The best river, stream, or creek camping near Elon

·

In Elon, you’ll find over 220 riverside camping spots, many set just steps from the water. Average price per night is $48, with some options dipping as low as $15. If you’re after a spot where you can cast a line, spot deer at dawn, or head out on a shaded hike, this part of North Carolina delivers. Campsites like Honah Lee Farms (263 reviews), Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse... (216 reviews), and The Dancing Pig On Abbotts Creek (212 reviews) come highly recommended by fellow campers. Most sites welcome pets and provide basics like showers and toilets. Bring a fishing rod, binoculars, and sturdy boots—you’ll want them for the trails and riverbanks here.

94% (1.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Elon

7. Honah Lee Farms

99%
(478)
36mi from Elon · 5 sites · Tents
(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. Also, we are totally off-grid, which means we do not have RV hook-ups or empty stations. Thank you for your understanding. - 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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night

9. Ancient Spring Farm

97%
(58)
14mi from Elon · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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; take guided tours to learn about the farm, animals, plants, archaeology, and history or learn to make mead; and purchase eggs and homegrown seasonal food and products. Listen to birdsong and watch clouds during the day, wander a path through our 5 acres of woods, see fireflies in the evening, and star watch at night. Nearby are hiking, horseback riding, historical sites, fishing, antiques, breweries, 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$23
 / night

10. Boulder Creek Hideaway

100%
(9)
10mi from Elon · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Hey tent campers: Welcome to Boulder Creek Hideaway. It's located about 12 miles North of Burlington, NC. 1 Mile off of the highway. It is very private, and seculed, no humans around. It's just one 12x16 tent platform next to this beautiful natural rock formation, you might think you're in the mountains. The drive into the camp is best suited for 4x4, Jeeps, SUV and such. Its not suited for cars!! (But there is a parking place for cars if you want to park with a short 200 yard walk into camp). The camp offers a natural Rock firepit, a very nice clean, non smelly outhouse with composting toilet, a picnic table and a prep table for your campstove and supplies. Hey, off road enthusiasts! Are you looking for the perfect off-road escape? Our campsite is a hidden gem designed just for adventurers like you. Nestled in a scenic, rugged setting, it’s ideal for Jeep, 4x4's, trucks and small SUV owners who crave the thrill of the trail and the serenity of the outdoors. Here's what our camp offers: Private 12x16 Tent Platform – Your camping space is ready for you to relax in nature. Cozy Firepit – Gather 'round and enjoy an evening under the stars. Breathtaking Creek with Large Boulders – Take in the beauty and tranquility of a secluded creek with stunning natural features, perfect for unwinding. Bring your spirit of adventure, and come experience a campsite that caters to your wild side. Reserve your spot today and prepare for an unforgettable camping experience! Priced at just $20 a night.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night

11. R.O.S.A Land Campground Piedmont NC

98%
(343)
43mi from Elon · 6 sites · Tents
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 (Rare Occaneechi Saponi Alluvial) 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! 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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$31
 / night

12. Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

100%
(305)
41mi from Elon · 1 site · Tent, RV
NOTE: We are OPEN starting April 1st through October 31st. We are closed for the winter season. Welcome! This primitive Tent/RV site offers: 2-Private Acres + FREE Firewood + 8-foot Industrial Picnic Table + Little Tikes Picnic Table + Commercial-Grade Port-A-Potty + Large Garbage Bin + 5-Gallon Bucket + Adirondack/Sitting Chairs + Pet Friendly! Solo travelers, families, and romantic getaway travelers: This is a very private and safe place to camp! Because we only have 1 site, you will be alone in the space the entire time. My family lives on the premises so we are here in case of an emergency. My daughter and I own this 35 acre secluded piece of heaven just minutes from Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park, and other attractions. We are pet friendly (if your pet does not play well with our dogs or horses, please leave them on a leash or at home). Our Shire horses are endangered and very BIG! We hope you have time to say hello to the horses during your visit. NOTE: we do NOT provide electric at the campsite; you are allowed to use a generator. NOTE: please remember to bring garbage bags for all of your trash. All trash must be bagged and deposited into the provided garbage bin.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

