Raleigh is North Carolina’s capital, so it contains plenty of interesting places to visit. College campuses, museums, parks, and more call this member of the famed Research Triangle home. Plenty of lovely campgrounds and recreation areas are within driving distance of Raleigh, so it’s an outstanding place to take your rental RV.
Why stay at a hotel in Raleigh when you could camp out in a rental RV instead? You could spend your days exploring Raleigh and your evenings and nights relaxing at your campsite. Whether you want to stay local or explore other parts of this lovely area, you’ll enjoy the flexibility that a rental RV can give you.
Search RV rentals in the Raleigh area.
Preparing for Your Raleigh RV Trip
One of the most popular motorhomes available for rent in the Raleigh area through RVshare is the Class C; these motorhomes are compact and economical yet comfortable. Another option is the Class B, which is a sturdy campervan. If you’d prefer to travel in style, you could rent a big, luxurious Class A motorhome. Travel trailers are also readily available, so you’ll easily be able to rent a camper you can tow behind your vehicle.
For more information on the RV rental process, you can check out these articles:
• Renting an RV With RVshare
• RV Parking Tips
• RV Rental Delivery
Finding the perfect campground in the Raleigh area is simple thanks to the multiple nice campgrounds within driving distance. One high-quality campground near Raleigh is Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages, which is roughly 40 miles southeast of town. Two swimming pools, a mini-golf course, a fitness center, and more are present here. Another great place to camp is Coopers RV Park, which is just 13 miles outside of town. Paved driveways, full hookups, and big patios are some of the amenities here.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Raleigh.
Day 1: Downtown Delights
Morning: Explore the Capitol Building
A fabulous first item on your Raleigh itinerary is the North Carolina State Capitol. Admission is free, so you won’t have to spend anything to go on your self-guided tour of this building that was constructed in 1840. If you visit on a Saturday, you can take advantage of the guided tour.
Lunch: Dine at the Hall
Just half a mile from the North Carolina State Capitol is the Morgan Street Food Hall. A large, shared seating area provides ample space to eat food purchased from local restaurants like Yoho Hibachi & Sushi Burrito, Primal Cuts, and Bella’s Wood Fired Pizza.
Afternoon: Make a Natural Choice
Across the street from the North Carolina State Capitol is the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. At this nature museum, you’ll have the opportunity to view numerous live animals and fossils from North Carolina and beyond. Be sure to check out the Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit, which features the fossils of a triceratops and a tyrannosaur locked in eternal combat.
Setting up Camp
When you’re ready to retire to your campground near Raleigh, your first steps will be to drive to your campground and check in. Then you’ll need to park your camper at your campsite, hook up all necessary hoses and cords, and properly secure your camper. If you have a bit of spare time, you could even set up a patio area outside of your RV. Another option would be to have the RV’s owner deliver your camper to the site so you wouldn’t have to do all the hard work.
Dinner: Make the Inevitable Choice
If a long day of exploration has given you the urge to relax at your campsite, you could grill some food at your campground. If you’d prefer to go out to eat, however, you could head over to Death & Taxes. This swanky restaurant serves New American dishes in a contemporary environment.
Day 2: Western Wonders
Morning: A Walk in the Park
William B. Umstead State Park is located on the western outskirts of Raleigh. This park’s nearly 35 miles of trails are all open to hikers; bikers and horseback riders can access 13 miles of trails. Paddling, bird-watching, fishing, and picnicking are other popular activities here.
Lunch: Experience Mexican Fusion
Jose and Sons is roughly 3.5 miles southeast of William B. Umstead State Park. This Mexican fusion restaurant serves dishes that combine Mexican cuisine with Southern flavors. If you’re over 21, you could have a craft beer or glass of wine with your meal.
Afternoon: An Afternoon of Artistry
The North Carolina Museum of Art is approximately 4 miles south of Jose and Sons. This museum contains works of art that span 5,000 years. Don’t forget to walk around outside as various works of art are on display outdoors as well.
Evening: Dinner and a Movie
Five miles north of the North Carolina Museum of Art is the Cinemark Bistro Raleigh. After being on your feet all day, you can watch a new release or an art film and grab a bite to eat at the theater’s restaurant.
Day 3 and Beyond in Raleigh
A variety of outdoor and indoor activities are available for those who want to spend more than two days in Raleigh.
• Frankie’s is an amusement park that’s located on the northwestern fringe of Raleigh. Mini golf, go-karts, bumper cars, a drop tower ride, and more provide plenty of avenues for wholesome family fun.
• The JC Raulston Arboretum is in the western part of Raleigh 2 miles from NC State’s campus. When you visit this free botanical garden, you’ll get to see one of the Southeast’s biggest collections of plants used in landscaping.
Seasonal Activities:
Several miles west of the JC Raulston Arboretum is the PNC Arena. NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and NC State’s Wolfpack basketball team play here, so you can catch a game if you visit at the right time.
In July, Dorothea Dix Park is home to a five-acre sunflower field that draws 100,000 people per year. If you visit on the right Saturday in July, you can take in the Sunflower Soiree, which features acoustic music, food trucks, craft beers, and, of course, sunflower viewing.
Indoor Activities:
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is another place you can go in Raleigh to watch a movie and eat some tasty food. Their theater features luxury recliners complete with cup holders and tables so that you can dine in comfort.
CAM Raleigh is a contemporary art museum near downtown Raleigh. This museum is closed from Monday to Wednesday, but it’s a great indoor option if you visit between Thursday and Sunday.
Raleigh is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. North Carolina’s capital is home to plenty of intriguing attractions that you can visit in your rental RV.
