Wake Forest, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that North Carolina camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Wake Forest, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
$27 - $77 / night
"If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nice shaded nature, hiking trails and calm peace & quiet that"
"The North Carolina State Park campgrounds are typically very nice, and this one is no exception. My site is adjacent to a large, clean, working bathhouse and a 2 minute walk from a swim beach."
$27 - $77 / night
"Tucked away and nestled off of 98 highway, Rolling View campground is a great, secluded spot."
"I spent a night in Shinleaf walk in campground in April as part of a backpacking trip along the Falls Lake MST trail, sections 8-12."
$72 / night
"Wells Campground at Falls Lake felt like stepping into a quiet forest hideaway, where the kids could explore trails, spot eagles over the water, and watch butterflies while we enjoyed campfires under the"
"There are tons of hiking trails all around and plenty of bike trails too! Conveniently located north of Raleigh, NC and close to many major highways."
$27 / night
"We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months."
"Lots of great paths to walk."
$35 / night
"Restaurants and downtown Raleigh are within short driving distance. Public bathrooms and showers (cold water) are a 2 minute walk to Horse Complex H6, Barn B Very little tree cover."
"The actual address is 801 Youth Center Drive. One camping location is up in the woods behind the horse complex. The other is on the actual fairgrounds property along Youth Center Drive."
$27 - $72 / night
"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"
"Falls Lake State Recreation area is an interesting area in that it is made up of a number of non-connecting areas. The camping is at Shinleaf and is walk up only."
$27 - $37 / night
"Poplar Point Campground could quite possibly be the best campground in all of North Carolina!"
"Poplar Point is located on the banks of the lake in the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area."
$50 - $75 / night
"The Oasis is a new campsite on the Dyrt for those looking to explore the area but stay close to civilization and other Conveniences. Check them out and leave a review on the Dyrt!"
"And whatever it is running around in the woods."
$27 - $77 / night
"This area is such a short drive from the triangle area of North Carolina, yet this park feels quite remote. Like many state parks, this one excels in the services department. "
"Located just 30 miles west of Raleigh, Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve. "
GuideWent there with my family in March over spring break. Can’t say this was exactly camping the way we did it, but the cabin was absolutely amazing. Each cabin is probably on a 2 acre plot of land and most of them have fantastic views of Kerr Reservoir.
Kitchens are nicely appointed, rooms are nicely decorated, just bring your own sheets and linens and get ready for a fantastic time.
ScoutGreat spot for boondocking near town. Secluded area. Easy communication with homeowner. Thanks!
TravelerCamping on Kerr Lake offers beautiful views, boat ramp/dock, fire pit, swimming and sunny beaches. Large gravel sites 30A and water. Lots of fishing.
ScoutDecent bathhouse on Iron Bow. Sites are really close together and narrow so doesn’t leave a lot of room between campers. Not terrible but also have had stayed at more spacious state park campsites. 7$ bundles for firewood for sale near the bathhouse. The Visitor center is nice with some good souvenirs for purchase and history section. Plenty of spots for fishing and launching watercraft. No designated swimming areas though. No WiFi. Verizon device at the campground worked okay. Clarksville town is quaint with some shops worth checking.
RangerB.W. Wells Campground at Falls Lake felt like stepping into a quiet forest hideaway, where the kids could explore trails, spot eagles over the water, and watch butterflies while we enjoyed campfires under the trees. It’s strictly hike-in and tent-only, so we had to pack light and plan carefully, but the trade-off was true peace and space to connect without the noise of RVs or busy roads. With shaded group sites, fire pits, picnic tables, nearby restrooms, and lake access perfect for paddling or fishing, it offered a rustic yet rewarding experience that was still close enough to Wake Forest for a quick meal or supply run when we needed it.
RangerPulling into Phelps West in Fuquay-Varina was nothing short of unsettling - it felt less like a campground and more like I had accidentally driven into someone’s front yard. The tiny gravel road led past a mailbox and straight onto what looked like private property, complete with several cars scattered around the house, and when I knocked on the door for guidance, no one answered despite it being the middle of the day. With kids in tow, the whole situation felt awkward and a bit creepy, and I honestly wasn’t comfortable staying; if you’re even considering this spot, definitely call or email ahead because showing up unannounced was not a family-friendly experience.
RangerPoplar Point Campground at Jordan Lake quickly became one of my family’s favorite spots, offering the perfect mix of nature and convenience just outside Raleigh. With over 500 shaded sites, many right along the shoreline, the kids had room to play while we enjoyed peaceful lake views and easy access to boating, kayaking, and fishing. The campground has plenty of family-friendly touches from playgrounds, picnic tables, fire rings, and boat ramps along with water and electric hookups at most sites, though I learned that some loops have cleaner bathhouses than others. Bald eagles overhead, herons by the water, and fiery sunsets made it feel like we were far from the city, yet Apex and Pittsboro were just a short drive away when we needed a meal or groceries. My tips: aim for a lakefront site in Loops C, F, or G, pack serious bug spray for summer, and plan to catch at least one sunset across the water as it’s the kind of view the kids will remember long after the trip.
TravelerAll Campers MUST have a fishers/hunters license. Rangers wrote us a warning ticket for not having our own, but we are headed to Walmart to get one for about $30
TravelerThis is such a pretty camp site. Even if you aren’t on the water you still have a beautiful view of the lake. The spots are well spread out so you don’t feel like you are on top of each other and it’s very kid friendly
Camping near Wake Forest, North Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.
Camping around Wake Forest, NC, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does camping cost near Wake Forest, NC?
Camping costs in the Wake Forest area vary by facility and amenities. At Bullocksville Campground — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, primitive sites start around $20 per night, while sites with utilities range from $25-35. Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers similar pricing for its well-maintained sites. For RV camping, the North Carolina State Fairgrounds charges about $35 per day for full hookups with no additional amenities. Most state parks in the area require an additional reservation fee, typically $3-8, when booking online.
Where are the best campgrounds near Wake Forest, NC?
Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area is one of the top choices near Wake Forest, offering a peaceful escape from nearby Raleigh with shaded sites, hiking trails, and serene lake views. If you're willing to travel a bit farther, Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is considered by some to be among the best in North Carolina, with outstanding waterfront sites. For RV enthusiasts, North Pointe RV Resort in nearby Selma offers well-maintained, level sites with full amenities.
What amenities are available at Wake Forest camping areas?
Campgrounds near Wake Forest offer excellent amenities for all types of campers. At Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, you'll find clean bathhouses with showers, swim beaches, and good cell reception. The sites are well-maintained with many offering water and electric hookups. Eno River State Park Campground provides access to numerous hiking trails and swimming areas in the river. Most campgrounds in the region feature picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and toilet facilities. For RV campers, several parks offer full hookup sites, with some including pull-through options and dump stations.
Keep Exploring
