Lake Camping Near Durham, North Carolina, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Looking to pitch your tent near Durham, North Carolina and be surrounded by serene lake views? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 180 available options in the area, you'll find the perfect lakeside retreat for your camping adventure. Enjoy the tranquility of Lakeside Retreats @ Walnut Hill (195 reviews), Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse... (166 reviews), or Sparkroot Farm (82 reviews). Each campsite offers popular amenities like toilets, showers, and potable water, so you can relax and recharge after a day of paddling, whitewater paddling, or wildlife watching. And with prices as low as $18 per night and an average of $30 per night, you can experience the beauty of nature without breaking the bank. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable lakeside camping experience!

99% (115)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to pitch your tent near Durham, North Carolina and be surrounded by serene lake views? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 180 available options in the area, you'll find the perfect lakeside retreat for your camping adventure. Enjoy the tranquility of Lakeside Retreats @ Walnut Hill (195 reviews), Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse... (166 reviews), or Sparkroot Farm (82 reviews). Each campsite offers popular amenities like toilets, showers, and potable water, so you can relax and recharge after a day of paddling, whitewater paddling, or wildlife watching. And with prices as low as $18 per night and an average of $30 per night, you can experience the beauty of nature without breaking the bank. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable lakeside camping experience!

99% (115)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

100%

(34)

42mi from Durham · 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.

2. Campground & Zoo

100%

(10)

32mi from Durham · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Liberty, NC

Liberty Acres Campground & RV Park is located in Liberty, NC on a 60-acre Farm and Zoo, home to Horses and exotic animals, such as Zebras, Kangaroos, Monkeys, Lemurs, Foxes, Llamas, Alpacas and more. Reside in a field overlooking a pond with capybara, black swans and other waterfowl. The adjacent field is home to llamas. RV sites have 30 & 50 amp hook ups, a central dump station as well as individual connections at each site along with water connections and a dumpster on site. Swing-set for the little ones and firepits on site. https://www.libertyacrescampground.com/

3. Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park

99%

(54)

49mi from Durham · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · 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 float planes and RC boat racing, Flying, fishing, boating and aswimming at your own risk. Primitive camping, Trackchair and all terrain handicap accessible trail around lake. Access to potable drinking water

4. Allreds Lakeside Retreat

50mi from Durham · 2 sites · Lodging · Clarksville, VA

Bring your RV or rent ours and reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. The lake is a short walk away. Take a dip in the water, fish off the bank, and park your boat. Enjoy the gorgeous sunsets, stargazing, and make smores by the fire pit. Choose from the many adult and children games. We have jumbo checkers, badminton, lawn & bocce darts, cornhole golf, or wicked big cups! 3 minutes from Occoneecee, Bluestone boat ramp, and downtown Clarksville! Full hookup site 50amp plug, water, sewer, and wifi. We look forward to your stay with us!

5. Lavender & Lore Farms Campsite

100%

(8)

40mi from Durham · 1 site · Tent · Sanford, NC

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life without venturing too far from home! Our charming net/Canvas Tent retreat is perched on a rustic wooden platform that overlooks a sprawling, time-worn pond teeming with bass, breem, and more. Designed to be your personal haven, this getaway offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience on a working Lavender farm. Wake up to breathtaking open views and the gentle sounds of nature, and spend your days unwinding by the water, casting a line, kayaking, or simply soaking in the peaceful ambiance. Depending on time of year enjoy our Mesh Tent or Canvas Tent they provide an immersive outdoor experience while ensuring cozy shelter from the elements. A portable toilet, and clean water at an outdoor sink adds a touch of home comfort to your rustic retreat. Just under an hour’s drive from Raleigh, NC, our retreat is an ideal escape for those looking to reconnect with nature without straying too far from urban amenities. Whether you’re seeking a quiet weekend getaway or a base for outdoor adventures, this unique property offers a refreshing pause from the daily grind, inviting you to relax, recharge, and rediscover the beauty of a simpler life.

6. Turtleback Cove

95%

(11)

32mi from Durham · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Burlington, NC

Just like a turtle's back, this property sits on a hill with a view overlooking sunsets on Lake Cammack. Located about 15 minutes outside of Burlington this lakefront property offers an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of daily life without giving up all of today's modern conveniences; unless you want of course. Positioned next to the marina this site allow easy access to the marina to launch your boat, kayak, paddleboard, or even fish. Or stay o. The property and just enjoy the chatter of the marina from your hammock. Access to quick groceries and gas is just a 3 mile drive and full grocery store is less than 10 miles. So whether you are looking to take your family on that first camping trip or seasoned campers, you will find a space here to fit your needs. Come see why we call Turtleback Cove a slice of paradise.

