The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Chapel Hill, North Carolina

If you're looking for a unique camping experience near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Hipcamp offers over 190 glamping options with access to a river. With Lakeside Retreats @ Walnut Hill (195 reviews), R.O.S.A. Land Campground (114 reviews), and Legacy Farms Leisure Area (80 reviews) among the top campsites, you're sure to find a great spot. Popular amenities include cooking equipment, showers, and toilets, while swimming, hiking, and whitewater paddling top the list of activities. Prices range from $20 to an average of $60 per night.

99% (317)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you're looking for a unique camping experience near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Hipcamp offers over 190 glamping options with access to a river. With Lakeside Retreats @ Walnut Hill (195 reviews), R.O.S.A. Land Campground (114 reviews), and Legacy Farms Leisure Area (80 reviews) among the top campsites, you're sure to find a great spot. Popular amenities include cooking equipment, showers, and toilets, while swimming, hiking, and whitewater paddling top the list of activities. Prices range from $20 to an average of $60 per night.

99% (317)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

99%

(66)

29mi from Chapel Hill · 4 sites · Lodging · 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.

2. Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

100%

(34)

50mi from Chapel Hill · 5 sites · Lodging · Henderson, NC

Tucked into a quiet corner of our working farm called Heritage Farm, Holly Forest offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to shared amenities. Guests have access to water, electricity, and our centrally located Bathhouse, which includes showers, restrooms, and parking. Each day, we provide battery boxes for running a fan or charging small electronics. Heritage Farm is rooted in natural, sustainable practices and hands-on learning experiences. Depending on the season, you may find the farm bustling with activity—especially during flower season as we cultivate our blooms for Cultivate Flower Co., or while we care for our animals and craft small-batch products like our Kinda Crunchy Goat Milk Soap. No matter the time of year, you'll see us tending to the land and the animals we love.

3. Tar River Life

98%

(178)

46mi from Chapel Hill · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging · 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!

4. Pritchett Pastures

100%

(9)

41mi from Chapel Hill · 5 sites · RVs, Lodging · Forest Oaks, NC

41 acre horse farm. Beautiful rolling pastures, horses grazing, goats, and chickens wandering. 27 acres of wooded forest with about 2 miles of trails that loop through them and throughout the property. Fishing pond, hiking/walking trails, or head to downtown Greensboro for dinner and a show. Sit in swing and read a book.

5. Cool Creek Farm

100%

(41)

15mi from Chapel Hill · 5 sites · Lodging · Pittsboro, NC

Cool Creek Farm materialized in December 2017 after years of envisioning. It is now enthusiastically gardened and provides abundant, free-roaming living space to humans, 3 cats, 20+ chickens, goats, sheep, ducks and horses. We also run day camps for children from June-August, provide horse lessons, training and boarding as well as special event space. People have universally exclaimed how beautiful and peaceful the farm is when they arrive. We look forward to sharing the restorative vibe with you as well!

6. The Cozy Heron Glamping

100%

(12)

38mi from Chapel Hill · 5 sites · Lodging · Lillington, NC

Please note that a $49 CLEANING FEE is added to each booking. Hi there! The Cozy Heron is an 𝙞𝙣-𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙣, riverside glamping resort. Noises of traffic from nearby highway is audible. Each wagon is equipped with calming sound machines that also double as bluetooth speakers to assist guests who may be bothered by sounds of nearby traffic. We currently have five covered wagons and one bath house. The property offers a community stone patio, firepit, grilling area, and large expansive lawn. The upper Cape Fear River flows below the property and Adirondack chairs and a few hammocks are conveniently located around the wagons and entire property for relaxation and pretty views! The Cozy Heron property shares borders a very popular seasonal river outfitter (Cape Fear River Adventures in Lillington, NC). Cape Fear River Adventures offers paddling classes, summer day camp, canoe/kayak/SUP rentals, and river tubing. Just a quick 2 minute walk from your covered wagon will also bring you to an on-site restaurant and bar: The Riverside Restaurant & Bar. The Riverside has a full bar, delicious, stone-fired pizza, smashed burgers, fresh salads and sandwiches, and more! They may also have live music performances throughout the spring and summer months. Raven Rock State Park is just a 15 minute drive away. Surrounding towns like Fuquay-Varina, Angier, and Holly Springs offer more shops and restaurants if Lillington doesn't have enough for you! Raleigh and all of its nightlife, museums, and markets is just 45 minutes away from The Cozy Heron Glamping.

