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

Looking for the best campgrounds near Briertown, 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 Briertown. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Briertown

The Best Camping Near Briertown, North Carolina

We can't adequately describe how peaceful it is to listen to the birds & watch the sky turn purple over the Smoky Mountains at our "Backside" campground with 6 acres of complete solidarity. Evenings around the firepit w/ the stars are simply magical! Local activities include cliff jumping a secret swimming hole, hiking the Appalachian trail, & whitewater rafting the Nantahala River. There are 7 large tent campsites with 2 shared fire pits, a porta-potty, a fresh water creek, & picnic tables.



The Backside Campground at Nantahala

Looking for that relaxing, peaceful, and scenic getaway? We have your spot for you! Beautiful 2400 sq. ft. log cabin with plenty of room for you to spread out and relax! Newly listed to VRBO and a completely updated interior with all new beds and furniture. The kitchen is well stocked with all the utensils you could need. And we have a green egg to grill or smoke on as well! Tucked away amongst the Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel, you will not find a more relaxing atmosphere. Detached garage and a fire pit to cook those yummy smores! The mountain views are to the west of the cabin, meaning you have beautiful sunsets every night! They are truly stunning! Master king bedroom with full bath on the main level. The loft area has two twin beds along with a card/game table. The finished basement level has another king bedroom, full bath, as well as two sets of bunk beds and a sectional couch with a 65” tv. The family room is well appointed with a comfortable couch and loveseat as well as our favorite - the cow chairs! HOT TUB coming October 2022! 7 person hot tub soon to be installed



Carolina Moon Cabin

You'll love your escape to this cozy tiny house nestled into the woods on a lakefront lot on scenic Lake Chatuge. The Tiny House on Wheels has 2 queen bed lofts, and a futon that makes a 3rd queen bed, as well as one of the best screened-in porches on the entire lake. Sunset views and comfy seating make it a place you won't want to leave.

Swim from the dock, rent a boat, or launch your own at one of 2 nearby TVA ramps.

Relax around the lakefront fire pit, or on the AMAZING and huge screened in porch. Downtown Hayesville is just minutes away, as are many hiking and mountain biking trails at Fire's Creek or Jackrabbit Park.

Enjoy a campfire in the large river rock fire ring on the beach, or in the chiminea by the tiny house. The first stack of wood is on us!



Red Bird Ridge Lake Front Tiny House

Brand new custom Tiny House on wheels. Spring fed creek, Outdoor tub, High Speed Starlink internet, Smart TVs, Full kitchen, Full bath, 2 lofts (queen and full bed) plus a day bed in the living, open deck, large yard space, private setting. National forest access across the street. Located off of scenic Wayah road, a short drive to the Wayah Fire Tower, & trail access. Tons of hiking and waterfalls close by. Only 10 minutes to Downtown Franklin Main Street with shopping, brewery’s, and Dining.

The property is on 11 acres and across the street from national forest. There is ample yard space to play yard games, and 7 acres of forest right behind the tiny house to explore. inside was really a labor of love. there are lots of different wood species, from the brazilian walnut hardwood flooring to the locally harvested red oak stairs and trims. When designing the house we put a lot of thought into every detail as to not make the space feel too small, a tiny house with a not so tiny feel.



Tiny House on the Creek

- RV's, Hook Up, Tent Camping and Camper - 

Small private custom designed campground off Hwy 28N, and Rose Creek Rd.  Something for all types of campers.  Single sites for solo or couple camping/hikers, with larger sites for families or shared group with 2 or more tents.  

Gravel pads for RV's (up to 37 - 38 feet, pop-up, trailers, campers.  Each with electric box for 30 or 50 amps, water hook-up.  Can park one vehicle each pad, shared designated area for  parking overflow or tent camping.  

We have one Vintage Airstream Camper set up for those who want to camp but also just get up and go. Camper has tub/shower, toilet, fridge, sink, microwave, small led tv - very comfy. One look is all it takes to be hooked. Camper has own firepit, picnic table, pond full of yellow trout out your door! 

Cold clear water runs down thru grounds from several spring heads.  Few extra holes for wading and fish.  Owner has planted rows n rows of veggies thru out. 

For the primitive campers, hike along the creek or up mountain for beautiful, more private, close to nature itself to choose from.  No power or runnning water but access to water hose, firepit at each site. Outhouse is in a general area to be shared.  

The Little Tennessee River flows in front of grounds.  Fish, swim, canoe or paddle.  Just have fun, relax, and be happy.  Happy Camping!

River Dog Campground 

This site is ***ALL GEAR INCLUSIVE***! No hassle of time-consuming set up/pack up! Tents, shower, bathroom, air beds, linens, lanterns, solar lights, cookstove, basic kitchenware/cookware/dinnerware, grill, chairs, benches, fire pit, and SECLUSION. You will have your OWN 1 ACRE SITE, versus the "circus" atmosphere of any public campground or state park! Enjoy being disconnected from today's modern/confining world, communing with the simplicity and serenity of nature!

Site sits at 3400' elevation and is located 2 mi north of Bear Lake off NC Hwy 281. Area is popular with all outdoor enthusiasts due to the central location of 7 lakes, East Fork of the Tuckasegee to the Tuckasegee River (The Tuck), Blue Ridge Parkway, Nantahala & Pisgah National Forests and Smoky Mountain National Park. Cashiers, Highlands, Cherokee and Asheville are all within an hour of a scenic drive.

Perfect for couples, families, small groups, hikers, backpackers, and nature enthusiasts! Enjoy nature's 24/7 music and nightly light shows of fireflies, shooting stars, and the Milky Way!





