The inland area around Elm City, North Carolina sits in the Coastal Plain at approximately 150 feet elevation. This region experiences hot, humid summers with average July temperatures around 90°F and mild winters with January lows typically above freezing. RV camping options near Elm City offer varying degrees of privacy, with some sites featuring wooded buffers and others positioned in more open areas with lake access.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide lake or pond access for fishing. At Twin Lakes Resort, visitors can enjoy freshwater angling with access to larger bodies of water. "There is a little lake that runs to the ocean, great size pool, amazing beach ice cream, campground activities such as a live band, DJ, and movie night!" mentions Riley.
Arcade games and recreation: Indoor entertainment options supplement outdoor activities during inclement weather. Twin Lakes Resort offers gaming options in their recreation building. According to Megan A., "There is a game room, a swimming pool and lots of space for walking or riding bikes."
Water recreation: Swimming, boating, and beach activities are available seasonally. Thousand Trails Lake Gaston provides multiple water-based recreation options. One visitor noted, "Beautiful location with lots of varied sites. Some are more wooded, some have beautiful water views, all have water and electric, and some have sewage, pump out service is available."
What campers like
Off-season quiet: Winter and shoulder season camping provides a more peaceful experience at many parks. According to Victor A. at Twin Lakes Resort: "We've been here 3 days so far out of 5 and it has been a great stay. The lots are spacious with a good view of the water. At this time of year, December, there weren't too many people here so it was very nice."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained shower buildings and restrooms are consistently mentioned across multiple properties. RV Resort At Carolina Crossroads earns praise for facility cleanliness. Mark D. reports: "This campground is super clean and well organized. Great stop on 95 corridor. Can't hear any noise at all. Fuel on way in or out. Bathrooms immaculately kept. Even the trash disposal is out of site and super clean."
Wildlife viewing: Natural areas within and around campgrounds provide opportunities to observe local fauna. At Whispering Oaks RV Resort, Terry S. mentions: "It's quiet and peaceful with a small pond to fish in. There's a Blue Herron that hangs out by the pond you can see everyday. There are beautiful deer that come out at dusk to eat with their babies."
What you should know
Seasonal openings: Not all parks operate year-round, requiring advance planning for winter stays. Thousand Trails Lake Gaston operates on a limited season from "March 31 to October 22," according to park information.
Train proximity: Railroad tracks near some properties can create noise disturbances. At Four Oaks Lodging & RV Resort, Paul M. notes the property is "Near train tracks" which could affect light sleepers.
Concrete versus grass sites: Surface types vary significantly between parks and can impact leveling requirements. Amy H. described Raleigh Oaks as having "Large, mostly level, pull through spots. It's not the most natural setting (it's more RV than park) but it had a pool, tennis courts, playground and mini-golf course."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple pool options: Several parks feature swimming facilities suitable for children of different ages. Tracey S. at Carolina Crossroads mentions, "Beautiful facilities. Including concrete slabs to park on. Don't expect any shade, there are no trees. With exception of around the parameter."
Mini-golf and games: Family-friendly recreation options exist at several properties. Raleigh Oaks offers structured recreation options as noted by Deebra R.: "This is our first RV spot. We wanted the amenities for our four year old. Playground, mini golf, horseshoe, 3 dog parks, 2 pools, lots of bathrooms, 2 launderettes, lots of cabins, pull through spots and cabins."
Cabin alternatives: For those without RVs, cabin rentals provide comfortable accommodations. Hidden Haven RV Park provides basic amenities with convenient access to local attractions. Thomas H. notes: "At the gas station on the corner is a Brothers Italian Kitchen, very good and would recommend. The Carolina Premium Outlet mall is just a few minutes up the road along with many restaurants."
Tips from RVers
Interior road width: Some parks have narrower driving lanes that challenge larger rigs. Stephanie H. at Carolina Crossroads observed: "Park had a tight turning radius and we struggled turning down aisle D in our 42 ft 5th wheel. Despite it saying it was 60 ft, spot was still tight."
Site leveling requirements: Concrete pads generally require less adjustment than natural surfaces. At Thousand Trails Lake Gaston, Robert M. noted: "Limited sewer hook up. Some sites uneven. Pull through sites available. Staff was wonderful."
Overflow options: During busy periods, designated overflow parking areas can accommodate last-minute arrivals. Carolina Crossroads provides this flexibility, with Stephanie H. reporting: "You can't park on grass so we moved to overflow parking. Bathrooms and rec area were clean."
