Best Camping in and near Occoneechee State Park

100% (5 reviews)

From 1250-1670, Occoneechee Indians lived on an island on the Roanoke near what is now this park.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Occoneechee State Park

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R.O.S.A. Land Campground

6 sites · Lodging, Tents23 acres · Rougemont, NC

Welcome to R.O.S.A. Land Campground! Hot Water Outdoor Shower Back Up and newly chopped, dead Hackberry wood available as EXTRAS. R.O.S.A. stands for Rare Occaneechi Saponi Alluvial Land-based retreat and campground offering individuals and small groups a place for rest, exploration, sanctuary, and grounding. Equal parts woodland, floodplain wetland and pastureland, R.O.S.A land is stewarding 23 acres of ecological magical oasis on a tributary of the Upper Tar River 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! This is a queer-stewarded, solidarity-focused rematriation project. This land is co-deeded to MK of Handewa Farms and owned at present by K Cox, Steward of the Respite and will be passed on to MK and her seven Afro-Indigenous children once the Roundhouse is paid down. In the meantime, an intentional community of farmhub tenants, visitors, campers and Handewa Farm members all co-habitate on the land together. 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 unlikley 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.

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(57)

2nd40 to 420 - The Farm

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents39 acres · Pamplin, VA

The Farm was originally named 2nd 4o by my parents. They planned to live the 2nd forty years of their lives together on the farm. My parents both grew up on the southside of Chicago - where having a tree in your yard meant that you had "made it". They decided to use the land to grow Christmas Trees. This did not last long :) - but the saplings my dad planted by hand are still here & maybe 70' tall! Then my husband & I bought The Farm in 2017 for the 2nd forty years of our life & my parents built their little house right here. My husband and I immediately knew that our dream was to grow a different kind of "tree", so in 2019 we were among the first group to receive our license to grow hemp. We are passionate about both the hemp and cannabis plants! In 2020 when it finally became legal to grow cannabis, we immediately added that to our garden as well and 2nd 40 to 420 was born, or shall I say planted. We currently rent out our 2 RV's 3 Yurts & primitive sites , we also offer group bookings & Canna-friendly B&B options. We plan to add septic & electric hook-ups for RV's in the near future. Come join us in Growing our Dreams! Learn more about this land: Large farm with acres for tent camping. 2 RVs on site - available for rental - able to pull in RV's420 friendly - bed & breakfast options available. Creek, walking & riding trails, in season pool. Happy to host you with a variety of options. This option is for primitive camping on site.

100%

(5)

50 Acre Woods

1 site · RV, Tent50 acres · Emporia, VA

Great location only 15 min off I-95. Far enough away from the city and roads to see the stars at night, close enough for easy access to all modern conveniences. Accessible by a paved road. A path is cut right through the property for ease to find your ideal camping location. You can park your vehicle off the paved road or on the property itself. There is a creek a few hundred yards into the property that's not crossable by vehicle. A vehicle can pull onto the property via the cutout road but I wouldn’t pull an RV/vehicle with a trailer onto it.

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Honah Lee Farms

5 sites · Tents144 acres · Rougemont, NC

(Notice - Our property was recently damaged by heavy rains from hurricane Helene. We have been working to make repairs, including along the long driveway entering the property. For those return campers and all new guests to Honah Lee Farms, we are no longer accepting trailers or RVs 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. - 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.

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(9)

