Campgrounds Guide

Are you considering going camping in Raleigh, NC? Let's discuss tips and tricks for enjoying campgrounds in and around Raleigh while also highlighting some of the best campsites to visit.

Because Raleigh, North Carolina, is the capital of the state and a large city, one of the best things about the area is the green spaces and campgrounds located in and around the area. If you are a fan of the outdoors and want to experience North Carolina's weather, you are in luck. Raleigh and the surrounding areas have a variety of campgrounds for you and your peers to enjoy.

When deciding what activity to do for a weekend with your friends and family, visiting a campsite may not be your first thought, but don't knock it until you try it. Camping with your peers is a great idea when thinking of doing something everyone would enjoy. 

When it comes to camping, you get to enjoy the scenic area, fun outdoor activities, and the sights and sounds of North Carolina. This is the perfect time to spend quality time with your friends and family while enjoying the wilderness. If you love to fall asleep to the sound of the outdoors, camping is the perfect activity for you.

Camping can be tricky for those who have never done it before. There are a few things you should know before heading out to the woods. There are also certain things you should be bringing with you to go camping to keep yourself safe, full, and hydrated. 

Keep reading to learn more about the awesome campgrounds around Raleigh and the tips and tricks of camping for first-timers. 

Here are the things to know about campgrounds around Raleigh, NC.

Camping Essentials Checklist

When you go camping with your friends and family, there are a handful of items that you should be bringing with you. These items are to help your camping experience go smoothly and successfully. Without some of these items, you may find it hard to enjoy camping near Raleigh. 

If you are planning a camping trip at one of the campgrounds around Raleigh, these essential items are what you should be bringing. Depending on how long you are at the campgrounds determines the quantity of these items you should be taking with you. 

Do's and Don'ts of Camping

If you are newer to camping, there are some rules you should know about the activity before heading to the campgrounds. Each individual campsite may have its own rules and regulations that you must abide by, but these are the common do's and don'ts of camping in and around Raleigh, NC.

Activities to Enjoy While Camping

Camping can be the best weekend getaway with your friends and family. When visiting campgrounds in Raleigh, there will be a variety of fun things to do to enjoy your time. Here are some of the most common activities when camping. 

• Go fishing: Whether you are fishing for fun or for your next meal, fishing is a great way to unwind and relax. You can enjoy this activity for hours with your friends or family or even by yourself.
• Swimming: If you are camping near water, and if they allow you to, grab your bathing suit and floats and enjoy the water during the day to cool off.
• Canoeing or Kayaking: If this is allowed where you are camping, this is a great activity to do with your peers. Some campsites even allow you to rent a canoe and kayak if you don't already have one.
• Take photos: Taking photos of the nature and wildlife around you can be a super peaceful activity to enjoy either alone or with your peers.
• Hiking: The best way to explore a new area is to go hiking. Most campgrounds have hiking trails that are safe to use and will allow you to fully explore the scenic views.
• Enjoy a campfire: A campfire can be used for a variety of things. Not only can you use it to stay warm, but you can also use it for cooking your meals, singing campfire songs, telling stories, and just enjoying the presence of your peers and the peaceful sounds around you.
• Bring games: Our most suggested items to bring to enjoy at a campground are items like a frisbee, football, volleyball, and more. These items can keep you entertained for hours. 
• Cornhole: If you have a cornhole board, bring it. And if you don't, we suggest purchasing one before you head out to the campgrounds. Playing a friendly game of cornhole is the best way to pass the time and enjoy your time at the campsite with your friends and family.
• Make S'mores: Who doesn't love a good s'more? Gather together your graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, and make a delicious s'more around your campfire.

Other items you can bring to enjoy your time at the campgrounds are cards, books, instruments, etc. These are just some of the suggestions we have to better enhance your camping experience in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Best Campgrounds Around Raleigh, NC

Here are some of the best campgrounds around Raleigh, NC.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Jordan Lake is one of the largest state parks near Raleigh. All of the campsites you will find at this recreational area are located around the lake. This lake is actually one of the major water supplies for people in North Carolina and covers hundreds of square miles. 

