tommy M.
Scout
ScoutJomeokee Campground
Great location , clean bathhouse
Best Campgrounds in North Carolina
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!
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Round 1 of 5
Best Camping Sites in North Carolina (1,054)
1. Oregon Inlet Campground — Cape Hatteras National Seashore
87 ReviewsNags Head, NCWebsite+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 ReviewsPisgah Forest, NCWebsite+1 (828) 785-5337$37 - $84 / night
"We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."
"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."
3. Carolina Beach State Park Campground
76 ReviewsCarolina Beach, NCWebsite+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
68 ReviewsEnka, 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 ReviewsOcracoke, NCWebsite+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 ReviewsRoaring Gap, NCWebsite+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. Spacious Skies Bear Den
53 ReviewsSpruce Pine, NCWebsite+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."
8. Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
54 ReviewsNew Hill, NCWebsite+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."
9. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
55 ReviewsCherokee, 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. Hanging Rock State Park Campground
53 ReviewsDanbury, NCWebsite+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"
Recent Camping Photos in North Carolina
2033 Photos of 1054 North Carolina Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tricorner Knob Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
#39 Pretty Hollow — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Yogi Bear in the Smokies
Cross Winds Family Campground
Cobble Hill RV Campground (Formerly) Carolina Rose
Site 40 — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Catawba Falls Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2025
Recent Reviews in North Carolina
5057 Reviews of 1054 North Carolina Campgrounds
- P
Peter C.ScoutRVacation Campground
This is not called vacation campground it’s north point rv resort
Kerri P.
GuideOBX Campground
OBX Campground was one of our favorite stays! We spent 14 nights in Site 25, a spacious back-in site with a gravel pad, grass, and beautiful views of the pond and sound. Having no neighbor on the driver’s side made it feel wonderfully private.
The campground is peaceful, quiet, and tucked away from the tourist crowds. We enjoyed watching ducks daily, spotting deer in the mornings, and stargazing at night. I felt completely safe walking our dogs at 5 AM.
Water pressure was good, sewer access convenient, and Starlink worked beautifully. AT&T had full bars. Our 50-amp electrical service wasn’t working when we arrived, but maintenance fixed it the following day.
Laundry was affordable at $1.25, and there were two dumpsters, a playground, dock, kayak launch, and even a historic cemetery. No fire rings, so bring an approved raised fire pit.
Dogs are welcome, although there isn’t a dog park or pet waste stations. Watch for sand burrs in the grass! The office dog, Beau, was a bonus.
The staff were friendly and accommodating, and the location was convenient for exploring the Outer Banks. We loved it so much we tried to extend our stay, but they were fully booked!
- GGary M.Scout
Living Waters Campground
Nobody was here on Sat. Had gard time finding site. Site reserved did not have 30 amp and could not reach staff. Moved to other site hoping it would not be a problem. We were able to finally reach staff on Mon. Also no pcknick tables or fire rings.
- DDiane F.Scout
Three Peaks RV Resort
Nice camp and staff friendly. We drive the Blue Ridge Pkwy which was a bit of drive but the ride up to Mt Mitchell was beautiful. Only negative was the laundry rooms were small for a large camp like this but I made it work. Probably a bit more challenging during busy season but all that said this is a nice campground
- ttiffany T.Guide
Deep River Campground And RV Park
Stopped here after our fiasco with holly bluff. Beautiful campground with trees. Very quiet during the day and peaceful. The only thing we found curious was the vehicle in and right back out activity between 10:30-pm and 1am back and forth to campers that were long term stays. Made nighttime hard to sleep in site 3 with vehicles back and forth for hours .
- ttiffany T.Guide
Holly Bluff Family Campground
Stopped in to get a spot for a few nights nights because it said they had available rv spots Unfortunately they didn’t know which end was up and tried to squeeze us into a spot that might have hookups that maybe worked but they couldn’t be sure. It was a joke. We left after waiting several minutes waiting while they were looking for a place to maybe squeeze us in because we had a small camper. No thanks. Would not recommend staying here til they get there act together
- GGale H.
TravelerRalph J. Andrews Campground
My son, daughter-in-law, and twin grandchildren, and I camped here to watch the full solar eclipse in 2017. We had a beautiful tent site. There was a little playground that the kids really enjoyed and abundant shade at the camping site. Bathrooms were clean, wood for campfires was available, and we had a wonderful time.
- RRobert D.
RangerCamp Julia
Beautiful scenery
This is a newer campground. It has a stocked pond with beautiful woods surrounding it.
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
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Morrow Mountain State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One camper mentioned, “Lots of hiking nearby. Beautiful area! Highly recommend.”
- Fishing and Boating: Campgrounds near lakes, such as Holly Point — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, offer fishing and boating opportunities. A visitor shared, “The lake is swimmable from any point and you have use of the entire campgrounds area.”
- Wildlife Watching: Campers at Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area enjoyed observing wildlife. One reviewer said, “Lots of wildlife to watch (turtles, fish, birds and more).”
What campers like
- Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area are praised for their beautiful lake views. A camper noted, “Our site is fantastic, really large and overlooking the lake.”
- Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park, one visitor remarked, “The bathhouse is clean and modern.”
- Privacy: Campers enjoy spacious sites that offer a sense of seclusion. A review for Badin Lake Campground mentioned, “The sites are huge, level, and clean.”
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, have fewer amenities. A camper pointed out, “There’s no electric hookups, no fires allowed, and no showers.”
- Noise Levels: Campgrounds near airports, such as William B. Umstead State Park Campground, can be noisy. One visitor said, “You will hear planes all day and most all night landing and taking off.”
- Booking in Advance: Popular sites can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area advised, “I would highly suggest booking in advance since waterfront sites book up quick.”
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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