Best Tent Camping near Stem, NC
If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Stem, look no further. Find the best tent camping sites near Stem. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Stem campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Stem, NC (7)
1. Eno River State Park Campground
Hillsborough, North Carolina21 Reviews•65 Photos•168 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$10 - $32 / night
2. William B. Umstead State Park Campground
Morrisville, North Carolina18 Reviews•30 Photos•120 SavesSites are meant for tent/pop-up camping only. No RV or Trailer is accessible.
Located in Wake County 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park is a cherished retreat from bustling urban life. The park features an extensive network of hiking and multiuse trails, as well as three manmade lakes and their tributaries that are perfect for fishing. Both park entrances offer picnic shelters, and Crabtree Creek offers camping areas. Group camps and the historic Maple Hill Lodge let visitors experience a rustic overnight experience without typical modern camping amenities.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Wake Forest, North Carolina5 Reviews•21 Photos•22 SavesLocated in Durham and Wake counties 15 miles east of downtown Durham, Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides seven access areas to the reservoir. More than 300 campsites offer a variety of overnight experiences. Trails include a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, as well as one of the premier mountain bike trail systems in the Triangle area, located at Beaverdam access. During the spring and fall, migrating monarch butterflies add to the picturesque beauty of the lake.
Not every access has all the listed facilities. Please check the General Information page to view a table of the facilities at each access: https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/falls-lake-state-recreation-area/plan-your-visit
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$25 - $35 / night
4. MST Section 23 Falls Lake Camping
Durham, North Carolina1 Review•4 Photos•35 SavesThis is on the Mountain to Sea Trail -
There is an authorized camping area available on private property in this section of the Falls Lake Trail (between Red Mill Road and Old Oxford Road). Follow the blue-blazed trail off the MST approximately 1 mile west of Red Mill Road. NOTE: This campsite is on private property. It is a HUGE PRIVILEGE to be allowed to camp at this location. Vandalism, neglect or any trash left at this campsite could result in closing of this campsite by the landowner. No water or toilet facilities are provided. There are seven established campsite pads for 2-person tents. Campsite rules: (1) Practice Leave No Trace ethics. (2) Do NOT leave any trash. Pack it in = Pack it out. (3) There is a 2-night maximum stay. (4) Do NOT explore past a 75 yard radius of the Shelter. (5) NO FIRES except in the established fire pit.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
5. RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground
Durham, North Carolina1 Review•4 Photos•36 SavesFIND PEACE AND PURPOSE IN NATURE
If needed for an additional $25 Your camp site comes with a zero contact (New) factory shipped tent that you can keep. Always includes fire pit, camping grill, and good times. This site is adjacent to a city park. When you wake up after a day of fishing and a night of s’mores and campfire stories with the mist in the air and this peaceful lakefront view you will know God is good, you are safe, and you are alive. The air is more crisp and clean and the birds sing you a personal lul-a- bye.
The space Privately owned lakefront property, you can fish, bring a kayak or canoe, the nature is beautiful. The local park is in walking distance
Guest access A 1/2 acre of privately owned lakefront land
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Market
$45 / night
6. Lake Michie Recreation Area
Bahama, North Carolina1 Review•1 Photo•1 Save- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Cedarock Park
Graham, North Carolina4 Reviews•13 Photos•38 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$10 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Stem
464 Reviews of 7 Stem Campgrounds
adam B.
Guide
Hibernia — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Good sites and nice views
Good lakeside campground, cool hiking trails, nice views and the bathrooms are really well kept and nice.
- KKrista H.
Scout
Cane Creek Campground and RV Park
Great family campground!
Plenty of places to tent camp or RV camp! Places to fish things for kids to play on and of course places to shower after! One of my family’s favorite places to camp!
Chris K.Scout
Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Beeautiful and perfect for water-loving pets
My dog Indy and I spent a night here just to try it out and it was the perfect spot. The site is #64 and there's water access right next to the pad. We will definitely be back.
Amanda A.
