Best Camping in North Carolina

Best Camping Sites in North Carolina (943)

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   1.

   Davidson River Campground

   80 Reviews

   240 Photos

   788 Saves

   Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

   Overview

   Davidson River Recreation Area offers camping and outdoor activities for the whole family. The campground boasts several loops of shaded campsites, as well as access to hiking trails, fishing spots, waterfalls and several nearby attractions within Pisgah National Forest. It lies just four miles west of the town of Brevard and less than an hour from the city of Asheville. The facility is open year-round. Learn more here to prepare for your trip.__

   Recreation

   The forest is known for its hiking trails, several of which are near the campground. Hikers can challenge themselves with the 12.3-mile Art Loeb Trail, the 3.7-mile North Slope Trail or a 1.5-mile walking trail. The Davidson River offers excellent trout fishing, plus tubing and swimming, which are kid-friendly favorite activities. Visitors wishing to learn more about the area can attend educational programs in summer and fall.

   Facilities

   The forest is known for its hiking trails, several of which are near the campground. Hikers can challenge themselves with the 12.3-mile Art Loeb Trail, the 3.7-mile North Slope Trail or a 1.5-mile walking trail. The Davidson River offers excellent trout fishing, plus tubing and swimming, which are kid-friendly favorite activities. Visitors wishing to learn more about the area can attend educational programs in summer and fall.

   Natural Features

   The campground is located in Pisgah National Forest at an elevation of 2,150 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes thickly forested with hardwoods and conifers. The group camping area is adjacent to the beautiful Davidson River.

   contact_info

   For facility specific information, please call (828) 885-7557.

   Nearby Attractions

   Several natural and cultural attractions are within close proximity to the campground. Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway are among the more popular sites. The small town of Brevard offers various amenities and services, and visitors can take a trip to Asheville to visit art galleries, shops and restaurants.

   Charges & Cancellations

   Any cancellations must be taken care of directly with recreation.gov. Note that this facility does not provide refunds for No Shows or incliment weather.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • RVs
   • Tents

   $35 / night

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   Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

   75 Reviews

   206 Photos

   580 Saves

   Nags Head, North Carolina

   Overview

   Oregon Inlet Campground is the northernmost campground on Cape Hatteras National Seashore. When camping here, you are within a short distance of the full service town of Nags Head to the north, and the world class fishing at Oregon Inlet to the south.

   Recreation

   The beach adjacent to the campground can be reached by foot from your campsite as well as by vehicle with a Cape Hatteras Off-Road Vehicle Permit. Popular activities include fishing, swimming, surfing, birding, and shell hunting. The calmer waters of the sound to the west of the campground can be accessed at the public boat launch at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. Popular sound side opportunities include crabbing, clamming, paddle-boarding, boating, and fishing.

   Facilities

   The beach adjacent to the campground can be reached by foot from your campsite as well as by vehicle with a Cape Hatteras Off-Road Vehicle Permit. Popular activities include fishing, swimming, surfing, birding, and shell hunting. The calmer waters of the sound to the west of the campground can be accessed at the public boat launch at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. Popular sound side opportunities include crabbing, clamming, paddle-boarding, boating, and fishing.

   Natural Features

   The campground is located on the east side of the barrier island, just a short walk through the dunes to the expansive waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Sea Oats and other native flowering plants blanket the dunes providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.

   contact_info

   For facility specific information, please call (252) 475-9054.

   Nearby Attractions

   The historic Bodie Island Lighthouse is approximately four miles north of Oregon Inlet Campground on NC Highway 12. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is open seasonally for self-guided climbs. Climb tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and can only be purchased from www.recreation.gov. Tickets go on sale at 7am for that day's climbs only. Tickets may only be purchased on the same day of your intended climb. Coquina Beach Day Use Area is located directly across HWY 12 from the Bodie Island Lighthouse access road. The day use area provides a vehicle free beach perfect for families. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Coquina Beach is staffed with lifeguards to ensure the safety of visitors. Other amenities at Coquina Beach include a bathhouse with outdoor cold showers, flush toilet restrooms, water fountains, and a boardwalk to the beach.

   Charges & Cancellations

   Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Cancellation Fee: A service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation.

