William B. Umstead State Park

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.