13. Infinity Acres Ranch

99%
(110)
38mi from Elon · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Rick & Laura relocated to Ridgeway VA 18 years ago and are in love with the southern pace and park-like setting of the fields, pond and woods surrounding our Ranch. Folks were fascinated with our animals and kept saying we should open it up to the public!! We finally did just that! Then in 2012 we established an Animal Interactive Educational Non-Profit! Currently we share our domestic and exotic animals to benefit 1000's of folks each year! Now we are opening up the Ranch to you as a HIP CAMPER! You can learn more about us by following Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch on FACEBOOK, and also check out our website and watch the videos! Just google Infinity Acres Ranch to find us online! Many CHOICES!! You can choose to have an interactive experience, or just enjoy the tranquility of being in the country!! (fyi: roosters &; peacocks add to the experience, but also may wake you up!! ) Talk with Laura when you book and decide what will work best for YOU!! Strict supervision of children is required. Any aggressive behavior or harassment of the animals is prohibited!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

14. Brookhaven Mill Farm

99%
(78)
10mi from Elon · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
LEAF PEEPING SEASON IS ALMOST HERE! Reserve your spot now! *************************************************************************************** Our farm is an agritourism/sheep farm that offers seasonal events, educational workshops, a petting zoo, Bed and Breakfast, farm store, and camping area! We are a working farm during the week but we allow campers to park on weekends or weekdays. The price is the same except the petting zoo and farm store are only open on weekends. 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. Each of the 3 sites has a fire ring and picnic table. 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 interaction with the animals, or need supplies from the farm store, we open from 10-4 weekends only. You can purchase feed for the animals for $1/bag then. We have sheep, donkeys, chickens, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, guinea pigs and geese!   While we are dog-friendly, we do not allow dogs closer to the petting zoo area. We offer a 1+ acre fenced in area next to the camping sites where you can allow your dogs off-leash. No extra charge. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night

16. Deep River Campground

63%
(4)
27mi from Elon · 48 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover the unique charm of Deep River Campground and RV Park, where nature meets comfort on the scenic banks of the Deep River. This tranquil retreat is surrounded by rolling hills and boasts a 5-acre stocked fishing lake, along with 20 acres of meticulously maintained nature trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Conveniently located near the North Carolina Zoo and the vibrant city of Greensboro, our campground offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler. Choose from cozy cabins or full-service RV sites, each designed to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Our cabins feature personal outdoor spaces complete with fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. We offer flexible pricing options with daily, weekly, and monthly rates available. For those who prefer a more rustic experience, our tent campsites provide breathtaking waterfront views and essential amenities such as fire pits, electricity, and water hookups. Pet-friendly spaces ensure that your furry friends can join in on the adventure. Plus, complimentary Wi-Fi access keeps you connected during your stay. At Deep River Campground, you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the comforts of home. Plan your getaway today and create lasting memories filled with adventure, relaxation, and family fun!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$35
 / night

17. Canaan Hills Campground

100%
(8)
34mi from Elon · 3 sites · Tents
Primitive/ off-grid camping along the beautiful Smith River in Henry County Virginia. Toilet facilities provided, but no shower facilities available. Easily accessible entry/exit point for kayaking or canoeing. Hiking, fishing, biking paths located within 10 miles of campground. No more than 2 parties will be on the property at one time, so you have plenty of peace and quiet in seclusion. Surrounded by woods, backed by a small stream, it's a perfect getaway from all the noise. Cell signal is extremely limited at the campsites. Canoe and kayak available for use while camping. Transportation available for drop-off/pickup for river trips. Pets are welcome, but please keep leashed. This is primitive camping. You may encounter wildlife such as, but not limited to bees, bears, venomous snakes, coyotes, and possible a Sasquatch. Please be prepared for all possibilities, be respectful of their home, and don't be stupid.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

In Elon, you’ll find over 220 riverside camping spots, many set just steps from the water. Average price per night is $48, with some options dipping as low as $15. If you’re after a spot where you can cast a line, spot deer at dawn, or head out on a shaded hike, this part of North Carolina delivers. Campsites like Honah Lee Farms (263 reviews), Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse... (216 reviews), and The Dancing Pig On Abbotts Creek (212 reviews) come highly recommended by fellow campers. Most sites welcome pets and provide basics like showers and toilets. Bring a fishing rod, binoculars, and sturdy boots—you’ll want them for the trails and riverbanks here.

