Camping in North Carolina with swimming

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, your adventure is waiting.

96% (10780 reviews)
96% (10780 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds in North Carolina with swimming

99%
(1157)

Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Waynesville, NC
Voted 2nd in NC!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play! Check out www.smokymtnriverranch.com for more information. PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout. Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking. Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too! All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites. Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets. Please review the Extras options as we offer river lifts, firewood and dog stays; thank you! Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am. Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Please contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. NO CHECK-INS AFTER DARK. We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.
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$51
 / night
99%
(739)

Black River Camping Ventures

12 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Ivanhoe, NC
Voted "2023's 3rd BEST HIPCAMP IN NORTH CAROLINA". Nestled in the heart of southeast North Carolina and conveniently located an hour from Wilmington, Jacksonville and Fayetteville — our 40+ acre family land is situated directly on historic Black River. Well known for its beautiful trees, wildlife and fisheries, Black River is also home to the oldest bald cypress forest in the world, many being alive hundreds of years before Jesus walked the earth. We are the only riverfront camping experience on Black River so we aim to provide you the best views, the most exceptional hospitality (from hosts Lisa and Eric), with hopes that you leave completely happy with our little piece of heaven and wanting to return year after year!
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$40
 / night
99%
(240)

TangleWood Creekside Campsites

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents170 acres · Marion, NC
A rocky creek winds through the woods at the base of several hikable peaks hidden just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to explore, on foot or mountain-bike, anywhere within our 170 acres (or the adjoining 250 acres owned by the US Forestry Service off our Western border) and are likely to catch glimpses of turkey, beaver, deer, fox, eastern box turtle and the many species of songbird and raptor. The location is convenient to tons of local attractions for sightseeing and outdoor activities as well as shopping, dining, even wine tasting. We would be happy to supply a comprehensive list of the various local attractions upon request but the following are a few of our favorite things to do within a short drive: visit Linville Falls, Caverns, Gorge and/or Winery; drive the Blue Ridge parkway; tube/kayak down the Catawba river; hike beautiful Crabtree Falls; cross Grandfather Mountains mile high bridge and explore the nearby towns of Spruce Pines or Little Switzerland. The scenic drives to Asheville, Blowing Rock or Banner Elk make them each wonderful day-trip destinations.
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$40
 / night
96%
(42)

Jake's Farm

4 sites · Lodging, Tents11 acres · Candler, NC
Jake's Farm is an 11 acre organic farm producing vegetables, small fruits, medicinal herbs and tea ingredients. We began our venture in 1997 and added campsites and treehouses in 1995. The farm is conveniently located 8 miles from West Asheville, 11 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and 15 miles from Asheville Regional Airport.
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$23
 / night
98%
(108)

Cherokee Waterfall Campground

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Cherokee, NC
Please read the entire description because I have updated the site! I am doing renovations to the campground and there is a big chance that this will no longer be a 1 site campground. I am adding another campsite around 100 yards away from the "Waterfall" site. I will call this site "Creekside". The people that book the "Creekside" site will not be allowed to go to the waterfall or enter the "Waterfall" site and it will be clearly marked where one site ends and the other begins. There is a chance the the renovations to the new "Creekside" site will not be finished this year but if you book the "Waterfall" site just know that there will be a chance that there will be another site on the property. When I finish with the renovations I will contact all the people that booked the "Waterfall" site and ask them if they want to reserve the other site (Creekside) on the days they have booked. If I don't contact you then you will know that the "Creekside" site is not finished. There has been some confusion so I thought I would clear things up. The listing is for 2 guests. Anyone or any pets after the initial 2 guests there is an extra charge for. So if you book the site that's for you and one other person and if you want to bring a pet then you will add them as an extra guest. ​The "Waterfall" site has a full hookup pull-through with a 30 amp electric connection. There is also a full size flushing toilet and hot shower in the bath house. I'm going to say for now that the max size of camper will be 25 foot with a max height of 12 foot because you will be pulling under a power line. ​The "Creekside" site will be full hookup pull-through with 30 amp power. This site is still under construction. More details to come! We're 2.5 miles from the Cherokee Casino and 3.5 miles from down town Cherokee We now offer full hookup camping but tents are also still welcome! There is very limited cell service with no wifi. This campground is not really suitable for children but children are welcome. If you want to camp and bring children message me first before you book the site. Large groups are welcome. I've had a group of 17 and there was room for more! We are located in the Great Smokey Mountains on the Eastern Band Cherokee Reservation in Cherokee North Carolina. This may no longer be a 1 site campground so please read everything on this page because the rules and details have changed. Please do not just show up at the campground without a reservation. Most likely the campground will be reserved and guests will be camping. There is no on-site staff and there's a gate that either the guests or myself will keep locked. You will not be able to just drive up and view the waterfall. ​We are a no frills campground, but I just renovated and I'm pretty proud of that because I did everything myself! I now have a pull-through site with electric, water and sewer hookups. What this campground lacks in amenities it more than makes up for in beauty and privacy. I feel this is one of the most unique campsites in the world! Check in is at 2pm and check out is at 12pm. There is a house and a church on the same road so please drive slowly. ​No shooting firearms, (although you may hear people shooting firearms because you will be camping in the mountains) but your more than welcome to bring your firearms. Its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. No fireworks. Since this may no longer be a "1 site" campground if you want to bring your dog it will need to be with you and leashed. If you know your dog is a "barker" meaning you know your dog will constantly bark at other campers then do not book the site. If that happens you will be asked to quiet your dog then if it doesn't stop you will be made to leave with no refund. There will now be "quiet hours" since you maybe sharing the property with other campers. It will be after 11pm. ​One campsites guests will not be allowed to enter the other site. The sites will be clearly marked. If this happens you will be made to leave with no refund. The gate will need to be closed at all times ​No making trails or collecting firewood (This is not because I want to sell you firewood, its because I want to have the property remain as pristine as possible) ​Do not cut down trees alive or dead If you move picnic tables please move them back, there's only one of me and I cant move them back alone The water and toilet maybe frozen in freezing weather and the hot water shower will be uninstalled during freezing weather ​Dogs are permitted but contact before you book the site to confirm if your dog will be allowed. I charge for dogs the same as I do for extra guests. ​BY BOOKING THE SITE YOU AGREE TO ALL THESE TERMS ​There is a small Church around 200 yards from the campground. They hold services every Wednesday and Sunday. They generally start around 5pm and it lasts around a hour. If your into that they would love to have you come down. Please don't hesitate to call me or text with any questions you might have ​ ​
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$85
 / night
98%
(371)

