Falls Lake State Recreation Area offers a diverse range of glamping options near Wendell, North Carolina across multiple campgrounds. The recreation area spans over 12,000 acres of woodlands surrounding a 12,000-acre reservoir with 300 miles of shoreline. Seasonal temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer, with most campgrounds accessible from March through November.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Multiple trail systems connect throughout Falls Lake, including the Mountains to Sea Trail. "Raleigh is a great city, and Falls Lake St. Rec Area contributes to its awesomeness. Got to love the lakes at a state park," notes a visitor to Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area.
Fishing opportunities year-round: Cast for bass, crappie and catfish from designated piers or shoreline spots. At B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, visitors appreciate the natural setting: "Stayed here midweek in the summer. Very happy I drove around first before reserving a site. Not all sites are flat and some are very hard to drive into. Many have very nice lake views, and some are totally private!"
Wildlife observation: Bird watching is particularly rewarding early mornings and evenings. "Lots of Bird Watching. Great sites here at this CG in central NC. Minutes from the RDU area, convenient to 540," mentions one camper about the Rolling View area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many glamping options at Falls Lake maintain good spacing between accommodations. According to a visitor at Eno River State Park Campground: "We hike and swim Eno nearly weekly and are so thankful this resource is so close to us! The primitive sites are spaced far enough apart that it truly feels like solitude."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and shower areas receive regular maintenance throughout the day. "The bathhouse wasn't quite warm enough for showers in November temps, when we tented. January was just as cold, but we rented a camper," shares one visitor about their winter experience.
Accessibility to water: Direct water access for swimming, fishing or paddling from many sites. At Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, a guest noted, "Such a beautiful, relaxing campground! Some sites are on the lake and close enough to pull your boat up to the shore."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Some glamping options close during winter months. "Starting at $30/night for a camping lot. They offer a small discount for senior citizens and military. Bathroom facilities with hot showers located near every loop," explains a visitor to B.W. Wells.
Reservation requirements: Book sites 3-6 months in advance during peak season (May-September). According to a visitor at Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park: "Spent many nights camping at Raven Rock. There are quite a few different campsites to choose from. There is the group site which accommodates a large group."
Sandy terrain: Pack ground covers or outdoor rugs for tent areas. "We loved having a double site with my parents. Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy," shares one camper about Crosswinds Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas near camping loops. A visitor to Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Campground shared: "Nice park with rv and tent sites. They have electric and water hookups. There are picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Firewood is available from the ranger."
Educational programs: Rangers offer scheduled activities for children on weekends. "So much fun to camp here. They had a controlled burn of the Holly Hill Loop In February. It was really neat and educational to see the charred bottoms of the trees," notes one family about Rolling View.
Swimming options: Designated swimming areas with gentle slopes for younger children. A parent visiting Eno River reports: "This is one of my favorite camping spots in the North Carolina triangle area. The Eno River is more than safe to swim or paddle in. Dogs are welcome here!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Check site dimensions before booking as some are challenging for larger rigs. "This park was beautiful and amazing. The views were phenomenal. We were water front. Bath houses super clean and staff very friendly," notes an RVer who stayed at Bullocksville Campground — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area.
Hookup availability: Most glamping locations near Wendell offer electric and water, but fewer have sewer connections. "This was a stop over stay for us as we headed towards the Smokies. Nice family oriented modern Campground. Very large sites, well shaded, paved and all the hook ups," shares an RV camper about B.W. Wells.
Dump station locations: Plan accordingly as some areas require driving to central dump stations. A camper at Moccasin Branch suggests, "This place is must visit if you are ever in the Sandhills of NC."
