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Best Campgrounds in North Carolina

4,930 Reviews
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

North Carolina's mountain-to-coast geography offers exceptional cabin camping opportunities within its diverse landscapes. Eight state parks feature cabin rentals, including Carolina Beach State Park and Stone Mountain State Park, both rated over 4.5 stars by visitors. Cabins range from rustic forest shelters to modern accommodations with full amenities, providing year-round options for those seeking an outdoor experience with more comfort than tent camping. Hanging Rock State Park Campground maintains cabins in a wooded setting with hiking trails, while Bear Den Family Campground offers cabin options near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Many cabins require reservations months in advance, particularly during peak summer and fall color seasons. Weather considerations vary dramatically across regions, with coastal cabins experiencing hurricane season concerns from June through November, while mountain cabins may have winter access challenges during snow events. Elevation differences create distinct seasonal experiences, with mountain cabins offering cooler summer temperatures than their coastal counterparts. "We stayed here for our girls getaway in Alice's Queen Cottage and Alice's White Bunny Cottage. It was the 'best weekend ever' according to the little girls and big girls alike! Every detail of our stay was truly magical," noted one visitor describing their cabin experience.

Cabin amenities typically include electricity, beds, and basic furnishings, though specifications vary significantly between locations. Most state park cabins provide heat and air conditioning, while private campgrounds often feature more luxurious appointments. Lake Powhatan near Asheville offers cabin rentals with convenient access to the city's attractions while maintaining a natural forest setting. Several campgrounds, including Davidson River in Pisgah National Forest, feature cabins with picnic tables, fire rings, and proximity to recreation areas. Many cabin sites incorporate accessibility features, though potential renters should verify specific accommodations before booking. Firewood availability varies by location, with some campgrounds providing bundled wood for purchase while others require visitors to bring their own heat source.

Campground Showdown in North Carolina

Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!

Spacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear DenSpacious Skies Bear Den
Click to VoteCampground A
OR
Emberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor ResortEmberglow Outdoor Resort
Click to VoteCampground B

Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites in North Carolina (1,036)

    1. Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    87 Reviews
    Nags Head, NC
    Website
    +1 (252) 441-6246

    $28 - $70 / night

    "Though we were caught camping in what seemed to be a very dramatic North Carolina storm we made the best of it. Good location all around, close to the ocean and cool towns nearby."

    "Oregon Inlet Campground is located on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It is the first campground found on the island, very close to Nags Head, on the beach side of route 12."

    2. Davidson River Campground

    82 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."

    "We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."

    3. Carolina Beach State Park Campground

    75 Reviews
    Carolina Beach, NC
    Website
    +1 (910) 458-7770

    $27 - $75 / night

    "Carolina beach state park is one of my favorite places to go in North Carolina. Not only does it have an awesome campground, but it's right near one of the best beaches I've ever been to."

    "Had a great time camping and hiking around with my dog jinx. It was his first camping trip he seems to like it here as much as I did. be aware of the raccoons!!"

    4. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    67 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $37 - $135 / night

    "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside."

    "PROS  Discounted camp fee with senior pass 

    Reserved 169 days prior to arriving 

    Friendly and helpful gate attendant 

    Nearly 100% shade at each site 

    Excellent dark sky viewing 

    Private sites with"

    5. Ocracoke Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore

    59 Reviews
    Ocracoke, NC
    Website
    +1 (252) 928-6671

    $28 / night

    "Paved, level parking pad on sandy grass sites tucked between the dunes and vegetation in Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the outer banks by of North Carolina."

    "We spontaneously added two days onto our beach camping vacation at Bear Island and took the Cedar Island Ferry to Ocracoke after being away from the island for 7 years. Ocracoke in itself is a gem."

    6. Stone Mountain State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Roaring Gap, NC
    Website
    +1 (336) 957-8185

    $17 - $72 / night

    "But, ya know North Carolina summers."

    "The site also had a huge area for the picnic table and the fire ring is far away from your camper. There was a huge grassy area behind our site with a creek, lots of space for our dog."

    7. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

    53 Reviews
    New Hill, NC
    Website
    +1 (919) 362-0586

    $27 - $37 / night

    "Poplar Point Campground could quite possibly be the best campground in all of North Carolina!"

    "Poplar Point is located on the banks of the lake in the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area."

    8. Hanging Rock State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Danbury, NC
    Website
    +1 (336) 593-8480

    $27 - $110 / night

    "Hanging Rock is one of the best state parks in North Carolina."

    "Google Maps directions were inaccurate).At over 8,000 acres…offering trails of all length and difficultly level, multiple waterfalls, lake, scenic long views and picnic areas…it is no wonder it is claimed"

    9. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    54 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."

    "We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park."

    10. Spacious Skies Bear Den

    51 Reviews
    Spruce Pine, NC
    Website
    +1 (828) 765-2888

    $24 - $999 / night

    "Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."

    "Bear den was a perfect location for the Blue ridge parkway. We stayed at a two cabin lot that had a hot tub. Bear den has everything from RV camp sites to a game room."

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Recent Camping Photos in North Carolina

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Recent Reviews in North Carolina

4930 Reviews of 1036 North Carolina Campgrounds

  • A
    Jul. 12, 2026

    Elk Valley Farm RV Park

    Perfect Home Base for Exploring Western North Carolina

    We stayed for a month in Site 27 with our 40’ Brinkley fifth wheel, our tow vehicle, and a follow-behind Toyota Highlander. The site easily accommodated all of it without feeling cramped.

