Best Campgrounds in 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

• Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Morrow Mountain State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One camper mentioned, “Lots of hiking nearby. Beautiful area! Highly recommend.”
• Fishing and Boating: Campgrounds near lakes, such as Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, offer fishing and boating opportunities. A visitor shared, “The lake is swimmable from any point and you have use of the entire campgrounds area.”
• Wildlife Watching: Campers at Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area enjoyed observing wildlife. One reviewer said, “Lots of wildlife to watch (turtles, fish, birds and more).”

What campers like

• Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area are praised for their beautiful lake views. A camper noted, “Our site is fantastic, really large and overlooking the lake.”
• Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park, one visitor remarked, “The bathhouse is clean and modern.”
• Privacy: Campers enjoy spacious sites that offer a sense of seclusion. A review for Badin Lake Campground mentioned, “The sites are huge, level, and clean.”

What you should know

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, have fewer amenities. A camper pointed out, “There’s no electric hookups, no fires allowed, and no showers.”
• Noise Levels: Campgrounds near airports, such as William B. Umstead State Park Campground, can be noisy. One visitor said, “You will hear planes all day and most all night landing and taking off.”
• Booking in Advance: Popular sites can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area advised, “I would highly suggest booking in advance since waterfront sites book up quick.”

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!