Camping near Croatan National Forest

Camping near Croatan National Forest, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. One camper mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful." This trail is a great way to experience the stunning scenery.
• Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
• Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds are near rivers or lakes. A review from Smokemont Campground noted, "The sound of the flowing river is wonderful," making it a perfect spot for a refreshing dip.

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One camper at Indian Boundary said, "The campground can be very crowded, but it is very beautiful, almost right on the lake."
• Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms are a big plus. A visitor at Gee Creek Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean, and the dishwashing room was nice."
• Friendly Staff: Many campers appreciate helpful staff. A review from Townsend-Great Smokies KOA highlighted, "Everyone that worked there went above and beyond to help out."

What you should know:

• Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have close sites. A camper at Elkmont Campground noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. A visitor at Abrams Creek Campground mentioned, "There are bathrooms, but no showers."
• Bear Awareness: Bears are common in the area. A camper at Cades Cove Campground warned, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone! Doing so just irritates the bears."

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. A review from Gee Creek Campground mentioned, "The kids loved the playground, and the fairytale story walk."
• Family Activities: Choose a campground near fun activities. A camper at Deep Creek Campground said, "There are three waterfalls on site and more hiking trails than you can hike in a few days."
• Safety First: Keep an eye on the kids, especially near water. A visitor at Smokemont Campground advised, "The creek was just across the road, so we really drowned the majority of their noise."

Tips from RVers:

• Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Most sites won't support the length."
• Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A review from Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA mentioned, "The bathrooms are clean, and there’s a dump site."
• Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to keep the peace. A visitor at Abrams Creek Campground shared, "It was packed on the Sunday we stayed there, but it was still a pretty spot."

Camping near Croatan National Forest, North Carolina, has something for everyone. With beautiful scenery, friendly staff, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!