From the shores of Cape Hatteras to the ancient mountains of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, North Carolina is a state that is as beautiful as it is diverse in natural wonders. Whether you fancy a day of surfing in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean or a climb up Mount Mitchell, the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi, there’s an outdoor adventure waiting for you. So grab your bathing suit or your hiking poles (or both!) and find the best camping in North Carolina. 


The pristine beauty of North Carolina’s Outer Banks have always drawn vacationers looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. Fortunately for those that like sleeping under the stars, camping in North Carolina at one of the state’s many beaches is a great way to experience the sun and sand without the expense of a vacation rental. With over 300 miles of coastline, there are dozens of state and private campgrounds to choose from. 


If pitching your tent in coastal sand dunes isn’t your cup of tea then pack your bag and head to the mountains of Western North Carolina—a region known throughout the southeast for its abundant opportunities to recreate outdoors. Whether you’re rafting down the Nantahala River that winds through the beautiful and remote Nantahala National Forest or hiking on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a 1,175 mile footpath that spans the width of North Carolina, you won’t run out of reasons to be outside. 


North Carolina has 40 mountains that rise above 6,000 feet (aforementioned Mount Mitchell is the tallest, clocking in at 6,684 feet) and 100 that stand more than 5,000 feet. Camping in the shadows of these peaks is just one thing that makes camping in North Carolina so special. And with 2.1 million acres of public land in the state, finding a campground is as easy as pulling out a map. 


Whether it’s saltwater waves, pristine peaks or rushing rivers that excite you, let The Dyrt help you discover the best camping in North Carolina. 

North Carolina

The Best Camping in North Carolina | 100+ NC Campgrounds

Looking for the best campgrounds near Nantahala National Forest, NC? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Nantahala National Forest. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Nantahala National Forest

The Best Camping Near Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina

We can't adequately describe how peaceful it is to listen to creek and the birds while watching the sunset turn the sky purple over the Smoky Mountains at our "Backside" campground. With 6 acres of complete solidarity one mile from the nearest paved road, evenings around the firepit w/ the stars are simply magical! Local activities include cliff jumping at a secret swimming hole, hiking the Appalachian and Bartram trails, waterfall bathing, kayaking on the lake, & whitewater rafting the Nantahala River. There are 6 large tent campsites with 2 shared fire pits, a porta-potty, a fresh water creek, & picnic tables. The lack of Cell Reception means this site is for true adventurers who want to Disconnect in order to Re-Connect with the ones they bring.



Backside Campground at Nantahala 

You'll love your escape to this cozy tiny house nestled into the woods on a lakefront lot on scenic Lake Chatuge. The Tiny House on Wheels has 2 queen bed lofts, and a futon that makes a 3rd queen bed, as well as one of the best screened-in porches on the entire lake. Sunset views and comfy seating make it a place you won't want to leave.

Swim from the dock, rent a boat, or launch your own at one of 2 nearby TVA ramps.

Relax around the lakefront fire pit, or on the AMAZING and huge screened in porch. Downtown Hayesville is just minutes away, as are many hiking and mountain biking trails at Fire's Creek or Jackrabbit Park.

Enjoy a campfire in the large river rock fire ring on the beach, or in the chiminea by the tiny house. The first stack of wood is on us!



Red Bird Ridge Lake Front Tiny House

Looking for that relaxing, peaceful, and scenic getaway? We have your spot for you! Beautiful 2400 sq. ft. log cabin with plenty of room for you to spread out and relax! Newly listed to VRBO and a completely updated interior with all new beds and furniture. The kitchen is well stocked with all the utensils you could need. And we have a green egg to grill or smoke on as well! Tucked away amongst the Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel, you will not find a more relaxing atmosphere. Detached garage and a fire pit to cook those yummy smores! The mountain views are to the west of the cabin, meaning you have beautiful sunsets every night! They are truly stunning! Master king bedroom with full bath on the main level. The loft area has two twin beds along with a card/game table. The finished basement level has another king bedroom, full bath, as well as two sets of bunk beds and a sectional couch with a 65” tv. The family room is well appointed with a comfortable couch and loveseat as well as our favorite - the cow chairs! HOT TUB coming October 2022! 7 person hot tub soon to be installed



Carolina Moon Cabin

We purchased our nine-acre property a little over three years ago. It was a run down, small, manufactured home park with a farmhouse on it. It has been an ongoing labor of love to transform it into a small, unique RV and tent camping park along beautiful Conleys Creek in Whittier, NC.



Conleys Creek Campground offers 4 tent spots (first come, first served), as well as 4 RV spots. All located along Conleys Creek with grills and fire pits. We also rent our 38' luxury RV. We are pet friendly and open year-round.



We have torn down and repurposed some of the manufactured homes on the property. We now offer a charming 2 bedroom / 1 bath unit, complete with a private yard containing a hot tub, fire pit and grill. Dogs are allowed in the yard, off their leashes.



