The best camping in William B Umstead State Park, NC

·

Camper favorites near William B Umstead State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Calendar icon
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
Van icon
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Star icon
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Stories from the community

Top-rated campgrounds

Kerr Lake Glamping at Holly Forest

100%
(34)
41mi from William B Umstead State Park · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$69
 / night

SXPHW Country Club Camping & Events

99%
(72)
33mi from William B Umstead State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Graham, NC
The Saxapahaw Country Club is a beautiful 31-acre working farm and event space. Guests are welcome to wander the fields, relax in the hammocks, fish the stocked pond, or enjoy the giant swing suspended from the branches of our 200-year-old white oak tree. The Country Club is an ideal spot for a quiet evening under the stars, a peaceful retreat after shows at the Haw River Ballroom, or a basecamp for exploring the river, shops, and restaurants of Saxapahaw. Chapel Hill, Mebane, Hillsborough, and Pittsboro are all just a short drive away. In addition to camping, we host weddings, reunions, retreats, corporate functions, and other private events, as well as public gatherings throughout the year. As a membership club, we offer members special perks along with opportunities to connect, socialize, and enjoy the "country-club" lifestyle. Follow us on Instagram or join our email list to receive updates, highlights, and announcements about upcoming events. On arrival you'll come down our curvy driveway through the trees, and see our event barn on the left. In front of the barn is a communal space for campers to enjoy with a great view. This area has a fire pit, chairs, wood-fired grill, handwashing station, and farm table. The shared outhouse/composting toilet is next to the pine stand with a white roof. We have sheep, pigs and a donkey rotating through pastures behind electric fencing. Take a walk to say hello, don't touch the fence! We also have 3 very friendly farm cats. Pork and lamb from our farm (as well as kiln-dried firewood) is available for purchase at our farm store. Please note, this farm stay is an agritourism activity subject to the limit of liabilities as described in N.C.G.S § 99E‑32(b). Nearby activities: Entertainment: Catch big acts at the nearby Haw River Ballroom venue or enjoy free live music at Saturdays in Saxapahaw. Shop vintage, records, VHS and more at Saxy-a-Go-Go. Support local artists at the Riverside Collective. Eats/Drinks: Cup 22 Coffee House and The Eddy Pub overlook the river. Haw River Farmhouse Ales, Saxapahaw General Store and Steel String Brewery. Nature: The Haw River Canoe and Kayak Co, Saxapahaw Lake Paddle Access, Saxapahaw Island Park and Playground, Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area, and Cedarock Park.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

Honah Lee Farms

99%
(478)
24mi from William B Umstead State Park · 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

98%
(178)
30mi from William B Umstead State Park · 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

Animal Sanctuary and Peace Park

97%
(416)
31mi from William B Umstead State Park · 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

Ancient Spring Farm

96%
(57)
42mi from William B Umstead State Park · 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

Other options near William B Umstead State Park

The best camping in William B Umstead State Park, NC guide

Overview

About

It almost seems like the location of William B. Umstead State Park was preserved for the collective sanity of North Carolina’s urban residents. Located between the growing cities of Raleigh, Cary and Durham, this state park remains a quiet place to get away from “it all.”

Here, the loudest sound you’re likely to hear is the chirping of birds, which is undoubtedly much more pleasant than the sound of that guy behind you in traffic laying on his horn for the fiftieth time even though the light is clearly still red. Meanwhile, wildflowers sway in the breeze, lining the paths of all the hiking and biking trails that cut through the forest. Thank your state for protecting this place, because it’s probably saved more than a few people from snapping over the years.

When to go

The ideal times to visit William B Umstead State Park are during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer months can be hot and crowded, while winter brings cooler temperatures that may affect some activities.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's website for any trail closures or safety alerts before your visit.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Be aware of local wildlife and follow guidelines to ensure a safe encounter.
  • Accessibility varies across different areas of the park; inquire ahead if you require special accommodations.
  • Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but always leave the park cleaner than you found it.
100%
1 ratings · 3 reviews