Best Campgrounds near Smithfield, NC
Smithfield, North Carolina provides convenient camping access for travelers along the I-95 corridor, with several established RV resorts and campgrounds concentrated within a 20-mile radius. The area features predominantly private campgrounds like Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages, RVacation Campground, and North Pointe RV Resort, most offering full hookup sites with amenities designed for RV campers. While cabin accommodations exist at select locations such as Raleigh Oaks, tent camping opportunities are more limited, with only a portion of local campgrounds supporting primitive camping alongside their RV facilities.
Road access to campgrounds near Smithfield is generally excellent, with most sites located just minutes from major highways I-95 and US-301. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through August, and mild winters that occasionally see freezing temperatures. Year-round camping is available at several facilities including Raleigh Oaks RV Resort and Coopers RV Park, though swimming pools and certain amenities typically operate seasonally between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Cell coverage is generally strong throughout the area due to proximity to highways and towns. "The good news about this RV park is that it is conveniently located next to Interstate 95. The bad news about this RV park is that it is conveniently located next to Interstate 95," noted one reviewer about RVacation Campground, highlighting the trade-off between accessibility and traffic noise.
Water features represent significant attractions for campers in the greater region, with Falls Lake State Recreation Area and Jordan Lake State Recreation Area located within an hour's drive northwest of Smithfield. These state-managed recreation areas provide more natural settings with lakefront camping, swimming beaches, and boat launches not found at the private campgrounds closer to town. Travelers seeking more spacious sites often prefer these state park options despite the longer drive. Highway noise impacts several of the private campgrounds near Smithfield, with multiple reviews mentioning traffic and train sounds, particularly at sites closest to I-95. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "There was also the sound of trains—at least seven or eight times during the night" at one interstate-adjacent campground. Most local campgrounds feature level sites with electrical hookups, water connections, and sewer facilities, making them particularly suitable for overnight stays while traveling the East Coast corridor.