We continue to expand our gardens with a wide variety of vegetables and herbs. We have planted many evergreen, fruit, and flowering trees, lovely bushes, and flowers for bold color throughout the year. Our property is pesticide free. We currently have 12 free range chickens, known as The Dixie Chicks! Individually named after female country singers. Guests enjoy feeding, petting, and collecting their eggs, which are delicious! Fish or cool off in our creek, which is regularly stocked with trout.



As a convenience to our guests, we sell fresh eggs, firewood, and ice. Enjoy the game room, complete with billiards, darts, games and DVD's. Or play one of our numerous outdoor yard games. There is a public golf course less than a mile down the road. We have a very clean, private guest bath house, excellent WI-FI, and a dump station.



Hike up our mountain range to locate our second creek. This was how we got the original name, Hidden Creek Retreat. However, we recently changed it to Conleys Creek Campground because this better reflects how we have grown our business and who we are!



Our guests love our convenient location to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We are nestled conveniently between Bryson City and Cherokee. Close to other charming towns, including Sylva and Dillsboro, and many outdoor attractions. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, tubing, kayaking and whitewater raft, all near our property. This is our home, business, and new lifestyle. Come and enjoy it with us!



Conley's Creek Campground

ome Have Your Own Nantahala Adventure
Our spacious cabin rentals and luxury yurt rentals at StayNantahala are on beautiful Nantahala Lake among the Great Smoky Mountains. We are between Franklin and Murphy, North Carolina at an elevation of over 3,000 feet. We are also not far from big cities, sitting an hour and a half west of Asheville and two and a half hours northwest of Atlanta. 

Each of our luxury yurts can sleep up to four people as they each have two bedrooms. If you're wanting to try your hand at glamping, then our luxury yurts can serve as the ideal setting for any outing.

All of our cabin rentals surround the idyllic Nantahala Lake, offering a deep connection with the surrounding natural beauty. Cabins come in a variety of sizes so they can accommodate however many you bring on your Nantahala adventure. The cabins offer a lot of amenities aimed at making your stay with us a memorable experience.

Regardless of your choice, you'll be in a prime spot to enjoy the natural beauty of western North Carolina.

Stay Nantahala Cabins & Yurts

Forested 15 acre lot with a beautiful grassy meadow, and a meandering stream with shallow spots to cool off on a hot day. Pitch your tent where ever you'd like. There is fresh drinking water, on site garbage, picnic tables, firepits, firewood availible for purchase, and a well maintained portajohn.

We are minutes away from Nantahala Lake, Nantahala River, and Appalachian Trail. Enjoy near by white water rafting, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, kayaking, zip lines and more… If you're not up for cooking there's a local restaurant on the lake 5 minutes away as well as the Nantahala Outdoor Center a short 20 minute drive.



Blue Ridge Basecamp

Welcome to Deer Springs, the Best RV Park in the Smoky Mountains. We offer unique RV Sites with a touch of outdoor luxury not found at other RV parks.

It is important to note that we cater to a mature demographic, **and all visitors must be 12 years or older**.

Deer Springs is a privately owned and gated RV park located in the Smoky Mountains, 13 miles West of Franklin, NC. We are a pet friendly RV park with a focus on providing large sites in a comfortable and unique setting. Our park has been designed for “self contained RV’s”, and as such, there is no separate bath house on site.

- Sites 1-8 have a private gazebo equipped with prep counter, sink with running water, refrigerator with ice maker, and ceiling fan with light
- 30/50 Amp Service
- Sewer hookups
- At least 1 picnic table
- At least one fire ring per site
- High speed Internet ([Premium Internet is an additional charge](<https://deerspringsrvpark.com/internet-availability/>))
- Access to our Bark Park
- Use of our 3-Pines Pavilion



Quiet settings, Appalachian Trail hiking, and lots of Nature are the extreme amenities at our park.



Deer Springs RV Park

**Winding Stair Campground sits at an elevation of 3,880 feet, next to the headwaters of the Nantahala River and is surrounded by national forest and undeveloped private land trusts. The stunning mountain views in a remote tucked-away setting makes our farm a perfect getaway!**

**Just a 15-minute scenic drive from Franklin in North Carolina, easily accessible off Hwy 64, our campground offers a chance to enjoy nature without being far away from the amenities of a small but well-equipped town.**

A few features about our property:

\- **Working farm**: Campers are welcome to meet our Icelandic sheep and take a self-guided tour of our farm, along designated pathways.

\- **Security**: The campground and farm are fenced in on three sides with the river being the fourth boundary. Personal code to the entrance gate will be given at check in.

\- **Bath House**: The restored bathhouse is split into boys’ and girls’ sides. Each side has 2 private showers, 4 flushing toilets, sinks, hot water, and gas heat.

\- **Community Pavilion**: The Pavilion is a large 40x30 ft. open sided pavilion overlooking the Nantahala River. It has an ample fireplace, running water sink, counter space, couches, and table with benches.

\- **Pack Room**: A cozy place to get local information, view maps, and grab some local groceries. (Grocery availability is listed in the extras section.) Also available to all campers are washing sinks with hot water.