Camp Uptown Backwoods

**Winding Stair Campground sits at an elevation of 3,880 feet, next to the headwaters of the Nantahala River and is surrounded by national forest and undeveloped private land trusts. The stunning mountain views in a remote tucked-away setting makes our farm a perfect getaway!**

**Just a 15-minute scenic drive from Franklin in North Carolina, easily accessible off Hwy 64, our campground offers a chance to enjoy nature without being far away from the amenities of a small but well-equipped town.**

A few features about our property:

\- **Working farm**: Campers are welcome to meet our Icelandic sheep and take a self-guided tour of our farm, along designated pathways.

\- **Security**: The campground and farm are fenced in on three sides with the river being the fourth boundary. Personal code to the entrance gate will be given at check in.

\- **Bath House**: The restored bathhouse is split into boys’ and girls’ sides. Each side has 2 private showers, 4 flushing toilets, sinks, hot water, and gas heat.

\- **Community Pavilion**: The Pavilion is a large 40x30 ft. open sided pavilion overlooking the Nantahala River. It has an ample fireplace, running water sink, counter space, couches, and table with benches.

\- **Pack Room**: A cozy place to get local information, view maps, and grab some local groceries. (Grocery availability is listed in the extras section.) Also available to all campers are washing sinks with hot water.

\- **Communication**: Or rather, lack thereof! There's no cell service on the property so it's a great time to get away from it all. There is limited Wi-Fi available near the Pack Room and an emergency landline available.

\- **Charging**: Traveling in an electric vehicle? Recharge for free at our dedicated EV 50amp outlet when you stay at any of our sites. First come, first served.



Winding Stair Campground

Rv resort adult only

10 rv sites

50 amps

full hookup

wifi

Daily 45.00

weekend 55.00

weekly 300.00

monthly 800.00



Gem City RV Resort 

Gorgeous Stays is a "Glampground" (glamorous campground) created and hosted by a mother & daughter team. We have a unique selection of  Tiny Homes, Vacation Rentals and Glamping Tents with all of your camping needs taken care of. All you need is to bring yourself and clothes. We've set everything up so that all you need to do is relax and enjoy your time in the great outdoors.

Gorgeous Stays

Three Little Bears Retreat situated on 40+ acres bordering the Great Smoky Mountain National park in Bryson City, NC. The area of Bryson City has the best to offer for those wanting to visit the Smokies such as hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, white water rafting, horse back riding, tubing, and more! The beautiful thing about Bryson is that everything seems to be a little better, nicer and less crowded than the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, while our cabins and property are fabulous, the best part to us is that the house sits just outside the entrance to the "Road to Nowhere" entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and is an easy 5 minute drive into downtown, Deep Creek, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and many other fun activities. Vacations should be relaxing and fun and not spent commuting everywhere, and we feel our location for exploring the Smoky Mountains is perfect.

On the Retreat, we have three large cabins, a Glamping area with an Airstream, glamping tents and clubhouse, many mountain streams, the roaring Lands Creek at the bottom, long range views at the top, and several hundred feet directly bordering the National Park!

Our original Three Little Bears cabin is a large 4 bedroom cabin with a large finished basement used as a bunk room. There is a master suite on the 3rd floor with spa type bathroom and reading loft. The main floor has 2 bedrooms with King beds, a large laundry room, one full bath, a large kitchen and open concept dining and living room as well as access to the wrap around outdoor balconies. The basement is heated and cooled and features 3 bunk bed sets, a movie area with a 65" tv, a workspace, a full bath and the adjoining garage has been turned into a game room with a pool table, foosball table, arcade console, and dart board. The garage area leads outside to the bottom floor deck that has swings, a sitting area to enjoy the view and enjoy the sounds of the roaring creek below.

Farm Bear Lodge is a large 4 bedroom +bunk room /4 bath cabin with two large finished living areas and a garage. Lands Creek can also be heard loudly from this cabin. The kitchen, main living area, balcony, and another king bedroom and full bath are located on the main floor, while the other two king bedrooms and the living/game room/deck with hot tub and fire pit are located on the lower floor. Connected to one of the king bedrooms is what we call the bunk room with 5 single beds and a full bath (no actual bunks)

Sky Bear Lodge is a classic cabin that has a historical feel and epic views from near the top of the Retreat. It has 5 bedrooms with 2 kings and a full bath up top, the master suite and a bedroom with twin beds on the main floor with the kitchen and main living area, and another king bedroom and bunk room with 5 single beds (no bunk beds) is on the bottom floor along with the game room, hot tub, and fire pit.

Three Little Bears Glamping consists of a club house with a full kitchen, game area, and hot tub along with a renovated Airstream called Air Bear, and plans for Glamping Luxury Tents along the ridge. Lands Creek can also still be heard from this location. Air Bear is a converted Airstream Ambassador Camper that can sleep 4 and has a full bath and kitchenette.



3 Little Bears Retreat

Dallas, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Dallas, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Dallas. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Dallas

The Best Camping Near Dallas, 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

Greensboro is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Greensboro is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Greensboro camping trip.

The Best Camping Near Greensboro, North Carolina

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

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

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

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.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The Best Camping Near Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina

Looking for the best campgrounds near Tusquitee National Forest, NC? Tusquitee National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Tusquitee National Forest, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Tusquitee National Forest

The Best Camping Near Tusquitee National Forest, 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.

The Best Camping in Briertown

Top Campgrounds in Briertown (721)

1.