7. Dickerson Estate

49mi from Chapel Hill · 1 site · Lodging · Asheboro, NC

Discover this gorgeous landscape sitting on 33 acres located I Asheboro North Carolina. Possibilities are endless whether you walk, bike or ride ATVs . There are several trails to keep you busy or just relax and watch the wildlife. The North Carolina Zoo is just minutes away from the property. Also downtown Asheboro is close by with many great restaurants and activities to do!

8. Chalet In An Enchanted Forest

3.5mi from Chapel Hill · 1 site · Lodging · Chapel Hill, NC

A respite in nature with all the conveniences you want and need. Stay in our roomy 36' well-kept travel trailer (affectionately called the Chalet — a 2006 Montego Bay). Nestled next to a stream in an enchanted forest with preserved areas, you’ll find walking and hiking trails along creeks and through the woods. Expect daily visits from deer, hawks, owls, coyotes, and more. The area is very quiet, yet just 5–10 minutes from everything you need — grocery stores, restaurants, downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro, UNC, and more.

Camper favorites near Chapel Hill

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Pritchett Pastures

100%

(9)

41mi from Chapel Hill · 5 sites · RVs, Lodging · Forest Oaks, NC

41 acre horse farm. Beautiful rolling pastures, horses grazing, goats, and chickens wandering. 27 acres of wooded forest with about 2 miles of trails that loop through them and throughout the property. Fishing pond, hiking/walking trails, or head to downtown Greensboro for dinner and a show. Sit in swing and read a book.

Cool Creek Farm

100%

(41)

15mi from Chapel Hill · 5 sites · Lodging · Pittsboro, NC

Cool Creek Farm materialized in December 2017 after years of envisioning. It is now enthusiastically gardened and provides abundant, free-roaming living space to humans, 3 cats, 20+ chickens, goats, sheep, ducks and horses. We also run day camps for children from June-August, provide horse lessons, training and boarding as well as special event space. People have universally exclaimed how beautiful and peaceful the farm is when they arrive. We look forward to sharing the restorative vibe with you as well!

The Cozy Heron Glamping

100%

(12)

38mi from Chapel Hill · 5 sites · Lodging · Lillington, NC

Please note that a $49 CLEANING FEE is added to each booking. Hi there! The Cozy Heron is an 𝙞𝙣-𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙣, riverside glamping resort. Noises of traffic from nearby highway is audible. Each wagon is equipped with calming sound machines that also double as bluetooth speakers to assist guests who may be bothered by sounds of nearby traffic. We currently have five covered wagons and one bath house. The property offers a community stone patio, firepit, grilling area, and large expansive lawn. The upper Cape Fear River flows below the property and Adirondack chairs and a few hammocks are conveniently located around the wagons and entire property for relaxation and pretty views! The Cozy Heron property shares borders a very popular seasonal river outfitter (Cape Fear River Adventures in Lillington, NC). Cape Fear River Adventures offers paddling classes, summer day camp, canoe/kayak/SUP rentals, and river tubing. Just a quick 2 minute walk from your covered wagon will also bring you to an on-site restaurant and bar: The Riverside Restaurant & Bar. The Riverside has a full bar, delicious, stone-fired pizza, smashed burgers, fresh salads and sandwiches, and more! They may also have live music performances throughout the spring and summer months. Raven Rock State Park is just a 15 minute drive away. Surrounding towns like Fuquay-Varina, Angier, and Holly Springs offer more shops and restaurants if Lillington doesn't have enough for you! Raleigh and all of its nightlife, museums, and markets is just 45 minutes away from The Cozy Heron Glamping.

Dickerson Estate

49mi from Chapel Hill · 1 site · Lodging · Asheboro, NC

Discover this gorgeous landscape sitting on 33 acres located I Asheboro North Carolina. Possibilities are endless whether you walk, bike or ride ATVs . There are several trails to keep you busy or just relax and watch the wildlife. The North Carolina Zoo is just minutes away from the property. Also downtown Asheboro is close by with many great restaurants and activities to do!

