William B. Umstead State Park
The campground is open for the 2026 season following completion of a major renovation that added a new bathhouse and improved campsites. Operating season runs April 1 through October 31. Reservations available via ReserveAmerica up to 6 months in advance.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued September 2 at 7:51PM EDT until September 2 at 8:30PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
SVRRAH The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Nash County in central North Carolina... Northeastern Wake County in central North Carolina... Northwestern Wilson County in central North Carolina... Northeastern Johnston County in central North Carolina... Southern Franklin County in central North Carolina... * Until 830 PM EDT. * At 750 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Franklinton to 6 miles northeast of Rocky Mount, moving south southwest at 15 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Nashville, Wilson, Wake Forest, Zebulon, Elm City, Dortches, Bailey, and Bunn. This includes the following highways... Interstate 95 between Mile Markers 145 and 116. Interstate 440 between Mile Markers 12 and 16. Interstate 540 between Mile Markers 14 and 24. NC Highway 264 between Mile Markers 20 and 38.
Heat Advisory issued September 2 at 1:46PM EDT until September 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
* WHAT...For the first Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 107. For the second Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 108 expected. * WHERE...The Coastal Plain and a majority of the eastern Piedmont and Sandhills. * WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the second Heat Advisory, from 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Heat Advisory issued September 2 at 1:46PM EDT until September 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
* WHAT...For the first Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 107. For the second Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 108 expected. * WHERE...The Coastal Plain and a majority of the eastern Piedmont and Sandhills. * WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the second Heat Advisory, from 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
About
William B. Umstead State Park sits on 5,600 acres of second-growth piedmont forest between Raleigh and Durham, providing an accessible wilderness retreat just minutes from the Triangle's urban core. The family campground offers tent and pop-up camping only; no RVs or trailers are permitted due to site design. Each campsite accommodates up to six people and includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground completed a major renovation in early 2026, featuring a new bathhouse with modern showers and restrooms. Water spigots are available throughout the camping area. The park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging routes, plus dedicated mountain biking trails. Big Lake provides opportunities for fishing and seasonal boat rentals. Two entrances serve the park: Crabtree Creek (off Glenwood Avenue/US-70) includes the main visitor center, while the Reedy Creek entrance off Harrison Avenue in Cary provides access to additional trails. The campground operates seasonally from April 1 through October 31.
Directions
From I-40, take Exit 287 (Aviation Parkway/US-70) and head west on US-70/Glenwood Avenue. The Crabtree Creek entrance and visitor center is at 8801 Glenwood Ave. Alternatively, from I-40 take Exit 285 to Harrison Avenue north; the Reedy Creek entrance is at 2100 N. Harrison Ave. in Cary.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $27 - $200 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| william.umstead@ncparks.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (984) 867-8240 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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