7. Lev at Little Lake

95%

(22)

47mi from Durham · 2 sites · Tents · Clarksville, VA

🌿 Welcome to Lev @ Little Lake 🌿 A Private Land-Based Sanctuary Rooted in Faith and Stewardship We invite you to experience Lev @ Little Lake, a peaceful haven nestled in the hills of Clarksville, Virginia. This land is not a commercial campground—it is our private inheritance, stewarded in faith and dedicated to the Lord as part of our family’s life work and spiritual calling. When you stay here, you are not paying for access to a public business. Your contribution is a gift of support that helps sustain our ongoing private mission: developing a place of worship, restoration, and community gathering, built upon biblical stewardship and constitutional liberty. We maintain this land as a Private Membership Association and trust—not for profit, but for purpose. Your visit supports: • The cultivation of food and beauty through regenerative practices • The quiet development of festival grounds for appointed times of worship • Our family’s dedicated labor in ministry, music, photography, education, and hospitality • The protection of sacred land and private religious use from overreach or commercial misclassification We ask that all guests arrive in a spirit of respect and peace. This land is not a venue, event space, or public attraction—it is our home, our sanctuary, and a resting place for those who value simplicity, nature, and the presence of God. Come walk the trails. Sit by the water. Watch the sunset. Let your soul breathe. And know that your presence here is more than a stay—it’s a blessing. “You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” — Psalm 128:2

Camper favorites near Durham

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Allreds Lakeside Retreat

50mi from Durham · 2 sites · Lodging · Clarksville, VA

Bring your RV or rent ours and reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. The lake is a short walk away. Take a dip in the water, fish off the bank, and park your boat. Enjoy the gorgeous sunsets, stargazing, and make smores by the fire pit. Choose from the many adult and children games. We have jumbo checkers, badminton, lawn & bocce darts, cornhole golf, or wicked big cups! 3 minutes from Occoneecee, Bluestone boat ramp, and downtown Clarksville! Full hookup site 50amp plug, water, sewer, and wifi. We look forward to your stay with us!

Lavender & Lore Farms Campsite

100%

(8)

40mi from Durham · 1 site · Tent · Sanford, NC

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life without venturing too far from home! Our charming net/Canvas Tent retreat is perched on a rustic wooden platform that overlooks a sprawling, time-worn pond teeming with bass, breem, and more. Designed to be your personal haven, this getaway offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience on a working Lavender farm. Wake up to breathtaking open views and the gentle sounds of nature, and spend your days unwinding by the water, casting a line, kayaking, or simply soaking in the peaceful ambiance. Depending on time of year enjoy our Mesh Tent or Canvas Tent they provide an immersive outdoor experience while ensuring cozy shelter from the elements. A portable toilet, and clean water at an outdoor sink adds a touch of home comfort to your rustic retreat. Just under an hour’s drive from Raleigh, NC, our retreat is an ideal escape for those looking to reconnect with nature without straying too far from urban amenities. Whether you’re seeking a quiet weekend getaway or a base for outdoor adventures, this unique property offers a refreshing pause from the daily grind, inviting you to relax, recharge, and rediscover the beauty of a simpler life.

Turtleback Cove

95%

(11)

32mi from Durham · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Burlington, NC

Just like a turtle's back, this property sits on a hill with a view overlooking sunsets on Lake Cammack. Located about 15 minutes outside of Burlington this lakefront property offers an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of daily life without giving up all of today's modern conveniences; unless you want of course. Positioned next to the marina this site allow easy access to the marina to launch your boat, kayak, paddleboard, or even fish. Or stay o. The property and just enjoy the chatter of the marina from your hammock. Access to quick groceries and gas is just a 3 mile drive and full grocery store is less than 10 miles. So whether you are looking to take your family on that first camping trip or seasoned campers, you will find a space here to fit your needs. Come see why we call Turtleback Cove a slice of paradise.

Lev at Little Lake

95%

(22)

47mi from Durham · 2 sites · Tents · Clarksville, VA

🌿 Welcome to Lev @ Little Lake 🌿 A Private Land-Based Sanctuary Rooted in Faith and Stewardship We invite you to experience Lev @ Little Lake, a peaceful haven nestled in the hills of Clarksville, Virginia. This land is not a commercial campground—it is our private inheritance, stewarded in faith and dedicated to the Lord as part of our family’s life work and spiritual calling. When you stay here, you are not paying for access to a public business. Your contribution is a gift of support that helps sustain our ongoing private mission: developing a place of worship, restoration, and community gathering, built upon biblical stewardship and constitutional liberty. We maintain this land as a Private Membership Association and trust—not for profit, but for purpose. Your visit supports: • The cultivation of food and beauty through regenerative practices • The quiet development of festival grounds for appointed times of worship • Our family’s dedicated labor in ministry, music, photography, education, and hospitality • The protection of sacred land and private religious use from overreach or commercial misclassification We ask that all guests arrive in a spirit of respect and peace. This land is not a venue, event space, or public attraction—it is our home, our sanctuary, and a resting place for those who value simplicity, nature, and the presence of God. Come walk the trails. Sit by the water. Watch the sunset. Let your soul breathe. And know that your presence here is more than a stay—it’s a blessing. “You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” — Psalm 128:2