94% (1.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Elon

7. Honah Lee Farms

99%
(478)
36mi from Elon · 5 sites · Tents
(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. Also, we are totally off-grid, which means we do not have RV hook-ups or empty stations. Thank you for your understanding. - 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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night

9. Ancient Spring Farm

97%
(58)
14mi from Elon · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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; take guided tours to learn about the farm, animals, plants, archaeology, and history or learn to make mead; and purchase eggs and homegrown seasonal food and products. Listen to birdsong and watch clouds during the day, wander a path through our 5 acres of woods, see fireflies in the evening, and star watch at night. Nearby are hiking, horseback riding, historical sites, fishing, antiques, breweries, 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$23
 / night

10. Boulder Creek Hideaway

100%
(9)
10mi from Elon · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Hey tent campers: Welcome to Boulder Creek Hideaway. It's located about 12 miles North of Burlington, NC. 1 Mile off of the highway. It is very private, and seculed, no humans around. It's just one 12x16 tent platform next to this beautiful natural rock formation, you might think you're in the mountains. The drive into the camp is best suited for 4x4, Jeeps, SUV and such. Its not suited for cars!! (But there is a parking place for cars if you want to park with a short 200 yard walk into camp). The camp offers a natural Rock firepit, a very nice clean, non smelly outhouse with composting toilet, a picnic table and a prep table for your campstove and supplies. Hey, off road enthusiasts! Are you looking for the perfect off-road escape? Our campsite is a hidden gem designed just for adventurers like you. Nestled in a scenic, rugged setting, it’s ideal for Jeep, 4x4's, trucks and small SUV owners who crave the thrill of the trail and the serenity of the outdoors. Here's what our camp offers: Private 12x16 Tent Platform – Your camping space is ready for you to relax in nature. Cozy Firepit – Gather 'round and enjoy an evening under the stars. Breathtaking Creek with Large Boulders – Take in the beauty and tranquility of a secluded creek with stunning natural features, perfect for unwinding. Bring your spirit of adventure, and come experience a campsite that caters to your wild side. Reserve your spot today and prepare for an unforgettable camping experience! Priced at just $20 a night.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night

11. R.O.S.A Land Campground Piedmont NC

98%
(343)
43mi from Elon · 6 sites · Tents
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 (Rare Occaneechi Saponi Alluvial) 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! 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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$31
 / night

12. Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

100%
(305)
41mi from Elon · 1 site · Tent, RV
NOTE: We are OPEN starting April 1st through October 31st. We are closed for the winter season. Welcome! This primitive Tent/RV site offers: 2-Private Acres + FREE Firewood + 8-foot Industrial Picnic Table + Little Tikes Picnic Table + Commercial-Grade Port-A-Potty + Large Garbage Bin + 5-Gallon Bucket + Adirondack/Sitting Chairs + Pet Friendly! Solo travelers, families, and romantic getaway travelers: This is a very private and safe place to camp! Because we only have 1 site, you will be alone in the space the entire time. My family lives on the premises so we are here in case of an emergency. My daughter and I own this 35 acre secluded piece of heaven just minutes from Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park, and other attractions. We are pet friendly (if your pet does not play well with our dogs or horses, please leave them on a leash or at home). Our Shire horses are endangered and very BIG! We hope you have time to say hello to the horses during your visit. NOTE: we do NOT provide electric at the campsite; you are allowed to use a generator. NOTE: please remember to bring garbage bags for all of your trash. All trash must be bagged and deposited into the provided garbage bin.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

