Top Tent Camping near Wendell, NC

Searching for a tent campsite near Wendell? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Wendell, including sites, reviews, and tips. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Wendell, NC (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Eno River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eno River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eno River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eno River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eno River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eno River State Park

    1. Eno River State Park

    21 Reviews
    65 Photos
    165 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $10 - $32 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    2. Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    21 Photos
    22 Saves

    Located 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

    3. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

    17 Reviews
    48 Photos
    107 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $26 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground

    4. RTP Lakefront Campsite - Campground

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    35 Saves

    FIND 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
    • Tents
    • Market
    • Trash

    $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from MST Section 23 Falls Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from MST Section 23 Falls Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from MST Section 23 Falls Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from MST Section 23 Falls Lake

    5. MST Section 23 Falls Lake

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    34 Saves

    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
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Michie Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park

    7. San Lee Park

    3 Reviews
    13 Photos
    31 Saves

    Campsite rentals are available during park operational hours. A driver’s license or similar identification is required for registration. Sites are available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations are not taken. For additional information, please call 919-776-6221 Ext. 4. Program Date: April – October Exceptions for weather & burning bans Fee: $15.00 per night Register: At park office during park hours Must be 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult Tent Camping The park provides tent sites, tables, charcoal grills, water, and a shower house. Campsites are located in a private section of the park close to the lake.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water

    $15 / night

    • No image available

      8. Family Wilderness Camp — Raven Rock State Park

      Be the first to review!

      At the Family Wilderness Camp, there are five campsites just off of the Campbell Creek Loop Trail, approximately 2.5 miles from the parking lot and 0.5 mile from the river. The maximum number of campers for each site is six.

      Backpackers can also utilize the canoe camp, located beside the river off of the Little Creek Loop Trail, in a low-lying area. The camping area is a 1.7-mile hike in from the park office. There are six campsites, each accommodating up to six campers.

      All supplies, including water, must be packed to the sites. Neither the Family Wildness nor Canoe Camp is accessible by vehicle.

      Both camping areas offer a vault toilet, and all sites include a fire ring with a grill.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Drinking Water
      • Toilets

      $12 / night

      • No image available

        9. Owl Creek Horse Camp - Bankhead NF

        Be the first to review!
        1 Save

        The Owl Creek Horse Camp provides primitive overnight campsites for trail riders on a first come, first serve basis. The Owl Creek Trail System is approximately 26 miles and suitable for equestrian riding.

        • Tents
        • Equestrian
        • Drinking Water
        • Toilets

        $5 / night


      Recent Tent Reviews In Wendell

      389 Reviews of 9 Wendell Campgrounds


      • Amanda A.
        Camper-submitted photo from North Carolina State Fairgrounds
        Jul. 7, 2024

        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.

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park
        Jul. 2, 2024

        Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park

        Awesome State Park

        The state park has excellent hiking trails and the RV park is located in an excellent location to use them.

        The sites are huge, level, and clean. The bathhouse is clean and modern. While there aren’t many recreational amenities besides the hiking, the price makes this park an excellent value.

      • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Shinleaf — Falls Lake State Recreation Area
        Jul. 1, 2024

        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!

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from North Carolina State Fairgrounds
        May. 30, 2024

        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.

      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from J.C. Cooper — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
        May. 25, 2024

        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!

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Spring Hill RV Park
        Apr. 29, 2024

        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.

      • S
        Camper-submitted photo from Nutbush Bridge — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
        Apr. 27, 2024

        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from Butner lake WMA
        Apr. 1, 2024

        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.

      • Melinda J.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Medoc Mountain State Park
        Mar. 17, 2024

        Medoc Mountain State Park

        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Falls Lake State Recreation Area Holly Point Campground
        Mar. 16, 2024

        Falls Lake State Recreation Area Holly Point Campground

        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

      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
        Mar. 13, 2024

        Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

        Small, quiet and relaxed among the pines

        Our stay in Site #4 on February 25 in our 20' Mode LT was quiet and restful.  The park has an interesting geomorphology, sitting atop cliffs overlooking the river below, and there are miles of hiking trails.  The Campground Host was particularly helpful, checking us in when we arrived early.  Unlike many  state parks they offer their Senior Discount to out-of-state campers.  The campground is very clean and sites are very large with gravel pads, but only 14 sites have hook-ups.  Our stay was marred by heavy fire smoke from campfires penetrating our van.  The distance from I-95 adds an extra hour to your travel if you are just planning a one-nite stopover, so we might not make the trek again.

      • PThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
        Mar. 11, 2024

        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.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Enfield - Rocky Mount KOA
        Mar. 4, 2024

        Enfield - Rocky Mount KOA

        No Frills, Full Hookups I-95 Waysration

        Excellent place to camp overnight or for a couple days to rest while traveling the I-95 corridor. Full hookups to empty your tanks (heated water to avoid freezing in cold), level sites - mostly pull through so you can get in and out with ease. Large open areas to walk the pups and a decent sized dog run so they can get exercise (I can’t run that fast :) ). They has a small pool for hot summer months to cool off and refresh. Camp store has needed essentials but don’t expect to find everything a camper can desire. Campus is sparsely appointed but it has all that travelers really want which is a quiet place away from the noisy highway that is safe and has the site amenities of bigger and fancier campgrounds. I rate 4 stars because it serves its intended purpose, has level sites (didn’t even need to unhook to get level) with full hookups, and it’s priced for a quick overnight or even long-term stay if you are of humble needs. We will make it a regular stop on our journeys south and north again.

