Let me paint you a picture. You’ve been weaving through the Raleigh-Durham corridor, a place that’s booming with so much tech and traffic that finding a bit of peace, let alone a decent spot to handle the necessary business of emptying your tanks, can feel like a real chore. The urban sprawl just keeps sprawling, and every other turn seems to lead to another brand new subdivision, not the easy-in, easy-out dump station you’re desperately searching for. It’s in moments like these, when you’re tired of the concrete and the rush, that a place like Holly Point Campground feels less like a utility and more like a sanctuary. Tucked away inside the sprawling Falls Lake State Recreation Area, just a stone's throw north of Wake Forest, this spot is a game changer for anyone traveling through central North Carolina.
This isn’t your typical asphalt lot behind a gas station. This is a state-run campground, and that means you’re getting more than just a hole in the ground. You’re getting a dose of nature. As you pull in, the vibe immediately shifts. The air gets cooler under the canopy of hardwoods, the sounds of the highway fade, and you’re surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you got into RVing in the first place. You might come here with the sole mission of emptying the black tank, but you’ll find yourself tempted to stay. With a proper swimming beach, easy access for dropping a kayak in the water, and miles of shoreline to explore, it turns a mundane task into a mini-vacation. And for those of us exploring the Research Triangle, being only about 18 miles from the heart of Raleigh makes it an incredibly strategic location. You can dive into the city’s museums and vibrant food scene by day and retreat to your wooded campsite by night.
Getting there is part of the experience. Once you’re off the main highways, you’ll find yourself on quieter, winding roads. A word of caution for those of us piloting the bigger rigs: keep an eye out for low-hanging branches on New Light Road. It’s nothing a little situational awareness can’t handle, just hug the centerline and take it slow. The journey into the park itself is a pleasant one, leading you through the quintessential North Carolina landscape. Wake Forest offers a touch of small-town charm with its historic downtown, a perfect spot to grab a coffee and stroll before heading into the park. Falls Lake itself is massive, a 12,000-acre body of water that’s a magnet for anyone who loves the outdoors. Anglers, boaters, bird-watchers, you’ll find them all here. If you’re making a bigger trip of it, you’re perfectly positioned to explore other regional gems. Eno River State Park, with its fantastic hiking trails, is less than an hour away, as are the unique clifftop views at Occoneechee Mountain. And if you happen to be passing through in the fall, you’re in for a treat. The colors around the lake can be absolutely spectacular, giving you a taste of Blue Ridge beauty without having to deal with the Blue Ridge crowds.
Once you’re inside the park, the process is exactly what you’d hope for from a well-managed state facility. You’ll pass through a gated entrance where you’ll handle the fee, and from there, the interior roads are paved and easy to navigate. Everything is clearly marked, and you won’t have any trouble finding the sanitation station. It’s typically located near one of the main bathhouse loops, positioned for easy access. Space for maneuvering is generally good, as they have to accommodate everything from small pop-ups to larger Class A motorhomes. That said, be prepared for a bit of congestion on weekends, especially during the summer. Boaters pulling trailers can create temporary logjams, so a little patience goes a long way. The presence of park rangers making regular patrols adds a layer of security and ensures the facilities are kept in good order. Just make sure you have your pass or receipt visible on your dash.
Let’s talk about the nitty-gritty, the amenities that really matter when you’re on the road. The dump station itself has potable water available right there in the lane. This is a huge plus. It means you can do a thorough black tank flush and top off your fresh water tank in one efficient stop. For those of us with pets, it’s great to know that leashed dogs are welcome throughout the campground and on the trails. Just remember the designated swim beach is for humans only, so Fido will have to sit that part out. The bathhouses are modern and feature hot showers, which feel like pure luxury after a long day of driving or a humid afternoon out on the lake. While there are no full hookups at the dump station itself, a number of the campsites within Holly Point offer 30-amp electric service. If you decide to stay the night, you can get everything charged up. One thing to be aware of is trash disposal. While there are dumpsters, they can fill up quickly on a busy weekend. It’s always a good policy to be prepared to pack out what you pack in, just in case. And plan your fuel and propane needs accordingly; you’ll need to hit a station on the US-1 corridor before or after your visit.
The cost is one of those things you’ll want to confirm beforehand. State park fees can be a moving target, and they aren’t always published online. Historically, the fee for day use or dumping has been very modest, but it’s always best to call the ranger office directly. This is also a good time to ask what payment methods they accept; some of these places still have cash-only kiosks. A quick phone call a day or two before you plan to arrive is just a smart RVer practice anyway. It lets you confirm the dump station is open and that there are no unexpected closures due to special events or maintenance. When you do arrive, have your go-kit ready: nitrile gloves, your trusty sewer hose, and a separate hose for rinsing. I always recommend carrying a few extra gallons of water with you, just in case the provided spigot is unexpectedly winterized or out of service. It’s a simple backup that can save you a lot of hassle. For the smoothest experience, try to time your visit for a weekday morning. You’ll avoid the weekend checkout rush and likely have the place all to yourself. All in all, Holly Point is a top-tier option. It’s the perfect blend of natural beauty and practical convenience, a spot that turns a chore into a genuinely pleasant part of your journey through the heart of North Carolina.
14500 New Light Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587
(984) 867-8000
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
ncparks.gov/falls-lake-state-recreation-area/home