Forest camping near Raleigh with campfires

Camp near Raleigh to experience natural beauty among pristine lakes and parklands.

98% (851 reviews)
98% (851 reviews)

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12 top forest campgrounds near Raleigh with campfires

98%
(324)

R.O.S.A. Land Campground

6 sites · Lodging, Tents23 acres · Rougemont, NC
Welcome to R.O.S.A. Land Campground! Hot Water Outdoor Shower Back Up and newly chopped, dead Hackberry wood available as EXTRAS. R.O.S.A. stands for Rare Occaneechi Saponi Alluvial Land-based retreat and campground offering individuals and small groups a place for rest, exploration, sanctuary, and grounding. Equal parts woodland, floodplain wetland and pastureland, R.O.S.A land is stewarding 23 acres of ecological magical oasis on a tributary of the Upper Tar River in an Aquatic Habitat deemed an important NC Natural Heritage area of the Piedmont of North Carolina. Rare mussel species and amphibians live here. Come see for yourself! This is a queer-stewarded, solidarity-focused rematriation project. This land is co-deeded to MK of Handewa Farms and owned at present by K Cox, Steward of the Respite and will be passed on to MK and her seven Afro-Indigenous children once the Roundhouse is paid down. In the meantime, an intentional community of farmhub tenants, visitors, campers and Handewa Farm members all co-habitate on the land together. We offer nature-based immersion for artists, healers, cultural and frontline organizers and their families taking time for restful resistance. It is a triptyech of woods, water and pastureland butting up against an untouched wild old hardwood forest - a combination unlikley found in the PIedmont- nestled among small tobacco, horse and hay farms in the Southeast corner of Granville County between Oxford and Roxboro in the beautiful PIedmont of North Carolina.
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$27.08
 / night
100%
(411)

Honah Lee Farms

5 sites · Tents144 acres · Rougemont, NC
(Notice - Our property was recently damaged by heavy rains from hurricane Helene. We have been working to make repairs, including along the long driveway entering the property. For those return campers and all new guests to Honah Lee Farms, we are no longer accepting trailers or RVs due to the narrowing of our driveway from the recent flood-waters. We apologize for any inconvenience and will post updates here if the circumstances change. - Brian) Our camp is the shared vision of Brian and Lee and son Michael. We fell in love with this beautiful property where we plan to build our eco-friendly, off-grid homestead and farm. Lee's favorite song and the inspiration behind our name is "Puff the Magic Dragon" by Peter, Paul and Mary. A land of whimsical imagination, beauty and maybe a dragon or three is our shared vision for the farm. The camping options are flexible, ranging from prepared campsites along both Little and Deep creeks with composting outhouses nearby, to "Camper's Choice" options where you may hike in or drive in and create your own camping experience. Please note that since the "Camper's Choice" options allow freedom to select hike-in or drive-in options, the exact distance to nearest outhouse may vary. There are 144 acres to explore so campers can set up a secluded getaway or cluster together in a group. We are flexible and can work with you to create a camping experience that suits your needs. Learn more about this land: Honah Lee Farms has over 140 acres of woods with open fields distributed throughout. We are bordered to the south by the Flat River, to the west by Deep Creek, and to the north by Little Creek. Most of our campsites are nestled in the trees along one of these bodies of water and all campers have access to the 10 foot waterfall area where Deep Creek runs into the Flat River.
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$31.50
 / night
100%
(24)

Farm Stay at Saxapahaw Country Club

5 sites · RVs, Tents31 acres · Graham, NC
The Saxapahaw Country Club is a beautiful 31-acre working farm and event space. Located just a few minutes from Saxapahaw Village, it's a convenient and gorgeous place to stay. While we are happy to be a late-night crash spot for after shows, we hope you stay a minute to walk the fields, hang in the hammocks, sit by the pond, or take a swing from the branches of our 200 year old White Oak tree. You'll come down our curvy driveway through the trees, and see our event barn on the left. In front of the barn is a communal space for campers to enjoy with a great view. This area has a fire pit, chairs, wood-fired grill, handwashing station, and farm table. Please note, this farm stay is an agritourism activity subject to the limit of liabilities as described in N.C.G.S § 99E‑32(b). We have sheep and pigs in the far pastures behind electric fencing. You are welcome to look but don't touch the fence! We also have 3 very friendly farm cats. Pork from the farm is available for purchase, as well as firewood. Nearby activities: Entertainment: Haw River Ballroom, Saturdays in Saxapahaw Eats: Cup 22 Coffee House, Saxapahaw General Store, The Eddy Restaurant, Haw River Farmhouse Ales, Steel String Brewery Nature: The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co, Saxapahaw Lake Paddle Access, Saxapahaw Island Park & Playground, Cane Creek Mountain Area
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$40
 / night
97%
(387)

Animal Sanctuary and Peace Park

5 sites · Tents11 acres · Coats, NC
Calling all hippies, treehuggers, Earth worshipers, and others who enjoy immersing themselves in nature! At Animal Ed.ventures Sanctuary, we are all about engendering a respectful, compassionate, and harmonic relationship with each other as well as the Natural World and her amazing creatures. We have high hopes for the long-term preservation of our remarkable planet, her breathtaking habitats, stunning species, and awe-inspiring ability to support the Natural Order of all of it. For almost 2 decades, we’ve been driven by the dream of creating a place of peace and respite for all who cross our threshold. From our USDA licensed educational program to our ongoing rescue efforts, we have the ability to provide an enriching and enlightening experience for people of all ages.  While camping with us, visit Betsy, the Two-toed Sloth, and Teddy, the Capuchin Monkey, plus many other ambassadors at our sanctuary who are sure to inspire you and remind us of our interconnectedness!
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$25
 / night
100%
(8)

Heaven's Gate Artistry

20 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Henderson, NC
Centered in the beautiful North Carolina countryside of lush green rolling hills with picturesque farms, oak and magnolia trees, this property has three acres of pasture and four acres of trees. I have dry camping with water, electricity and a Porta Potty available nearby fir /418 a night and for $45 a night full RV hook ups. I've been a full time Artist and Teacher for 30 years and have a my AgriTourism 40’x72’ Barndominium, (it's still a bit of a construction site on one acre) with a 1,250 sq ft. Art Studio for creatives of all types opening in May 2024. Studio time and lessons available. Pottery, kiln, (up to cone 10 electric and cone 10 gas reduction) wheel, hand building tables, slab roller, extruder, wedging tables, glazes, drawing, painting, (watercolor, acrylic, pen & ink, oil, pastel, etc.) book binding, mixed media and more. In Raleigh, NC there is the NC Museum of Art, Marbles Children's Museum and Natural Sciences Museum, DPAC performing arts in Durham. You can visit Duke University Cathedral in Durham, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and NC State in Raleigh. Shop at Raleigh, Louisburg and Henderson Farmer's Markets or take a Raleigh Guided Historical Tour. Downtown Raleigh is beaming with excellent restaurants, breweries, music and night life. There are petting zoo's, Wild ponies on the Outer Banks, The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, Local Alpaca Farms to visit and many live music and dancing venues. There is Falls Lake, Kerr Lake, Lake Jordan and Lake Gaston for fishing, swimming and water skiing. In two hours and 15 minutes you can be in Mt. Airy the original Mayberry of the Andy Griffith Show. Or stop and pan for gold and gems on your way to Asheville, NC. Or stop by Cherokee, NC for famous Maggie Valley or their Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Located 30 minutes from the VA state line, highway US #1 and Interstate 85 are 15 minutes away. 45 Minutes north of Triangle Town Center Mall in Raleigh, NC, three hours from Wilmington/Atlantic Beach, NC for surfing, deep sea fishing boat charters and beautiful beaches. We're four hours East of Ashville/Smokey Mountains and the famous Biltmore House, NC. We're four hours from fun Myrtle Beach, SC and five hours North of Historic Charleston, NC and 3.5 hours from The Smithsonian National Museum of History and the White House in Washington DC. In NC we're three hours from Charlotte, NC, 90 minutes from Greensboro/Winston Salem, NC, one hour to Interstate 95 south in Wilson, NC, 45 minutes North to Interstate 95 in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Soon to come laundry and shower room and bunk beds! Top 10 Things to Do in Raleigh: https://www.viator.com/Raleigh/d33621-ttd?mcid=33953&tsem=true&supci=-1&supag=1233652197275608&supsc=kwd-77103383976617&supai=77103448173493&supdv=c&supnt=s&supkw=museums%20in%20raleigh%20nc&supti=kwd-77103383976617&suplp=82024&supli=56448&m=33953&supag=1233652197275608&supsc=kwd-77103383976617&supai=77103448173493&supdv=c&supnt=nt:s&suplp=82024&supli=56448&supti=kwd-77103383976617&tsem=true&supci=kwd-77103383976617&supkw=museums%20in%20raleigh%20nc&msclkid=0f8e945c99d51e0f9e7bf2746e1e7c6f
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$15.30
 / night
96%
(38)