      • Sean R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Medoc Mountain State Park
        Feb. 29, 2024

        Medoc Mountain State Park

        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.

      • M
        Camper-submitted photo from Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
        Feb. 18, 2024

        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.

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park
        Jan. 22, 2024

        Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park

        Clean and quite!

        This is our favorite campground in the area. It is clean and quite with easy back in sites. The bathhouse is well maintained as is the camp road. We have stayed here during all four seasons and there isn't a bad time to stay. I can't say enough good things about this campground

      • Paul R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
        Dec. 19, 2023

        Crosswinds 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.

      • B
        Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Camp — Raven Rock State Park
        Nov. 29, 2023

        Canoe Camp — Raven Rock State Park

        Great spot for a night or two

        I’ve camped here twice now. The hike in and out is very easy. Only about 2 miles each way. The spots are clean and well spread out with a hook to hang things on, a fire pit, and a picnic table at each site. The pit toilet is central to all 6 sites. It’s a pit toilet so it’s nothing glamorous but it’s there if you need it. The river is a short walk away from all the sites if you want to get a great picture with the sunrise. Overall, I definitely recommend.

      • Keith F.
        Camper-submitted photo from Kampers Lodge Of America
        Nov. 9, 2023

        Kampers Lodge Of America

        Great place to stay, safe location, and has a family atmosphere.

        Great place to stay, safe location, and has a family atmosphere.  Space was large and I was able to pull through without having to de-attach my car trailer.

      • Karah S.
        Camper-submitted photo from San Lee Park
        Oct. 21, 2023

        San Lee Park

        Difficult

        We are from out of town. We picked this spot because it was a last minute trip and on their website it advertised they had first come first serve spots open. We drive over there see a completely empty campground and think we won’t have any issue getting a spot. And when I say empty I mean there was quit literally no other campers . So we tried to check in, but there is no place to check in. So we went to the nature center and asked around to try to get some help. We had to wait for some other man to come around because no one else who worked there could help us. After finally tracking this man down at the paddle boats and an hour of back and forth, we were told you have to call and make a reservation but we shouldn’t have a problem getting a spot since it’s empty. After calling and only getting voicemails, we found the man again who called his boss. His boss finally answered and said we can only camp there by making reservations 72 hours ahead of time. Probably the most difficulty I’ve ever had trying to get a camp site.

      • S B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
        Sep. 4, 2023

        Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

        Relaxing stay!

        First time camping at cliffs of the neuse and it was great. They sell firewood for $7 (cash only at the camp store) and the park staff was friendly. Our spot was shaded by the trees and even had a little path to the bathroom in the brush. We were surprised by two kittens who cautiously watched us from the bushes. Bathrooms were also very clean. Cleanest I might have ever seen at a camp.

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from North Carolina State Fairgrounds
        Jul. 29, 2023

        North Carolina State Fairgrounds

        Over-Priced Parking lot !

        I have stayed there twice over the past couple years.  The only changes to this Campground are the Prices !!  ..which keep going up (to $35 day now).  For this, you get a parking space with full hookups.. that's it, no Amenities whatsoever!

        It's pretty much a "Camper Trap", because there are so few options in the North Carolina Piedmont.  Spaces are tight, a lot of the people there are long-term workers, that totally ignore any "Dust" decorum, speeding through the area as if they were on public streets!



      Guide to Wendell

      Camping near Wendell, North Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

      What to do:

      What campers like:

      What you should know:

      • No alcohol allowed: Many campgrounds, including Poplar Point Campground, have strict no-alcohol policies. A camper pointed out, "NO alcohol allowed, which is a bummer for some."
      • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Crosswinds Campground, lack certain amenities like electric hookups and showers. A visitor mentioned, "The on-site bathroom & shower facilities are just slightly north of passable."
      • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at Moccasin Branch Campground. One camper warned, "If you have dogs, be aware of the squirrels running around in our campsite."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area. A camper said, "Our site is fantastic, really large and overlooking the lake."
      • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, such as fishing or hiking, to keep the kids entertained. One family enjoyed, "The kids caught minnows and had a blast."
      • Pack essentials: Bring along items like bug spray and sunscreen, especially for summer trips. A visitor at Holly Point noted, "We had VERY few bugs at our site the whole week we were there."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check site sizes: Make sure to verify the size of RV sites, especially at North Bend Park. One RVer mentioned, "Many of the sites in A are not very level for vans."
      • Utilize dump stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations nearby, like Poplar Point Campground. A camper shared, "Dump stations are not far from any of the circles."
      • Stay connected: If you need to work or stream while camping, check cell service availability. One camper at Holly Point noted, "Our cellphone hotspots worked great."

      Camping near Wendell, North Carolina, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wendell, NC?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wendell, NC is Eno River State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Wendell, NC?

        TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Wendell, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.