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love2rvcamp's avatar
love2rvcamp
Explorer
May 16, 2014

Suggestions for one night in Durham NC

We are planning a trip to Myrtle Beach in July. However our daughter is wanting to go on a mission trip the week leading up to our MB trip. We want her to be able to go but not make it to inconvience for us.

My question is if we plan on driving up on a Friday night to pick her up would you try and find a campground for one night or look to stay in a Walmart? We would leave the Atlanta area around 4:00 so would be late getting into Durham. Then we would leave early Saturday after picking up daughter and head off to MB.
  • You might check out Spring Hill RV Park. I'm not sure how convenient it is to Durham compared to the fairgrounds in Raleigh, but it's the only other campground I know of in the area. We haven't stayed there yet but will next month. DH has talked to the owners on the phone and they're super nice.
  • Going to check out the fairgrounds. Trying to find out exactly where we will have to pick up our daughter and then go,from there. Even thinking about going to MB on Friday and driving over to Durham on Saturday morning. That is if we can get on our spot a day early.
  • travelbayshore14 wrote:
    You might consider staying at the NC State Fairgrounds Camping area in Raleigh for the one night. We stay there often when visiting our daughter in Raleigh. Great security and $25.00 per night - buys lots of peace of mind. It's just a short drive to Durham.


    This is the best spot in the area. Full Hook ups. with WIFI. No cable. Clean and good security.

    Just off I-40, a few minutes from Durham. Look for the newer area by the horse complex. Off Blue Ridge Rd. Then right on Trinity Rd. Then Left on Youth Center Dr. Left into gate H2 (Horse Complex). Follow the dirt road around to the left and up the hill. Choose a level site. Some are graded for rain runoff.

    More private, and quieter, less train noise. Just go find a spot, then call the office when you get there. A guard will come out to welcome you and take your $25.00 check.
  • love2rvcamp wrote:
    Will look into the options mentioned. We have never stayed in a parking lot before. Do you ask the manager of the store for permission?


    It is usually a good idea. Walmarts are usually open 24/7, but if you are late to a Crackerbarrel, and it's closed, just park away from things (often, there is bus parking), and make sure you head in for breakfast in the morning :S....they usually don't mind then.
    Also, look for "No Camper" signs (you can ask your daughter to drive over and see if they have posted any restrictions).
  • Assuming you're coming up I-85, there's a Flying J at the Haw River exit off of co-routed I-85 & I-40 near Burlington. I think the exit number is 150. There's a nice, pretty quiet, RV parking area away from the semis, on the restaurant side of the building. The only issue is that it isn't real level unless you're along the outer edge by the trees. There are a lot of expediter trucks & vans that use the area, too, so the level area fills up early sometimes.

    I overnighted there two Sundays ago on the way to the OBX, and took a late lunch break there coming back on Thursday. When I sleep there eastbound, I get up very early (4:30-5 AM) to miss the worst of Raleigh's AM rush.

    Jim, "The buck doesn't even slow down here."
  • You might consider staying at the NC State Fairgrounds Camping area in Raleigh for the one night. We stay there often when visiting our daughter in Raleigh. Great security and $25.00 per night - buys lots of peace of mind. It's just a short drive to Durham.
  • Oweninthekeys wrote:
    Have you considered going to MB and setting up and then doing a day trip to Durham to pick her up?


    We looked at that option. I can't get off work on that Friday and our site in MB is not available until Saturday. We have to pick her up around. 8:00 Saturday morning before the bus leaves to come back to Atlanta

    Will look into the options mentioned. We have never stayed in a parking lot before. Do you ask the manager of the store for permission?
  • Have you considered going to MB and setting up and then doing a day trip to Durham to pick her up?
  • If you're late into Durham as you said, head for Wally World, Cracker Barrel or a truck plaza.

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