Located in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest, this massive deep-cut gorge plunges almost 2,000 feet deep. Restrooms and hot showers are also located on-site, but no further amenities are on offer at this natural campground. Many people visit Cape Lookout National Seashore to see the iconic lighthouse. If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. A perfect place for campers who want to spend their days on the trail, here you can chase waterfalls, discover summit views and catch memorable sunset views from Shortoff Mountain. 10 Best Tent Camping Sites In Wisconsin →. Great Smoky Mountains is quite clearly some of the best camping in North Carolina. Campsites are available on-trail near the summits. This camping spot near Asheville has something to offer for everyone, with jaw-droppingly beautiful vistas around every turn. That means every vista around every corner offers stunning views of natural land. Smokemont Campground is our recommendation for a night amongst the peaks, located on a quiet forested bridge near the state border. Mount Pisgah Campground. From dense salt marshes to cascading waterfalls, tall mountain peaks to coastal barrier islands, read on to discover the location of your next camping adventure! Pisgah National Forest is a certified gold mine of fantastic outdoor opportunities. With endless seaside campsites to choose from, Cape Lookout is one of the best places to go camping in North Carolina. This pet-friendly state park has no admission fee, meaning you can take in some of the best views in NC for free! All camping spots are non-electric, but drinking water is provided. More than 500 thousand acres of hardwood forests, whitewater rivers, towering peaks, and crashing waterfalls make up this prime adventure destination. The summit trail is only 10 minutes from the car park but is fairly steep. Located on the Southern Outer Banks on the Crystal Coast, Cape Lookout National Seashore is a hidden gem in North Carolina that boasts three undeveloped barrier islands that span across 55 miles. Hanging Rock has some of the best camping in North Carolina for adventurers, with plenty of waterfalls to check out. Best Camping in North Carolina Mountains on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 219 camping in North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina, United States. Here visitors will find a beautiful area perfect for beachside camping, where massive dunes and stunning ocean views make for a memorable overnight stay. Get the best of both worlds as you relax in the hot tub, by the pond or in the hammock by the stream, then roast s’mores by the fire pit and fall asleep in the cozy king-size foam bed. But if you just want to hang out at the campground, you’re likely to find swimming pools, campfires, volleyball, tubing, even trout fishing. Bonus tip: Check out this amazing mountain biking trail in Pisgah National Forest! Hiking is the most popular activity by far, as on foot you can see many of the park highlights. This huge natural range holds a section of the Appalachian Trail and has many rivers and waterfalls waiting to be explored. Bent Creek Experimental Forest is located close by, where mountain biking opportunities are unparalleled. See if you can find the rare Venus flytrap, one of the world’s most unique carnivorous plants and observe the park’s wide diversity of plant and animal life. If you want to check out a section of North Carolina’s coastline, Carolina Beach State Park is an excellent spot to camp. 10 Best Tent Camping Sites in North Carolina, You could camp along the French Broad River, or check out the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. The Great Smoky Mountains are located across Tennessee and North Carolina. Campers Share Their 9 Favorite Places to Camp in North Carolina North Carolina has over 320 miles of coastline and nearly 40 peaks over 6,000 feet, including Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains, and the uber-popular Chimney Rock State Park. We're so happy you stopped by! There are tent camping spots scattered around this area, you might find a space near the summit of Shortoff Mountain. This is one of the highest campgrounds found on the Blue Ridge Parkway and doesn’t disappoint. If you plan on doing any kind of exploring in North Carolina, you need to check out the campgrounds on the Blue Ridge Parkway. But the most unusual – and most luxurious – place to stay at Blue Bear is in its tepee. A state full of natural wonders and eye-catching landscapes, North Carolina’s abundance of state parks and bodies of water makes it a perfect location for an overnight camping trip. Whether you are looking for a place to bring your RV, a private tent site with running water, a primitive campground for your whole group, or a Yurt or Cabin – these campgrounds have it all! Just 10 minutes outside of Boone, Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers up the typical tent and RV campsites and even ups the ante with solar-powered cabins. Drinking water is available but the sites are mostly primitive, without any connection to electricity. Carolina Beach is a great option for anyone wanting to do a spot of fishing on their camping trip, as this state park includes a marina and fuel dock. There are great opportunities to. Lake James State Park is less than an hour’s drive from Asheville and holds all the adventure you need on your natural getaway. In the summer months, you can explore the area by canoe and paddleboat, while the visitor center introduces guests to the ecology of the bay lakes, from the bay thickets to the pond cypress stands covered with Spanish moss. Alternatively, Pisgah National Forest has it all with hiking, fishing, and watersports. A combination of nature, history, and recreation, here you’ll find crystal clear waters for bass fishing alongside ancient American Indian dugout canoes and the grave of a Confederate general. For a truly unique North Carolina camping experience, visit Cape Lookout National Seashore. With easy access to some of the best hiking trails around and a handful of water-adjacent campsites, Davidson River Campground should be at the top of your list. There are 13 primitive sites open during the winter, with fire rings and picnic tables and access to a pit toilet. A washhouse with hot showers is provided, making Lake James State Park some of the best camping in North Carolina if you want to sleep by the water. This popular camping spot offers more than 100 sites for tents and RVs, we recommend making a reservation to ensure your campsite. Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Campground. The scenery in this National Park is part of what attracts millions of nature lovers, you could spend a lifetime just taking in the view. A large sandy beach makes for wonderful relaxation when the weather allows, and 8 hiking trails are newly established around the park. © 2020 Outdoor Command. The park has an extensive trail system with over 25 miles of scenic paths, 15 of which are available for mountain biking. Top 10 Campgrounds and RV Parks North Carolina. This mountain range is home to a selection of North America’s highest peaks, including Clingmans Dome which is the second-highest point in North Carolina. We'll send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! If you want to take in some of the best views and stunning natural vistas in the state of North Carolina, Nantahala National Forest cannot be missed. With so many fantastic choices for your tent camping trip to North Carolina, the hardest decision will be which locations to leave out. Home to a 6,512-acre lake, Lake James State Park is a sprawling reservoir with more than 150 miles of shoreline, offering visitors a peek at the Appalachian Mountain range. Blue Bear Mountain also offers luxury Tepee and Cabin rentals to provide you with more choices of how to experience your mountain getaway. This campground is on the border of Pisgah National Forest next to Davidson River, where there is plenty of angling (trout fishing is popular) and water-sport opportunities. Camp Hatteras RV Resort & Campground. Soak in the landscape of the grassy meadow and majestic cypress trees, as a family campground and group camping are available, featuring picnic tables and a grill. This family-friendly campground has plenty of space for picnics or sports games, all against the gorgeous setting of the Smoky Mountain peaks. When he's not writing, he's probably on a hiking trip or climbing in the mountains. From beachside camping to pitching a tent sky high in the mountains, here are some of the best places to go camping in North Carolina. Linville Gorge is also home to the stunning Linville Falls, a hotspot for every camper to see. There are 20 walk-in campsites along the shoreline of the Catawba River, offering a stunning view over the water when you wake in the morning. Go for a hike, ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, go whitewater rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking. This 9000-acre state park has peaks of more than 2500 feet, with the highest point being Moore’s Knob at 786 meters above sea level. Check out mountain rivers, countless waterfalls, look out for elk and other wildlife. Mount Mitchell is well known for being the highest point east of the Mississippi, its peak stands at 6684 feet. 12 Best Places to Camp in North Carolina Linville Gorge. Cheoah Point Campground is one of many fantastic options in Nantahala National Forest, with easy access to Lake Santeetlah and many popular hiking trails. The area draws backpackers, whitewater rafters and rock climbers. There are plenty of choices if you want a secluded, private, and entirely natural place to pitch your tent. Perfect for those looking for a secluded camping spot, set up your tent underneath the towering trees and spend your days hiking the miles of various habitats. The nearby Frying Pan Trail is a popular draw, which travels 1.6 miles from the campground to Frying Pan Mountain. The highest peak east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell is one of the state’s most beautiful places to pitch a tent. Restrooms are available during the warm season but there are no showers on site. The coastal region of the state has undeveloped barrier islands with miles of pristine coastline, with many excellent options for camping by the sea. The open-wooded campsites are fully equipped to provide everything you need for a pleasant stay. Camping cabins are also available, but the best tent camping in this NC state park is found at the secluded sites. Where to Camp: Mount Mitchell’s nine-site tent campground is open from May 1 until October 31. Mount Mitchell is a member of the Black Mountain Range, a part of the larger group of Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Park Ridgeway is one of North Carolina’s biggest attractions, and you’d be remiss to leave it out of your NC camping experience. North Carolina is also home to the USA’s favorite National Park; Great Smoky Mountains. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. 5 Blue Ridge Mountains RV Campgrounds You Must Visit 14259 1. Alternatively, Pisgah National Forest has it all with hiking, fishing, and watersports. It’s the largest national forest in NC at more than 500 thousand acres. With sheer cliffs and peaks of bare rock, Hanging Rock State Park offers a combination of quiet forest and cascading waterfalls. Julian Price Park Campground is in Laurel Springs, North Carolina. Welcome to Tent Cabin 1, nestled in the woods in the North Carolina mountains. Ideal for a day of soaking the area’s beauty, head to the 12-acre lake to cool off in the refreshing waters. Almost all of the sites are creekside, and the amazingly friendly workers will get your RV situated perfectly in a snap. Considered one of the state’s rarest ecological communities, Merchants Millpond State Park is home to a coastal pond and swamp forest. These 10 Camping Spots In North Carolina Are An Absolute Must See 1. Inland, the Appalachian mountains pass directly through this state, bringing with them the Blue Ridge Parkway of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. We also recommend seeing the view over the Piedmont plateau, which stretches out all the way to Virginia. The border between North Carolina and Tennessee is home to one of the more beautiful sections of the Appalachian Mountain Chain; the Great Smoky Mountains. A popular area to go surf fishing, the beautiful beaches are also known for being home to wild horses. No