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Best Campgrounds in North Carolina

4,857 Reviews

North Carolina's mountain-to-coast geography offers exceptional cabin camping opportunities within its diverse landscapes. Eight state parks feature cabin rentals, including Carolina Beach State Park and Stone Mountain State Park, both rated over 4.5 stars by visitors. Cabins range from rustic forest shelters to modern accommodations with full amenities, providing year-round options for those seeking an outdoor experience with more comfort than tent camping. Hanging Rock State Park Campground maintains cabins in a wooded setting with hiking trails, while Bear Den Family Campground offers cabin options near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Many cabins require reservations months in advance, particularly during peak summer and fall color seasons. Weather considerations vary dramatically across regions, with coastal cabins experiencing hurricane season concerns from June through November, while mountain cabins may have winter access challenges during snow events. Elevation differences create distinct seasonal experiences, with mountain cabins offering cooler summer temperatures than their coastal counterparts. "We stayed here for our girls getaway in Alice's Queen Cottage and Alice's White Bunny Cottage. It was the 'best weekend ever' according to the little girls and big girls alike! Every detail of our stay was truly magical," noted one visitor describing their cabin experience.

Cabin amenities typically include electricity, beds, and basic furnishings, though specifications vary significantly between locations. Most state park cabins provide heat and air conditioning, while private campgrounds often feature more luxurious appointments. Lake Powhatan near Asheville offers cabin rentals with convenient access to the city's attractions while maintaining a natural forest setting. Several campgrounds, including Davidson River in Pisgah National Forest, feature cabins with picnic tables, fire rings, and proximity to recreation areas. Many cabin sites incorporate accessibility features, though potential renters should verify specific accommodations before booking. Firewood availability varies by location, with some campgrounds providing bundled wood for purchase while others require visitors to bring their own heat source.

Campground Showdown in North Carolina

Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!

Spacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear Den
Click to VoteCampground A
OR
Emberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor Resort
Click to VoteCampground B

Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites in North Carolina (1,021)

    1. Davidson River Campground

    82 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."

    "Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."

    2. Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    84 Reviews
    Nags Head, NC
    Website
    +1 (252) 441-6246

    $28 - $70 / night

    "Though we were caught camping in what seemed to be a very dramatic North Carolina storm we made the best of it. Good location all around, close to the ocean and cool towns nearby."

    "Oregon Inlet Campground is located on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It is the first campground found on the island, very close to Nags Head, on the beach side of route 12."

    3. Carolina Beach State Park Campground

    74 Reviews
    Carolina Beach, NC
    Website
    +1 (910) 458-7770

    $27 - $75 / night

    "Carolina beach state park is one of my favorite places to go in North Carolina. Not only does it have an awesome campground, but it's right near one of the best beaches I've ever been to."

    "Had a great time camping and hiking around with my dog jinx. It was his first camping trip he seems to like it here as much as I did. be aware of the raccoons!!"

    4. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    65 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $37 - $135 / night

    "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside."

    "PROS  Discounted camp fee with senior pass 

    Reserved 169 days prior to arriving 

    Friendly and helpful gate attendant 

    Nearly 100% shade at each site 

    Excellent dark sky viewing 

    Private sites with"

    5. Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    58 Reviews
    Ocracoke, NC
    Website
    +1 (252) 928-6671

    $28 / night

    "Paved, level parking pad on sandy grass sites tucked between the dunes and vegetation in Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the outer banks by of North Carolina."

    "We spontaneously added two days onto our beach camping vacation at Bear Island and took the Cedar Island Ferry to Ocracoke after being away from the island for 7 years. Ocracoke in itself is a gem."

    6. Stone Mountain State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Roaring Gap, NC
    Website
    +1 (336) 957-8185

    $17 - $72 / night

    "But, ya know North Carolina summers."

    "The site also had a huge area for the picnic table and the fire ring is far away from your camper. There was a huge grassy area behind our site with a creek, lots of space for our dog."

