Sea Trail providing longer hiking routes through forested terrain. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer, making camping possible year-round at many locations. Sites fill quickly during peak summer months, with weekends often booked months in advance.
What to do
Hiking trails for all abilities: At Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, visitors access multiple trail systems including the Mountains to Sea Trail and Falls Lake Trail. The trails accommodate diverse skill levels and connect campsites to lake views. According to one camper, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Kerr Lake at Bullocksville Campground provides excellent fishing spots accessible from most campsites. The campground features a dedicated fishing pier and boat launch. One visitor notes, "Nice, big sites and plenty of good areas for swimming, hiking, and fishing. We always catch a ton of fish!"
Water activities: The Cape Fear River at Raven Rock State Park offers unique swimming experiences. The area known as Fish Traps features a natural rock formation that creates swimming holes. A regular visitor explains, "You can also swim in the Fish Traps, which is a unique cluster of rocks on the river. This place is must visit if you are ever in the Sandhills of NC."
What campers like
Natural shade coverage: Many campsites at Moonshine Creek Campground feature mature tree canopies that provide natural cooling. The forested setting maintains cooler temperatures even during summer heat. A camper describes it as "really woodsy and the creek is fabulous. Nice laundry facilities. Especially nice are the tent sites. They seem to have some of the most scenic spots."
Clean facilities: Bath houses across various campgrounds receive consistent praise for cleanliness and maintenance. At Bullocksville Campground, the shower facilities include hot water and regular cleaning. A recent visitor confirms, "Bath houses super clean and staff very friendly. We were water front."
Waterfront access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access for fishing, swimming, and boat launching. One camper at B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area appreciates that "there was a lake nearby with an open sky where you could see hundreds of stars at night. Pets are allowed and the bathrooms are in good shape."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer and fall weekends. At Falls Lake, holiday weekends often fill 3-4 months in advance. A camper advises, "We booked the day of our stay, so many where reserved for the up coming weekend."
Site specifications: Many campgrounds provide detailed site information online including length, width, and levelness. Bullocksville Campground notes dimensions and features for each site. A camper shares, "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."
Seasonal operations: Several campgrounds close during winter months or operate with limited services. Eno River State Park Campground offers year-round camping but with cooler facilities in winter. One visitor notes, "The bathhouse wasn't quite warm enough for showers in November temps, when we tented. January was just as cold, but we rented a camper."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Designated swimming zones with beach access make water activities safer for children. Jordan Lake features roped-off swimming areas with adjacent playgrounds. A visitor describes, "The lake is beautiful and great for kids. We will be going back!"
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger programs and controlled burn demonstrations that engage children. A parent shares, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Most campgrounds around Raleigh feature abundant wildlife viewing opportunities appropriate for children. According to a camper at Cozy Heron Glamping, "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."
Tips for RVers
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sometimes sewer connections are available at most campgrounds near Raleigh, though quality varies. At Fayetteville RV Resort & Cottages, full hookups include cable TV and internet. A visitor confirms, "All sites seem to be gravel pads, nice, level, average length and width. Full hook-up's. I would guess half of the sites are pull though."
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds accommodate large rigs, but some have narrow access roads requiring careful navigation. One camper notes, "The campground road is sort of narrow and the sites can be a little tight, making it awkward to back in if you have a large TV and full-size camper - but once you're in it's all good."
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Raleigh, North Carolina, several recreation areas offer these permanent structures as alternatives to traditional RV camping. Yurt camping provides a middle ground between tent and RV accommodations, with most units featuring beds and electricity.
