RV Rentals Raleigh, North Carolina

Explore Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh serves as both North Carolina’s state capital and the county seat of Wake County, with a population of a little over 474,000. The name comes from Sir Walter Raleigh, who founded Roanoke Colony. It earned the nickname “The City of Oaks” because of the many oak trees lining the streets in the heart of the city. 

Raleigh was one of the earliest planned cities. After the Revolutionary War, it was chosen as the state capital in 1788. It was incorporated by 1792. During the Civil War, Raleigh avoided damage from any of the major battles. It fell into the hands of the Union during the final days of that war, but postwar Raleigh struggled with its economy. 

In 1959, things turned around for the city when the Research Triangle Park was established. This created thousands of jobs in the area. As part of the Research Triangle, Raleigh is the home of North Carolina State University. The triangle also includes nearby Durnham’s Duke University and North Carolina Central University as well as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. By the 21st century, Raleigh was one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. It has been featured in the top 10 lists of MSNBC, Forbes, and Money Magazine for its favorable business climate and quality of life. 

While visiting Raleigh, you’ll find several museums to explore. This includes the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in the downtown area. Here, you’ll find exhibits depicting everything from prehistoric animals to today’s modern species. The North Carolina Museum of Art encompasses two buildings that are set amidst a lovely sculpture garden. 

Campgrounds Near Raleigh, North Carolina

Among the RV parks near Raleigh, you’ll find Raleigh Oaks RV Resort and Cottages in Four Oaks. They have 102 sites with full hookups. Guests can enjoy the two swimming pools, a spa, and a fitness center. Those that love a little friendly competition will appreciate the pickleball court, the billiards room, and mini-golf. Cable TV and Wi-Fi are available. Rates start at $50 per night, $300 per week, and $500 per month.

RVacation RV Park in Selma has 67 sites with full hookups. There’s an on-site swimming pool and access to a small lake. Daily rates start at $29. Weekly rates are $175, and monthly rates are $499. 

Cooper's RV Park in Clayton is like a small neighborhood with paved streets and driveways along with large patios. Cell reception and Wi-Fi are available. Rates start at $40 per night and $200 per week. Monthly rates are $575. 

State Parks Near Raleigh, North Carolina

Falls Lake State Park is a short 17-mile drive from Raleigh. It encompasses seven individual access points around the Falls Lake Reservoir. This 12,000-acre reservoir provides visitors with several water activities and fishing opportunities. Fishing enthusiasts come for the catfish, bluegill, bass, and crappie. You’ll find five swimming beaches, boat ramps, watercraft rentals, and launching facilities scattered among the recreation area’s access points.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is located 24 miles from Raleigh. You’ll find nine access points surrounding the 14,000-acre reservoir. Canoeing, fishing, swimming, and camping are all popular activities within this park, and there are 14 miles of hiking trails covering the hilly terrain. Wildlife includes bald eagles and ospreys. After spending time in the recreation area, you can explore Jordan Lake Educational State Forest on the reservoir’s western shore.

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is found in northern North Carolina on the shores of a large reservoir. It’s 69 miles from Raleigh, and it's an ideal spot for participating in watersports such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, canoeing, and kayaking. It’s possible to leave one of the many boat launches and cross over into Virginia while enjoying the lake and exploring the many inlets and coves found along the Jordan Lakeshore. Within the park, you’ll find several beaches, seven camping areas, and many acres of pristine wilderness. Hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing for catfish, bass, and perch are all popular activities here. Families will appreciate the many kid-friendly trails. 

National Sites Near Raleigh, North Carolina

Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial in Brookend, Virginia is where Patrick Henry lived out the final years of his life. It’s also where he was laid to rest. His home is now a museum that has been carefully restored. There are several historic buildings to see, such as his house, a Colonial kitchen, his law office, the slave quarters, and a tobacco-curing barn. Quilters Trail takes you to many of these sites. The more strenuous Sharp Top Trail takes you up to an elevation of 1,300 feet. 

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is a 19th-century village in Virginia. See where Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, when you visit the McLean House. This act ended the Civil War. You can also learn about the history of this period as you explore the courthouse, tavern, jail, and general store located within this 1,800-acre park. Families will appreciate the three easy-to-navigate hiking trails found on the property. 

The Booker T. Washington National Monument is the birthplace of this civil rights leader. It’s located in Franklin County, Virginia. Washington was born into slavery, but he became influential in politics, business, and African American education. You’ll discover the remains of the plantation, along with farm buildings that have been reconstructed to look like they did when Washington was a young boy. Plantation Trail is an easy walk that takes you to these buildings. Explore the property’s fields and forests along Jak-O-Lantern Branch Heritage Trail. 

National Forests Near Raleigh, North Carolina

Croatan National Forest is a coastal wooded region where you’ll find yourself surrounded on three sides by water. As you explore the 159,885 acres, you’ll discover swamps, salt estuaries, bogs, and pocosins. While the early European settlers passed this land by, the Native Americans took advantage of all it had to offer. They thrived upon the fishing and wildlife that was available. They also found it to be ideal for growing many herbs and vegetables. There are several hiking trails to enjoy, and you may see wildlife like black bears, squirrels, raccoons, wild turkeys, bobcats, and alligators. 

Francis Marion National Forest is located north of Charleston in South Carolina. It was named after the Revolutionary War hero. This subtropical coniferous forest was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, but most of the trees have grown back. Boating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and target shooting at the rifle ranges are all popular activities here. Hiking trails range from the simple 1.9-mile I’on Swamp Interpretive Trail to the multi-day, 45.9-mile Palmetto Trail - Swamp Fox Passage. Off-road trails are available for ATVs and dirt bikes. 

The Monongahela National Forest encompasses 919,000 acres of West Virginia highlands. This includes the highest mountain peaks found in Virginia. You’ll find 825 miles of hiking trails to explore. While hiking, look for the 75 different tree species that grow here. This includes red spruce, balsam fir, and mountain ash. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The forest is home to nine threatened or endangered species.