Discover the best campgrounds near Sanford, North Carolina with wildlife watching

98% (1252 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Sanford

Community favorites near Sanford

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Sanford

100%

(22)

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

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

100%

(2)

Badin Horse Camp or Old Horse Camp

1 site In Uwharrie National Forest

100%

(1)

Yates Place Camp

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Uwharrie National Forest

88%

(4)

West Morris Mtn. Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents In Uwharrie National Forest

Canebrake Horse Campground

28 sites In Uwharrie National Forest

81%

(8)

Falls Lake Campground

344 sites · RVs, Tents In Falls Lake State Park

Stories from the community

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 Legacy Farms Leisure Area

Liz, her husband, Tom and son Jake were wonderful hosts. The 43 acre property is beautiful. Next time I will try to stay in the trailer.

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.

3 nights at Blue Moon Lake House 🏕️

We absolutely loved this place. So peaceful and relaxing. Being close to restaurants was nice. Bring your poles , great fishing here.

1 night at Animal Sanctuary and Peace Park

I had a great time camping in my hammock at the Sanctuary! It is such a unique place and I loved seeing the wide variety of animals.

3 nights at Cedar Creek Campground at Elease

We wanted a quiet peaceful few days someplace to unwind and rest. We found it! The quiet allowed us to get some needed rest and the full hookups and WiFi were a blessing! It was all we could have hoped for. They have about 15 sites total, some for tents, some for boondocking with your rv, some graveled, some grassy, some remote tent sites but only 1 with full hookups and paved. There are several hiking trails, one porcelain flush toilet, a dishwashing station and an outdoor shower for campers to use. The grounds are beautiful and well kept and the hosts are very kind and helpful. If your looking for quiet, peaceful relaxation, we highly recommend!!

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 Cedar Creek Campground at Elease

Peaceful, quiet, beautiful well kept. Definitely worth the visit. Owners were amazing and helpful. Will be back

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 Cedar Creek Campground at Elease

Great campground! Clean, quiet, and peaceful. No cell service, which isn't necessarily bad! They have wifi if you're in the spots close to the house. Really nicely landscaped, and laid out.

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.

1 night at Cedar Creek Campground at Elease

Nice camp under the pines. Well maintained with amenities like a clean toilet, firepit and hiking trail. Had the place to myself the night I stayed.

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 Cedar Creek Campground at Elease

It was a very well kept and easy to access area. Secluded and quiet. Highly recommend.

Weekend Trip to Legacy Farms Leisure Area

We always love staying at Legacy Farms. It’s always a nice peaceful getaway, and allows us to reconnect with each other as a family. The kids love helping out on the farm, and spending time with the animals. As always, Liz and Tom are friendly and accommodating, and very patient!

4 nights at Cedar Creek Campground at Elease

From the moment we turned into the driveway we knew it would be another fantastic stay. We have stayed here before and thoroughly enjoyed it and the bliss continued for this trip. We stayed in site 1 again which has full hook ups, concrete pad, manicured landscaping and peace.

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.

Weekend Trip to Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

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

Available this weekend

97%

(17)

Jackson Farm Guest House

1 site · Lodging110 acres · Godwin, NC

This farm has been in my family since Thomas Jefferson was president. I began management of the farm in 1980 and remodeled an old farmhouse into a guest house for a family or for couples to find an escape from the chaos of city life and the modern world generally. The house sits on a gated, 10 acre wildlife preserve, beside a 3 acre pond, which adjoins our 100 acres of fields and forest. Our entire farm is in a conservation easement so it can never be developed, and we are one of the few private properties on the NC Wildlife Resources Commission "Birding Trail"; we have documented over 100 species of birds here in different seasons of the year. Our pond, private for guest house users, offers good fishing and we provide a boat. We also have over 2 miles of walking trails through our woodland and along the pond. Although we permit no outdoor fires, we do have a fireplace in the house and furnish free, seasoned firewood. We grow organic vegetables, alliums, and fresh herbs, along with a great many flowers to attract pollinators. Because some of our guests are allergic to pet dander, and because pets often frighten the wildlife away, we do not accept any pets here, nor do we own any ourselves. Learn more about this land: We offer a two bedroom private guest house with central heat and air, situated in a 10 acre, gated wildlife preserve which adjoins our 100 acre farm and which overlooks a private fishing pond (with boat). We promise no TV, radio, newspaper, telephone or internet connection, but do have a small library in the house. For the convenience of the ladies, the kitchen has no stove but does have a large, sheltered smoker/grill (charcoal provided) on a covered patio beside the kitchen, a full power microwave, and all other kitchen amenities, including a French press with a bean grinder and electric kettle; we also provide our own blend of fresh roasted coffee beans as well as tea, herb tea, chocolate and popcorn. The bathroom has a large claw footed tub and we provide bath salts and fresh organic herbs for the bath. There is a working fireplace and we provide seasoned hardwood for it. Guests may enjoy our farm which offers about two miles of woodland trails and abundant wildlife and birds but no domestic animals. NO pets are permitted at the guest house because many guests have allergies to animal dander. In short, it is a place for individuals, couples and families to find ease, to enjoy a bit of peace, quiet, and privacy and to go home refreshed, restored, relaxed. The house is so private it has a shower on the screened porch overlooking the pond. We are a little over an hour from historic Wilmington and several beach resorts, only 30 minutes from Fayetteville with museums, a fine botanical garden, and Fort Bragg, and very close to both I-95 and I-40 interstate highways. We are an hour south of the state capital city, Raleigh, with many attractions. TEMPORARY RESTRICTION:

Dickerson Estate

1 site · Lodging33 acres · Asheboro, NC

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

100%

(4)

