The best camping near William B Umstead State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next William B Umstead State Park adventure.

Discover the natural beauty of William B Umstead State Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near William B Umstead State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in William B Umstead State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near William B Umstead State Park

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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!

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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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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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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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Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

4 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.

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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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Camp Stoney Fjord

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Four Oaks, NC

We offer primitive camping amenities for RV and Overlanding enthusiasts. We have 20 acres with water frontage along The Neuse river near Smithfield North Carolina. Natural setting with privacy as well as pond trails and some of the most undiscovered wilderness areas in eastern North Carolina. Nightly daily and weekly rates available.

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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.

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Benzai Bloomstead

7 sites · Tents32 acres · Graham, NC

8 minutes from the Saxapahaw General Store and the Haw River Ballroom, you'll find us tucked away off the road. 32 gorgeous acres with exciting topography including two creeks, vast healthy woods and several open pastures. During the day, the blue heron flies overhead. At night, a pack of coyotes sings a wild chorus. The property has a home, a studio and a barn on it, so when you're near the parking area, you'll see those of us who live here. The campsites are private/secluded. We look forward to hosting you. Please note that this camping spot does require walking from the parking area to the camping spot and crossing the creek.

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The Pint Sized Pasture

1 site · RV, Tent30 acres · Sanford, NC

Welcome to our 6th generation farm, dedicated to miniature livestock and memorable events. Enjoy a range of activities, including a petting zoo, goat yoga, field trips, on-farm events, and camping. We often have fresh eggs, fruits, and vegetables available for purchase. Conveniently located near downtown Sanford, you'll find plenty of dining options and three breweries to explore. If you wish to extend your stay beyond one night, please let us know. Check out the video below for a glimpse into the unique experiences our guests enjoy here with us.

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Farmers Village

10 sites · RVs, Tents38 acres · Hillsborough, NC

This property is mainly grass and trees as we begin to transform it into an educational farm. There are several tent camping and RV sites to choose from. A Showerhouse with flush toilet is available for use. Quiet Hours are from 10pm to 6am so everyone can enjoy the quiet and get some sleep. Conveniently located with easy access to I-40 on Exit 261. 10 minutes from Downtown Chapel Hill and Carborro. Durham is approximately 20 minutes and Raleigh is approximately 30 minutes. Saturday and Sunday from 10-3pm are volunteer days at the garden, you are welcome to join in or just enjoy your day. Please note that some space toward the front of the property have occasional road noise but the nights are mainly quiet. The property is 38 acres so you can also camp father into the wood trails but car access may be limited in those areas during rain.

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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.

The best camping near William B Umstead State Park guide

Overview

About

It almost seems like the location of William B. Umstead State Park was preserved for the collective sanity of North Carolina’s urban residents. Located between the growing cities of Raleigh, Cary and Durham, this state park remains a quiet place to get away from “it all.”

Here, the loudest sound you’re likely to hear is the chirping of birds, which is undoubtedly much more pleasant than the sound of that guy behind you in traffic laying on his horn for the fiftieth time even though the light is clearly still red. Meanwhile, wildflowers sway in the breeze, lining the paths of all the hiking and biking trails that cut through the forest. Thank your state for protecting this place, because it’s probably saved more than a few people from snapping over the years.

When to go

The ideal times to visit William B Umstead State Park are during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer months can be hot and crowded, while winter brings cooler temperatures that may affect some activities.

Know before you go

Check the park's website for any trail closures or safety alerts before your visit.
Wear appropriate footwear for hiking and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Be aware of local wildlife and follow guidelines to ensure a safe encounter.
Accessibility varies across different areas of the park; inquire ahead if you require special accommodations.
Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but always leave the park cleaner than you found it.