We stayed at Honey Bear on the weekend before Halloween. The campground had several family activities like a haunted trail and trick or treating for the kiddos. Our tent site was small and we may have been the only tent at the campground that weekend. Site had a tent pad, picnic table, and fire pit. The staff were fantastic, helpful, and kind. There's a cafe of sorts in the center that has a coffee bar, TV, and tables for playing games on. This is definitely a campground for families-- don't expect to go and have a peaceful, quiet retreat. Downtown Boone is a 10 minute drive and there are many hiking trails around.
We really enjoyed staying at the Lost Mine Campground in the Nantahala National Forest. It's small and cozy with sites that sit on a creek that lulls you to sleep. Sites were well-maintained with a fire pit and picnic table. Bathrooms were clean and close to sites. Campground has pingpong table and a game room for families, which was a plus. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is 5 minutes down the road and there's hiking trails nearby.
One of my favorite campgrounds in NC. Black mountain is gorgeous and hosts great hiking and biking trails. Sites are spacious, clean, and well-maintained. We got our site first come first serve during a holiday weekend, so we got lucky! Campground has tent and RV sites, some of which are located on a small river. Staff was welcoming and helpful-- they come and deliver ice and firewood to you if requested. We hiked mount Mitchell one day which was rigorous, but incredible. A must stay if camping in NC.
Small, cozy campground located in the heart of wine country. Site contains fire pit, picnic tables, and bear locker. Several prominent wineries located near by as well as a charming town called Calistoga. Sites and bathrooms were well maintained. Good option if you're doing Napa on a budget!
Staying at the Jedidiah Smith Campground is one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had. My partner and I drove up from San Francisco and were able to get a first come first serve site in the center of the campground. Campground is large and had several sites available when we were there. The sites were spacious, beautiful, quiet, and clean. Each hosts a bear locker, fire pit, and picnic table. One of the best parts of this campground is its proximity to the Smith River, which is gorgeous. There are scenic trails that connect to the campground as well as several near by. There's nothing quite like the experience of sleeping next to the ancient giants-- it's a must!
My partner and I stayed at the Burlington campground in Humboldt Redwoods State Park in March and could not have had a better experience. We were able to get a first come first serve site without much difficulty (we were very concerned about this as we were driving up from San Francisco). Our site was nestled amongst historic, giant redwoods in the heart of the avenue of giants. The site its self was clean and came with a fire pit, picnic table, and bear locker. Staff was helpful and accommodating. There are several breathtaking trails that connect to the campground and others close by car. We can't wait to go back!