The 6 Best Campgrounds Near Durham, NC
Camping near Durham, North Carolina, offers plenty of options for all types of camping styles. Take advantage of the many local lakes for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding during your stay, or spend some time exploring nearby state parks and hiking trails. Check out the following campgrounds near Durham, NC—a few that are just a short drive away, and a few that can accommodate you on a weekend getaway trip to beautiful destinations.
3 Campgrounds Near Durham, NC
Triangle RV Park
Triangle RV Park tops the list for long-term stay campgrounds near Durham, NC. Nestled among the pines of Duke Forest, the campground requires a one-month minimum, though some love it so much they choose to extend their stays indefinitely! Located within 15 minutes of both Duke Hospital (and downtown Durham), the campground is ideal for patients and traveling nurses who need a place to stay temporarily. The spacious and shady lots offer plenty of room and privacy, while still being close to all the exciting attractions in town.
The campground location also makes it easy to get to Raleigh and its Research Triangle Park in just over 20 minutes. Whether you’re here to visit the city’s museums, catch a show at the theater, or go shopping, you can do it all without spending too much time commuting back and forth from this campground.
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North Pointe RV Resort
North Pointe RV Resort is an idyllic campground nestled in Selma, NC along the 1-95 corridor. Guests of the resort are invited to cast their fishing line and enjoy the stunning sunsets that reflect off the pond. Open year-round, this pet-friendly campground offers a variety of amenities to enhance your stay.
The clubhouse features a full kitchen, and laundry facilities are available 24 hours a day for convenience. The swimming pool, basketball court, playground, and soon-to-be pickleball court will provide entertainment for both adults and children alike. Furthermore, North Pointe proudly extends discounts to members of the military. With such an array of offerings, North Pointe RV Resort is truly a great choice among campgrounds near Durham, NC.
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Hidden Haven RV Park
Hidden Haven RV Park is a tranquil destination located in Smithfield, North Carolina. It offers 120 pull-thru and 40 back-in sites complete with every hookup you need for power, from water to sewer and 50/30 amp electrical services. With free Wi-Fi also available, this camping spot is ideal for those looking for campgrounds near Durham, NC where they still can stay connected.
In addition, visitors can take advantage of the newly renovated bathhouse, as well as a cabana that’s perfect for picnicking, grilling, and relaxing. The park has all kinds of options when it comes to accommodation, whether you’re looking for nightly, weekly, or even monthly sites. All in all, Hidden Haven RV Park is the perfect spot to get away from it all while still having access to all the modern amenities one could need.
3 Weekend Getaways From Durham (and Campgrounds)
If you’re down for a longer drive or looking for a weekend getaway from Durham, NC, then check out these fantastic outdoor spots and campgrounds at which to stake out.
Eno River State Park
(16 minutes from Durham, NC)
Situated approximately 10 miles from downtown Durham, Eno River State Park is a beautiful and diverse outdoor playground located in the Durham and Orange counties in North Carolina. Along its namesake river, the Eno River features five access areas for explorers to enjoy. The swift but often shallow river provides exciting challenges for those who venture out on it, as well as stunning sights like Cascades waterfall.
Eno River State Park is along the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers alike. Within the park, anglers can take advantage of plentiful opportunities to catch fish, while birdwatchers can watch many species of birds come through this riparian environment. Photographers will find plenty of stunning subjects among the tree-lined banks or cascades to capture while enjoying a leisurely stroll along the riverbank. Eno River State Park is sure to deliver an enriching outdoor experience to accompany your search for campgrounds near Durham, NC.
Where to Stay: Triangle RV Park or Paradise Lake & Campground
The aforementioned Triangle RV Park is just five miles away from Durham, but if you’re looking to stop by the state park and then continue adventuring out for the weekend (let’s say, across state lines), then Paradise Lake & Campground could be a great option.
Located in Keeling, Virginia, Paradise Lake & Campground is a peaceful and tranquil getaway located in a picturesque location. Amenities include bathhouses, laundry facilities, swimming pool, and pool table.
Guests can choose from RV sites, tent sites, country cabins, or the renovated complex to make themselves at home in. The lake provides plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. There is also an abundance of hiking trails for the outdoor enthusiast to explore the pristine grounds around the lake. For those who want to relax by the campfire, check out the fire pits to connect with nature while roasting marshmallows under a blanket of stars.
Carvers Creek State Park
(1 hour and 12 minutes from Durham, NC)
Carvers Creek State Park is situated in Cumberland County, lying just 13 miles northwest of Fayetteville. The park is known for Long Valley Farm—once home to James Stillman Rockefeller as his winter retreat—and its Sandhills access that features multi-use trails full of beautiful longleaf pine ecosystems. Furthermore, the accesses are filled with unique species, like the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and the Pine Barrens tree frog.
Carvers Creek State Park offers many enjoyable outdoor activities to visitors all year round—from hiking and trail running along its scenic pathways to fishing in the lake. Furthermore, there are educational programs available that teach guests about the local wildlife, plants, and historical sites, making it a great place for families to explore together. With so much history and wildlife surrounding it, Carvers Creek State Park is definitely an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits!
Where to Stay: Spacious Skies Sandy Run Campground
If you’re looking for campgrounds near Durham, NC that have a rustic charm, Spacious Skies Sandy Run Campground is a safe bet. This campground is in the heart of Cumberland County and is only a short drive away from Fort Bragg. Visitors can take advantage of the many activities this area has to offer, including 750 miles of historic trails to explore by bike, car, or on foot. There are also numerous options for water-based adventures on the nearby branches of the Cape Fear River.
Plus, its excellent location near Fort Bragg and other local attractions makes it a great option for travelers who want easy access to everything Fayetteville has to offer, while still enjoying the rustic charm of this special place.
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Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve
(1 hour and 19 minutes from Durham, NC)
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve is a unique and captivating destination for nature lovers. Located in Moore County, it offers a glimpse into the longleaf pine forests that once thrived across millions of acres in the Southeast United States. With its towering pines, some of which are hundreds of years old, and sprawling network of trails lined with wiregrass and other vegetation, it’s truly an awe-inspiring place to explore.
The preserve is also home to a rich array of plant and animal species, many rare or endangered. Look out for red-cockaded woodpeckers, fox squirrels, Sandhills pyxie-mosses, pine snakes, and insectivorous purple pitcher plants during your visit. Whether you come seeking adventure or just to enjoy some peaceful time amid nature’s splendor, Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve is sure to provide a memorable experience.
Where to Stay: Zooland Family Campground
Zooland Family Campground is a favorite among campgrounds near Durham, NC for families. Located in Asheboro, this 33-acre park offers plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. From river fishing and gem mining to a jumping pillow and water slide, there is something for the whole family.
It’s also located by Carowinds Amusement Park and the North Carolina Zoo, so guests looking for adventure off-site have a couple big attractions to keep them entertained. If you’re looking for some more relaxing options, there are numerous parks and nature trails nearby as well.
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Durham, North Carolina boasts some of the most beautiful outdoor locations for camping in the southeastern United States. The hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains roll through the area and provide amazing views of the surrounding landscape. There are a number of great spots to explore near Durham, at which you can swim in crystal-clear lakes, fish in pristine rivers and creeks, or hike through miles of trails that traverse forests and meadows. Check out these campgrounds near Durham, NC for outdoor adventure and lasting memories.