Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Croatan National Forest, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Croatan National Forest. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Croatan National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$30 / night
"There’s a river that runs a long the outside of the campground. Good swimming holes. A store that sells food (the best ice cream), firewood & camping supplies."
"The sites were pretty close to each other but the store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop. Far drive from all of the other hikes and adventures we did."
$20 / night
"The lake is great for kayaking and swimming, with an easy trail around the perimeter. The gorgeous Cherohala Skyway is very close by (highly recommend!)."
"The surrounding mountains and water were breathtaking. This camp ground is close to the water if you stay in loop A. Just a short walk the water and beach."
$30 / night
"Right outside of Gatlinburg so plenty to do and see if you feel like exploring outside of the park."
"I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."
$30 / night
"We were in site 11, nice but next to a group site so a little louder than I like. There are trails near by but I was unable to experience. Bear boxes and trash bins. Centrally located water."
"Sites are close to one another, but arranged great. My family of 5 had plenty of room for two tents, chairs, picnic tables, etc."
"Each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents (a few can accommodate more if you’re ambitious), and lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe)."
"There are nine lakeside campsites along a smooth gravel road off of NC-143. Each of the campsites have fire rings and some had picnic tables."
$50 - $94 / night
"There is a camp store with firewood (you are required to buy it from an authorized location!). Nice roomy campsites, but not as much plant cover as at Elkmont in my experience."
"I wanted to see if there was a difference in the camping experience at the two locations."
"Nice lakeside side with good lake views. Park next to site. Toilet facility available, site next to marina on north side. Cellphone service with Verizon ok 1or 2 bars."
"Campsite L8 was one of 30 something dispersed primitive sites scattered around Lake Santeetlah, and it was an amazing place to spend 4 nights."
"This cute little national forest roadside campground is situated in the Nantahala National Forest, just due south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park."
"It is right off a lake for access to water, (must purify yourself) because we werent close to the purified water. We loved swimming in the lake daily."
"It's an absolutely beautiful lake in the forest. The trees are turning and the sky is blue. Only drawback is the Pine Ridge Rd dispersed camping is along the roadside. Not really private."
"There are a handful of Lots located right along the lake with a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance."
"But driving a stake more than 4 inches is almost impossible. There are very few trees actually on sites for hammock campers."
"The best way to experience Fontana Lake is to kayak to the north side which is the border for the great Smoky Mountain National Park. You can park and put in at the marina and pack in food and water."
TravelerWe enjoyed our stay at this campground with our family. Lots of shaded camp sites. We camped on a river site and it was a very nice view and quiet. The pool was nice, and they have a laundry room, very clean bathrooms, a playground, and a camp store that was well stocked with everything you might need for camping. The staff is so friendly and answered our questions
ScoutThe creek was beautiful and the restrooms were clean... but the sites were so small that our awning came out just to the edge of the site and the next camper slide was just inches away from the awning. Our slide on the other side reach to the edge of that side of the site. The owner told us there were no mosquitos because they were so high in the mountains..... I was bitten by no-see-ums over both legs and arms and so were the other campers. There was no internet, the TV sporadically worked with a few channels, and we had intermittent cell service with only 1 bar. We forfeited our deposits and a few days of rent to leave and go to Cross Creek in Maggie Valley. We are still there and it is lovely with everything that Moonshine Creek wasn't. Oh, and Moonshine Creek is the most expensive over other camp grounds in the area. Shame on you Moonshine Creek!!!
TravelerWe stayed here for our girls getaway(adults and children). We booked the Alice’s Queen Cottage and Alice’s White Bunny Cottage to accommodate all of us. It was the“best weekend ever” according the little girls and big girls alike! Shannon was the best host you could ask for and every detail of our stay was truly magical! I highly recommend booking a stay. Very close to town(10 minute drive) but far enough away to enjoy nature and tranquility. We will be booking all our future getaways here!! I love the attention to detail that makes everything come to life! My favorite activities were coffee by the stream every morning, relaxing in the hammock every evening, exploring the grounds(adventures), being around the 4 legged residents at the fairytale farm and our own tea party.
ScoutThis place is amazing. Very clean. People are very courteous
ScoutMy dad and I visited in may and had a great time. Lots of bathrooms that were all clean. The grounds were very green and shaded, each site had a flat mulch spot for the tent, a firepit, and a picnic table. Very close to lots of different trails. Only problem is that there are a lot of sites and you’re pretty close to your neighbor (like your tent is 10 feet away and usually no brush between).
TravelerVery clean campground,l creek near by for lots of fun .
GuideSites are big and level. Power hook ups if you need them and plenty of shade. The 3.5 mile trail around the lake is a good little walk for the dogs. Highly recommend this campground.
ScoutWe were recommended to stay at site 25 by the worker at check in. Very steep and unlevel roads; especially when leaving. Our camper came in contact with the side of our bed and tailgate multiple times. In the end we suffered a hole busted in our front cap from it hitting the side of the truck, we damaged the side of our truck bed and broke every support on our rear ladder. Upon check out we advised of damages and were only met with an“I’m sorry.” 10/10 do not recommend if you own a fifth wheel or even a low riding bumper pull.
TravelerWe stayed here recently for our first time and really enjoyed it. The water park is great for kids and it has a restaurant and an ice cream shop. It’s spacious and the people who work there are so friendly. We will be back again.
Camping near Croatan National Forest, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Croatan National Forest, North Carolina, has something for everyone. With beautiful scenery, friendly staff, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Croatan National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 716 campgrounds and RV parks near Croatan National Forest and 52 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Croatan National Forest is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 97 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 52 free dispersed camping spots near Croatan National Forest.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Croatan National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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