Best Campgrounds near Rolesville, NC

Camping areas near Rolesville, North Carolina include several state recreation sites within a short drive of the city. Falls Lake State Recreation Area, situated just northwest of Rolesville, offers multiple developed campgrounds including Holly Point, Rolling View, Shinleaf, and B.W. Wells, with options for tent camping, RV sites, and some cabins. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, located southwest of Rolesville, provides additional mixed-use campgrounds through its Crosswinds, Poplar Point, and Parkers Creek areas, accommodating both tent and RV campers with varying levels of amenities.

Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many sites closed during winter months. Several Falls Lake campgrounds operate from March 15 to October 31, while others like Rolling View remain open year-round. A camper noted, "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 only nature can offer, then make your way here to Holly Point." Weather considerations include potential lake flooding after heavy rains, with one visitor reporting they "had to move my tent further away from the waters edge to avoid being flooded out." Advance reservations are recommended for weekend visits, particularly for lakefront sites.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Rolesville area. Falls Lake and Jordan Lake provide numerous lakefront sites that receive consistently high ratings. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers particularly value the lakeside settings, with one visitor describing Holly Point as having "direct access to a fantastic lakeside experience, complete with boat launches." Wildlife viewing opportunities include bald eagle sightings at Jordan Lake. While state park campgrounds prohibit alcohol, most permit pets and fires. Bathhouse quality varies across facilities, with some campers noting cleanliness issues at certain locations. Campers seeking more primitive experiences can find dispersed camping at Butner Lake WMA north of Rolesville, which offers free sites with minimal amenities but requires self-sufficiency and adherence to wildlife management area regulations.

Best Camping Sites Near Rolesville, North Carolina (80)

    1. Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    36 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    12 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."

    2. Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    31 Reviews
    Creedmoor, NC
    15 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."

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

    11 Reviews
    Wake Forest, NC
    10 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"

    4. William B. Umstead State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Morrisville, NC
    16 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."

    5. North Carolina State Fairgrounds

    19 Reviews
    Raleigh, NC
    17 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. Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Wake Forest, NC
    11 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."

    7. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    52 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    34 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."

    8. Oasis

    1 Review
    Wake Forest, NC
    11 miles
    +1 (919) 820-7811

    $50 - $75 / night

    "The Oasis is a new campsite on the Dyrt for those looking to explore the area but stay close to civilization and other Conveniences.  Check them out and leave a review on the Dyrt!"

    9. Butner lake WMA

    10 Reviews
    Stem, NC
    22 miles
    Website

    "And whatever it is running around in the woods."

    10. Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    32 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."

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Recent Reviews near Rolesville, NC

545 Reviews of 80 Rolesville Campgrounds


  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Occoneechee State Park Campground

    Epic Cabin Retreat

    Went there with my family in March over spring break. Can’t say this was exactly camping the way we did it, but the cabin was absolutely amazing. Each cabin is probably on a 2 acre plot of land and most of them have fantastic views of Kerr Reservoir.

    Kitchens are nicely appointed, rooms are nicely decorated, just bring your own sheets and linens and get ready for a fantastic time.

  • Chris R.
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Phelps West

    Great Location

    Great spot for boondocking near town. Secluded area. Easy communication with homeowner. Thanks!

  • Harry B.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Occoneechee State Park Campground

    Decent Campground Iron Bow

    Decent bathhouse on Iron Bow. Sites are really close together and narrow so doesn’t leave a lot of room between campers. Not terrible but also have had stayed at more spacious state park campsites. 7$ bundles for firewood for sale near the bathhouse. The Visitor center is nice with some good souvenirs for purchase and history section. Plenty of spots for fishing and launching watercraft. No designated swimming areas though. No WiFi. Verizon device at the campground worked okay. Clarksville town is quaint with some shops worth checking.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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


Guide to Rolesville

Camping sites near Rolesville, North Carolina provide diverse options for outdoor recreation along the shores of Falls Lake and Jordan Lake. These reservoirs offer varied camping experiences at elevations ranging from 250 to 350 feet above sea level, with both shaded woodland sites and open waterfront spots. During summer months, average temperatures reach the high 80s with moderate humidity, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions in the 60-70°F range.

What to do

Kayaking and canoeing access: Shinleaf Campground at Falls Lake features its own dedicated kayak/canoe launch on the eastern side of the property. A camper noted, "If you like to fish, there's tons of different varieties here to catch, including: walleye, crappie, white bass, large- and small-mouth bass, blue gill, striped bass as well as catfish."

Hiking trail exploration: Rolling View connects to several extensive trail networks, including the Mountains to Sea Trail. One visitor shared, "We've camped here 2 or 3 times now and we can't get enough of this park. It is huge, covered in hiking trails like Mountains to Sea Trail and Falls Lake Trail." The trails wind through pine and hardwood forest with moderate elevation changes.

Fishing from campsites: Some waterfront sites at B.W. Wells Campground allow fishing directly from your campsite. A camper explained, "There was a lake nearby with an open sky where you could see hundreds of stars at night." Bass fishing is particularly popular in early morning and evening hours.

What campers like

Spacious, shaded sites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out at Poplar Point Campground, where "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."

Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies across campgrounds, but Rolling View regularly receives positive reviews: "Bath houses are always clean and the park is in a convenient location. We've been several times." This contrasts with experiences at other nearby campgrounds.

Proximity to urban amenities: Despite feeling secluded, camping near Rolesville provides convenient access to services. At Crosswinds Campground, a camper noted, "We love camping at Lake Jordan, unfortunately we've usually camped there while I was having surgery at Duke. However we have been there at other times too." Most campgrounds are within 20-30 minutes of grocery stores and restaurants.

What you should know

Seasonal flooding concerns: Heavy rains can affect camping conditions at many lakefront sites. At Crosswinds Campground, a camper warned, "Mud hole, the site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry." Select slightly elevated sites when possible, especially during spring months.

Gate closure times: Several campgrounds restrict after-hours entry. One camper at Crosswinds noted, "They lock the gate after a certain hour. If you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck." Check specific entrance policies when making reservations.

Aircraft noise: Due to proximity to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, airplane noise affects some campgrounds. At Holly Point, one camper advised, "The only thing you will contend with is occasional air traffic noise from RDU. If you're sensitive consider bringing earplugs for your comfort."

Free dispersed camping options: Butner Lake WMA provides no-cost camping but has strict seasonal limitations. A reviewer clarified, "Only open Sept 1 to Feb 28th and March 31 to May 14." Sites are primitive with no facilities beyond fire rings.

Tips for camping with families

Beach access recommendations: Jordan Lake campgrounds offer swimming areas with amenities for children. A camper at Poplar Point described, "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."

Playground proximity: Select sites near recreational facilities when camping with children. At B.W. Wells, a visitor mentioned, "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."

Family-friendly loops: Holly Point has specific areas better suited for families with young children. One camper advised, "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. lots of sites."

Tips from RVers

Leveling requirements: RV sites at North Carolina State Fairgrounds require minimal adjustment. A camper reported, "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."

Full hookup limitations: While several campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, sewer connections at the site are less common. A camper at Jordan Lake mentioned, "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."

Convenience for medical visits: Campgrounds near Rolesville provide practical bases for those needing medical care in the Triangle. One RVer shared, "We've camped here 2 or 3 times now and we can't get enough of this park. 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."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rolesville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rolesville, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 80 campgrounds and RV parks near Rolesville, NC and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rolesville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rolesville, NC is Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 36 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Rolesville, NC.

What parks are near Rolesville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Rolesville, NC that allow camping, notably B. Everett Jordan Lake and John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir.