Discover the best campgrounds near Durham, North Carolina with wildlife watching

97% (1058 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Durham

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(105)

Tar River Life

17 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Lake Royale, NC

Back to the basics, come and experience Tar River Life’s primitive camping on the Tar River. Enjoy being on the river and listening to slow running sound of the Tar River. Bring your own tent or rent one of ours. You can drive your vehicle to all of our campsites. The drive to camp is about 1/2 miles. Each site includes a fire pit, wood and trash bin. Cook your own meals or try and catch your own fish from the river. Campsites can be secluded or grouped. Each site comes with a picnic table, 1 bundle of wood and trash can. Stay for a night or longer period of time, come and enjoy the outdoors with us. We have lots of walking trails, fishing access, wildlife, kayaking and tubing (must be purchased through us). 2WD vehicles are ok except during wet conditions. There is also the Vollmer Farm, with seasonal produce a Full Coffee Shop with breakfast goodies and baked goods and not to mention their fabulous ice cream. They have goods from around NC including, eggs, honey, meats, beers, wine and more. There is a grocery store (Food Lion) about 15 minutes away. So you can stock up on supplies on your way to your next adventure. We are pet friendly!

100%

(18)

Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

2 sites · Lodging400 acres · Broadway, NC

Situated on over 400 acres, Sugarneck has private and communal gathering areas to stay put and soak in the escape or take a short drive to great things to and places to eat. Private Amenities include: Bathrooms, Mini Refrigerators, Heat & A/C, Luxury Bedding and Private Solo Stove Campsites. Communal Amenities include: TV/Game room, Grill, Fire Pit, Walking trails and lawn games.

100%

(384)

Honah Lee Farms

5 sites · RVs, Tents144 acres · Rougemont, NC

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.

R.O.S.A. Land Campground

6 sites · Lodging, Tents23 acres · Rougemont, NC

R.O.S.A. Land 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.

99%

(46)

By the water

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Burlington, NC

Beautiful 20+ acres with a large pond all to yourself! Situated conveniently next to the state highway, our farm has a barn and newly planted blue berries and fruit trees. Fishing, canoeing, stargazing, wildlife watching... a perfect place to relax and unwind. Local attractions include Animal Park at the Conservators Center and the charming downtown Mebane. Pets are welcomed. Take a walk around the pond or venture into the woods, and enjoy your stay! P.S. If you are planning an extended stay (more than 4 weeks) or have a party exceeding 6 people, please reach out to me directly. Thank you.

12 top campgrounds near Durham with wildlife watching

100%

(384)

Honah Lee Farms

5 sites · RVs, Tents144 acres · Rougemont, NC

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.

Tar River Life

17 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Lake Royale, NC

Back to the basics, come and experience Tar River Life’s primitive camping on the Tar River. Enjoy being on the river and listening to slow running sound of the Tar River. Bring your own tent or rent one of ours. You can drive your vehicle to all of our campsites. The drive to camp is about 1/2 miles. Each site includes a fire pit, wood and trash bin. Cook your own meals or try and catch your own fish from the river. Campsites can be secluded or grouped. Each site comes with a picnic table, 1 bundle of wood and trash can. Stay for a night or longer period of time, come and enjoy the outdoors with us. We have lots of walking trails, fishing access, wildlife, kayaking and tubing (must be purchased through us). 2WD vehicles are ok except during wet conditions. There is also the Vollmer Farm, with seasonal produce a Full Coffee Shop with breakfast goodies and baked goods and not to mention their fabulous ice cream. They have goods from around NC including, eggs, honey, meats, beers, wine and more. There is a grocery store (Food Lion) about 15 minutes away. So you can stock up on supplies on your way to your next adventure. We are pet friendly!

96%

(13)

Sugarneck Glamping Resort

2 sites · Lodging400 acres · Broadway, NC

Set on 400 acres of pure privacy, Sugarneck boasts luxury glamping with wildlife ( Turkeys, Deer) Walking Trails, Lawn Games, Gathering areas, 1 mile away from the Cape Fear River Boat Ramp and close to the many outdoor adventures Sanford NC has to offer including Kayaking, Zoos, Beautiful parks and Restaurants.

R.O.S.A. Land Campground

6 sites · Lodging, Tents23 acres · Rougemont, NC

R.O.S.A. Land 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.

Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

2 sites · Lodging400 acres · Broadway, NC

Situated on over 400 acres, Sugarneck has private and communal gathering areas to stay put and soak in the escape or take a short drive to great things to and places to eat. Private Amenities include: Bathrooms, Mini Refrigerators, Heat & A/C, Luxury Bedding and Private Solo Stove Campsites. Communal Amenities include: TV/Game room, Grill, Fire Pit, Walking trails and lawn games.

By the water

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Burlington, NC

Beautiful 20+ acres with a large pond all to yourself! Situated conveniently next to the state highway, our farm has a barn and newly planted blue berries and fruit trees. Fishing, canoeing, stargazing, wildlife watching... a perfect place to relax and unwind. Local attractions include Animal Park at the Conservators Center and the charming downtown Mebane. Pets are welcomed. Take a walk around the pond or venture into the woods, and enjoy your stay! P.S. If you are planning an extended stay (more than 4 weeks) or have a party exceeding 6 people, please reach out to me directly. Thank you.

97%

(379)

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!

Privette Pointe

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Wake Forest, NC

Once a working cattle and tobacco farm, this land has been in our family for generations. Experience magnificent sunrises over rolling hills, just inside Wake County near the Franklin County border. Two sites beside the pond, stocked with fish, a bridge to feed them bread from, and a fountain to listen to as you unwind.Learn more about this land:Wake up beside the pond, listening to to fountain as you drink your morning coffee. Fish from the bank or toss bread to the fish from the bridge. Hike the property and take pictures of breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

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.

Rural Chapel Hill Forestry Stay

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Chapel Hill, NC

Our property is a private 25 acre forestry plot connected to an adjoining 130 acre family-owned plot, with only 1 house on the 150+ acres. Most of the land is wooded with a couple large fields. Long private driveway. 3+ miles of private maintained walking trails great for human and dog guests! There are a number of creeks that run on the property and a decent size pond with many species of birds- perfect for watching while having a morning coffee, or for an afternoon stint of fishing. Close proximity to downtown Carrboro and Chapel Hill (12-15 minutes), 15 minutes to downtown Hillsborough, and 25 minutes to Durham.

Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park

7 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Linden, NC

50+ acres of woods, water and walking/Rolling trails with two small lakes and a STOL runway for experienced ultralight and short takeoff and landing aircraft pilots only! Room for RV’s but no power or sewer service. Room for mountain bikes, hiking, drone racing and flying, R/C boat racing, fishing, swimming at your own risk. Primitive camping, handicap accessible trail around lake. Access to drinking water and ice at my home

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(57)

Brookhaven Mill Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Greensboro, NC

Our farm is an agritourism farm that offers seasonal events, educational workshops, a petting zoo and animal therapy for a fee. It is free to walk around the farm and visit our animals, but there is a cost to go inside the barnyard for a petting zoo experience. To visit the farm which includes the petting zoo, Farm store and chicken pen, you would need to arrive on either a Friday or Saturday afternoon since we are only open on weekends from 10-4. Our campsites are reasonably priced at $25/night for a maximum of 5 nights. We don't have hookups, so bring a generator if you need it. We do have a 250-gallon water tote with hose for you to fill up containers of water. If you need to fill up your RV water tank, we charge a flat $10. Please coordinate with us prior to your arrival so we can everything ready for you to fill. ************************************************************************************** We offer both tent and RV camping in an empty pasture adjacent to our grazing pasture where you can enjoy our animals in their natural habitat. Or, come up to the barn and get up close and personal with them during an "Animal Therapy" session if you will be here Sat or Sun! Pitch your tent on the edge of the woods or close by the stream in the woods. If you enjoy watching wildlife, you're in for a treat...this magical portion of the farm provides a forest cover for songbirds, owls, deer, red-shouldered hawks, both red and gray fox and wild turkey. We allow check-ins during the week, which may be perfect for folks passing through and just need a safe and quiet place to park for the night and not interested in visiting the farm store, the barnyard or the rest of the farm, which are closed until the weekends. We will let you check in any time after noon and check out the next day by noon. Weekends from 10-4 we open the Farm to visitors (campers and non-campers alike) to visit our animals and our Farm Store with a variety of groceries, supplies, gifts, and critter snacks so you can feed your choice of animals! While we are dog-friendly, we also observe a dog-free zone, which is any area where we have our animals, so enjoy your leashed pet around the camping area, woods or along our driveway but please do not bring your dog past the gates that lead to our house, chicken yard, farm store, barn or petting zoo. Our large grassy field can accommodate multiple tent campers, travel trailers and RVs less than 30'. We have picnic tables, porta potties and fire rings for each camping party to have their own space.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(22)

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Fearrington Village, North Carolina

100%

(5)

Occoneechee State Park

Clarksville, Virginia

93%

(8)

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

Middleburg, North Carolina

79%

(7)

Falls Lake State Park

Gorman, North Carolina

Camping near Durham with wildlife watching guide

Overview

If you're a wildlife watching enthusiast looking for the perfect camping experience near Durham, North Carolina, look no further than Hipcamp. With over 1200 options specifically tailored to your activity preference, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature. From the serene Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms (288 reviews) to the picturesque Cedar Creek Campground at Elease (175 reviews) and the tranquil Lakeside Retreats @ Walnut Hill (195 reviews), you'll be spoiled for choice. And with popular amenities like potable water, trash, and showers, you'll have all the comforts you need while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you're into snow sports, climbing, biking, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature, Hipcamp has got you covered. Plus, with an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $5, you can camp on a budget without sacrificing quality. So get ready to embark on your next wildlife watching adventure in Durham, North Carolina with Hipcamp!