Heaven's Gate Artistry

20 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Henderson, NC

Centered in the beautiful North Carolina countryside of lush green rolling hills with picturesque farms, oak and magnolia trees, this property has three acres of pasture and four acres of trees. I have dry camping with water, electricity and a Porta Potty available nearby fir /418 a night and for $45 a night full RV hook ups. I've been a full time Artist and Teacher for 30 years and have a my AgriTourism 40’x72’ Barndominium, (it's still a bit of a construction site on one acre) with a 1,250 sq ft. Art Studio for creatives of all types opening in May 2024. Studio time and lessons available. Pottery, kiln, (up to cone 10 electric and cone 10 gas reduction) wheel, hand building tables, slab roller, extruder, wedging tables, glazes, drawing, painting, (watercolor, acrylic, pen & ink, oil, pastel, etc.) book binding, mixed media and more. In Raleigh, NC there is the NC Museum of Art, Marbles Children's Museum and Natural Sciences Museum, DPAC performing arts in Durham. You can visit Duke University Cathedral in Durham, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and NC State in Raleigh. Shop at Raleigh, Louisburg and Henderson Farmer's Markets or take a Raleigh Guided Historical Tour. Downtown Raleigh is beaming with excellent restaurants, breweries, music and night life. There are petting zoo's, Wild ponies on the Outer Banks, The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, Local Alpaca Farms to visit and many live music and dancing venues. There is Falls Lake, Kerr Lake, Lake Jordan and Lake Gaston for fishing, swimming and water skiing. In two hours and 15 minutes you can be in Mt. Airy the original Mayberry of the Andy Griffith Show. Or stop and pan for gold and gems on your way to Asheville, NC. Or stop by Cherokee, NC for famous Maggie Valley or their Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Located 30 minutes from the VA state line, highway US #1 and Interstate 85 are 15 minutes away. 45 Minutes north of Triangle Town Center Mall in Raleigh, NC, three hours from Wilmington/Atlantic Beach, NC for surfing, deep sea fishing boat charters and beautiful beaches. We're four hours East of Ashville/Smokey Mountains and the famous Biltmore House, NC. We're four hours from fun Myrtle Beach, SC and five hours North of Historic Charleston, NC and 3.5 hours from The Smithsonian National Museum of History and the White House in Washington DC. In NC we're three hours from Charlotte, NC, 90 minutes from Greensboro/Winston Salem, NC, one hour to Interstate 95 south in Wilson, NC, 45 minutes North to Interstate 95 in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Soon to come laundry and shower room and bunk beds! Top 10 Things to Do in Raleigh: https://www.viator.com/Raleigh/d33621-ttd?mcid=33953&tsem=true&supci=-1&supag=1233652197275608&supsc=kwd-77103383976617&supai=77103448173493&supdv=c&supnt=s&supkw=museums%20in%20raleigh%20nc&supti=kwd-77103383976617&suplp=82024&supli=56448&m=33953&supag=1233652197275608&supsc=kwd-77103383976617&supai=77103448173493&supdv=c&supnt=nt:s&suplp=82024&supli=56448&supti=kwd-77103383976617&tsem=true&supci=kwd-77103383976617&supkw=museums%20in%20raleigh%20nc&msclkid=0f8e945c99d51e0f9e7bf2746e1e7c6f

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(4)

WishFlower Gardens in the Woods

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Keysville, VA

WishFlower Gardens is an off grid mostly wooded homestead in progress. You'll have access to a tent site (accessed by an in progress trail), Campervan, or mostly level parking spots for self-contained vehicle camping. We are visual artists and herbalists and are happy to add on an intuitive painting class or plant medicine workshop to be enjoyed during your stay.

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(59)

Privette Pointe

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Wake Forest, NC

Once a working cattle and tobacco farm, this land has been in our family for generations. Experience magnificent sunrises over rolling hills, just inside Wake County near the Franklin County border. Two sites beside the pond, stocked with fish, a bridge to feed them bread from, and a fountain to listen to as you unwind.Learn more about this land:Wake up beside the pond, listening to to fountain as you drink your morning coffee. Fish from the bank or toss bread to the fish from the bridge. Hike the property and take pictures of breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

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(48)

Kerwin K.’s Land

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Keysville, VA

82%

(14)

Hootin Hollow 13.96 acre

1 site · Lodging14 acres · Yanceyville, NC

Learn more about this land:Nice quiet place to hunt, fish , read a book or what ever your heart desires , A stocked pond awaits at the bottom of the hill with plenty of catfish . Plenty of turkey and deer are around also . Canoes can be gotten with special arrangements.