Riverside Camping on the Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Mills River, NC
Sleep under the stars while listening to the river run while staying on a working farm! During the summer months watch our vegetables grow and the pickers pick! The winter months you'll enjoy a sea of green as our cover crop takes over the field. You can cool off in the river, or check out the surrounding Pisgah National Forest. Dogs on leashes are welcome and owner is responsible for cleaning up after pet. The farm provides a portable toilet but no other amenities. Campfires may be restricted, so check local regulations. This is a working farm, so please be respectful of the crops and workers and keep dogs on leashes. Fishing is not allowed in the river. Please note, if it’s rainy, the roads will be muddy and 4-wheel-drive vehicles are the best option. Head 4 miles east to the town of Mills River for restaurants, stores, and services. You can find hiking, biking, and horseback-riding trails within a short bike or car ride in Pisgah National Forest. Chimney Rock State Park is 25 miles east and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain scenery. Or perhaps go for a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our guests love staying here: "This was our first time using Hipcamp and we couldn’t have been happier! Candace was great at communicating and quick to respond to our questions. Site 1 was perfect. We had so much room for just the two of us and the water access was great for our dogs to swim. Plus it was so quiet, we’ll probably never go back at state park camping! Thanks for everything and look forward to visiting again!"
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$43
 / night
98%
(147)

Creek side

4 sites · Lodging, Tents18 acres · Hot Springs, NC
Picturesque meadow on what once was a tobacco farm. All campsites are waterfront along the year round babbling creek. Stocked with trout three times a year. Property located very close to Max Patch for hiking or just to watch the amazing sunset. Each site comes with a fireplace, picnic table and charcoal bbq. Porto potty and outdoor shower on property.
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$25
 / night
90%
(45)

At the Ridge Camp-Riverside Escapes

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Balsam Grove, NC
Our property was once owned by Transylvania County Sheriff Carter McCall. 36 acres in the middle of Pisgah National Forest. “Simple Mountain Camping” is our motto. Located approximately seven miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, At the Ridge Campground is surrounded by North Carolina’s beautiful Pisgah National Forest and the North Fork River. Here you can experience what you came to the Blue Ridge Mountains for: crisp evenings, sitting around the campfire, excellent views, relaxing in nature, hiking to waterfalls and fishing, Don’t forget our favorite, just watching the water go by! All at an affordable price.
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$35
 / night
100%
(31)

