Camping near Chapel Hill with wildlife watching

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98% (1221 reviews)

United States
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North Carolina
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Chapel Hill

98% (1221 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Chapel Hill

Community favorites near Chapel Hill

Public campgrounds near Chapel Hill

100%

(22)

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

1045 sites · RVs, Tents In Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

81%

(8)

Falls Lake Campground

344 sites · RVs, Tents In Falls Lake State Park

Stories from the community

Alison

3 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ancient Spring Farm

We had a wonderful time tent camping here! This site is incredibly peaceful and private. We also took part in the native plant tour and found the information both fascinating and really really interesting! I highly recommend this Hipcamp spot.

1 night at Giant Oaks Horse Farm

Lovely old farm. The trees are worth the stay alone. Peaceful.

Weekend Trip to Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park

Great place. Very quiet, secluded. Lots of sounds of frogs, birds and even a beaver. Sean even gave me some fresh eggs upon my arrival. Recommended.

1 night at Brookhaven Mill Farm

I had a wonderful stay with Cheryl! The tent site was very easy to set up in and enjoy and the farm and animals around were beautiful.

Weekend Trip to Honah Lee Farms

Exceptionally clean and well-maintained campsite (including the port-a-potty). Beautiful, peaceful, private setting right on the water with a little waterfall nearby. Easy fishing access. Quite magical. Wish we had been able to stay more than one night. Tip: make sure to pack up your food because raccoons may come looking for a treat in the night! We accidentally donated some homemade sourdough bread to their cause. Hopefully they enjoyed it. :)

Weekend Trip to Honah Lee Farms

Man! What an incredible experience. The site was well cared for and next to the River. Mike was tidally awesome. The fishin’ was good. Can’t recommend this camp enough!

Weekend Trip to Honah Lee Farms

I really enjoyed my time at the lower creek spot! Was peaceful and relaxing I had fun fishing the creek even tho I got several bites I didn’t pull any thing in And I will definitely be coming back.

Kerry

2 weeks ago

1 night at Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

The accomodations were excellent! You would not find a hotel as well appointed as this site, and it still would not contain the ambiance nor character of the setting. I will definitely be staying at Sugarneck again!

2 nights at Tar River Life

Site was flat and big.. on the water.... Space between sites were good... Absolutely great place to spend a couple of days at... Definitely recommend... Thanks

1 night at Honah Lee Farms

By far my favorite stop on my road trip! I absolutely want to visit again. Due to my own misunderstanding while booking, Mike was nice enough to offer a quieter creekside spot for my pup and I since I have booked a spot along the trail. I did take the opportunity to bathe in the creek and it was magical! Possibly because it had been 5 days since my last shower, but the views couldn’t be better!

Weekend Trip to Rural Chapel Hill Forestry Stay

Amazing secluded spot but close to town. We will absolutely be back. So incredibly peaceful. Great trails.

Weekend Trip to Tar River Life

We (3 dogs, 5 adults) had a great time camping on Nikki’s land!! We brought our pop-up tent camper and had no issues leveling it on the high ground site. The campsite instructions & directions were very clear and easy to follow. The map was a nice touch. This is a great secluded site away from the rest of them, and with a short walk to the river. River is full of blue-gill! We caught and released many fish, and I enjoyed floating in the river. Having some form of toilet, a trash can, and fire pit with 1 complimentary bundle of wood were great touches as well! Only thing that could have made our specific site better would be some type of trees or something to provide shade, as there was no shade, so I do recommend bringing an EZ-up or similar to this site, but I believe the river sites looked well-shaded. Excellent time here and very well maintained space- absolutely recommend and we will be back! P.S. for dog owners- no fault of the land but TONS of ticks here that seemed to not be deterred by Frontline and topical spray- so just be aware!

Weekend Trip to Animal Sanctuary and Peace Park

This is the perfect combination! The sanctuary itself is amazing, with many many animals to interact with! Whether it’s the exotics from all over the world, or the more common pets and farm animals, there is plenty of opportunity to make friends and learn something! An extra benefit to camping is access to the park outside of normal hours. Highly recommend and this will definitely not be our only visit!

