| Raccoon Swamp | rises in SE Bladen County and flows W into Colly Creek. |
| Raccoon Swamp | rises in SE Johnston County and flows S into Neuse River. |
| Race Prong | rises in NE Nash County and flows SE into Beaverdam Swamp. |
| Rachel | community in SW Randolph County served by post office, 1890-1926. |
| Rackley Mill Pond | See McLamb Mill Pond. |
| Radder Creek | rises in NE Cherokee County and flows NE into Worm Creek. |
| Radford Crossroads | community in E Johnston County. |
| Radical | community in N Wilkes County between Chestnut and Herald Mountains. |
| Radio Island | land mass between Morehead City and Beaufort, S Carteret County. Takes name from commercial radio station formerly operating on the island. |
| Raeford | town and county seat, central Hoke County. Settled 1867; inc. 1901. Took its name from the last syllables of two of the town's founders, J. A. MacRae and A. A. Williford. Produces textiles, lumber, concrete, rubber; processes poultry, and cotton. Alt. 262. |