Traveler
North Carolina State Fairgrounds
It’s perfect for basic
The sites are level, not much shade. Garbage cans everywhere. Convenient to get into and out of with full hookup. There are no amenities at all but security drives around. Felt safe. Across from stadium. Price is worth the value.
Stuart K.
Legend
Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Small Hidden Gem in Falls Lake SRA
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 that only nature can offer, then make your way here to Shinleaf@ Falls Lake SRA. You’ll discover all of the basics are provided– from picnic table, fold-up fire ring/ grill, bear-proof garbage hanger and a nice pebble-strewn patch of well-maintained flat pitch, perfect for striking camp for the night in your tent amongst the best of what nature has to offer along with pristine shade from an unrelenting bit of summer North Carolina sunshine.
The only real down-side I could find to Shinleaf is that there’s not a whole lot of brush between the campsites so you will be exposed to neighboring sites, which wasn’t a problem when we visited as the place was fairly vacant, but during high season, I could see how this would be a bit of a turn-off. The on-site facilities(limited to just bathrooms& showers) are typically better than you’d expect from a state-run campground, and so this spot gets high marks versus some others– and there’s even a designated‘pot wash’ spigot that is near the campsites making for EZ clean up after any meal. There’s plenty of hiking trails to explore and the on-site rangers are incredibly helpful and positive folks that want to ensure you have a great time.
Insider's tips? Here's a few: (1) 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; (2) There is no need to go anywhere else to look for a boat launch as Shinleaf has its very own kayak/ canoe launch that is fantastic and located on the eastern side of the property; (3) If you are looking for some really cool outdoors adventures while in these parts, check out Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park that offers treetop rope trails and adventure courses - our kiddos loved it!; (4) When you grow tired of attempting to conjure up your next meal from the depths of your roto-molded Cordova cooler and want to try out some local fare, then I highly recommend nearby Carolina Ale House in Wake Forest or Buffalo Brothers Restaurant & Bar - both have fantastic local cuisine and nice iced area craft beers to pair with; and (5) IMHO, the best campsites here at Shinleaf are: #6, #14, #16-17; #30-33; #37-39; #40; #42-43; #45-47.
Happy Camping!
Martin T.Traveler
Occoneechee State Park Campground
Very Nice Lakefront Camping
Spent 4 nights here (during a heat wave, no less) and really enjoyed it. Campsites are large and not right on top of each other, and especially if you can book one of the campsites that are on the water, they really do have beautiful views (see pictures).
Pros:
Kid-friendly. We spent an afternoon at the splash pad, which is a great way to cool off in the summer and free once you're in the park. I never felt unsafe with my kids running around up to the bath-house or the loop, felt very secluded and safe.
Lake is scenic, we saw fireflies at dusk, it was a great setting for a camping trip.
Everything seems pretty well-maintained. Bathrooms are aging but were cleaned at least once a day, it was fine. There is firewood at every bathhouse you can take on the honor system and pay for via cashbox, which is nice. Campsites are clean and well-maintained.
Lots of lake recreation options (boat rental, fishing, etc.) in or near the park.
Cons:
Maybe it was just our campsite, which backed up to a large wooded area, but they were the most aggressive squirrels I've ever come across. If we went to the bathroom for five minutes and left food on the table, the squirrels would be there eating it when we came back. And would hover at the edge of the campsite or get into the car if the hatchback was open.
Camp store is....fine, pretty minimal in terms of provisions. But not a big deal because Clarksville is five minutes or so away and has plenty of stores.
Tents pads are all gravel. Didn't bother us but definitely would not want to tent camp here if you didn't have a good high-quality sleeping pad.
The biggest con was that there is no swimming area/beach in the park. You can try to wade in from the campsite but that generally requires scaling up/down some fairly treacherous rocks, and navigating driftwood and rocks in the water. We drove a few minutes away outside the park to find one, but would be really nice to have some kind of little swimming area inside the park, very strange to me they don't have one.
But all in all a lovely place for a camping trip, we all had a great time.
- JJason D.Guide
North Carolina State Fairgrounds
Good for a quick stop
It’s ok. Semi secluded and has necessary hookups. Quit packed for what it is. I would not stay here for weeks. Just a stop and go kinda deal. But price is very good.
