Camping options near Smithfield, North Carolina offer convenient access for RVers and tent campers, with most sites positioned along the I-95 corridor. This area experiences mild winters with occasional frost and hot, humid summers when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Johnston County's flat terrain makes for level camping spots, with elevation changes of less than 100 feet across most properties.
What to do
Tucker Lake access: Tucker Lake provides sandy beaches and water recreation opportunities near RVacation Campground. "There's a pretty view of a small lake that you can fish in. Great WiFi connection. Will definitely stop her again," notes Jesse C. The lake offers fishing without a license at some campgrounds.
Outlet shopping trips: Proximity to premium outlet stores makes camping in this area popular for bargain hunters. "This area between Selma and Smithfield is a mecca for shoppers, especially during November and December. There are dozens and dozens of outlets, and people from hundreds of miles stop at them," explains Myron C. from RVacation Campground.
Historical sites: Bentonville Battlefield, a Civil War historic site, provides educational day trips from most campgrounds. Stuart K. mentions that near Four Oaks Lodging & RV Resort, visitors can explore "Bentonville Battlefield for all you Civil War buffs, Nahunta Park Center for the naturalists, Rudy Theaters for those seeking culture."
What campers like
Spacious pull-through sites: Many campgrounds feature easily accessible parking for large rigs. At Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages, Amy H. found "Large, mostly level, pull through spots. It's not the most natural setting (it's more RV than park) but it had a pool, tennis courts, playground and mini-golf course."
Weekend breakfast offerings: Several properties provide complimentary morning meals on weekends. Mary Jo A. reports that at Raleigh Oaks, "Every Friday, Saturday and Sundays they have free waffles for small donation. They also have organized activities."
Arcade and game facilities: Family entertainment spaces appeal to campers with children. At North Pointe RV Resort, Melissa B. found "The clubhouse is nice and spacious. It has a large room for activities. Down the hall you'll find a great arcade room with fun free games. The kids and adults all loved it."
What you should know
Highway noise levels: The proximity to major highways creates noise at several campgrounds. At RVacation Campground, Bob W. notes, "Right off the highway. Campground up against i95 so traffic noise constantly. Site was nice but they can really pack them in." Similarly, Ellyn F. found North Pointe "just fine. The tv spaces appear to largely be pull through which I liked but there is a constant drone from the nearby highway that never lets up."
Train disruptions: Railroad tracks near some properties create periodic noise disturbances. Paul M. at Four Oaks Lodging & RV Resort simply states it's "Nice for a quick 1 night stopover. Near train tracks."
Limited tent camping: Most properties primarily serve RV campers with few tent-specific areas. Stuart K. warns about Happy Trails RV Park: "Of course, if its late at night, you're tired of driving your big rig and just want to pull over for the evening, I get it." At Raleigh Oaks, he emphasizes "THERE ARE NO TENT SITES HERE! We found that out the hard way while stopping for the night and had to move onwards to another nearby site instead."
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal events: Holiday activities provide special experiences for children. Melissa B. shares that North Pointe hosts Halloween celebrations: "They have a haunted hey ride, a costume parade, site decorating, and trick or treating through the campground."
Family-focused amenities: Campgrounds with multiple recreational options keep children entertained. Deebra R. appreciates that Raleigh Oaks offers "Playground, mini golf, horseshoe, 3 dog parks, 2 pools, lots of bathrooms, 2 launderettes, lots of cabins, pull through spots and cabins."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Smithfield: Most properties accommodate pets with dedicated areas for exercise. Thomas H. found Hidden Haven RV Park to be "a nice, peaceful campground with lots of potential. I would recommend it and would definitely stay again." The campground provides pet-friendly sites while maintaining a quiet atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Wi-Fi reliability: Internet connectivity varies considerably between campgrounds. At RVacation Campground, Myron C. notes, "Although there is Wi-Fi, I got the message that the internet was not available," while Jesse C. had "Great WiFi connection" at the same property.
Laundry facilities: On-site laundry availability is important for extended stays. Mary Jo A. mentions Raleigh Oaks has "18 private bath suites and Laundry facilities. Good for short and long term stays."
Site selection strategy: Some properties offer varying quality between sites. Mark D. recommends at North Carolina State Fairgrounds, "Sites are spacious and full hook ups. Gravel roadways and grass/gravel sites. Most sites appear to be fairly level; we did have to use blocks on one side." He also notes, "There are no amenities so you must be fully self-contained."
