Road Trips Starting from Raleigh, NC
Best National Parks Near Raleigh, NC
Shenandoah National Park is the closest national park to Raleigh, and it’s 216 miles away in the neighboring state of Virginia. This 196,000-acre park is home to a large area of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it features scenic hiking trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail. Several picnic areas can be found in the park as well as a campground that is RV-friendly.
South Carolina’s only national park is Congaree National Park, and it can be found about 209 miles south of Raleigh. This park is known for being home to the tallest trees along the East Coast, and this is because the park was not affected by the lumber industry in the 1800s. There are 10 hiking trails at the park, and they can all be accessed right from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. There are also two tent campgrounds and opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing within this 20,000-acre park.
Despite its name, the gorge found at New River Gorge National Park has been around for thousands of years. The gorge was carved out by deep rivers over time, and it exists today for some of the best photographing opportunities in West Virginia. Located 267 miles from Raleigh, visitors can go hiking through the Appalachian Mountains at this park on trails such as the Endless Wall Trail or Kaymoor Miner’s Trail. This park is also 70,000 acres large, and the New River runs through it for whitewater rafters to use.
Popular State Parks Near Raleigh, NC
Falls Lake State Recreation Area is where you can find Falls Lake, which was created in 1981 after a dam was built on the Neuse River. Found just 18 miles outside of Raleigh, this state park is popular with those who want to use the lake for boating and fishing. You can also find two campgrounds at the park, both with full hookups, and a marina.
The Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is home to a 14,000-acre reservoir, which can be accessed from nine total access points, many of which feature boat ramps. There are also seven swimming areas and 14 miles of hiking trails. Wildlife such as bald eagles and osprey can be seen within the park, and there are usually beavers on the lake. A campground is available with 50 campsites featuring water and electrical hookups, and there is a visitor center with interpretive exhibits for all visitors to check out at this park 25 miles from Raleigh.
There are seven different campgrounds found at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, which is about 53 miles from Raleigh. This recreation area also sits on Kerr Lake, which shares a border with Virginia. Some of the most popular activities at this park include boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking on the forested trails, such as Big Poplar Trail and Kerr Lake Track Trail.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Raleigh, NC
Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial is a national site dedicated to the life of Patrick Henry, an American Revolutionary-era politician and Founding Father of the United States. This site is founded on the area of his former home and office, and park rangers have worked to restore it to its original state from the late 1700s. When you visit this site, which is 113 miles from Raleigh, be sure to start at the visitor center to get oriented with his life and the lives of his fellow colonial people.
The Appomattox Court House National Historical Park was founded as a national site in 1935, and it was known as the site of surrender during the American Civil War in 1865. At this site, which is 137 miles from Raleigh, you can tour the historic McLean Home and the colonial village it once resided in. You can also tour many museums, such as the American Civil War Museum of Appomattox and the Carver Price Legacy Museum.
Found 139 miles from Raleigh is the Booker T. Washington National Monument in Virginia. This national site marks the place where Booker T. Washington, who was once a slave and a civil rights leader, was born in 1856. At this site, you can tour the plantation where Washington once lived, and you can read about his early life and his later accomplishments.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
RVacation RV Park is a top campground near Raleigh located about 34 miles away in Selma, NC. This RV park offers 67 campsites with full hookups, plus both back-in and pull-through parking are available. Amenities of the park include a pool, showers, and free Wi-Fi.
Another great campground is the Raleigh Oaks RV Resort & Cottages of Four Oaks. This campground, found 41 miles outside of Raleigh, is where you can find 102 campsites for RVs with full hookups. Also at the RV park are two swimming pools, a spa, a fitness center, miniature golf, and other outdoor activities.
For camping near the shops and restaurants that Raleigh has to offer, check out Coopers RV Park, which is found 13 miles to the southeast. At this park, you can get full hookups and a campsite with a patio.
RV Dump Stations Near Raleigh, NC
You can find a dump station near Raleigh by visiting the Four Oaks Lodging and RV Resort, which is only 36 miles away. This RV resort offers free dump services to campground guests, but those passing through may also use the services for a small fee.
The North Carolina State Fairgrounds also offer dumping services right in Raleigh. This site, which has a campground, is open year-round except in October. You can dump your RV for free here when you stay at the campground, or you can just use the station for a $10 fee.
Triangle RV Park offers dump services in Durham, 31 miles away from Raleigh. The dump station here is free to use for guests, and others may use it for a small fee.
4606 U.S. Hwy 301 S, Four Oaks, NC 27524, USA
+919199636675
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
+919196126767
8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Closed in October
5901 Wilkins Dr, Durham, NC 27705, USA
(984) 219-7751
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
+919196126767
8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Closed in October
4606 U.S. Hwy 301 S, Four Oaks, NC 27524, USA
+919199636675
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
497 US-701, Four Oaks, NC 27524, USA
(800) 562-5897
Monday – Sunday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