3 nights at Rural Chapel Hill Forestry Stay

A great quiet spot to get away for the weekend. You feel away from it all but still close to things if you need that. The other site is far enough away that you don’t hear your neighbors or the host family at their home. Bekah was a great host & super friendly. We stayed in the wooded spot. There was a nice breeze & the sun still comes through enough throughout the day for a nice hammock nap. It’s a pine forest so prepare for ticks who love that kind of environment. We found several on our shoes & pups while there. There is also service if you wind up having to work while out. 😬 The pups also loved the freedom to roam the trails. We’ll go back again to check out the field site.

Weekend Trip to Honah Lee Farms

Another great weekend here. This makes 4 or 5 times staying here and we will be doing it again in November. I will always recommend staying at Honah Lee.

Weekend Trip to By the water

We really enjoyed our trip. The view was amazing. It felt really secluded even though you can see the road if you're up by the parking area. We lost signal just moments before pulling up so a little nerve wracking but it was so much fun we almost didn't miss not having phone service. Kids had an amazing time and really enjoyed having water access.

Tom

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Container Experience

Everything you could possibly need for an enjoyable time!! Efficient use of space to provide all utensils necessary for food prep and a prefect evening. Or great dining just 1 mile away. A relaxing spacious outdoors patio for enjoyment.

ShinobiRyu

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

I thought it was a Great get away spot and very peaceful. Definitely would go again.

Weekend Trip to Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

Great spot! Everything you could want/need in a peacefully beautiful setting. We look forward to coming back.

2 nights at Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park

So we really enjoyed Scottview lake! We picked our campsite based on other reviews because there wasn’t a lot of pictures. We pulled up and the park owner met us out there and showed us where to go. Campsite 5 is in the woods and you either need a small vehicle to get in there or either hike your stuff down. If you like to be excluded from others, campsite five would be perfect for a small campsite. But the owner give us permission since no one else had scheduled to stay in any other lot that we wished. I would have to say that campsite for is by far the best site at Scott view Lake. It has its own little private fishing Cove and a nice fire pit and plenty of room. The area was extremely large and was really nice and the kids enjoyed catching fish. No water or electrical hook ups, but the owner allows folks to fill up water containers, which we done. This place is awesome and it will not be our last trip there that’s for sure. Plenty of sun for solar, charging, and plenty of shade for sun covering. If we stayed again, we would definitely stay in campsite four because I felt like it was the best campsite there. I hope this helps everyone in the future, but I definitely recommend this area and this place for camping for anybody looking for a private safe and quiet campsite.

12 top campgrounds near Chapel Hill with wildlife watching

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(109)

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.

100%

(432)

Honah Lee Farms

5 sites · Tents144 acres · Rougemont, NC

(Notice - Our driveway was damaged by heavy rains from hurricane Helene. We have been working to make repairs. For those return campers and all new guests to Honah Lee Farms, we are no longer accepting trailers or RVs longer than 12 ft. 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.

99%

(149)

Tar River Life

15 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!

98%

(333)

Rare, Watershed Forest - Piedmont

6 sites · Lodging, Tents23 acres · Rougemont, NC

We are a secluded, land-based retreat and campground, along a tributary of the Tar River which backs up to a wild forest, 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 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 An intentional community of farm hub tenants, visitors, campers, stewards co-habitate on R.O.S.A (Rare Occaneechi Saponi Alluvial) 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 unlikely 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.

96%

(40)

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.

99%

(46)

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.

99%

(54)

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.