    7. Hanging Rock State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Danbury, NC
    Website
    +1 (336) 593-8480

    $27 - $110 / night

    "Hanging Rock is one of the best state parks in North Carolina."

    "Google Maps directions were inaccurate).At over 8,000 acres…offering trails of all length and difficultly level, multiple waterfalls, lake, scenic long views and picnic areas…it is no wonder it is claimed"

    8. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    53 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $27 - $37 / night

    "Poplar Point Campground could quite possibly be the best campground in all of North Carolina!"

    "Poplar Point is located on the banks of the lake in the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area."

    9. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    54 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."

    "We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park."

    10. Spacious Skies Bear Den

    51 Reviews
    Spruce Pine, NC
    Website
    +1 (828) 765-2888

    $35 - $252 / night

    "Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."

    "Bear den was a perfect location for the Blue ridge parkway. We stayed at a two cabin lot that had a hot tub. Bear den has everything from RV camp sites to a game room."

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Recent Camping Photos in North Carolina

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Recent Reviews in North Carolina

4857 Reviews of 1021 North Carolina Campgrounds

  • Ruby C.
    May. 10, 2026

    Sunburst Campground

    Remote River & Roadside Campground

    The river running by the absolutely campground is unreal! Can’t see it from camp, but can hear it running all night and it is a short walk to a swimming area. This alone made the campsite worth it for us exploring the mountains! Our site had a sign saying our reservation with my name and the dates we were reserving. No need to check in with anyone. Our reservation process was easy via Recreation.gov, but was more expensive than previous campers on here at $33, but again, it was still definitely worth the price! The sites are a bit snuggled together, mostly small rvs, some tents, but in a single row (no one in front or behind you, just beside you). Going into the evening, be mindful that accompanying the river sounds through the night is some vehicle noise as this campsite is also roadside. We also had no signal (which was a plus for us haha!) but satellite seemed to be nearby.

    We were surprised to find out the bathrooms on the site were out of commission, and unfortunately falling into somewhat rough shape. There was one portalet (portable toilet) provided, located onsite for all campers and the general public visiting the area.

  • J
    May. 7, 2026

    RV Resort At Carolina Crossroads

    Sweet Community

    This is a surprisingly zen spot for what is basically a parking lot surrounded a pine plantation. The community is very friendly and includes a lot of long-term residents, some of whom even have little veggie gardens. There's a lovely little pool and hot tub (unfortunately for the youth, they aren't allowed in the latter), a pool table, a grill, a little putt-putt golf course, and a nice dog park. There is also (at least on the women's side) a very nice universal access shower suite. And some of the spots come with sweet little gazebos to hang out in! I was permitted, with only a few hours notice, to arrive after office hours, for which I was very grateful.

  • j
    May. 6, 2026

    Badin Lake Campground

    Badlin lake capm

    Very nice Good flat spots Quiet Showers Beautiful views Lots of squirrels Love it

  • J
    May. 6, 2026

    Ecusta RV park

    New, small and quiet. Great location. Close to downtown Brevard and Pisgah

    Great location. Right across the street from Pisgah Coffee Roasters, 10 minutes to downtown shops and restaurants, and minutes from the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and hiking trails. Sites are big enough for our 40 ft rig and suburban. Lots of space alongside the creek to spread out. Beautiful park. Will be back.

  • Patricia I.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2026

    wash Creek dispersed campsite seven and eight

    Dispersed camping Site seven and eight

    There are two campsites here seven and eight and there’s one across the road six I believe. They are very nice sites, but not a lot of room for parking. You could set up a number of small tents or a large tent on either site. There is a campfire ring and a creek that runs right alongside.

  • Cathy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2026

    Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA

    Liked it

    At this koa there's alot of stuff to do on the property. One cool this is the axe throwing thing and the big jumping pillow and the pool and hot tub. I tent camped at the sand pad with water and electricity. It was right in front of the lake. There where frequently duck in it . This koa was also very close to tiwn/in town.

