Kerr Lake State Recreation Area offers several campgrounds within 30 miles of Wake Forest, with multiple access points around the 50,000-acre reservoir. The region features clay and sandy shorelines with pine and hardwood forests providing varied terrain for camping. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline campsites from spring to fall. Most campgrounds maintain accessibility during all seasons, though some facilities close during winter months.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: At Eno River State Park Campground, hikers can access various difficulty levels of paths. "We hike and swim Eno nearly weekly and are so thankful this resource is so close to us! We also backpack into the primitive sites frequently. The primitive sites are spaces far enough apart that it truly feels like solitude," notes one regular visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Birdwatchers find productive viewing at Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, where campers report diverse sightings. According to one visitor, "Rolling View campground is a great, secluded spot... Connect with the Mountains to Sea trail too for a great hike!" Another camper adds, "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."
Water activities: Multiple swimming locations exist around the Wake Forest area's lakes. At Kimball Point on Kerr Lake, water clarity allows for visibility up to 5-6 feet down. One camper describes, "Kimball Point is the BEST. Huge fresh water lake, large camping spots, large sandy beach, playground for kids, very well groomed, moor your boat in the water at your camp site, big boat ramp, pet friendly, great walking areas."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Bullocksville Campground offers well-separated camping areas. "The grounds themselves are laid out superbly, from 3-4 independent campground sites with blended options for both RV's and real campers who use tents," notes one camper. Another mentioned, "Many nice sites right on the lake however. We booked the day of our stay, so many where reserved for the up coming weekend."
Clean facilities: Crosswinds Campground maintains well-kept amenities. According to visitors: "Great Campsites, nice wooded sites and close to lake access. Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site." Another camper states, "The camping sites are spacious and most are level. Rangers patrol the area at night as well."
Lake views: Many campers specifically select sites for water proximity. At Kimball Point Campground, "The majority of spots are water front or close to it. Many have easy access to a beach. The lake is very clean, unlike some other lakes in NC, and absolutely beautiful sunrise or sunset." Another visitor confirms, "We camped lake side at Kimball Point on Kerr Lake. Nice site and views, very quiet great for relaxing fishing and watching the stars at night."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly, especially waterfront locations. For Kimball Point, "You need to book it EXACTLY 6 months out, call at 08:00 in morning." Another camper advised, "Very hard to get reservations, need to try 11 months out."
Site configurations vary: Not all sites accommodate all camping setups. At Kimball Point, "The sites vary pretty widely in size and grade. We have a 32' travel trailer that fit in spot 65 with no problem but there were many more that we could not fit in because of the steep grades."
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds operate limited schedules. At Occoneechee State Park Campground, visitors noted weather-dependent comfort: "We stayed in September so the fact that there is no AC or electricity in the yurt was not an issue because the weather was moderate."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Bullocksville Park, "There are a number of amenities and diversions, such as boat ramps for motored-boats, kayaking, canoeing, as well as playgrounds for the kiddos."
Kid-friendly beaches: Sandy shorelines provide safe water access. One visitor to Thousand Trails Lake Gaston noted, "This is probably our favorite thus far. We like the lake and it's easily accessible. It contains putt putt, pool, store, 2 beaches, dock, fishing areas, playground, and tons of shade."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer learning experiences. At Eno River, "We loved the educational experiences at this park. Very knowledgeable and clean." Another camper at Crosswinds mentioned, "Deer walked right behind our site. Boat ramp in campground. Swim area and playground."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Not all sites offer full connections. At Jordan Lake, "There is no septic on your site, and they lock the gate after a certain hour. If you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck." At Bullocksville, visitors noted, "For the most part, the electric sites are more level and developed."
Site leveling challenges: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. At Kimball Point, "We have a 32' travel trailer that fit in spot 65 with no problem but there were many more that we could not fit in because of the steep grades. Many sites are really best suited for tents which would be excellent sites while others are open for Class As."
Length restrictions: Before booking, check site specifications for your RV size. A visitor at Crosswinds Campground advised, "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."