Public campgrounds near Durham

83%

(3)

Eno River Campground

8.9mi from Durham · 13 sites · in Eno River State Park

81%

(8)

Falls Lake Campground

12mi from Durham · 344 sites · Tents, RVs · in Falls Lake State Park

100%

(22)

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

18mi from Durham · 1045 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

96%

(12)

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

44mi from Durham · 603 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

Longwood Park Campground

46mi from Durham · 66 sites · Tents, RVs · in John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

100%

(5)

Occoneechee Campground

49mi from Durham · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Occoneechee State Park

Buffalo Park Campground

49mi from Durham · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir

Stories from the community

J

Jamison

5 days ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park

Really great camping spot! Good host and plenty of room

B

Brenden

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park

Was a great stay! Very nice to have the lake all to ourselves. Would recommend to anyone wanting to get away.

M

Madeline

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lev at Little Lake

Great waterfront spot and friendly hosts!! Would come here again. Nice tree cover and private dock.

R

Robert

3 weeks ago

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Campground & Zoo

Absolutely will return to the site in the spring. Amazing and helpful staff onsite.

D

DeMartre

November 2025

1 night at Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

Amazing Stay!!! Jim and Becky really do think about their guests! Amazing spot for family functions as well!

A

Andrew

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park

Quiet and beautiful. Would definitely visit again.

J

John

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lavender & Lore Farms Campsite

I couldn't have asked for a better spot. The site is set right on the lake, the platform and tent are perfect. I will be going back.

C

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 :)

T

Trevor

October 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park

Excellent spot away from the city but not to far out of the way. Right on the water side made for excellent mornings sitting around the fire enjoying coffee and enjoying the view. The host was exceptional with everything from first meet and great to departure. If you want a quite relaxing weekend away I would highly recommend this spot.

R

Robin

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park

Peace and quiet place to relax and fish for shiners. Plenty of firewood if you have a chainsaw. Plenty of flat ground for 10x10 tent. Shaded by the lake and sunny by the field.

J

James

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lavender & Lore Farms Campsite

Beautiful site! I was surprised that it even included a very nice canvas tent as well. Ian was great, very friendly and very attentive. I'll be back as soon as the weather breaks.

Naima

October 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Lavender & Lore Farms Campsite

Loved the site. Owners were amazing. Location was perfectly tucked away but very accessible. We will definitely be back.

C

Chelsea

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Lavender & Lore Farms Campsite

We had so much fun camping at Lavender & Lore! So nice to be secluded and alone right on the lake with beautiful views and perfect accommodations. The restroom was very clean and the tent was huge! Our kids and dogs both loved being able to run around the woods and play in the water. Will definitely return.

P

Preacher

October 2025

38 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Campground & Zoo

Everything went well. The worker at the zoo was well informed on the animals that I looked at and asked questions about. Camp group very clean.

J

Julie

October 2025

1 night at Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

We stayed at the screen house for one night and wish we could have stayed another night. The screen house itself was top notch… secluded yet close to the main area, clean, well maintained, and cozy. Jim and Becky did a great job of adding conveniences to the experience with heated beds, battery for charging, lighting, cooler with ice, bathhouse, cooking area with seating, and more. There are a few different options for accommodations including glamping tent, screen houses, and a cute little cabin with a loft. This is a great place for a group. They can cook together and enjoy the community space, very cozy. We will be back.

C

Cynthia

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lavender & Lore Farms Campsite

It was exactly what I was looking for. A simple relaxing peaceful getaway

J

Joe

October 2025

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park

Nice little pond with some fish. Tossed my line in and caught something in 5 minutes. Great for little kids. Pond was glass in the morning, it felt like I was hours away in the middle of nowhere.

M

Matthew

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lev at Little Lake

Crystals property was absolutely amazing. There are plenty of different areas to choose from to set up camp but we opted to stay in the woods closet to the water. It was the perfect place to do some fishing and enjoy the water. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a quiet, beautiful place to camp.

C

Chase

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

We had a great time with our young kids. They had a blast. We plan to go back.

S

Sara

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lev at Little Lake

We loved camping here. We brought our fishing poles, and it’s a nice spot to catch little channels. We also enjoyed the tranquility of the surroundings.