The Old House

3 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · West End, NC

The McKenzie Home Place has been in the same family since the late 1700ś with craftsmanship of the home dating it to 1820. The McKenzies played a big role in the building of Pinehurst with the Grist Mill Parties and even the famous little cabin aptly named The Womens Exchange in Pinehurst, NC being purchased from Author McKenzie who himself was raised in in this beautiful home. It it property that was once inhabited by our Native American Indian as many Indian Points have been pulled from the fields on the property. In its last days as a working farm it was a tobacco farm. There are remnants of the past life scattered around. Including The Green Barn; a 2 story tobacco barn where the tobacco was strung on tobacco sticks, hung on rafters to be cured and taken to market. Memories of times past linger all around, after 200 years it is still standing and ready for many more memories to carry on for generations to come....I am only its keeper for now, until I pass and it is then up to the future McKenzie generations to keep the light burning.... Learn more about this property: The McKenzie Home Place affectionately known as The Old House has been in my family for over 200 years. There is a feeling of calmness as soon as you come onto the property. It is a place that is good for the soul. It is minutes Pinehurst if you like golf, it is near to many shopping areas including Southern Pines and Pinehurst both with beautiful Southern Charm. But The Old House is country, Bring your self and leave your worries behind and enjoy the great outdoors! The site is equipped with electric and access to a water hose for water hook up. NO Sewer hook up or dump site.

12 top campgrounds near Sanford with wildlife watching

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(475)

Cedar Creek Campground at Elease

24 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · White Oak, NC

Located just east of Fayetteville exit 49 off I-95, is our lovely, quiet, and secluded 30 acre tract of Southern Yellow pines that we purchased several years ago. Since we love camping so much we decided to carve out 15 campsites for other campers to enjoy. Most of our campsites are gravel and level. We have a couple of sites that are grass for tenters. We have only site 1 that has full hookups. All the other sites are boondocking with water only.

100%

(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.

Legacy Farms Leisure Area

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents43 acres · Lumber Bridge, NC

We carved our 43 acre horse farm out of wild swampy land in 2007 and finished the barndeminium in 2008. We started with Hipcamp 6 years ago & enjoy meeting new people. My husband is retired from the Air Force and works full time doing the chores. I retired May 2024 from being a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at Womack Army Medical Center. I have a side hobby making homemade jams, pickles and flavored goat cheese spreads. We love the peacefulness of where we live...although the weather chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, peacocks, goats and horses do get a little loud come feeding time. We have different sites, please read each description or message me before you book a stay. All the sites have an 8pm latest check in unless you've stayed with us before. With the cold snap we have been experiencing the RV water source will freeze up over night. Please message me before booking the RV. We are constantly looking for ways to upgrade or make our farm more fun to visit.

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(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.

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.

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(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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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!

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(35)

Private Serene Camping

2 sites · Tents60 acres · Angier, NC

Learn more about this land: Hidden River Farm and Retrievers is located at the end of a private dead end road. We have two inviting campsites. Both have fire pits and the option to hook to power (for an additional fee) should the camper need or want it. We also have a patio with sitting and eating area.

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(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.

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(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.

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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.

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Silk Purse Farm

8 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · Aberdeen, NC

Silk Purse Farm and RV was once part of land owned by the Cole family. This family owned most of Reservation Rd. A family of 9 children were all born in the old farm house that has since burned when struck by lighPitch a tent in the wooded grove or hook up your RV to a shaded site completely covered by a 100 year old Pecan tree. Get farm therapy, ride horses, feed goats, dig in the garden or just hangout! Fresh eggs available in the chicken coop or goat milk based on timing. Bring your own horse, stalls available. We are a short 15 min from riding at the Walthour Moss Foundation and the Sandhills Game Lands We are 10 minutes from the Carolina Horse Park at Five Points, 20 minutes from Pinehurst or Southern Pines. Now a rolling grassy horse, goat, chicken and sheep farm. Come see us and enjoy our slice of heaven. Everyone welcome!!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(22)

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Fearrington Village, North Carolina

96%

(26)

Uwharrie National Forest

Troy, North Carolina

81%

(8)

Falls Lake State Park

Gorman, North Carolina

Other options near Sanford

Zooland Family Campground

56 sites1 acre · Asheboro, NC

Zooland Family Campground in Asheboro, NC, stands out as a premier destination for families seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation. This expansive 33-acre park offers a unique family-oriented atmosphere filled with a variety of activities that cater to all ages, ensuring that every guest has a memorable experience. At Zooland, you can enjoy a range of exciting amenities, including river fishing, gem mining, a thrilling jumping pillow, and an inflatable water slide. The campground is designed with clean facilities and exceptional hospitality, making it a comfortable retreat for families. Explore the natural beauty surrounding the campground, with nearby swimming holes and outdoor activities that invite you to connect with nature. After a day of fun, you can discover local restaurants and shops that add to the charm of your stay. Visit Zooland Family Campground and find out why it is consistently rated as one of the best campgrounds in the USA!

Pets

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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 Sanford with wildlife watching guide

Overview

If you're into wildlife watching and looking to camp near Sanford, North Carolina, you're in luck! Hipcamp offers over 1,300 campsite options in the area that cater to your preferences. With options as low as $15 per night and an average price of $30 per night, you'll find the perfect spot to observe nature. Some of the top campsites with rave reviews include The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms (288 reviews), Black River Camping Ventures (217 reviews), and Cedar Creek Campground at Elease (175 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities such as pet-friendly areas, showers, and toilets. Plus, you can enjoy activities like horseback riding, paddling, and fishing. So get ready for an unforgettable wildlife watching experience in Sanford, North Carolina!