Head out to go camping in North Carolina for a trip full of water sports and gorgeous views! Peruse this list of North Carolina campgrounds to start planning your adventure in the Tar Heel State.
From the unparalleled coastal beauty of Lake Mattamuskeet to the serene waterside views at Paradise Lake, camping in North Carolina promises beautiful water features at every turn. Off the coast, explore geological wonders like Chimney Rock or take in the views of Linville Gorge. With 10 national park sites, camping in North Carolina is never a dull experience!
Asheboro, NC
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Asheboro is a family-friendly Cabin & RV Park providing families a quality and fun time together while enjoying the great outdoors. Enjoy themed weeks with da...
Forest City, NC
Welcome to Yates RV Resort, tucked away in Forest City, North Carolina and surrounded by quiet neighborhood and acres of rolling pasture. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the area while still being close...
Washington, NC
Tranter’s Creek Resort & Campground is the finest campground in Eastern North Carolina. Conveniently located off Hwy 264 and situated right on Tranter’s Creek. There is fantastic fishing in the creek,...
Lenior, NC
This premier LGBTQ+ Campground and Tiny Home Community is a place for all to come together and revel in nature. Bask in the beauty of North Carolina while being in a welcoming community where you can...
Bryson City, NC
Smoky Mountain Campground offers a variety of sites in a beautiful location in North Carolina. Choose from cabins, tent sites, trailer sites, and more. Deep Creek General Store has what you need for a...
Jonesville, NC
Welcome to one of the area’s newest premier RV Parks located in the Yadkin Valley. Riverwalk on the Yadkin is located on the Yadkin River adjacent to the Mountain to Sea Trail. The campground is withi...
Marion, NC
Riverbreeze Campground offers great camping through every season of the year. Enjoy the cool shade trees, the spacious sites with full hookups, and the calming atmosphere. You'll be at the foot of the...
Murphy, NC
Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in Western North Carolina, Foxfire of Murphy Mountain RV campsites is surrounded by some of the most beautiful country that this land has to offer. Lo...
Elkin, NC
Byrd’s Branch Campground is located in the Foothills of Elkin, North Carolina. With a variety of sites, there is something for every camper to feel most comfortable. When picking a site, you can choos...
Newland, NC
Buck Hill Campground is the ultimate family getaway, full of ways to relax and play! Nestled along the North Toe River, you'll have great views, fishing, and tubing opportunities. Enjoy spacious RV si...
Maggie Valley, NC
2023 CAMPSPOT AWARDS WINNER: Best in America! Stonebridge RV Resort and Campgrounds in Maggie Valley, NC has been a part of The Great Smoky Mountains, providing quality vacations since 1965. It's the...
Murphy, NC
Located in the quaint and friendly town of Murphy, North Carolina, J&J's Getaway welcomes guests to explore the beauty of the North Carolina Mountains and all it's natural glory. As you start to hear...
Camping in North Carolina offers an exciting experience for any type of camper. With a wide variety of climates and ecosystems, North Carolina offers a broad selection of campground options ranging from green forests to active dunes.
If you’re prepared, any time can be a great time to hit up North Carolina campgrounds. Camping in North Carolina is truly a four-season pursuit.
If you don’t want to brave the cold, late spring through early fall is the best time to visit. If you’re willing to put up with a bit of chill, you’ll be rewarded with a color-changing fall landscape, easily the most beautiful time of year for camping in North Carolina.
If you can dream it, you can do it in North Carolina. There’s a place for every outdoor lover in the Tarheel State, from sea level to the mountaintops.
The Appalachian Trail cuts through North Carolina, so hikers of all stripes should spend some time on it. Mountain biking, watersports, and snow sports are all popular outdoor activities in North Carolina. If you want to embrace the colder weather, head to the popular Beech Mountain Resort.
There is only one national park in North Carolina, though it was the second-most visited one in all the U.S. in 2021. Beyond that, there are several popular National Park Service sites and national forests to visit.
While often associated with Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park extends into North Carolina. Since entrance to Great Smoky is free, crowds are abundant during the peak season June to October. You’ll contend with fewer visitors if you’re willing to visit in the offseason. However, if you can’t get to the park in the offseason, braving the throngs of tourists is worth it for the views and hiking available here. This is worth being near the top of the list for those camping in North Carolina.
While not a national park, Cape Hatteras is run by the National Park Service. You won’t have to pay an entrance fee if you’re an inter-agency pass holder. The Cape Hatteras lighthouse is the most iconic destination, but the whole seashore is worth a visit. If you’ve got a capable 4×4, you can adventure along the sand here, but make sure you have the necessary permits.
The Pisgah National Forest offers some of the best hiking and camping in North Carolina. If you plan to visit Asheville, the Pisgah National Forest isn’t too far from the city. Pisgah is home to some of North Carolina’s best waterfalls and most scenic mountaintop views, including several of the highest peaks on the eastern seaboard. Mountain bikers looking to hit the trails should check out Bent Creek Experimental Forest.
If you’re short on time, you can explore the Uwharrie National Forest in less than a weekend and still enjoy yourself immensely. There are plenty of day use areas, so you can bring everything you need and never have to go back to the car. If you want to enjoy the off-road trails here in your vehicle or on your mountain bike, make sure you get your pass beforehand.
Gorges is routinely a bucket list stop for those exploring North Carolina’s state parks. With no admission fee, it’s always a crowd favorite. If you saw the waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest and couldn’t get enough, make your way to Gorges State Park for even more! Those looking to get into the backcountry should definitely add this to their list as Gorges State Park is one of the best spots for backcountry camping in North Carolina.
Jockey’s Ridge is a reminder of the diversity of the North Carolina state parks. With sprawling sand dunes, it’s hard to believe Jockey’s Ridge and Gorges State Parks are in the same state at all. Jockey’s Ridge is home to the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern U.S., meaning these dunes continually change landscape and character because of the winds.
If you’re looking for something a bit more secluded, Merchants Millpond offers tranquil getaways for all of its campers. Centered around the main scenic pond, you’ll find several miles of nearby hiking trails to keep you occupied during the day. Merchants Millpond is quite manageable if you’ve only got an overnight’s worth of time.
Morrow Mountain embodies the best of North Carolina’s fall colors when the leaves change. If you want to fall asleep under a canopy of orange leaves while camping in North Carolina, don’t skip Morrow Mountain. You’ll never be short on activities with miles of multi-use trails near your campsite.
Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this winding drive is sure to be an immersive and incredible experience you won’t forget. While you don’t have to do the whole thing to appreciate it, those who are willing to strap in for the long haul have 469 scenic miles to look forward to. You’ll find views of the Appalachians, surrounding national forests and parks, and charming pieces of classic North Carolina architecture all along the way!
There are so many things to do besides just camping in North Carolina! While the state boasts a robust outdoor scene, there’s an equally robust arts and culture scene to explore here. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is especially likely to be a hit for those traveling with children. With exhibits on the ecology of North Carolina and a wide variety of live programs, the museum offers something for everyone in the family.
The quickest way to travel back in time in North Carolina is to visit the Biltmore Estate. This historic mansion was finished in the late 19th century and is actually the largest privately owned house in the entire country. You’ll find a host of rotating art and culture exhibits here and even three different places to spend the night!
This top attraction in North Carolina is a bit out there. Fans of oddities will love this sculpture park. With lots of creative wind-powered art pieces, Whirligig is the perfect place to spend an afternoon admiring these novel contraptions. Whirligig Park also hosts events, so be sure to stop into a live show or farmer’s market while you’re there.