Bull Mountain Ridge

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Asheville, NC
The site's first appeal is the amazing view of Bull Mountain Ridge. Beautiful all year long, but particularly in late October when the leaves are in their richest colors. The site is roomy for small to mid-sized RVs and offers a private water hook-up, 30 amp, and 20 amp power outlets. It feels private and tucked away, but is very accessible to all of what the Asheville area has to offer. Downtown is a 15 minute drive; ride services and shuttles* are both easy to secure and quite affordable. Additional parking is available for a fee. The backdrop of the site is forested and easy to relax in - the understory is maintained for guest use, providing cooling shade with a stunning view. I usually try to say hello to folks and make sure they get settled in alright, but let me know if you'd prefer just to come in and have privacy. Don't feel the need to come to the house unless you can't get a hold of me via text and you need assistance. I may not be available when you arrive, but I'll try to get back in touch with you as soon as I'm able. *If I am available, I can offer boat, bike, and hike shuttling for a fee. I also have a one-person kayak, and a two-person canoe that are usually available and camping gear. Contact me beforehand if you are interested in renting any of these items. **Please be aware that this section of North Carolina has a particularly large population of American black bears. Any food stuffs, or other "smell-ables" will potentially attract bears. Refer to: https://www.nps.gov/articles/bearsafetyfood.htm ...for proper treatment of potential attractants.
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$42
 / night
96%
(51)

Lake Lookout Campground

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Claremont, NC
Lake Lookout is a small family campground with waterfront and water access RV and tent sites in Claremont, NC. We also have a furnished RV and furnished cabin available for short term rentals. Excellent fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating on the Catawba River and Lookout Shoals Lake We are in the process of improving the facilities and expand the campground area. Please pardon our construction, we are in the process of bringing more amenities to Lake Lookout! Located only 7-minutes off I-40, in the Foothills of North Carolina. Stay on the water surrounded by nature but still be close to everything. 20 minutes to Hickory, 60 minutes to Charlotte, Winston Salem, or Asheville. We currently have waterfront RV and tent sites. 30 amp electric and water hookups. There is a dump station on site also, no sewer hookups due to proximity to the water. Boat ramp access on site included with rental. Extra parking area for boat trailers. Bath house. Community lake front area with shoreline access, volleyball and horseshoe pits for all campers. A short drive to River Bend Park for Hiking and biking trails.
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$50
 / night
99%
(106)

The Enchanted Forest

6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Hayesville, NC
Five gravel, flat RV sites with electric and water, by a trout creek and dump site on property! Tiny homes on property, hammocks, fire pit and more. 30 minutes away from Lake Chatuge, local brewing companies, local shopping, wine tasting, local artist displays and Marinas on the lake. Hiking, fishing
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$65
 / night
99%
(852)

The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms

13 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Yadkinville, NC
Update: Our new BATHHOUSE now has a functioning flush toilet!!🛖 Pictures are coming soon, but it will also house a shower, sink, and dressing area, and is centrally located in front of the office at the pond. We're doing this to prove WE LOVE OUR CAMPERS! ❤ In addition, two new nicely wooded sites with pond view are now available to provide easy access even during periods of heavy rain. If the creek area floods, we will move your reservation there. :)🏕 Pitch your tent, van or popup on or near the bank of our creek or pond with lots of shade and complete privacy. You can drive right up to most sites, weather permitting. You will have access to a fire ring and picnic table (located at each site), firewood for sale on site (please do not bring firewood from off-site), clean drinking water (located near the pond), the creek to explore, our pond to fish, and wooded trails to hike. Once roamed by Native Americans and now farmed by the same family for over 6 generations, Harmon Creek Farm is a working farm of over 150+ acres. Peace, quiet, tranquility and privacy are overflowing along the creek, and hiking throughout the hills on the backside of the farm (and on the other side of the creek) leads to interesting and abundant flora and fauna. The stocked, spring fed pond is 'brimming" with angler challenges🎣 Our cows, pigs, sheep, donkeys, chickens, ducks, quail, and geese are all eager to meet you, as are we! We currently have fresh eggs, pork and beef for sale on site as well as cured and smoked bacon. We will soon add fresh organically raised vegetables and herbs in season. Like us on Facebook (Harmon Creek Farms of NC) for the latest on what's going on here at the farm. :)
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$22
 / night

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Camping in North Carolina with swimming guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're looking to combine your love for swimming with the beauty of North Carolina, we've got you covered. With over 1900 options in North Carolina that offer swimming, you're sure to find the perfect spot to dive in and cool off. Whether you prefer a lakeside retreat, a riverfront oasis, or a coastal getaway, we have something for everyone. Get ready to make a splash at campsites like Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa Farm (388 reviews), The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms (288 reviews), and Black River Camping Ventures (217 reviews). And with popular amenities like campfires, pet-friendly sites, and potable water, you can enjoy your swimming adventure in comfort. Plus, with prices as low as $10 per night and an average price of $40 per night, you can make a splash without breaking the bank. So pack your swimsuit and get ready to explore the best swimming spots in North Carolina with Hipcamp!

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