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Casey E.
Scout
ScoutYouth Tent Camp — William B. Umstead State Park
Not tent campground but new RV campground
New and clean rv campgrounds. 28 spots. Awesome camp host Ron.
Camping near Wendell, NC
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The area around Wendell, North Carolina includes access to various types of camping and campgrounds within a short drive. Falls Lake State Recreation Area, located northwest of Wendell, offers multiple developed campgrounds including Holly Point, Rolling View, and Shinleaf, with options for tent camping, RV sites, and cabins. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, southwest of Wendell, provides additional camping areas with waterfront sites at Poplar Point and Crosswinds campgrounds. According to The Dyrt, these state recreation areas consistently receive high ratings from campers seeking outdoor experiences near the Raleigh metropolitan area.
Camping seasons vary across the region, with most developed campgrounds operating from March through October or November, though some remain open year-round. Falls Lake campgrounds typically open March 15 and close between October 31 and December 1, while Jordan Lake campgrounds maintain similar seasonal availability. Summer months bring higher temperatures and increased demand for waterfront sites, particularly on weekends. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season, especially for lakeside campsites and electrical hookups. Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews for cleanliness and maintenance. A camper noted, "The sites are spacious, we stayed at a double site that allowed up to 4 cars. The site was level and stayed dry during the heavy rain, however we saw other sites that had big puddles, with tents in the water."
Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers visiting the Wendell area, with multiple campgrounds offering direct lake views and water activities. Falls Lake and Jordan Lake provide swimming areas, boat launches, and fishing opportunities, making them popular destinations for families. Several visitors mentioned the peaceful lake settings and wildlife viewing opportunities, including bald eagle sightings. Campgrounds farther from water tend to be less crowded but still offer wooded sites with shade. Hiking trails connect many camping areas, with the Mountains to Sea Trail accessible from Falls Lake campgrounds. While most sites accommodate both tents and RVs, privacy between campsites varies considerably. A reviewer described Poplar Point as "surprisingly quiet, because campsites are generously separated among the pine forest," highlighting the natural setting that attracts campers to the region.
Best Campgrounds near Wendell (68)
1. Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
"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."
from $27 - $77 / night
Check Availability2. North Carolina State Fairgrounds
"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."
from $45 / night
Check Availability3. Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
"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."
from $27 - $77 / night
Check Availability4. William B. Umstead State Park Campground
"We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months."
"Lots of great paths to walk."
from $30 - $78 / night
Check Availability5. Coopers RV Park
6. RVacation Campground
"Pretty lake to look over. Easy on and off the highway and easy access to shopping and RV store. No frills but worth the money."
"Town close by. Has a pretty view of a small lake that you can fish in. Great WiFi connection. Will definitely stop her again."
7. B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
"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."
"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"
from $72 / night
Check Availability8. 70 East RV Park
"It's in a great location, nearby anything you need. It's family and pet friendly. Neighbors are friendly."
from $825 / night
Check Availability9. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
"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."
from $27 - $37 / night
Check Availability10. Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages
"If you’ve got one of those incredibly large mobile homes on wheels, then this particular RV ‘oasis’ location just off of I-95 north of Four Oaks may just be the perfect spot for you."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 17 min from Raleigh, NC
- 34 min from Rocky Mount, NC
- 38 min from Durham, NC
- 47 min from Goldsboro, NC
Recent Camping Photos near Wendell, NC
158 Photos of 68 Wendell Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Coopers RV Park
70 East RV ParkK
North Carolina State Fairgrounds
RVacation Campground
William B. Umstead State Park Campground
Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Four Oaks RV Resort
Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
MST Section 23 Falls Lake Camping
Jordan Lake Crosswinds
Butner lake WMA
Recent Reviews near Wendell, NC
479 Reviews of 68 Wendell Campgrounds
- JJonathan B.
GuideButner lake WMA
Private campground
Like this campground. Was a tight fit with our 20 ft trailer but it is super quiet at night. Nearby road with some noise during the day but overall great place to camp. We have seen several people pull in for over nights but left the next day. Will be back. Also make sure you buy a NC hunting or fishing license before you camp here
Susan A.GuideCrosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Quiet, clean, spacious
The sites are very large, long and wider at the back, plenty of room for a big group or family. The bathrooms look new and they are clean. Here during the week so it's very empty and quiet.
- GGabe J.Scout
Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages
They are our absolute fav spot!