   • Pets
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • RVs
   • Tents
   • Group

   $35 / night

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   Carolina Beach State Park Campground

   70 Reviews

   195 Photos

   592 Saves

   Carolina Beach, North Carolina

   Not all campsites have identical amenities. Read the campsite information on the reservations website to see photos of campsites; check availability and fees; find out whether a specific site is wheelchair accessible, has access to water, bathouses or pit toilets, or has electric hookup; and learn other important information.

   Tent, trailer and RV camping The park's family campground is located in a wooded area near Snow's Cut.

   There are 69 campsites with no hook-ups, including two wheelchair-accessible sites. Ten campsites have full hookups (water, electric and sewer), including one wheelchair-accessible site.

   Each site is equipped with a picnic table and grill or fire ring. Drinking water and restrooms with hot showers are located nearby.

   Camper cabins In addition to the 79 campsites, the park has four camper cabins located in the family campground. These camping cabins sleep six people in two rooms, one with a double bed and one with two sets of bunk beds. Each cabin has electrical outlets and a heating and air-conditioning unit. Outside each cabin, there is a picnic table, charcoal grill and a fire ring. Drinking water and restrooms with hot showers are located nearby.

   Group camping There are also two camping areas for organized groups located along Swamp Trail and are available by reservation only. Site #1 accommodates up to 26 people; site #2 accommodates up to 40 people. These areas include two picnic tables, grills/fire rings and pit toilets. Water and shower facilities are not available. This area is accessible only by foot and is located approximately 400 yards from the Flytrap Trail parking area. Reservations can be made by contacting the park marina office.

   With a marina providing access to some of North Carolina's best fishing spots, a secluded camping area beneath towering trees, and miles of hiking trails that traverse a variety of distinct habitats—not to mention the presence of the Venus flytrap, one of the world's most unique carnivorous plants—it's no wonder Carolina Beach State Park is a popular coastal attraction. Beach Camping NC is located in an area steeped in both history and natural diversity, the park includes a visitor's center with exhibits depicting the wonders of its environment.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access

   $23 - $55 / night

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   Stone Mountain State Park Campground

   56 Reviews

   306 Photos

   277 Saves

   Roaring Gap, North Carolina

   Welcome to Stone Mountain State Park Campground! Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, this campground is a gem for anyone looking to escape into nature. The campground is open year-round and offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and even glamping options.

   Visitors rave about the cleanliness and maintenance of the campground. The staff here are known for being friendly and helpful, making your stay as comfortable as possible. The campsites are well-spaced, providing a sense of privacy and tranquility. Some sites even offer picturesque views of a lake or a nearby stream, adding to the serene atmosphere.

   One of the standout features of this campground is its proximity to some fantastic hiking trails. The Stone Mountain Loop Trail is a favorite, offering a challenging yet rewarding hike with stunning views and interesting stops like an old homestead. The trails cater to all ages and skill levels, so whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, there's something for everyone.

   For those who enjoy a bit of convenience, the campground has electric hookups, drinking water, and clean restrooms with showers. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Just remember, no alcohol is allowed on the premises.

   Located near the small town of Roaring Gap, the campground is easily accessible and makes for a great base to explore the surrounding area. Whether you're here for the hiking, the peaceful camping experience, or just to get away from it all, Stone Mountain State Park Campground has something to offer. So pack your gear, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access

   $23 / night

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   Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

   55 Reviews

   155 Photos

   363 Saves

   Ocracoke, North Carolina

   Overview

   Located in the famous Outer Banks area of the stunning North Carolina coast, this campground is perfect for a beach getaway trip.

   Recreation

   The seashore provides a place for active recreation or for quiet reflection. Campers can visit a lighthouse, look for seashells, go fishing and clamming or just sit back and enjoy the peace and beauty of the white sandy beaches. More active recreational activities include swimming, kayaking and windsurfing. Bird and wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime for campers. The seashore provides a home and habitat for creatures large and small, on land and in the water.

   Facilities

   The seashore provides a place for active recreation or for quiet reflection. Campers can visit a lighthouse, look for seashells, go fishing and clamming or just sit back and enjoy the peace and beauty of the white sandy beaches. More active recreational activities include swimming, kayaking and windsurfing. Bird and wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime for campers. The seashore provides a home and habitat for creatures large and small, on land and in the water.