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(10)

Reckless Raven Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Victoria, VA

Welcome to RRF! We are a small ranchette that specializes in sheep, horses, and chickens. Located in Victoria Virginia, the farm is less than an hour to Richmond, 45 minutes to Farmville, and 45 minutes from John Kerr reservoir (on the boarder of NC). We are pet friendly, and the property is completely fenced. Enjoy free unlicensed fishing on property in our pond, stocked with catfish and bluegills, or let the pups swim away the summer heat. Enjoy a walk on the nearby Tobacco Trail, fish at one of the many nearby rivers and lakes or swim in our above ground pool. (Pool is closed beginning 8/25/24 until May of 2025) Roast marshmallows over a fire and stargaze or catch fireflies all night. All sites have access to a portable compost toilet, and we can provide water for the sun showers. We have tent sites, and an RV site, 420friendly but we do not partake. PLEASE NOTE: No Check In After 8 PM! The camp sites are only available with direction of host and through a series of gates in livestock pastures. Exceptions can be made in an emergency stay. . Amenities/ Activities: Above ground pool ( closed 8/25-5/30/2025) friendly sheep, goats and horses to pet and feed metal detectors to borrow free fishing and bait- poles provided free fire wood laundry for fee in house pots and pans to cook grill for site upon request free fresh eggs Horse rides available for donation which helps offset feed or veterinary needs. This experience may not be available due to weather or other factors, be sure to talk to us prior to your visit to determine availability and requirements.

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(7)

Ross F.’s Land

5 sites · Lodging10 acres · Hollister, NC

We bought the property in search of gold. After exploring the land after we bought it, we discovered a 200ft ship from 1906 buried 4ft under the ground. We are inviting people to come enjoy this experience with us as we excavate the ship, to learn history, and to learn unique outdoor activities. There are so many treasures still left to be found.

Booked 5 times

RV/Tiny Homes/Camping Lake Gaston

5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Warrenton, NC

Freedom Hill Resort is something unique. It was a state prison until the 90's and we have completed the first phase which includes 5 individual spots that can accommodate a full size 45 foot RV/Tiny Home on Wheels or bring your own tent. There is a RV, Tiny Home, and Tents, available, our bring your own. There is a private bathroom and cold water shower available for all guests. In addition, there are 2 dog parks (one for small dogs and one for larger dogs). All the buildings at the moment including the Guard Tower are only available to enter with a private tour. Spot (#3) includes probably America's smallest Tiny Home. It only fits a provided twin air mattress. If 2 guests would like to share the tiny home, we highly recommend that they like each other. There is air conditioning, lights, and a power outlet. Spot (#4) includes a RV with air conditioning and can accommodate up to 10 people.

The best camping near Occoneechee State Park guide

Overview

About

This 2,698-acre state park is found on Virginia's largest lake, Buggs Island Lake. Also known as John H. Kerr Reservoir, its 48,000 acres are ideal for boating and fishing. The park does not offer designated swimming areas.

Experience the history of the Occoneechee Indians and plantation life in the 1800s via trails. Stroll along 3.1 miles of walking trails that wind through the park's woodlands. An additional 20 miles of trails welcome hikers, bikers and horseback riders.

Buggs Island Lake and connecting Lake Gaston are brimming with big fish. Striped and largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and perch are plentiful. Three ramps provide motorized and non-motorized boat access. Rent pontoons, kayaks, and paddle boards at the main boat ramp.

Occoneechee offers 11 cabins, two lodges, and three yurts. There are also 48 campsites for tents and RVs and 11 equestrian campsites. Make time to explore the history of the Occoneechee people at the visitor center and museum.

Notable campgrounds

Equestrian Campground: Offers pull-through sites with electricity, perfect for horse enthusiasts seeking trails and comfort.
Campground B: Features sites with electric and water hookups, catering to RVs and tents amid shaded areas.
Campground C: Provides a mix of sites, some with hookups and others more primitive, including waterfront options.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, as sites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance for the best selection.
Consider off-peak seasons for more availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations, which can provide last-minute opportunities.
Explore nearby camping options to increase your chances of finding a spot.

When to go

The best time to visit Occoneechee State Park is during spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers full access to all park amenities but can be quite warm. Winters are quieter but some facilities may be closed.

Know before you go

Check the park's website for any alerts or closures before your visit.
Remember that the Visitor Center is closed on certain holidays.
All trails and outdoor areas are open from 8am to dusk.
Accessible facilities are available, including cabins and lodges.
Don't forget to bring a copy of a negative Coggins report if you're bringing horses.