Falls Lake State Recreation Area

About

Falls Lake State Recreation Area is a premier recreation destination located approximately 15 miles east of downtown Durham, North Carolina. The park encompasses seven access areas along a 12,000-acre reservoir managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. With over 300 campsites spread across multiple campgrounds, Falls Lake accommodates everything from primitive backpacking at Shinleaf to full-hookup RV camping at Holly Point and Rolling View. Holly Point Campground offers 158 sites with 89 featuring water and 50/30-amp electric hookups, while Rolling View provides 115 sites with 80 hookup-equipped spots. Both campgrounds include dump stations, bathhouses with showers, and camper-only boat ramps. Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table, outdoor grill, and lantern hook on the tent pad. Beyond camping, Falls Lake provides 25 miles of hiking trails, 14 miles of mountain biking trails, swimming beaches, fishing, and boating access. The park serves as a critical water supply reservoir while offering year-round outdoor recreation opportunities for the Raleigh-Durham metropolitan area.

Directions

Located in Wake and Durham counties, approximately 15 miles east of downtown Durham and 18 miles north of Raleigh. Access via NC Highway 98.