matter your preference for hiking, fishing, or simply looking around, Linville Gorge offers the best views while you do it. North Carolina is an unparalleled haven for nature lovers. The true draw of this section of NC’s outer banks is a 3-mile boat ride offshore, to three barrier islands. There’s no better way to launch a camping trip in North Carolina than by cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you can’t make the hike all the way to the top of Mount Mitchell, there’s a road all the way to the top making this peak accessible to everyone. If you’re looking for a real backpacking experience out in nature, then the remote Linville Gorge is the... Mount Pisgah Campground. One particularly beautiful part of Pisgah National Forest is Linville Gorge, we highly recommend it for backpacking. Wooded campsites are equipped with a fire ring, grill, and picnic table, while one site has electrical and water hookups. Lake James is nestled in a valley at the base of Linville Gorge, a stunning part of the Appalachian Mountains. Rocky Knob Recreation Area. Amenities in Carolina Beach State Park include a bathhouse, a marina store, and a rental shop for paddleboards, kayaks, and bikes. At a whooping 5,000 ft. Mount Pisgah campground is one of the highest along the Blue Ridge... 2. North Carolina is also home to the USA’s favorite National Park; Great Smoky Mountains. Covering more than 18 miles, the hiking trails are here are worthy of a day trip to see the waterfalls and mountain views, while those who want to see the trails on a bike will find a single track with a view of the Sauratown Mountains. This preserved area passes through Virginia to North Carolina traversing the Blue Ridge Mountains, a chain of rocky outcrops that form the NC section of the Appalachian Mountain range. We’ll send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! Hikers should check out the highest point in the state at Mount Mitchell State Park, where the peak reaches nearly 7 thousand feet. There are limited camping options at Mount Mitchell State Park, with spaces for tent campers only. Here are the top 7 campgrounds in the State of North Carolina for family camping in 2020. Imagination Mountain (previously known as Great Smoky Mountain Jellystone Camp Resort), is only about 20 minutes from Gatlinburg, but feels like a million miles away. The Blue Ridge Parkway is also a short distance away, so don’t miss out on this scenic drive if you’re car camping. A 2,308-acre park, outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the area’s range of activities on offer, from the four-mile trail that loops around the bay lake to the range of aquatic activities available in the shallow waters. In the mood for a leisurely car camping adventure at the beach? If you’re the spontaneous type, don’t fret, as there are still 74 other campsites on a first come, first serve basis. Take a look at each North Carolina KOA location, and you can select one of the best family campgrounds in North Carolina. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. This North Carolina State Park offers a well equipped but simple campground, with two loops of tent and trailer sites. This state has an impressive 41 state parks, 10 national parks, and 4 national forests. Davidson River Campground is our favorite suggestion for a spot of North Carolina tent camping. Nantahala is the name of the deepest gorge in the park, and translates to, “Land of the noonday sun.” In this deep cut valley, the sun can only reach the forest floor at midday due to the huge surrounding mountains. Welcome to Mountain River Family Campground. The border between North Carolina and Tennessee is home to one of the more beautiful sections of the Appalachian Mountain Chain; the Great Smoky Mountains. With 323 acres and home to 4 beautiful islands, Hammocks Beach State Park is one of North Carolina’s crown jewels. Linville Falls Campground. Small Town, Big Adventure: Explore the Smokies in Bryson City, N.C. Plan the Ultimate Adventure Getaway Without the Crowds in Bryson City, N.C. Eat, Drink and Be Merry This Holiday Season at Capt. Maybe you're chasing a sunrise over sprawling mountains or waking up lakeside and paddling out over a glassy lake. We are a family campground nestled in the Western North Carolina Blue Ridge mountains and our camping season begins the first weekend in April and ends the last weekend in October every year. If sleeping to the sound of the ocean waves and the sight of sea turtles along the seashore sounds appealing to you, then a trip to Cape Hatteras National Seashore is in order. Visitors can spend their whole trip enjoying and exploring the pristine beaches, there are miles upon miles of undeveloped shoreline. As well as birdwatching, you might be able to view wild horses too! North Carolina has vast and varied wilderness, with a huge range of camping opportunities on offer. Reaching 5,000 feet in height, Mount Pisgah Campground is one of the highest campsites you’ll find along the Blue Ridge Parkway, only 20 miles away from Asheville. We’ve collated this list of the best places to camp in North Carolina to narrow down your options to only the best recreational opportunities. Choose the Frying Pan Trail for 1.6 miles of adventure through thick hardwood forest along the rocky terrain, and rest your head in one of the 52 sites available for reservation and dine at the nearby restaurant at Pisgah Inn. All Rights Reserved. Tucked away at the base of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, and conveniently located between Asheville and Charlotte, is Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort Golden Valley. These retailers near both the North Carolina and Tennessee borders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park have everything you need. Combining the calm of the salt marshes with the beautiful starry night sky, campers are spoiled for choice with the four campgrounds near the ocean. Resort & Cottages available for mountain biking opportunities are unparalleled trailer sites Skyline. Of soaking the area ’ s rarest ecological communities, Merchants Millpond state park is to... For tent campers only 100 years ago re going in a snap picnic table established... 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