From the shores of Cape Hatteras to the ancient mountains of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, North Carolina is a state that is as beautiful as it is diverse in natural wonders. Whether you fancy a day of surfing in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean or a climb up Mount Mitchell, the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi, there’s an outdoor adventure waiting for you. So grab your bathing suit or your hiking poles (or both!) and find the best camping in North Carolina. 


The pristine beauty of North Carolina’s Outer Banks have always drawn vacationers looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. Fortunately for those that like sleeping under the stars, camping in North Carolina at one of the state’s many beaches is a great way to experience the sun and sand without the expense of a vacation rental. With over 300 miles of coastline, there are dozens of state and private campgrounds to choose from. 


If pitching your tent in coastal sand dunes isn’t your cup of tea then pack your bag and head to the mountains of Western North Carolina—a region known throughout the southeast for its abundant opportunities to recreate outdoors. Whether you’re rafting down the Nantahala River that winds through the beautiful and remote Nantahala National Forest or hiking on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a 1,175 mile footpath that spans the width of North Carolina, you won’t run out of reasons to be outside. 


North Carolina has 40 mountains that rise above 6,000 feet (aforementioned Mount Mitchell is the tallest, clocking in at 6,684 feet) and 100 that stand more than 5,000 feet. Camping in the shadows of these peaks is just one thing that makes camping in North Carolina so special. And with 2.1 million acres of public land in the state, finding a campground is as easy as pulling out a map. 


Whether it’s saltwater waves, pristine peaks or rushing rivers that excite you, let The Dyrt help you discover the best camping in North Carolina. 

North Carolina

The Best Camping in North Carolina | 100+ NC Campgrounds

Appalachian National Forest, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Appalachian National Forest. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Appalachian National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Appalachian National Forest

The Best Camping Near Appalachian National Forest, North Carolina

Though it doesn’t offer much within its city limits, the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina, and surrounding cities more than make up for it. With Lake Wylie and Mountain Island Lake outside of the city, travelers looking for waterfront camping and hiking won’t be disappointed.

The best camping near Charlotte is on Copperhead Island. This spot offers affordably-priced lakefront campsites, perfect for a relaxing weekend. If you’re willing to make a bit of a drive, head easy to the Uwharrie National Forest, on the other side of Badin Lake near Eldorado, NC. Badin Lake is another fantastic option for a camping weekend with several picturesque campgrounds. Whether in an RV or tent, you’ll love Badin Lake!

Charlotte

Charlotte is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Charlotte is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Charlotte, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

The Best Camping Near Charlotte, North Carolina

Looking for the best campgrounds near Raleigh, NC? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Raleigh. Find the best campgrounds near Raleigh, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Raleigh

The Best Campgrounds Near Raleigh, NC | NC Camping

Looking for the best campgrounds near Greensboro, NC? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Greensboro camping trip.

Greensboro

The Best Campgrounds Near Greensboro, NC | NC Camping

Join the fun near Winston-Salem. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Winston-Salem camping trip.

Winston-Salem

The Best Campgrounds Near Winston Salem, NC | NC Camping

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Durham. Durham is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Durham and user-submitted reviews.

Durham

The Best Camping Near Durham, North Carolina

Join the fun near Fayetteville. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that North Carolina camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your North Carolina camping adventure.

Fayetteville

The Best Camping Near Fayetteville, North Carolina

Wilmington is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Wilmington campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Wilmington, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Wilmington

The Best Camping Near Wilmington, North Carolina

High Point is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. High Point is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near High Point, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

High Point

The Best Camping Near High Point, North Carolina

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Greenville, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Greenville. Find the best campgrounds near Greenville, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Greenville

The Best Camping Near Greenville, North Carolina

Concord, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Concord. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Concord camping trip.

Concord

The Best Camping Near Concord, North Carolina

Looking for the best campgrounds near Gastonia, NC? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Gastonia camping trip.

Gastonia

The Best Camping Near Gastonia, North Carolina

Looking for the best campgrounds near Nantahala National Forest, NC? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Nantahala National Forest. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Nantahala National Forest

The Best Camping Near Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, National Forests in North Carolina, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—National Forests in North Carolina is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near National Forests in North Carolina. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

National Forests in North Carolina

The Best Camping Near National Forests in North Carolina, North Carolina

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir, NC has a lot to offer. W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

The Best Camping Near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir, North Carolina

Cape Lookout National Seashore, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Cape Lookout National Seashore, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Cape Lookout National Seashore

The Best Camping Near Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina

Searching for the best camping near B. Everett Jordan Lake, NC? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near B. Everett Jordan Lake, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your B. Everett Jordan Lake camping trip.

B. Everett Jordan Lake

The Best Camping Near B. Everett Jordan Lake, North Carolina

Black Warrior and Tombigbee Lakes is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Black Warrior and Tombigbee Lakes camping trip.

Black Warrior and Tombigbee Lakes

The Best Camping Near Black Warrior and Tombigbee Lakes, North Carolina

Looking for the best campgrounds near Uwharrie National Forest, NC? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Uwharrie National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Uwharrie National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Uwharrie National Forest

The Best Camping Near Uwharrie National Forest, North Carolina

North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws millions of visitors annually for its unbridled beauty and free admission. Expect long entrance lines but know that your experience will make it all worthwhile.

Great Smoky offers 10 front-country camping locations for tents and RVs. For those looking for a longer trek, the park has a host of backcountry campgrounds at just $4 per night. Ideally, you camp in the park. However, as this is the most visited national park, you may have to make other plans. If you can’t stay in the park, the best camping near the Great Smoky Mountains is usually found in the nearby national forests. If you’re looking for something with more amenities, the eclectic city of Asheville, NC is where you’ll want to be.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your North Carolina camping adventure.

The Best Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Croatan National Forest, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Croatan National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Croatan National Forest camping trip.

Croatan National Forest

The Best Camping Near Croatan National Forest, North Carolina

Searching for the best camping near Pisgah National Forest, NC? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Pisgah National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Pisgah National Forest

The Best Camping Near Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

Join the fun near Cape Hatteras National Seashore. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Places to Camp near Appalachian National Forest

Best Camping Sites Near Appalachian National Forest, NC (0)

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