Best Campgrounds in North Carolina

Paid for oceanfront and got site 38 which is further away from ocean than second row- only to see 2-3 front row sites set empty our entire weekend. They do not assign sites until arrival. Lost power for a few hours on entire campground first night and it was 82 degrees - no email or message as to what was happening. Then headed to the south beach entrance only to find it boarded up for repairs-I’m still chill-until I go to take a shower on Sunday morning at 0930 and I was locked out while it was being cleaned. Unpleasant and disappointing for $155+\night

a two mile long gravel road that parallels with a beautiful river with a bunch of pull offs to camp or hangout at. will be coming back again soon.

I like this campground. Very quiet and basic. Clean and easy to get to. But do your due diligence when reserving - the sites look bigger in the photos. We boondock a lot and didn’t even bother trying to compete for one of the few sites with hookups. Our 22k trailer fit in our spit but there was barely room for the truck - she’s parked at an angle. I got a little nervous getting backed in because the sites on this loop (B12) are a little tight. But if you like walking, and love to hear the waves outside your window when you sleep this is the place. Went across the street to the marina and had lunch at the Sea Chef. Sat out on the deck with our small 12lb dog and just had a wonderful time x the even brought her a doggy bowl with water. We will stay here again!

Sites are basic and close together (no wood fires allowed), you’re basically camping in the sand dunes. Short walk across the dunes to the beach. Showers and toilets are clean and good. I came in April and not sure if it’s like this all year round but my site was like a wind tunnel so be prepared for that. Location is good - close to the lighthouse and maybe 15 min south of busy commercialized Nags Head. Requires advance reservation through recreation dot gov. Only thing I didn’t like was how close the sites were to each other but other than that all was good.

We often camp in and around the Linville Gorge area, mostly in the primitive campsites down in the Gorge on Linville River.

We stayed before Hurricane Helene but haven't been back since then.

There are primitive sites along the foot trail (Linville Gorge Trail) but you still need to call to let the park ranger/main office know when you're planning to camp and provide how many people will be camping.

There are not great tent sites along the trail since it's at the bottom of the Gorge (not much flat ground and rocky). But there are some nice spots further south from Linville Falls. We usually hammock camp and trees hanging has more options.

Hiking out is moderate to hard as it's straight up through switchbacks and good elevation gain.

Pack everything out and practice LNT in this area. You may also be able to trout fish in Linville River if it's trout season and you're licensed. Speckled and Rainbow trout are beautiful in this area. Most fall within the 8-12 inch range. Check bait restrictions. It's almost always no live bait allowed when we've camped there.

We camped on the primitive side. Hardly anyone here. We took spot 4. Across from the clean pit toilet. They do have water. The area for rvs were packed and it wasn’t as appealing as the primitive. Follow the signs to primitive tent camping. Is a loop and the closer you get to the loop the more bugs cause of the water. On our walk with the dogs seen deer and a raccoon visited us during the night. Internet is spotty. Turn your cellular data on.

We stopped here after landing in Charlotte and getting a rental RV. The staff and people staying here are so friendly and helpful. The view is beautiful and they have goats which are adorable. We have a pond view location.

Like the way the campsites take advantage of the rolling terrain.  Campsites are roomy.  Lots of shade.  We had a substantial deluge while there, and the water drained just fine.  Nice shower facilites.  We stayed at the F Loop.  Sites F36 and F40 are situated so the awning side of the camper has a direct, unobstructed view of the water.  Also liked the numerous trash cans near the sites.

Beautiful landscape reasonable pricing

Park is kinda full, but everyone pretty much keeps to themselves and is really quiet. Hardly anyone walks around. I’m in A15. Right across the bathrooms. Which are super nice and showers too. Walked to the lake and it was sooo nice.

We thoroughly enjoyed staying on the river. The Manager, Deb, is so sweet and helpful! The area came alive with Spring Beauty & yet the storm damage is still very evident. On one hand, it was a bit depressing to see all of the loss - on the other hand, it felt good to give back to the local community.

Just far enough away from the noise but close enough to be convenient to everything. Groceries and restaurants, gas and history all within a short drive. Campground is so nice, fish jumping, quiet and relaxing. On the water so you can put your kayaks in and paddle the creek. Very clean bathrooms with showers ice and propane and firewood available. Sites are a good size and easy to get the trailer level.

Whenever a few friends and I want to do a quick overnighter to hang out or test gear, we go to Shinleaf. It's in a convenient location, right off of Hwy 98 on New Light Rd. The campsites aren't very far apart from each other. But if you choose any of the campsites off of any of the "leafs" (not in the main gravel path), you will find more solitude and not have many daily walkers or trail runners coming down the leafs of the campground since they mainly stick to the main path. Every campsite here has a fire ring and picnic table for convenience, and you can bring in a few bundles of firewood or cut up some of the dead fall trees that are in your campsites general area. Shinleaf is great for the family or just a quick night or two outdoors. Oh, and bring a fishing rod if you have a fishing license. You can fish from many of the "leaf" campsite spots.

Trees scraped camper on entry ,poor roads. Expensive for what you get.