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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
GuideThis is a great little place right on the Callusaja River. There's some traffic noise during the day as Highlands Road is right on the other side of the river. But at night there's very little traffic and the river sound drowns it out. This is a small private park with about 4 campsites that are meticulously maintained. We were able to get our 33' coach in there after unhitching our jeep, but I doubt anything much bigger would fit. Max length was listed at 45' at the time I posted this review. But 45' is total rig length. A 45' trailer or 5th wheel is not getting in and out of there without tearing the place up.
Andy, the owner, has had the place in his family since the 1980's. So he knows the area really well. Him and his wife are very pleasant people. We really enjoyed the stay.
ScoutStart with, campground has great views of the smokes. Getting to it can be tricky as TN-68 has steep grades and decent curves but is doable for all but the absolute longest if rigs. That said, I was looking for a campground that would be well suited to a motorcyclist and the sites are fairly loose gravel and roads are fairly compacted but still gravel. With the steep grade to get to the lower sites, not the best suited for being on 2 wheels, but it is passable. Because sites are loose gravel, leveling can be a challenge is your rig does not auto level. Cell service with T-Mobile not existent. They have WiFi but not very fast.
TravelerWe stayed in the parking lot in our small rig. (Under 26 ft) we had our super quiet generator running and had no issues. Stayed overnight and then went on the 5 mile hike to see the different water falls. Definitely a cool spot. Have to pay $5 per day. Grab a slip and fill it out. No phone service otherwise you could pay using the app.
Traveler8 or so beautiful sites, many with direct lake views/access. We showed up late and got the furthest site on the road. Important to note that many of the sites do not allow drive in. We camped in a RTT on the pulloff across from the site, saw a few other vans doing the same. Good fishing.
ScoutReally enjoyed the peace and quite of the campground, kids loved playing in the creek that the owners have stocked regularly with trout, nice playground and pool for the kids, site has a soccer field also and Cornhole boards, owners are very friendly and have put lots of their time and energy to make this a very enjoyable family campsite!
GuideThis place is gorgeous. All the sites are arranged for phenomenal views of the surrounding mountains. I love the cuts in the tree lines so you can have a vista view from your picnic table.
The showers were hot. The toilets were clean. The water was pristine and easily accessed.
I sleep off the ground, so a lot of campgrounds are understandably not equipped for a couple of easily accessed trees to hold up a hammock. After calling and asking for a good site that would fit, I arrived to find that not only the site I was given (#16) was perfect, but many other tent sites looked easily accommodating for hammocks as well.
The sunset alone was more than worth it. I didn't see any elk, but did fall asleep listening to some owls call to each other, and caught sight of three young bears crossing the road as I left camp.
The only real question left is "When can I go back?" The visit was simply too short.
ScoutFirst time camping at a KOA campground. Campground. Sites have plenty of space. Campground is clean and very well-maintained. Sites have full hook ups, including sewer. As well as trash pick up between 9 AM and noon plenty of stuff for the kids to do especially if you get a spot near the recreation area. Close to plenty of local attractions and easy to get to
ScoutLocation is perfect. Brody is very odd, nice but didn’t do what he said. Stayed during spring 2024 and enjoyed the area. Just be aware if you’re there “alone”.
TravelerSet up camp along the trail. Couple of places have been flattened out by previous campers; made setup a breeze. Plenty of places for a hammock as well.
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 714 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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