99%

(70)

Brookhaven Mill Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Greensboro, NC

Mushroom Season is here and our farm is hosting an event Sunday, June 1 to go to our back 10 acres and forage for mushrooms. We have a certified mycologist on hand to identify your finds! Why not stay on the Farm that weekend and be a part of this event! ***************************** Our farm is an agritourism farm that offers seasonal events, educational workshops, a petting zoo and animal therapy!. It is free to walk around the farm and visit our animals, but there is a small cost to go inside the barnyard for a petting zoo experience with our sheep and donkeys. We don't have hookups, so bring a generator if you need it. If you need to fill up your RV water tank, we charge $10. A Grill Pavilion is available to rent for $20 extra. See photos. Propane, grill, table and party lights included. We allow check-ins during the week after 12 noon, 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 during week. If you are looking for more activity, consider booking with us on weekends when we open the Farm 10am-4pm for the public to visit our petting zoo, Farm Store and Snack Shack. We even offer feed so you can feed our sheep, donkeys, chickens, ducks and geese! While we are dog-friendly, we do not allow dogs beyond the camping area. Instead, we offer a 1.5 acre piece of property where you can allow your dogs off-leash. This area is located adjacent to the camping sites and is accessible via 2 gates. Our camping area is a large grassy field that will accommodate multiple tent campers, travel trailers, and RVs under 30' with room to turn around, stake your area, and not feel crowded. There is also 1 regularly maintained porta potty located in this area.

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(396)

Animal Sanctuary and Peace Park

6 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!

98%

(53)

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.

95%

(10)

Nurture Nature Village

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Raleigh, NC

Near downtown Raleigh, you can play and rest amidst our 3 acres surrounded by many more acres of natures finest suburban forest paradise. Sit or stroll around a natural pond and bubbling creek, walking trails, and free range chickens beneath 100' oak, maple, and gum trees offering a lush resting place all year around.

100%

(10)

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.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(22)

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Fearrington Village, North Carolina

81%

(8)

Falls Lake State Park

Gorman, North Carolina

Other options near Chapel Hill

Hyco Lake Park & Campground

1 site1 acre · Leasburg, NC

This campground offers a distinctive experience for outdoor enthusiasts, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the lake. With 65 RV campsites available, guests can choose from various service options: $30 per night for 30-amp service, $35 per night for 50-amp service, and dual 30/50 amp sites also priced at $35 per night. For those seeking a waterfront experience, sites 1-6 and 64-65 are available for $45 per night, although these sites do not qualify for monthly discounts. Campers will appreciate the convenience of a RV waste dump station and a shared bathhouse on-site. Cabin renters should note that they must bring their own linens. This campground not only provides essential amenities but also serves as a gateway to nearby natural attractions, swimming holes, and a variety of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for families and adventure seekers alike.

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Toilets

Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages

121 sites1 acre · Four Oaks, NC

At Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages, we pride ourselves on delivering a unique experience that combines exceptional service with the comforts of home, all set against a backdrop of Southern hospitality. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing R.A.P.I.D service—Respect, Accountability, Perseverance, Integrity, and Discipline—ensuring that every guest feels valued from the moment they arrive. Whether you’re calling us or stepping through our doors, we strive to make your stay seamless and enjoyable. Our team goes above and beyond to assist you, whether it’s with our complimentary DirecTV or recommendations for delightful day trips and antiquing adventures. Our resort offers a wide array of amenities designed to enhance your stay. Enjoy a workout in our state-of-the-art Fitness Center, unwind by the oversized fireplace in our newly remodeled Clubhouse, or take a refreshing dip in our expansive heated pool. With so much to do within the park, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Our amenities include two large pools, a spacious spa with 20 powerful jets, an Event Center for activities and rally groups, and a fully equipped Fitness Center featuring treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, free weights, and stretch mats. For entertainment, we have a Billiard Room with two professional

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Potable water

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Chapel Hill with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Looking to immerse yourself in nature and experience the thrill of wildlife watching near Chapel Hill, North Carolina? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1,200 options available in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Whether you prefer a secluded oasis or a lakeside retreat, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms (288 reviews), Cedar Creek Campground at Elease (175 reviews), and Lakeside Retreats @ Walnut Hill (195 reviews) to see why they're so highly rated. Plus, popular amenities like toilets, pet-friendly accommodations, and showers are available to make your experience even more comfortable. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and witness the beauty of wildlife in North Carolina!