\- **Communication**: Or rather, lack thereof! There's no cell service on the property so it's a great time to get away from it all. There is limited Wi-Fi available near the Pack Room and an emergency landline available.

\- **Charging**: Traveling in an electric vehicle? Recharge for free at our dedicated EV 50amp outlet when you stay at any of our sites. First come, first served.



Winding Stair Campground

Looking for a vacation that's a little different, a little more, a little better than your last one? That's why we're here. At Sky Ridge, we strive to give our guests a place where they can relax and reconnect with themselves and with nature without giving up the comforts of home.

​Perched high atop a mountainous ridge line with a view that will take your breath away, you'll find seven well-appointed yurts ready and waiting for you and your friends and family to experience the Great Smoky Mountains in a completely new and changing way. You just might not want to leave.





Sky Ridge Yurts

RV resort

10 RV sites

50 amps

full hookup

Wi-Fi

Daily 40.00

Weekend 45.00

Weekly 275.00

Monthly 600.00 includes Electrical.

Now Open all year



Gem City RV Resort 

Dallas, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Dallas, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Dallas. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Dallas

The Best Camping Near Dallas, North Carolina

Though it doesn’t offer much within its city limits, the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina, and surrounding cities more than make up for it. With Lake Wylie and Mountain Island Lake outside of the city, travelers looking for waterfront camping and hiking won’t be disappointed.

The best camping near Charlotte is on Copperhead Island. This spot offers affordably-priced lakefront campsites, perfect for a relaxing weekend. If you’re willing to make a bit of a drive, head easy to the Uwharrie National Forest, on the other side of Badin Lake near Eldorado, NC. Badin Lake is another fantastic option for a camping weekend with several picturesque campgrounds. Whether in an RV or tent, you’ll love Badin Lake!

Charlotte

Charlotte is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Charlotte is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Charlotte, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

The Best Camping Near Charlotte, North Carolina

Looking for the best campgrounds near Raleigh, NC? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Raleigh. Find the best campgrounds near Raleigh, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Raleigh

The Best Campgrounds Near Raleigh, NC | NC Camping

Looking for the best campgrounds near Greensboro, NC? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Greensboro camping trip.

Greensboro

The Best Campgrounds Near Greensboro, NC | NC Camping

Greensboro is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Greensboro is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Greensboro camping trip.

The Best Camping Near Greensboro, North Carolina

Join the fun near Winston-Salem. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Winston-Salem camping trip.

Winston-Salem

The Best Campgrounds Near Winston Salem, NC | NC Camping

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Durham. Durham is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Durham and user-submitted reviews.

Durham

The Best Camping Near Durham, North Carolina

Join the fun near Fayetteville. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that North Carolina camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your North Carolina camping adventure.

Fayetteville

The Best Camping Near Fayetteville, North Carolina

Wilmington is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Wilmington campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Wilmington, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Wilmington

The Best Camping Near Wilmington, North Carolina

High Point is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. High Point is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near High Point, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

High Point

The Best Camping Near High Point, North Carolina

Looking for the best campgrounds near Uwharrie National Forest, NC? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Uwharrie National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Uwharrie National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Uwharrie National Forest

The Best Camping Near Uwharrie National Forest, North Carolina

North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws millions of visitors annually for its unbridled beauty and free admission. Expect long entrance lines but know that your experience will make it all worthwhile.

Great Smoky offers 10 front-country camping locations for tents and RVs. For those looking for a longer trek, the park has a host of backcountry campgrounds at just $4 per night. Ideally, you camp in the park. However, as this is the most visited national park, you may have to make other plans. If you can’t stay in the park, the best camping near the Great Smoky Mountains is usually found in the nearby national forests. If you’re looking for something with more amenities, the eclectic city of Asheville, NC is where you’ll want to be.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your North Carolina camping adventure.

The Best Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Croatan National Forest, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Croatan National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Croatan National Forest camping trip.

Croatan National Forest

The Best Camping Near Croatan National Forest, North Carolina

Appalachian National Forest, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Appalachian National Forest. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Appalachian National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Appalachian National Forest

The Best Camping Near Appalachian National Forest, North Carolina

Searching for the best camping near Pisgah National Forest, NC? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Pisgah National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Pisgah National Forest

The Best Camping Near Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

Join the fun near Cape Hatteras National Seashore. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The Best Camping Near Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina

Looking for the best campgrounds near Tusquitee National Forest, NC? Tusquitee National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Tusquitee National Forest, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Tusquitee National Forest

The Best Camping Near Tusquitee National Forest, North Carolina

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, National Forests in North Carolina, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—National Forests in North Carolina is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near National Forests in North Carolina. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

National Forests in North Carolina

The Best Camping Near National Forests in North Carolina, North Carolina

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir, NC has a lot to offer. W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

The Best Camping in Nantahala National Forest

Top Campgrounds in Nantahala National Forest (801)

1.