- TTerry S.Traveler
J.C. Cooper — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Peaceful with beautiful sunsets on the lake.
We camped overnight making our way south. There are a number of sites right on the lakefront, so snag one of those if you can! Many of the sites offer good flat terrain, and electric hook-ups are available at many sites. Nice, shady and quiet, the campground is very clean. Pretty convenient to I-85. Be sure to go out near sunset to see the beautiful reflections in the lake waters! We will be back!
- JJoseph H.Traveler
Lake Gaston Americamps
Nice and relaxing
Overall a great place! I tent camped and it’s really nice being right on the water. Nice to fish right from your campsite. Staff is friendly and the store was nice for last minute things. Bath houses were nice and clean but are definitely a decent uphill walk away.
- LLisa D.Traveler
Kimball Point — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Beautiful Peaceful
Nice campground. Nice people/hosts. Bathroom not so much. Long backup to get to the site. Hookups on wrong side. But lots of beautiful sites. Mostly all waterfront. E/W
- JJason D.Guide
Spring Hill RV Park
Peaceful Campground
Very nice campground. Lots of trees for shade and the park is very quiet. I would recommend staying here. The spots are big and not right up on each other. No laundry facility.
- SSarahTraveler
Nutbush Bridge — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Site 23. Lakefront. Kind of small
The site is directly on the lake. Mere steps from your door. Beautiful view on the adjacent shoreline and bridge. Rocky shoreline. Easy to back in. I only have 2 complaints. The proximity of neighbors. The only thing separating you from site 24 is the tent pad. And the site length listed is a little misleading. It says 40 feet which I assume is true. But we fit our 27 foot travel trailer in there and had a really hard time wedging our tow vehicle (F250) in there. Parked at an odd angle on the tent pad. Wouldn’t choose this site again but definitely recommend for a smaller trailer.
S H.Guide
Butner lake WMA
terrific spot to pull up for a night
first time doing any type of dispersed camping but it was really easy to find, just off the road in the woods, just follow the coordinates and its a lil past, look for the signs, with lil sites to pull my car up to deeper in the woods, though you can still see the headlights coming from the road.
I'm not a hunter but no one else was there and I pulled up at 10pm and left 6am on the first day of open season.
Margarita H.Traveler
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Kimball Point
Beautiful and clean!
We camped here at the end of March ( Easter Weekend ) and it was wonderful. The sites are spread out and not on top of each other. The restrooms were immaculate and the staff was courteous.
- Melinda J.Guide
Medoc Mountain State Park Campground
Nice for groups
I came here with a large group and really liked it! We were all at crammed into the 4 large group sites so I admittedly can’t comment on the size of a regular site. However the bath houses were adequate. The staff was helpful. And the trails were nice. I wish I would have explored the park a little more as well as the surrounding area. But nice little get away.
- Melinda J.Guide
Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Clean and spacious
We camped out the first night the campground was open for the season. They were performing controlled burns but nothing bothered us. Sure, we heard the planes overhead but it didn’t keep us up. We tent camped at an RV site just for some extra comfort with the water and power. Bathhouses were super clean. And we were a short walk to the lake to fish and hang out near the water. Absolutely will come back
- PPaul H.Traveler
Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Awesome State Park
This was our very first full-time RV park. We loved being in the park and it easily accommodated our 39ft. Class A. Back-in site but with plenty of room to do so. Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station. The sites are big with a picnic table, fire pit and lantern hook. Plenty to do here with the lake at your fingertips. Great first experience.
Sean R.GuideMedoc Mountain State Park Campground
Passing thru
This campground appeared to be very clean and well kept. I am disappointed that we were only there for a night traveling south. If I'm in the area will definitely come back.
- adam B.Guide
Paradise Lake & Campground
Neat, tucked away and quiet
This place is relatively small, but surrounds a small lake. Sites are close together, but everyone is respectful. Bathrooms leave something to be desired, and there is no family bathroom, but otherwise decent and the water is hot. With a little work this place could be great.