13. Infinity Acres Ranch

99%
(110)
38mi from Elon · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Rick & Laura relocated to Ridgeway VA 18 years ago and are in love with the southern pace and park-like setting of the fields, pond and woods surrounding our Ranch. Folks were fascinated with our animals and kept saying we should open it up to the public!! We finally did just that! Then in 2012 we established an Animal Interactive Educational Non-Profit! Currently we share our domestic and exotic animals to benefit 1000's of folks each year! Now we are opening up the Ranch to you as a HIP CAMPER! You can learn more about us by following Friends of Infinity Acres Ranch on FACEBOOK, and also check out our website and watch the videos! Just google Infinity Acres Ranch to find us online! Many CHOICES!! You can choose to have an interactive experience, or just enjoy the tranquility of being in the country!! (fyi: roosters &; peacocks add to the experience, but also may wake you up!! ) Talk with Laura when you book and decide what will work best for YOU!! Strict supervision of children is required. Any aggressive behavior or harassment of the animals is prohibited!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

14. Brookhaven Mill Farm

99%
(78)
10mi from Elon · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
LEAF PEEPING SEASON IS ALMOST HERE! Reserve your spot now! *************************************************************************************** Our farm is an agritourism/sheep farm that offers seasonal events, educational workshops, a petting zoo, Bed and Breakfast, farm store, and camping area! We are a working farm during the week but we allow campers to park on weekends or weekdays. The price is the same except the petting zoo and farm store are only open on weekends. 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. Each of the 3 sites has a fire ring and picnic table. 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 interaction with the animals, or need supplies from the farm store, we open from 10-4 weekends only. You can purchase feed for the animals for $1/bag then. We have sheep, donkeys, chickens, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, guinea pigs and geese!   While we are dog-friendly, we do not allow dogs closer to the petting zoo area. We offer a 1+ acre fenced in area next to the camping sites where you can allow your dogs off-leash. No extra charge. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night

16. Deep River Campground

63%
(4)
27mi from Elon · 48 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover the unique charm of Deep River Campground and RV Park, where nature meets comfort on the scenic banks of the Deep River. This tranquil retreat is surrounded by rolling hills and boasts a 5-acre stocked fishing lake, along with 20 acres of meticulously maintained nature trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Conveniently located near the North Carolina Zoo and the vibrant city of Greensboro, our campground offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler. Choose from cozy cabins or full-service RV sites, each designed to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Our cabins feature personal outdoor spaces complete with fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. We offer flexible pricing options with daily, weekly, and monthly rates available. For those who prefer a more rustic experience, our tent campsites provide breathtaking waterfront views and essential amenities such as fire pits, electricity, and water hookups. Pet-friendly spaces ensure that your furry friends can join in on the adventure. Plus, complimentary Wi-Fi access keeps you connected during your stay. At Deep River Campground, you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the comforts of home. Plan your getaway today and create lasting memories filled with adventure, relaxation, and family fun!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$35
 / night

17. Canaan Hills Campground

100%
(8)
34mi from Elon · 3 sites · Tents
Primitive/ off-grid camping along the beautiful Smith River in Henry County Virginia. Toilet facilities provided, but no shower facilities available. Easily accessible entry/exit point for kayaking or canoeing. Hiking, fishing, biking paths located within 10 miles of campground. No more than 2 parties will be on the property at one time, so you have plenty of peace and quiet in seclusion. Surrounded by woods, backed by a small stream, it's a perfect getaway from all the noise. Cell signal is extremely limited at the campsites. Canoe and kayak available for use while camping. Transportation available for drop-off/pickup for river trips. Pets are welcome, but please keep leashed. This is primitive camping. You may encounter wildlife such as, but not limited to bees, bears, venomous snakes, coyotes, and possible a Sasquatch. Please be prepared for all possibilities, be respectful of their home, and don't be stupid.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

Camper favorites near Elon

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field