Chalet In An Enchanted Forest

3.5mi from Chapel Hill · 1 site · Lodging · Chapel Hill, NC

A respite in nature with all the conveniences you want and need. Stay in our roomy 36' well-kept travel trailer (affectionately called the Chalet — a 2006 Montego Bay). Nestled next to a stream in an enchanted forest with preserved areas, you’ll find walking and hiking trails along creeks and through the woods. Expect daily visits from deer, hawks, owls, coyotes, and more. The area is very quiet, yet just 5–10 minutes from everything you need — grocery stores, restaurants, downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro, UNC, and more.

Public campgrounds near Chapel Hill

83%

(3)

Eno River Campground

11mi from Chapel Hill · 13 sites · in Eno River State Park

Stories from the community

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Helena

2 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

We were four families who spent a weekend at Sugar Neck, and honestly, it was such a perfect escape. Having the entire place to ourselves made it feel extra special — it’s an amazing setup for a group getaway. The tents are beautiful, super comfortable, and the bathrooms are neat, private, and way nicer than you’d expect for glamping. We couldn’t have asked for more. In fact, we loved it so much we’ve already booked another weekend for next week! The host was excellent at communicating and made everything smooth from start to finish. Highly recommend Sugar Neck for anyone looking for a peaceful, cozy, group-friendly glamping spot.

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Clarissa

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

It was quite cold at night but we were given a space heater and the mattress had heating pads on both sides of the bed. The common areas had large space heaters and the showers gave us super nice hot water. It was so very cozy. We enjoyed fishing on their pond. The bathroom was so close to the lodge, we really didn’t need the golf cart they gave us, but it was fun to have anyways. They had huge jackery batteries that they made sure were full daily. This was genuinely a glamping experience. I loved it because we still definitely felt like we were “camping” just with high end amenities. We envisioned the entire space would be so perfect for any kind of weekend event just with all the different facilities within the sight. We stayed with our pups and they loved seeing the cows in the morning!! First time we took them camping and they did so great. We had a great stay :)

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Benjamin

September 2025

4 nights at Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

The Lodge was fantastic. Rustic but comfortable. It was nestled in the woods and close to everything. The property is beautiful. There are plenty of views and things to do. The hosts have thought if everything. Battery packs provide power for phones, fans, etc. A filled ice chest was provided for us upon arrival. Complimentary water, coffee, and tea. A large area for parties, a charcoal grill (In a steer sculpture, lol), small gas grill, and a pizza oven! Outdoor games, basketball, horseshoe pits, cornhole... They even have bamboo fishing poles for the pond!

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Kathryn

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

Amazing! My daughter and I had SUCH a fun, relaxing experience! The property has lots to do, is beautiful, cabins are awesome and clean, and we felt safe! We particularly enjoyed the pickleball court:) Decorations/decor are so well done- lots of thought and care have gone into this place. We have already recommended to friends and will definitely return!

Gail

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Cool Creek Farm

I rented the Hipcamp loft in the barn but actually brought my camper van and Melissa was so gracious to let me park it by the barn. Her property is outstanding and it was a real pleasure to stay there near the music venue I attended. It was like being at a retreat . . . so peaceful! The animals were very entertaining. She has horses, goats, chickens, and barn cats, The one drawback for me was the Wifi situation. There isn't any, and the signal wasn't strong enough for me to be able to access emails or send messages. It wouldn't matter except I run a business and need to be n touch with clients. All in all, a wonderful Hipcamp experience.

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Kelli

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

The place was so well put together, the owners are lovely and everything was so clean and peaceful!!

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ZANE

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

Jim & Becky really did a fantastic job putting this place together. Really impressed with everything honestly. I can’t wait to have the opportunity to stay there again!!!

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Simone

September 2025

With pets

1 night at Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

We loved our stay with our two kids + dog in the Moonshine at Sugarneck. We only wish we could have stayed longer! It was even lovelier than we expected. It was comfortable and well-equipped and the property was beautiful.