A great thing about camping at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is that there is a lakeside beach. Although this is not the same as the beach, it is still a great, fun area to enjoy with your friends and family. You can visit this beach and swim or sunbathe and even float around the restricted area like you usually would do in any lake. 

Within Jordan Lake, there are over 1,000 campsites for you to choose from. Some of these campgrounds even allow you to bring RVs. You can either reserve a spot ahead of time before getting the Jordan Lake, or you can walk around the park and find a spot of your liking. If you wait until the day of to find a campsite, these are first come, first serve, so you might not find a site that is available.

Other amenities you may find at this campground are toilets, showers, drinking water, picnic tables, grills, lantern holders, garbage bins, and dump stations. Jordan Lake is also pet-friendly, so you are welcome to bring your animals as long as they stay on leashes and you clean up after your pet.

Here are some of the common campsite types and the nightly rates.

• RV campsite with electric and water hookups: $33
• Tent: $26
• Backpack campsite: $15
• Group tent campsite (up to 35 people): $65

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

If you are looking for a campground that is smaller and more private for you and your peers, visiting Falls Lake State Recreation Area is a great option. Falls Lake is located North of Raleigh, and the lake itself is huge. 

Falls Lake is a 12,310-acre reservoir that is located in the counties of Durham, Wake, and Granville. The creation of this lake was designed to serve as a regional water supply to prevent flooding and help protect the water quality.

The great thing about camping at Falls Lake is that with a few campsites, you won't have to worry about being near tons of people and loud noise from fellow campers. You can make a reservation at this campground up to six months in advance.

Here are the camping rates per night, but don't forget about the initial $3 reservation fee.

• RV campsite with electric and water hookups: $33
• Tent: $26
• Backpack campsite: $26
• Group tent campsite (up to 35 people): $65

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

This lake and campground are located North of Raleigh and towards the Virginia border. Kerr Lake Recreation Area is one of the largest natural sites in North Carolina. The lake alone covers around 50,000 acres and has over 800 miles of beaches. Visitors love this campground area because of the amount of water and sandy shores it has.

If you are looking for a campground that has tons of water to enjoy your water activities, Kerr Lake is the perfect destination for you and your friends. This is the campground where you will want to bring your boat, fishing gear, floats, kayaks, and more. Not only does Kerr Lake have an abundance of water for you to enjoy, but they also have tons of hiking trails. 

A great thing about Kerr Lake is that there are seven different campgrounds and hundreds of campsites to enjoy a nice night at the lake. All of the access areas provide at least one boat ramp making it convenient for those who plan on bringing their boats.

• RV campsite with electric and water hookups: $36
• Tent: $26
• Backpack campsite: $15

William B. Umstead State Park

Out of all the campgrounds discussed throughout this guide, William B. Umstead Park is the only state park that is not centered around a body of water. This park is located near the center of Raleigh and is more convenient to get to if you are planning to head to the city. 

Even though it is not centered around a lake, William B. Umstead Park has a small lake on the southern end of the park. This lake allows you to rent boats to travel out on the water, paddling, fishing, and more. This park is known for its natural beauty and hiking. It is also one of the parks that are horse-friendly. If you are a horse lover, there are tons of horseback trails and parking. 

Check out the campsite rates here for more information since this park changes its rate based on peak season.

Campgrounds Guide for Raleigh, NC - Our Final Words

Camping around the area is one of the great things about living in Raleigh. When you are visiting or if you reside in Raleigh, you should check out the campgrounds listed above. Each of these parks has something unique to offer to you, your friends, and your families. If you love the outdoors and spending quality time with your peers or alone, visit one of these campgrounds.

If you are a first-time camper, make sure you follow the checklist we discussed throughout this campground guide so you are fully prepared to have a great time. The worst part about doing something new is stressing about if you have everything to have a good time. Save this guide for when you are planning your next camping trip.

If you are considering relocating to Raleigh, North Carolina, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today to get connected with a local Real Estate professional for further guidance on the buying and selling process in the area.