The area around Littleton, North Carolina offers tent, RV, and cabin camping options between elevations of 200-350 feet above sea level. The region's sandy soil around Kerr Lake (also called Buggs Island Lake) provides natural drainage during summer rainfall. Water levels can fluctuate significantly, with seasonal variations of up to 10 feet between spring high marks and late summer lows in certain areas.
What to do
Hiking and mountain biking: Medoc Mountain State Park provides over 10 miles of trails for hikers of various experience levels. Located about 20 miles south of Littleton, the park offers a chance to explore diverse terrain. According to one visitor, "This campground is beautiful for fall camping. There are over 10 miles of trails to hike. We also conoed down the creek. The creek is about 2.5 miles long and took us only 2 hours to paddle" (Caroline G.).
Paddling access: Kimball Point Campground has multiple beach entry points, making it ideal for kayaks and canoes. The clear water provides excellent visibility. One camper noted, "The water is very clear! You can see probably about 5-6 feet down. We were on site #75, right on the shore line" (Jess).
Beach activities: Several Kerr Lake campgrounds offer sandy beach access directly from campsites. At Hibernia Campground, many waterfront sites include their own private beach areas. A camper reported, "Our waterfront site had its own little beach where we could swim and launch our kayak. When we camped in the woods, the other campers were well spaced" (Pamela H.).
What campers like
Waterfront accessibility: Campers consistently praise the ease of water access at J.C. Cooper Campground. One visitor commented, "The sites are beautiful. Many have direct views of Kerr Lake. Water and electric were good, maintenance was good. There are State Park quality toilets and showers" (Pam R.).
Well-maintained facilities: North Bend Park receives high marks for cleanliness and amenities. A camper described, "Brand new bath house and it's kept extremely clean. One the best things about the bath house, it has the usual mens & ladies room, but also has six private uni-sex bath rooms with toilet, sink & shower in each" (Cliff M.).
Astronomy opportunities: The night skies around Littleton offer excellent stargazing due to minimal light pollution. At Hibernia Campground, a visitor observed, "It seems to be less populated than some of the other state park hot spots, as in I was able to reserve a lake front spot for Friday the Tuesday before the trip. It does get dark enough there that you could see the Milky Way" (Andrea B.).
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Kerr Lake's water levels can change rapidly based on rainfall and dam control. At North Bend Park, a camper advised, "Nice and quiet campground. Plenty of bugs including pesky horse flies. We stayed at a spot that had a path down to the beach. Would stay here again. Nice views. Water was clear. Some sites are on a slope so check your site first" (Stephanie H.).
Limited nearby services: Most campgrounds in the Littleton area are relatively remote. At Thousand Trails Lake Gaston, a visitor noted, "Nestled in the countryside, a very small 'Americana' vibing town down the road, boating on the lake, no frills or gimmicky glamping here. This is an RV park for nature lovers or just wanting to be away from hustle and bustle" (Joe G.).
Reservation timing: Popular lakefront sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. For Kimball Point, one camper advised, "Kimball Point is the BEST. Huge fresh water lake, large camping spots, large sandy beach, playground for kids, very well groomed... Only negative it's hard to book a space. You need to book it EXACTLY 6 months out, call at 08:00 in morning" (Steven D.).
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Thousand Trails Lake Gaston, a family camper shared, "This is probably our favorite thus far. We like the lake and it's easily accessible. We're weren't right on the water but can see the lake from the camper. It contains putt putt, pool, store, 2 beaches, dock, fishing areas, playground, and tons of shade" (Samantha G.).
Teen-friendly camping: Medoc Mountain State Park provides a good environment for older children to explore independently. One parent reported, "This was my first time hiking with my teen daughter by ourselves, setting up camp, tent, cooking, etc. Picnic table, fire pit w/grill, level gravel tent pad on site, water spigot and trash can right in front of camp site" (Becqui M.).
Water safety considerations: When camping with children at Hibernia, families should know about shore conditions. A parent explained, "We camped for the weekend as a mom/daughter getaway (me, my toddler, and my mom). Daughter had a blast swimming in the lake and catching her very first fish!!! Our site was in a loop with a few other sites" (Crystal K.).
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require preparation for uneven sites. At Lake Gaston Americamps, an RVer advised, "Need firewood, no problem. The fee is only $5/bundle, which is below average for this area, and they will deliver it to your site. Have trash, simply place your bag by your site and they will pick it up. Now for the complaints: most sites are 30 amp and are unlevel" (Glenn F.).
Hookup locations: At RV Resort At Carolina Crossroads, site layouts can vary. A visitor noted, "Nice level pull through concrete site with paved road. Good hook ups, clean facilities, nice dog park and clean pool/hot tub. Close off 95, but far enough you don't hear it at all. We even got a gazebo site, which was awesome" (deb K.).
Water hose length: At J.C. Cooper Campground, longer hoses may be necessary. An RVer shared, "This campground is a great N.C. State Park campground with a large number of Electric and Water for RV camping. We stayed at site #29 and had great sunset views over the water. NOTE - to bring at least 75 feet of water hose, as some sites have long runs from in front of camper" (Mark H.).
