Cabin camping near Smithfield, North Carolina encompasses seven state parks and recreation areas within a 60-mile radius. The area sits at the junction of the coastal plain and piedmont regions, creating diverse landscapes from sandy shores to forested hills. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-55°F while summer brings 70-95°F weather, with higher humidity levels near water features.
What to do
Hiking trails: Raven Rock State Park offers several paths ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, with unique geological features. "We hiked in from the parking lot to 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," notes a visitor to Canoe Camp at Raven Rock State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and rivers provide year-round fishing. At RVacation Campground, campers appreciate "a pretty lake to look over" and fishing access. "For the younger children, there was a swing set... There is also a fenced area for owners to walk their dogs. Although there is Wi-Fi... There is also a pond in which you can fish without a license," explains another camper.
Water recreation: Several parks feature swimming areas with facilities for changing. At Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground, "During the summer, you can swim or rent canoes and paddle boats. You can fish at the river or in the lake." The park also features "a large picnic area adjacent to one of the parking lots."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabin camping locations maintain good separation between accommodations. At William B. Umstead State Park Campground, "Campgrounds are close but separated by trees and forest to create privacy." Another visitor mentions it's "right on a lake allowing for drive-in campground with a body of water to swim, kayak, and enjoy only 100 yards away."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently highlight well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor to Crosswinds Campground reported: "Such a beautiful, relaxing campground! Some sites are on the lake and close enough to pull your boat up to the shore. The bathhouse has a lot to be desired. Beach is nice and the sites are spacious."
Year-round access: Several cabin locations remain open throughout winter with heated accommodations. A visitor to Rolling View at Falls Lake State Recreation Area shared: "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. The lake is gorgeous. Love sitting by the campfire and staring up through the trees at the moon and stars."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The region experiences occasional severe storms throughout the year. Campsites can become waterlogged after rain, as one camper at Jordan Lake noted: "The site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds are situated near major roads, affecting the noise level. At RVacation Campground, a visitor observed: "The worst part about this campground, for me, was the noise from the Interstate. I thought it would die down during the night, but I was wrong. There was also the sound of trains—at least seven or eight times during the night."
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak seasons from April through October. At Raven Rock, "The only camping allowed, for now, is primitive tent camping. The campsites can be reached either by hiking or by canoeing/kayaking in. There is a privy, but there are no showers."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several locations offer designated activities and spaces for children. "We wanted the amenities for our four-year-old. Playground, mini golf, horseshoe, 3 dog parks, 2 pools, lots of bathrooms, 2 launderettes," notes a visitor describing Fayetteville RV Resort & Cottages.
Swimming options: Many parks have designated swimming areas with varying levels of supervision. At Jordan Lake, one visitor highlighted that their campground had "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."
Learning opportunities: Several parks provide nature programs or historical sites nearby. Raven Rock offers educational experiences: "We 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. The lake is beautiful and great for kids."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric connections range from 30-50 amp service depending on the location. At William B. Umstead State Park, cabins come with "electricity in the cabins" while other locations offer full RV hookups.
Site leveling: Most cabin sites are relatively level but may require minor adjustments. A visitor to RVacation noted: "Full hook ups. Level spots. Pretty lake to look over. Easy on and off the highway and easy access to shopping and RV store. No frills but worth the money."
Off-season considerations: Winter camping requires additional preparation for water connections. One long-term resident at RVacation Campground shared: "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."