We were able to squeak in for Labor Day weekend. And they are always a great time. Well kept grounds, and really friendly people. The waffles are always a hit and much appreciated! If you can help it- plz don’t skip this spot! You won’t regret it.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendFayetteville RV Resort & Cottages
Pools, Putt-Putt & Plenty of Room to Play
Sometimes you pull into a campground expecting little more than a comfortable place to sleep and discover the kids have already made tomorrow’s plans before you’ve even finished setting up, and Fayetteville RV Resort & Cottages was that kind of happy surprise for our family. Tucked into the countryside of Wade just minutes from I-95, this beautifully maintained resort combines spacious, mostly shaded RV sites (including enormous pull-throughs accommodating big rigs) with cottages and enough green space that it feels remarkably removed from the highway. Families are especially spoiled here with two swimming pools, mini golf, a playground, walking path, fitness center, clubhouse, clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities and dog parks, while full-hookup sites with 30/50-amp service make Mom and Dad’s life considerably easier too. One of my favorite memories was watching the boys bounce between swimming and miniature golf until that wonderful end-of-the-day exhaustion finally set in, leaving us to enjoy a quieter evening together back at the campsite. Some campgrounds are where you sleep between adventures - this is one where convincing the kids to actually leave becomes the adventure. With the resort offering numerous long pull-through and back-in sites rather than one clearly superior campsite, I’d choose one of the more shaded sites away from the busiest activity areas if your family values a quieter evening. We would enthusiastically recommend Fayetteville RV Resort for families because it’s exceptionally clean, wonderfully convenient and packed with enough kid-friendly recreation to turn what could easily have been an I-95 pit stop into a genuine family camping getaway.
- PPaul R.
TravelerCrosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Great Camp
We visited Crosswinds campground at Jordan Lake State Park on the worst heatwave of the year. The great thing about this area is that the sites a well shaded. We were about 50 yards from the lake, with the wind blowing we still were comfortable all day. We stayed on Loop A, which is my favorite loop at the park. There’s no electricity or water at the sites. There are water spickets throughout the loop with potable water. The site is awesome! There’s a small pond beside it. The neighboring sites are close, but regular conversations can not be heard.this loop is always quiet even when there are a lot of people, but it’s never been full when I’m there. I didn’t do good with photos except for the food.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Fantastic Camping Spot at Falls Lake
Arriving here to Holly Point Falls feels overwhelmingly relaxing as the pines embrace you with a welcome that will immediately remind you that you are out in pure nature here. The campgrounds here are thoughtfully laid out, with a mix of tent pads, RV-friendly sites and electric & water hookups at many loops. Sites vary in privacy, but most are generous in size with enough tree cover to make you feel like you’ve claimed your own little slice of wilderness. Bathhouses are clean and functional with the park staff keeping things tidy. Families and four-legged friends are welcome and the paved roads make getting in and out relatively stress-free. Larger rigs will want to pay attention when reserving, as some loops are tighter than others. Our boys simply loved this campground with its EZ access to Falls Lake, which was perfect for us to go fishing and kayaking in. We absolutely recommend Holly Point Campground at Falls Lake for any family looking to get as close to nature, without leaving civilization completely behind.
Jill S.ScoutButner lake WMA
Only open after Sept 1
We didn’t realize the campground was only open for hunting season. We showed up late at night in the end of July and saw it was roped off but decided to pitch our tent anyway and woke up with a State Trooper shining a flash light in our tent😂😭 He let us off, but we still had to pack up and find a hotel at 1am since there’s no other free camping that we knew of around the area.
It’s a sad day when you can’t just pitch a tent and sleep in the woods peacefully but it is what it is! Would come back during the legal season for sure though, the woods were really nice and cleared out.
- CCarlos E.Scout
Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Crosswinds Campground July 2026
Decent campground in a beautiful location along Lake Jordan. Crosswinds Campground is one of several sites on the lake. We chose this location since the gates stay open all the time, while other sites have a curfew that can lock you out for the night.
The staff are super friendly and helpful. There’s apparently a camp host whom we never met and they’re on the site next to ours (not sure if they’re supposed to greet us or help us get acquainted with the site, but the staff member at check in was great and did all that when we arrived).
Loop C is quiet, very few children, and less road noise compared to the other loops, but doesn’t have the same access to the lake.
Site C50 is conveniently located close to the bath house, has a large fire pit with adjustable grill, picnic table, and hookups for water and electricity. We’re in a tent, so really just use the electricity. The picnic table here should be replaced, as the wood seems to be rotting, but still does the job. There are a few sites in loop C that do have direct access to the lake, but those tend to be booked all of the time. We explored one last night and couldn’t believe it was vacant and how much nicer it seemed.