   Natural Features

   Ocracoke Campground sits on a barrier island along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The shore a recreational oasis for beach lovers. This ribbon of sand provides some of the most dazzling scenery that the Atlantic coast has to offer.

   contact_info

   For facility specific information, please call (252) 475-9054.

   Nearby Attractions

   Nearby Ocracoke Village offers restaurants, gift shops, grocery stores, a gas station and tackle shop.

   • Pets
   • Phone Service
   • RVs
   • Tents
   • Group
   • Standard (Tent/RV)

   $28 / night

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   Hanging Rock State Park Campground

   52 Reviews

   223 Photos

   368 Saves

   Danbury, North Carolina

   Just 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park is located in the Sauratown Mountain Range. Named for the early Saura peoples who once inhabited the area, this range towers over the surrounding country, with peaks reaching nearly 2600 feet in elevation. The park derives its name from the large quartzite escarpment that “hangs” over the valley below. Established in 1936, the park initially encompassed 3100 acres, but has grown to 7900 acres since 2015. With its proximity to the suburban areas of Stokes County, the park serves as a backyard playground for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, rock climbers, paddlers, anglers and campers.

   The 73-site campground in Hanging Rock State Park is an ideal basecamp for enjoying all the outdoor activities the park has to offer. Campsites can accommodate tents, popups and limited RVs; there are no hookups or dump stations at this location. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, grills and tent pads. Drinking water is available at several locations in the campground, and there are two bathhouses with hot showers. There are also five primitive group campsites with picnic tables and fire circles; drinking water and vault toilets are available nearby. If you don’t feel like roughing it, the park also offers 10 vacation cabins. Each of these are equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping accommodations for up to six.

   When you’re ready to play, there are more than 20 miles of multiuse trails in Hanging Rock State Park for hiking, biking and riding. Trails vary in length and difficulty, so drop by the visitor center and pick up a trail map. For the mobility impaired, there is a 0.1-mile path to the Rock Garden. Anglers can enjoy casting for bass, sunfish, and catfish either by boat or wading on the park’s small lake. Canoe and rowboat rentals are available for paddling on the lake, or you can bring your own gear for paddling or fishing on the Dan River. Rock climbing is permitted on the 400-foot-high Cook’s Wall and Moore’s Wall. For just kicking it under the trees, the park has several picnic areas, as well as an exhibit hall and concession stand.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
   • RVs

   $19 - $95 / night

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   Spacious Skies Bear Den

   48 Reviews

   662 Photos

   166 Saves

   Spruce Pine, North Carolina

   Set right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 324.8, among the breathtaking Blue Ridge and Black Mountains and nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, Spacious Skies Bear Den is your mountain adventure destination!

   While most of our sites are full hook-up, we have water/electric spots for a more rustic camping experience or for our tent campers. We also offer cabins in an array of sizes and with varied amenities, ensuring we have the perfect spot that meets each family or group’s needs.

   When you arrive at your site or cabin, breathe in the serene beauty of the Pisgah National Forest, of which Spacious Skies Bear Den is a part. Leave your stress behind as you explore 13 miles of wooded hiking trails, some leading to waterfalls on the park grounds. Playgrounds, a rec hall, arcade, basketball, volleyball, and a swimming lake with a separate fishing area will keep campers of all ages occupied. A camp store stocked with necessities and treats alike, bathhouses, laundry on-site and WiFi all bring the comforts of home to your campsite.

   We are proud to announce our partnership with Black Folks Camp Too and are now the first “unity blaze certified” collection of private campgrounds!

   Being Unity Blaze Certified confirms that all 15 of our campgrounds and our team are committed to making sure all campers know “You are Invited and Welcomed” — the Unity Blaze motto. While Spacious Skies has always firmly held this belief, we wanted to go one step further in partnering with BFCT to make sure all campground staff completed the Unity Blaze training program.

