Sites are meant for tent/pop-up camping only. No RV or Trailer is accessible.

Located in Wake County 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park is a cherished retreat from bustling urban life. The park features an extensive network of hiking and multiuse trails, as well as three manmade lakes and their tributaries that are perfect for fishing. Both park entrances offer picnic shelters, and Crabtree Creek offers camping areas. Group camps and the historic Maple Hill Lodge let visitors experience a rustic overnight experience without typical modern camping amenities.

William B. Umstead State Park Campground

My friend and I have been trying to learn the manly outdoors skills we never picked up as kids (because we're nerds), starting with hiking, climbing, and backpacking.

We've hiked umstead and other local trails almost every week for the past 5 months. The woods and hills are gorgeous and it feels quiet and secluded (despite being really near an airport, a highway, and a mall. I think it's because all the hikes start by going up and over several hills. 

Reedy creek is particularly pretty and relaxing. 

The campsites are your average campground spots. They're clean and nice but way too close to the highway. And without the park to buffer the sound, we heard cars and jets all night. A ranger drove a pickup truck through the campground a couple times selling firewood. 

Normal campground, fantastic hiking!

Umstead is conveniently located in the heart of Raleigh, NC. It seems to be an outdoor oasis as you can get lost in the woods with the hustle and bustle of the city all around you. The only bummer is the occasional airplane you will inevitably hear above you as the park is located right next to RDU international airport. Having said that, if you need a quick woods getaway and don't have much time, Umstead offers a fantastic network of trails and more! 

Very Nice! Convenient and Easy to get to!

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. Campgrounds are close but separated by trees and forest to create privacy.

Peaceful and dense area with good amenities 

It’s not often that you see a state park in the heart of a metropolitan area. Although it’s not in the city limits, you are surrounded by cities. Without the noise of the neighboring international airport, it’s like any other natural area. However, camping in a tent means you will be hearing the sounds of jets all day long and throughout the night. Otherwise, it might have been a pleasant experience. This campground is in a state park that has a lot of trails, good areas for bicycling, and water sports such as swimming, canoeing, and fishing. When I was there, however, many of the facilities were closed. I did get a chance to take advantage of the trails, and they are relatively easy. Because of the pandemic, access to the bath house was limited in terms of hours. The sites are level and spacious, and they are not too close to other sites. It didn’t really matter when I went since there were very few campers. I can only imagine what it will be like when peak season starts, but as I said earlier, the sites are not on top of each other. The bath house was clean but only utilitarian. They could use updating. There is a place outside of the bath house to wash dishes, so you are encouraged to wash them there instead of dumping dishwater in the bath house or at your campsite. Overall, this campground is pretty good if you don’t mind the noise of the jets. If you want to experience total immersion into the wilderness and solitude, I would suggest a more remote camping area.

State Park Oasis in the Middle of a Metropolis

Avoid site 6! There’s so many tree roots, it’s an awful tripping hazard around a fire pit with kids! There are only three spaces out sites, 18,19,21. These sites are 10x10 designate for your tent, and picnic table and fire ring. Some are very very close together. The trails are good, the bathrooms are clean and maintained. Firewood can be purchased for $6/bundle. Be aware this is right next to the airport, you will hear planes all day and most all night landing and taking off. 