- MMichelle B.Scout
Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Lakeside North Carolina state park campground.
Popular Point campground is one of my favorite places to pitch a tent in the Jordan Lake area. It's often not as crowded as the others at Jordan Lake are, esp., during the week and outside of holidays or summertime. The views are nice, with sites next to the water. Tents and RVs can camp in the same areas. We normally camp in a tent here, but never in the hottest part of summer, which is most of the summer in the Piedmont area of the state. You gotta go up to 3000 feet, as in the mountains of NC, for a cool weather experience in summertime, but for a night to get away from your regular routine or a weekend when the weather is nice, this is a suitable place. Locals like it because the drive isn't far from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham or Pittsboro.
Robert G.Guide
Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Winter
Wet
Nina B.TravelerCane Creek Campground and RV Park
Experienced travel
The campground is very cramped and the owner is very unfriendly and was unwilling to work with me after I asked not to park my fifth wheel under a hickory tree that was rubbing the top of my recently recoated roof. She refused. Roughly 7weeks into my 13 week stay a large storm rolled through and a hickory nut busted the top of my ac unit on my roof and the nut broke the blades of my fan off. She refused to acknowledge the damage. I tried to compromise with taking the price of the service of the monthly payment. The owner refused then stated she was going to need the next month payment or she would have my fifth towed. She is very unreasonable and very rude
Paul R.TravelerCrosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
A great site!
Loop C site 19 is a great location. It’s flat with a few good locations off the gravel for tents. Good trees for hammocks are present. There’s no other site within a couple hundred yards to the east. East access to the lake shore and plenty of woods for kids to play in. The bathhouse is a short walk away.
- adam B.Guide
Mayo Lake Park
Great RV sites, lots to do.
Rv sites are really nice and not on top of each other. Some are close to the water. Lots of clearly marked hiking trails, 3 playgrounds, Frisbee golf and horshoe pits. Really preety and lots of boat docks. Staff are super nice. The only negative is the state of the showers and bathrooms. They are in need of a lot of repair. Heater in the showers and bathrooms didn't work. Water was hot though. Overall, this place is really good for the price. With good restrooms, this place easily be double the nightly rate.
- Keith F.Guide
Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Great place
Great place. Plenty of shade and view of Lake Jordan. Restrooms were clean.
terri L.Guide
Bullocksville — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Bullocksville camp
This park was beautiful and amazing. The views were phenomenal. We were water front. Bath houses super clean and staff very friendly.
- CChristophScout
Longwood Campground at John H Kerr Reservoir
Not allowing to Dump/Fillup
We didn't visit the park itself so can't judge on RV overnight stays. We kindly asked if we could fill up water and dump our RV (as you can do in a lot of campgrounds for a small fee), they refused to do so.
Guide to Stem
Tent camping near Stem, North Carolina offers a variety of scenic locations for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, campers can enjoy peaceful surroundings and a range of activities.
Explore Local Attractions
- The beautiful trails at Eno River State Park Campground provide a serene hiking experience along the river, perfect for nature lovers.
- William B. Umstead State Park Campground is conveniently located near Cary, offering easy access to hiking, biking, and water sports.
- For a unique experience, visit Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, where you can enjoy fishing and kayaking right from the campground.
Tent Camping Amenities
- At Cedarock Park, campers can find picnic tables, fire rings, and well-maintained restrooms, ensuring a comfortable stay.
- Lake Michie Recreation Area offers a secluded environment with basic amenities, making it a great spot for those seeking tranquility.
- MST Section 23 Falls Lake Camping features a shelter and fire pit, providing essential comforts for hikers looking to rest.
Activities for Tent Campers
- Enjoy hiking and exploring the scenic trails at William B. Umstead State Park Campground, which cater to various skill levels.
- Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, where multiple fish species can be caught.
- For those interested in a more private experience, MST Section 23 Falls Lake Camping offers a hike-in only campground, perfect for a peaceful retreat away from crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Stem, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Stem, NC is Eno River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Stem, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Stem, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.