   Please navigate to our website for up to date information regarding our amenities.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • RVs

   $25 - $999 / night

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   Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

   49 Reviews

   113 Photos

   212 Saves

   B. Everett Jordan Lake, North Carolina

   Poplar Point offers 579 sites for RV and tent camping; 363 sites have water and electric hookups. Each site includes a picnic table, grill, and lantern holder. Showers, restrooms, trash containers and a dump station are conveniently located. Please note that all sites at Poplar Point Loop E are walk-up and can be booked only when you arrive at the campground.

   Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a collective of nine access areas scattered around the shoreline of this undeveloped, 14,000-acre reservoir. More than 1,000 campsites among five of the access areas offer a range of outdoor experience from RV hookups to primitive tent camping and group camps. There are seven swim beaches in the recreation area and a number of boating ramps, with some swim areas and ramps reserved for campers. Nearly 14 miles of hiking trails wind across the hilly lakeshore, with most of them offering easy, brief hikes perfect for family outings. Spotting bald eagles and osprey is just one of many opportunities to view wildlife, and the lake’s ecology is further explored in the visitor center exhibit hall.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access

   $33 - $65 / night

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   Asheville East KOA

   52 Reviews

   107 Photos

   213 Saves

   Swannanoa, North Carolina

   Whether you're looking for a peaceful weekend in the mountains or an extended stay in western North Carolina, this KOA is the perfect choice. Head for the city sights of historic Asheville (just 14 minutes away) and tour the famous Biltmore House or shop at the brand-new outlet mall. Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the breathtaking views. Or you can hike one of the numerous trails to check out the views and even waterfalls. Perhaps you'd prefer to simply relax and stay at your campsite and fish in one of KOA's two lakes. Your kids will love tubing and splashing in the Swannanoa River, which winds its way through the middle of the campground. Other on-site activities include paddleboats, a swimming pool, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes and cornhole. Pool: May 6 - September 11. Max pull thru: 70 feet.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access

   $50 / night

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    10.

    Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    46 Reviews

    152 Photos

    555 Saves

    Blowing Rock, North Carolina

    Overview

    Located along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in the lush green expanses of North Carolina, Julian Price Campground is a top destination for boating, hiking, fishing and more. Whether it's for a family camping excursion or a peaceful getaway, this campground has something for everyone.

    Recreation

    Canoe rentals are available at Price Lake, and other types of non-motorized boats are permitted. Fishing is also available at the lake, with a dock provided.Price Lake Trail offers a refreshing hike around the edge of the water, and the Boone Fork, Green Knob and Tanawha Trails are just a few of the trails that are conveniently accessed through the campground. Hebron Falls: A small waterfall accessed from the Boone Fork Trail. The Cascades: A beautiful waterfall accessed by the easy 1-mile loop Cascades Trail. A great hike for children. Moses Cone Flat Top Manor: A historic estate house (currently undergoing restoration) once owned by the Cone family. The grounds offer 25 miles of carriage roads to hike. Tours of the home are available. Currently houses the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Wildlife viewing is also popular as campers have a good chance of spotting bears, grouse, turkeys, owls, hawks and more.

    Facilities

    Canoe rentals are available at Price Lake, and other types of non-motorized boats are permitted. Fishing is also available at the lake, with a dock provided.Price Lake Trail offers a refreshing hike around the edge of the water, and the Boone Fork, Green Knob and Tanawha Trails are just a few of the trails that are conveniently accessed through the campground. Hebron Falls: A small waterfall accessed from the Boone Fork Trail. The Cascades: A beautiful waterfall accessed by the easy 1-mile loop Cascades Trail. A great hike for children. Moses Cone Flat Top Manor: A historic estate house (currently undergoing restoration) once owned by the Cone family. The grounds offer 25 miles of carriage roads to hike. Tours of the home are available. Currently houses the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Wildlife viewing is also popular as campers have a good chance of spotting bears, grouse, turkeys, owls, hawks and more.

    Natural Features

    Julian Price Campground is adjacent to Price Lake, a pristine body of water that sparkles against the backdrop of rolling Carolina hills. The surrounding forest offers hemlock, white pine, oak, hickory and birch trees, along with a colorful assortment of wildflowers in the spring and an array of vivid orange and red foliage displays in autumn. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that follows the high crests of the central and southern Appalachians for 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

    Nearby Attractions

    The beautiful town of Blowing Rock, located just 20 minutes away on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers fine dining, shopping and more.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $30 / night