North Carolina is a state of natural wonders, from the majestic mountains to the scenic coastlines. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous outdoor experience, you’ll find a campground that suits your needs and preferences in North Carolina. Here are some of the best campgrounds in North Carolina, along with tips and information to help you plan your camping trip.
Croatan National Forest
If you want to explore the diverse ecosystems of North Carolina, Croatan National Forest is a great place to start. This 160,000-acre forest is home to pine forests, salt marshes, estuaries, bogs, and pocosins (wetlands with peat soil). You can enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching in this forest. There are four campgrounds in Croatan National Forest, each offering different amenities and access to different attractions. The most popular campground is Cedar Point, which has 40 sites with electric hookups, showers, restrooms, and a boat ramp. You can also camp at Flanners Beach/Neuse River, Oyster Point, or Fishers Landing1.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a popular destination for water lovers, as it offers 14,000 acres of water for boating, fishing, swimming, and sailing. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and birdwatching on the 46,768-acre park land. There are seven campgrounds in Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, with a total of more than 1,000 sites. Some sites have electric hookups, while others are primitive. You can also find group campsites and RV sites with full hookups2. The campgrounds are open year-round, but some may close during the off-season.
Davidson River Campground
Alt tag: Davidson River Campground
Davidson River Campground is located in the Pisgah National Forest, near the town of Brevard. It’s a popular campground for anglers, as it offers access to the Davidson River, one of the best trout streams in the state. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and scenic driving in the surrounding forest. The campground has 144 sites, some with electric hookups and some without. There are also showers, restrooms, a dump station, and a visitor center3. The campground is open from April to October.
Jones Lake State Park
Jones Lake State Park is a unique place to camp in North Carolina, as it features two bay lakes: Jones Lake and Salters Lake. Bay lakes are shallow lakes that are fed by rainwater and groundwater. They have dark-colored water due to the organic matter that accumulates on the bottom. You can swim, fish, boat, and paddle on these lakes, or hike on the trails that circle them. The park also has a picnic area and a playground. The campground has 20 sites with no hookups4. There are also restrooms and showers nearby. The campground is open year-round.
Carolina Beach State Park
Carolina Beach State Park is a coastal park that offers access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. You can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, boating, and kayaking on the water, or hiking on the trails that wind through the maritime forest and sand dunes. The park is also known for its rare carnivorous plants, such as the Venus flytrap, the pitcher plant, and the sundew. The campground has 83 sites, some with electric and water hookups and some without. There are also restrooms, showers, and a dump station5. The campground is open year-round.
Hanging Rock State Park
Hanging Rock State Park is a mountain park that offers stunning views of the Sauratown Mountains and the Piedmont. You can hike to the iconic Hanging Rock, a quartzite outcrop that rises above the forest, or to one of the five waterfalls in the park. You can also enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and rock climbing in the park. The campground has 73 sites, some with electric hookups and some without. There are also restrooms, showers, and a dump station6. The campground is open year-round.
Lake James State Park
Lake James State Park is a lake park that offers 6,812 acres of water for recreation. You can fish, boat, swim, and paddle on the lake, or hike on the trails that offer views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The park also has a beach, a picnic area, and a playground. The campground has 33 sites with no hookups. There are also restrooms and showers nearby. The campground is open from March to November.
Smoky Mountains National Park
Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country, and for good reason. It offers breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, rich history, and endless outdoor activities. You can hike on more than 800 miles of trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail, or drive on scenic roads like the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Newfound Gap Road. You can also enjoy fishing, biking, horseback riding, and camping in the park. The park has 10 campgrounds with different amenities and access to different attractions. Some campgrounds require reservations, while others are first-come, first-served. The campgrounds are open from March to November.
FAQs for Camping in North Carolina
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers for camping in North Carolina.
How much are campsites in North Carolina?
The camping fees in North Carolina vary depending on the type of campsite, the amenities, and the location. Generally, the camping fees per night range from $15 to $1451. Some campgrounds offer discounts for senior citizens, veterans, and military members2. You can check the specific rates and availability of campsites on the ReserveAmerica website.
How many campgrounds are in North Carolina?
There are more than 100 campgrounds in North Carolina, spread across state parks, national forests, national parks, and private lands. You can find a campground that suits your needs and preferences, whether you want to camp by the water, in the mountains, in a forest, or on a beach. You can also choose from different types of camping facilities, such as tent sites, RV sites, cabins, group sites, equestrian sites, and paddle-in sites.
Can you camp anywhere in North Carolina?
No, you cannot camp anywhere in North Carolina. You need to camp in designated campgrounds or areas that allow camping. You also need to follow the rules and regulations of the land manager or owner. For example, some areas may require reservations, permits, fees, or registration. Some areas may have restrictions on fire, pets, vehicles, or noise. Some areas may have seasonal closures or limited capacity. You can find more information about camping rules and regulations on the websites of the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, or the private campground owners.
Where can I park my camper in North Carolina?
You can park your camper in North Carolina at any campground that offers RV sites or RV hookups. Some campgrounds may have size or length limits for RVs, so you need to check the specifications before you book a site. You can also park your camper at some rest areas or truck stops along major highways, but only for overnight stays. You cannot park your camper on the side of the road or in any area that prohibits parking or camping.
Conclusion
North Carolina is a state that has something for every camper. Whether you want to camp by the water or in the mountains, in a tent or in a cabin, in a forest or on a beach, you’ll find a campground that meets your expectations and budget. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in North Carolina!
