The best camping near Raleigh with wildlife watching

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Looking to connect with nature and get up close and personal with wildlife? Look no further than Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource. With over 1,000 options near Raleigh, North Carolina, you're sure to find the perfect accommodation for your wildlife watching adventure. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or cabin rentals, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like Black River Camping Ventures (217 reviews), Cedar Creek Campground at Elease (175 reviews), and Lakeside Retreats @ Walnut Hill (195 reviews) for a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, enjoy popular amenities like potable water, trash services, and showers. Don't miss out on activities like climbing, swimming, and whitewater paddling. With an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $10, Hipcamp is the go-to platform for your camping needs.

98% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Table and chairs for guest use

3. Ancient Spring Farm

97%
(58)
48mi from Raleigh · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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; 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$23
 / night
Lee's first bass of 2022 caught where Deep Creek feeds into the Flat River

7. Honah Lee Farms

99%
(478)
30mi from Raleigh · 5 sites · Tents · 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. 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night
Tar River Life

8. Tar River Life

98%
(178)
25mi from Raleigh · 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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night
These two cats were happy to offer their assistance in setting up the tent

11. Animal Sanctuary and Peace Park

97%
(416)
26mi from Raleigh · 6 sites · Tents · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Welcome to The Cozy Heron Glamping! Relax, rejuvenate, explore 🌻🪶

12. The Cozy Heron Glamping

100%
(12)
31mi from Raleigh · 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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$149
 / night
R.O.S.A Land Campground Piedmont NC

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

98%
(343)
35mi from Raleigh · 6 sites · Tents · 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 (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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$31
 / night

Looking to connect with nature and get up close and personal with wildlife? Look no further than Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource. With over 1,000 options near Raleigh, North Carolina, you're sure to find the perfect accommodation for your wildlife watching adventure. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or cabin rentals, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like Black River Camping Ventures (217 reviews), Cedar Creek Campground at Elease (175 reviews), and Lakeside Retreats @ Walnut Hill (195 reviews) for a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, enjoy popular amenities like potable water, trash services, and showers. Don't miss out on activities like climbing, swimming, and whitewater paddling. With an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $10, Hipcamp is the go-to platform for your camping needs.

98% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Table and chairs for guest use

3. Ancient Spring Farm

97%
(58)
48mi from Raleigh · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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; 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$23
 / night
Lee's first bass of 2022 caught where Deep Creek feeds into the Flat River

7. Honah Lee Farms

99%
(478)
30mi from Raleigh · 5 sites · Tents · 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. 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night
Tar River Life

8. Tar River Life

98%
(178)
25mi from Raleigh · 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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night
These two cats were happy to offer their assistance in setting up the tent

11. Animal Sanctuary and Peace Park

97%
(416)
26mi from Raleigh · 6 sites · Tents · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Welcome to The Cozy Heron Glamping! Relax, rejuvenate, explore 🌻🪶

12. The Cozy Heron Glamping

100%
(12)
31mi from Raleigh · 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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$149
 / night
R.O.S.A Land Campground Piedmont NC

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

98%
(343)
35mi from Raleigh · 6 sites · Tents · 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 (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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$31
 / night

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