    Elk Valley Farm RV Park made the perfect home base for exploring western North Carolina. It’s conveniently located near grocery stores, restaurants, and some wonderful hiking, and it’s an easy drive to Cherokee, Bryson City, Sylva, Franklin, and other nearby towns.

    The sites include sturdy picnic tables and nice fire rings with attached cooking shelves.
    Some sites also feature paved patios.

    The campground is new and still expanding, but it’s already a great place to stay. The only amenity we missed was on-site laundry, but Heather and Jeff told us they’re planning to add a laundry room, which will make longer stays even better.

    Heather and Jeff are wonderful owners—kind, friendly, flexible, and genuinely committed to making sure their guests have a great experience. You can tell they care about the campground and the people who stay there.

    As an added bonus, Angry Elk Brewing right at the entrance to the RV park is absolutely worth a visit. Great beer, delicious food, and so convenient after a day of exploring.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wouldn’t hesitate to return the next time we’re in the area.

  • A
    Jul. 11, 2026

    Rocky Hock Campground

    It’s just OK.

    It did say that the laundry area was renovated and I was highly disappointed to see that it does not show any signs of remodeling. The shower house is tolerable but also I will NOT be using the area. They are not strict enough about kids and the crap they leave everywhere. There is a house near the property where they keep dogs out in a kennel all day in the summer heat who bark (understandably) all day. That’s not their fault. They’re strict about where you stay long term and won’t let you near the pond which is also underwhelming. The front desk girl is very sweet and welcoming. Would have liked to have the same opportunity to be by the water as everyone else. We travel for work- all stays are long term.

  • Heather L.
    Jul. 9, 2026

    Hidden Haven RV Park

    Love it here..... Its quite and clean very friendly and supportive staff.

    Just getting things set up but it is super clean and quite cheaper then most places around us. Its very nice place

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2026

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Very nice!

    I camped on Forest Road 982. There were quite a few people camping along this road, but I found a really good spot by the large creek. The campsites are pretty far from each other so the privacy is good. I stayed one night. Will definitely go back.

  • K
    Jul. 6, 2026

    Dark Ridge HideOut (Adults Only)

    Awesome private campground!

    The owner was super nice and gave us all the info we needed! Very close to the falls to swim at and hike to (wear hiking shoes to get to the falls) over all great quiet little campground!

  • C
    Jul. 5, 2026

    Sunburst Campground

    Parking Lot

    Absolutely zero provide or trees between sites. Might as well be in an RV lot. Reserved a site and immediately left after getting there.

  • Katelin A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2026

    WNC Kampers Lodge Of America

    LOVELY grounds, but full sun & highway

    Beautifully kept park with a great jungle gym (12 year old approved!) sweet donkeys, a CLEAN dog park, the pool was not crowded at all despite beautiful weather.

    The only downsides are most of the spots are full sun, and it’s directly in view of the highway.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2026

    Moonshine Creek Campground

    Didn’t want to leave

    Just what I needed to unwind. Large tent site with a shelter, picnic table and fire ring. Rhododendrons and trees surround the campground. Creek bubbling and birds singing. Quiet campers during our visit. Clean bath house.

Guide to 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

What campers like

What you should know

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best season for camping in North Carolina?

Fall (September-November) is widely considered the prime camping season in North Carolina, offering comfortable temperatures, stunning foliage, and fewer crowds. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park showcases spectacular autumn colors while providing a perfect base to explore the less crowded North Carolina side of the park. Spring (April-May) brings beautiful wildflowers, though occasional rain showers occur. Summer camping at Bullocksville Campground — Kerr Lake State Recreation Area offers excellent water recreation opportunities, though humidity can be high. Winter camping is possible in many lower-elevation areas, particularly along the coast, but mountain campgrounds often close seasonally. Always check specific campground availability as schedules vary by location and elevation.

What are the most scenic mountain camping destinations in North Carolina?

North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains host some of the most breathtaking camping destinations in the eastern United States. Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area offers a slice of nature paradise with scenic views and tranquil surroundings. Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore provides dramatic coastal mountain vistas where you can camp near both ocean and mountains. Stone Mountain State Park features impressive granite domes and cascading waterfalls surrounded by mountain vistas. Davidson River Campground in Pisgah National Forest offers stream-side camping amid lush forests with access to numerous scenic trails. Throughout the western part of the state, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides access to multiple scenic camping areas with spectacular mountain panoramas and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

What are the best camping spots in North Carolina for outdoor enthusiasts?

North Carolina offers exceptional options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area stands out with outstanding water access and recreational opportunities. For mountain biking and water sports enthusiasts, Jackrabbit Mountain provides direct access to biking trails and Lake Chatuge for paddleboarding right from lakeside sites. Other excellent options include Stone Mountain State Park for hiking and climbing, Davidson River Campground for fishing and forest exploration, and the Great Smoky Mountains campgrounds for immersive wilderness experiences. These destinations offer varied terrain from coastal settings to mountain vistas, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing throughout the state.

Where can I find private campgrounds in North Carolina with full amenities?

Indian Creek Campground offers some of the most relaxing creekside camping in North Carolina with full amenities. Each site is private, lush with greenery, and well-maintained. The campground features exceptionally clean bathhouses and a well-stocked camp store for necessities. Asheville East KOA provides comprehensive amenities with full hookups, clean facilities, and easy access to Asheville attractions. Other private options include Catawba Falls Campground (temporarily closed for 2025) near Asheville and various coastal KOAs. Many private campgrounds offer amenities such as full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, swimming pools, game rooms, and organized activities, though rates are typically higher than public campgrounds.

Keep Exploring

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