  • Beth D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 3, 2026

    Grandfather Campground

    Beautiful spot

    Wish we could have spent more time here. It’s a beautiful part of the world. The campground is well maintained.

  • John M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2026

    Catfish Lake Waterfront site and Walk in Campsite

    Beautiful location

    Multiple sites available around catfish lake but the boat dock itself is a no camping location and was patrolled by park rangers. There is a spot on the opposite side of the road from the first location but it does require off road capabilities or walk in. No amenities and about 20-30 minutes from the nearest store. There was a fire pit but not used because of a fire ban. Light vehicle traffic but all locals and didn’t stay the night. Some of the sights have trashed unfortunately but the others seemed ok.

Guide to North Carolina

Camping in North Carolina offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, diverse campgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to do

What campers like

What you should know

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One reviewer at Hagan-Stone Park mentioned, “Very nice playgrounds. Does cost and long waiting line at pool, but one of the best to just get away and relax.”
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Holly Point noted, “We were a short walk to the lake to fish and hang out near the water.”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. A family camping at Morrow Mountain State Park found it convenient, saying, “The sites are not too close together. Lots of hiking nearby.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Crosswinds Campground mentioned, “Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station.”
  • Use Dump Stations Wisely: Plan your trips to the dump station to avoid long waits. A visitor at Moccasin Branch said, “The RV campground is well spaced and has full hookup.”
  • Stay Connected: Some areas may have limited cell service. A reviewer at Rolling View noted, “Cell/Internet coverage is non-existent, unless you can get to a high Vista lookout.”

Camping in North Carolina has its quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a fantastic time exploring the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best season for camping in North Carolina?

Fall (September-November) is widely considered the prime camping season in North Carolina, offering comfortable temperatures, stunning foliage, and fewer crowds. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park showcases spectacular autumn colors while providing a perfect base to explore the less crowded North Carolina side of the park. Spring (April-May) brings beautiful wildflowers, though occasional rain showers occur. Summer camping at Bullocksville Campground — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area offers excellent water recreation opportunities, though humidity can be high. Winter camping is possible in many lower-elevation areas, particularly along the coast, but mountain campgrounds often close seasonally. Always check specific campground availability as schedules vary by location and elevation.

What are the most scenic mountain camping destinations in North Carolina?

North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains host some of the most breathtaking camping destinations in the eastern United States. Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area offers a slice of nature paradise with scenic views and tranquil surroundings. Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore provides dramatic coastal mountain vistas where you can camp near both ocean and mountains. Stone Mountain State Park features impressive granite domes and cascading waterfalls surrounded by mountain vistas. Davidson River Campground in Pisgah National Forest offers stream-side camping amid lush forests with access to numerous scenic trails. Throughout the western part of the state, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides access to multiple scenic camping areas with spectacular mountain panoramas and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

What are the best camping spots in North Carolina for outdoor enthusiasts?

North Carolina offers exceptional options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area stands out with outstanding water access and recreational opportunities. For mountain biking and water sports enthusiasts, Jackrabbit Mountain provides direct access to biking trails and Lake Chatuge for paddleboarding right from lakeside sites. Other excellent options include Stone Mountain State Park for hiking and climbing, Davidson River Campground for fishing and forest exploration, and the Great Smoky Mountains campgrounds for immersive wilderness experiences. These destinations offer varied terrain from coastal settings to mountain vistas, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing throughout the state.

Where can I find private campgrounds in North Carolina with full amenities?

Indian Creek Campground offers some of the most relaxing creekside camping in North Carolina with full amenities. Each site is private, lush with greenery, and well-maintained. The campground features exceptionally clean bathhouses and a well-stocked camp store for necessities. Asheville East KOA provides comprehensive amenities with full hookups, clean facilities, and easy access to Asheville attractions. Other private options include Catawba Falls Campground (temporarily closed for 2025) near Asheville and various coastal KOAs. Many private campgrounds offer amenities such as full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, swimming pools, game rooms, and organized activities, though rates are typically higher than public campgrounds.

Keep Exploring

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