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Christine

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

Yes, I give a 10/10 recommendation

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Swathi

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

Views are beautiful and the property is furnished and maintained very well . You will enjoy your stay . Transparent rooftops- to see the sky/ hear the rain. Huge windows exposing the beautiful trees around you Neatly setup seating areas and fireplace Amazing community kitchen that has a shared grill, pizzaoven and kitchenette . They also sell goatmilk soap and eggs from their farm .Itching to go back ! It was amazing and so close to the city , very convenient- given walmart is abt 15min away . Kerr lake is 10min away and has great views as well.

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Brandon

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

Awesome place! Easy to get to and easy check in! We loved it there and we will be back!

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Danette

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

The location is perfect. It's only about 15 minutes from the city which makes it easy to go grab anything you forgot or that wasn't provided by the host. Wonderful atmosphere, quiet neighbors, amenities galore! I will definitely be back!

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A.M.

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

I really enjoyed my experience with my family. Everything was clean and well kept. Even with summer, mosquitos weren't rampant. They have 3 or 4 other units on the property and they're all well spaced out. The tent was a great condition. The kitchen included a small fridge and a small coffee maker and some mugs, plates, and bowls. The game room was a lifesaver. Our dog enjoyed her time as well as she got to run around the property to explore. She's good about being called and coming to us, but for others, I'd recommend really knowing your dog because the property isn't fenced in and they could just run off into the woods. Plenty of shaded areas. The game room was a lifesaver because it had room for us to just lounge around and play games and watch TV. Don't judge, we chose glamping this time for a reason! Lol the long swing was fun. We also found a full size corn hole set, ax throwing (plastic), and as much ice as you could need for your stay. It was a wonderful time. The only BIG thing you should consider is how much there is to do in the immediate area (not much). So either plan to stay on property the whole time you're here, or be sure everything is at a reasonable distance. This is a great spot to just get away.

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Betsy

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

The bathroom and The Alice were both clean. Due to its location, wooded area, there were a lot of bugs (spiders, roaches, etc) inside both. That was expected but disturbing. The “game room” on the property was really nice and had games and a tv for movie night. We would definitely return. However, non of us were ever able to connect to the WiFi. Even at the game room. So that was disappointing since one of us looked forward to working on a novel. But in general, we had a great time. Also, we were able to communicate via the App if there were any issues.

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Jim Oliver

June 2025

Group trip

1 night at Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

We love the Tent that we stayed in. We are lucky that it was only us who were staying in the whole place that day. The place is very spacious and beautifully decorated. We had our dinner in their bbq station and we enjoyed it! A lot of activities around to enjoy. We will definitely be back next time and will bring more friends to stay!

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Justin

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

Fantastic. Well thought out design of cabin and space. Would recommend to friends looking for an easy outdoor getaway.

A beautiful tent under the forest canopy & right next to the river.

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R L

June 2025

1 night at Tar River Life

The canvas tent was soooo lovely to come to after a long trip and it was amazing to wake up next to the river to the sound of birds singing. It was easy getting in & out. There were lovely hammock seats in the shade you could stretch out in. Billy & Nikki were easy to get ahold of, too. Wish we coulda stayed longer!

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Eric

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

This was awesome, it has all the great things about camping. Nice outdoor spaces, fire pits, big communal spaces, but without the 'roughing it' due to air conditioning, nice showers, etc. I'd have a hard time getting my wife to go camping but she'd do this all the time!

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Jessica

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Cozy Heron Glamping

The wagons were so nice and conveniently located right near the restaurant and water. The beds were super comfy, and the room was so cozy. The AC worked perfectly keeping the place cool. The gas black stone grill was a nice surprise!! The staff kept the bath houses fully stocked with towels and other essentials. And the restaurant next door was a huge hit. The staff was lovely and very accommodating for our large crew of 17 for lunches and dinners. We will definitely be back!! We had the best time!

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April

May 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Cozy Heron Glamping

We enjoyed the entire setup on Megan's property. It was everything everyone says. Stocked with all necessities and the best possible glamping experience. We enjoyed the convenience of the restaurant and also the water activities during the day. We are looking forward to our next visit!