Bathrooms are not as clean as I would like, but I bring disinfectant wipes to wipe the toilet before use. Showers are fine, but use an annoying motion sensor to turn the water on/off. Showering at night is annoying with the bugs because the bathhouse is lit like a beacon (probably for safety). Waiting for the daytime is a better experience. Also, there isn’t a washing station for dishes, and we do that at our site.
Firewood can be purchased by the staff at the campground entrance; however, the exact same firewood is almost $4 fewer at a Refuel station down the street. Definitely stop into that gas station store for things you might need.
Overall, really good experience staying here, some annoying things, but won’t ruin your stay.
Guide to Wendell
Camping options near Wendell, North Carolina include several state recreation areas within a 30-minute drive. The region sits at approximately 250 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate that averages 77°F in summer and 44°F in winter. Most campgrounds in the area are situated around Falls Lake and Jordan Lake, offering waterfront campsites with varying levels of amenities and accessibility depending on the specific location.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing access: At Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, campers can launch directly from shoreline sites. "Sites are right on the lake, perfect for kayaking. The sites are close together but still semi private. Lots of short hikes and a swimming area," notes Heather L.
Fishing without a license: RVacation Campground provides a stocked pond where guests can fish without additional permits. "There is also a large pond in which you can fish without a license," explains a visitor, while another adds it "has a pretty view of a small lake that you can fish in."
Trail connections: Several campgrounds connect to the Mountains to Sea Trail system. At B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, "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," according to Bran P.
What campers like
Spacious, level sites: Campers frequently mention the quality of the camping pads. At Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, "Like the way the campsites take advantage of the rolling terrain. Campsites are roomy. Lots of shade. We had a substantial deluge while there, and the water drained just fine," reports Stuart O.
Clean facilities: The maintenance of bathhouses receives positive feedback at many locations. At Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, "Bathhouses are what you would expect but clean. Some sites further back (not water side) have trees for hammocking," according to a camper. Another visitor noted, "The facilities are kept in pristine shape regarding cleanliness and upkeep."
Camping near urban conveniences: The proximity to Raleigh while maintaining a natural setting is valued. "If you're looking for a close getaway in the Raleigh area, this is the place to go!" shares a camper about Rolling View. For those needing full hookups near the city, the State Fairgrounds offers accessibility: "Location is everything and you are smack dab in the middle of it. Good WiFi, great cellular."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area and other Falls Lake campgrounds typically open March 15 and close by December 1, though some sections remain open year-round.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. At North Carolina State Fairgrounds, "All night long we were able to hear the highway (i-95) and trains passing by," notes one camper. Similarly, some Falls Lake sites experience "occasional air traffic noise from RDU. If you're sensitive consider bringing earplugs for your comfort."
Reservation requirements: During peak summer months, especially weekends, advance bookings are essential. Many waterfront sites book months ahead, particularly at popular spots like Holly Point and Rolling View. Most sites can be reserved through the North Carolina State Parks reservation system.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access camping: William B. Umstead State Park Campground offers family-friendly swimming areas. "This campground is right on a lake allowing for drive in campground with a body of water to swim, kayak, and enjoy only 100 yards away. Showers, bathrooms, and running drinking water is nearby," reports Sydney S.
Playground proximity: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Very Family-friendly. It's best if you can get a site near the beach if you have kids Otherwise you'll end up driving them back-and-forth," advises a Holly Point visitor. Another camper mentions, "Loved that there was a playground near the site."
Educational opportunities: The recreation areas offer ranger-led programs seasonally. At B.W. Wells, rangers provide wildlife identification and ecology activities. "We had a great weekend camping here with our cub scouts in the Shinleaf group camping area," reports a visitor, noting that "The Park Rangers came by a few times and we bought some firewood from them. They were very friendly and helpful."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At 70 East RV Park, "70 East RV Park is a nice park with spacious lots. It's in a great location, nearby anything you need. It's family and pet friendly," notes Kayleigh P. For full hook-ups at Falls Lake, experienced campers recommend reserving well in advance for sites with sewer connections.
Dumping stations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site sewer hookups. "Power and water at site dump station around the corner," notes a camper about Holly Point. At Poplar Point, "Dump stations are not far from any of the circles, and were not too busy (we were even there on 4th of July)."
Winter considerations: For year-round RVers, select facilities are prepared for cold weather. One long-term camper at RVacation noted, "We were impressed that the water lines are heated, so we didn't have to disconnect our water for the unusually cold 2 degree weather."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Wendell, NC?
What camping is available near Wendell, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wendell, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 68 campgrounds and RV parks near Wendell, NC and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Wendell, NC?
Which is the most popular campground near Wendell, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wendell, NC is Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wendell, NC?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wendell, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Wendell, NC.
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