Ancient Spring Farm

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Snow Camp, NC
Our farm is a beautiful, private 25 acres with an 1830s house, outbuildings, animals, orchards, gardens, pastures, old trees, wildlife habitat, a spring, and woods. Here you can relax; watch nature; meet our chickens, goats, horse, cats, and dog; learn about archaeology, history, plants, and mead making; and get eggs and homegrown seasonal food. Listen to birdsong and watch clouds during the day, wander a path through our ca. 5 acres of woods, see fireflies in the evening, and star watch at night. Nearby are hiking, horseback riding, historical sites, fishing, antiques, wineries, shooting, and more. We are located in a rural area and have many different domesticated and wild animals so you may hear diverse animal noises and see or smell animal poop, although we try to keep things clean and tidy. Our neighbors have dogs, cattle, and chickens/roosters and occasionally shoot guns during daylight hours (one neighbor is a sporting club with skeet shooting and hunting dogs) but typically our farm is a quiet and peaceful place. We mow regularly and our rooster and chicken ladies wander far and wide eating bugs but, in the summer, they can't get every mosquito and tick so please plan accordingly for your own comfort.
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$22.50
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

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Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Forest camping near Raleigh with campfires guide

Overview

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Raleigh offers a haven for camping enthusiasts at nearby state parks and serene lakeside destinations. Explore the city and visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences before immersing in the sprawling wilderness of Umstead State Park. Venture out farther to seek tranquility at Falls Lake State Recreation Area, where shimmering waters invite fishing, paddling, and lakeside relaxation. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, with its expansive reservoir, offers swimming, boating, and bird-watching for any type of camper. Then choose from a variety of camping options, including waterfront tent campsites, RV parks with hookups, and open-room lodges for covered stays during cold and wet seasons.

Where to go

William B. Umstead State Park

Only 20 minutes from Raleigh is Umstead State Park, where miles of well-maintained trails wind through lush forests and along bubbling creeks. Campers can set up tents in the park's designated pet-friendly campsites near Crabtree Creek, each equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. For more coverage, book a spot at Maple Hill Lodge where all campers need are sleeping bags. Then hike Sal's Branch Trail or Reedy Creek Multi-Use Trail to see the park’s unique chainsaw art along forests and man-made lakes.

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

For a lakeside camping adventure, head to Falls Lake State Recreation Area. Campers can spend the night at on-site campgrounds with over 300 pet-friendly campsites next to Falls Lake and modern amenities like clean restroom facilities and designated swimming areas. Wake up and go fishing for bass, catfish, and sunfish, or paddle along the lake's tranquil coves in a canoe or kayak. Hikers who visit in spring and fall can explore the extensive network of trails and see migrating monarch butterflies, while mountain bikers may want to ride along the renowned Mountains-to-Sea State Trail.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Embrace the beauty of Jordan Lake's expansive reservoir from one of the scenic campgrounds on-site in the recreation area. Each of the 1,000 pet-friendly campsites has convenient access to swimming beaches, boating ramps, and fishing spots for tent campers and RVers alike. Campsites are also equipped with firepits, picnic tables, and restroom facilities—some also have electric and water hookups. Then, explore Jordan Lake Educational State Forest, take a leisurely hike along New Hope Trail, or embark on a bird-watching expedition for bald eagles.

When to go

Raleigh enjoys a mild climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F as well as vibrant foliage and glimpses of migrating monarch butterflies. Summers invite campers to cool off in the lakes, with temperatures averaging around 80°F to 90°F. Winters near Raleigh see temperatures averaging around 30°F to 50°F, which allow for year-round camping trips to the area.

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