Camping in North Carolina: Best North Carolina Campgrounds 2023

Q: Is boondocking legal in North Carolina?

Yes, there are boondocking opportunities in North Carolina , particularly in national forests and on some private lands. The Pisgah National Forest and Nantahala National Forest offer dispersed camping options for boondockers. These sites are typically free of charge but have limited or no amenities. Additionally, you can find private landowners offering boondocking sites through platforms like Hipcamp. Some options include: - North Carolina Linville Boondockers RV Camp - North Carolina Tent or RV Camping - North Carolina Tent Camping and RV Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and always check the specific regulations and requirements for the area where you plan to boondock.

Q: Can you camp in North Carolina national forests?

Yes, you can camp in national forests in North Carolina . The state has four National Forests: Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie, and Croatan. These forests offer a variety of camping options, including developed campgrounds, group campgrounds, and dispersed camping areas. You can find more information about camping in North Carolina 's National Forests on Hipcamp.

Q: Is it legal to camp anywhere in North Carolina?

No, it is not legal to camp anywhere in North Carolina . Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds, national forests, and some state parks. Dispersed camping, which is camping in undesignated areas, is permitted in some national forests like Pisgah National Forest and Nantahala National Forest , but you must follow specific rules and guidelines. For a more private camping experience, you can explore options on Hipcamp, where you can find a variety of unique camping spots on private land. Always make sure to obtain permission from the landowner and follow local regulations before camping in undesignated areas.

United States
—
North Carolina

97% (17115 reviews)

Popular camping styles for North Carolina

Under $50

100%

(269)

Top camping destinations

Maggie Valley

1274 campgrounds

Stone Mountain State Park

1190 campgrounds

Bryson City

1295 campgrounds

Pisgah National Forest

1350 campgrounds

Uwharrie National Forest

922 campgrounds

Nantahala National Forest

1405 campgrounds

12 top campgrounds in North Carolina

99%

(77)

Smoky Mountain Meadows

165 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents57 acres · Bryson City, Swain

(Please Note: Hipcamp does not have an easy way to add in Pet and Child fees. You will need to go to EXTRAS and add in number of pets ($5/pet/per night) for cabins and/or number of children ($5/child/night) on all sites SEPERATE from adults when making your reservation. IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $10/NIGHT FOR EACH CHILD INSTEAD OF $5. We will no longer be issuing refunds or store credits for the overcharge.) When you enter Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground, you can leave all the “rush-rush” of your daily life behind. You will find yourself in a beautiful valley with quiet green meadows and a bubbling brook encompassing your surroundings. We are almost half-way between Bryson City and the Nantahala Gorge. We have been host to the Carolina Canoe Club's annual Week of Rivers Event for over 25 years! Thanks everyone! 2023 Season: March 31 – Oct 31 Rules for the Campground 1. 100 % Refund less credit card processing fee if you cancel before 14 days of your arrival date. 50% Refund if you cancel between 14 and 7 days of your arrival date. No Refund if you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date. 2. CHECK OUT: Noon; CHECK IN:Cabins, Campers and Glamping Tents: 2pm All Other Sites: Noon 3. QUIET TIME. Weekdays 10pm – 8am Weekends 11pm – 8am 4. CHECK OUT PROCEDURES. Camp must be broken down by noon on departure day. If you stay past noon you could be charged for an additional day. Extension possible with pre-approval. You must inform the office when you are leaving. 5. All Overnight Guests Must Pay 6. Trash must be taken to the Green Bins located at the lower corner of the upper field 7. No washing vehicles 8. PETS.Must always be kept on a leash. Must be picked up after by the owner. Must never be left unattended (exceptions apply).

Dark Ridge Hide Out (Adults Only)

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Elk Park, Avery

Adults only! Inquiries and booking requests received after 9: pm will likely be answered the next morning. Any photos with children was posted by the guest prior to being adults only and can't be edited or removed by the host. Dark Ridge Hide Out, is a 20 acre parcel in the Blue Ridge Mountain's on the back side of the Beech Mt Ski Resort in a secluded quiet and safe community with less than a dozen homes in a one mile radius. Away from light and sound pollution. Except for an occasional passing vehicle "and often none at all from 10pm to 6am" all you will hear is the sound of the creek which runs through the lower section by the RV sites, cricket's and frogs at the nearby fish pond and only the light from the moon and star's in the clear mountain sky and fire flies. It is my home place with a tobacco barn and a big combination cattle/tobacco barn built almost entirely just by my Mom and Dad in early 1940"s. My parents and grand parents lived off of the land here and raised cash crops like cabbage, corn and tobacco, we also raised sugar cane and made molasses, we had free range chickens, as many as 50 honey bee hives and over 50 head of cattle, two or three hog's and of course a horse. There was four main fields; two for cow pasture, one meadow to grow hay "now Christmas trees" and the main one on my part where all crops were grown is where the camp sites are. I grew up helping with the crops and other farm chores, one was to go to the pasture and bring the milk cows in and do the milking every day before and after school, feed the hogs and chickens, gather the egg's, let the chickens out in the morning and close the chicken house in the evening to protect them from critters like opossums, raccoons and wildcats. This is where I grew up, my dad grew up and, near where my mother and both of my grandparents grew up. My house was built in 1905 the same year my dad was born. The campsites are on my 20 acre section section of the original 82 acres with the house and barns, the remainder went to my brother but now is out of the family. The section of Elk River with the Compression Falls "45 ft high" and Twisting Falls which is part of Pisgah National Forest is less than two miles from here, and an old logging road going around the mountain above the river for about three miles to another Falls "Elk River Falls, 65 ft high" is a great place to hike or mountain bike. You will be free to explore and hike any part of my property except the house and out building's. The pond's are full of Trout and Blue Gill fish that are like pet's they love little pieces of bread. You can feed the fish but no fishing.

100%

(3)

NEW!!!! Blue Ridge Basecamp

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Andrews, Macon

Forested 15 acre lot with a beautiful grassy meadow, and a meandering stream with shallow spots to cool off in on a hot day. We have a meadow by the creek with first come first served tent spots. Pitch your tent anywhere you like and relax the day away. We also offer 5 fully stocked campers and 5 RV sites for rent. Please see each site for all the details! ALL RV/camper sites have FULL hookups with 20/30/50 amp, water and septic. There is fresh drinking water, on site garbage, picnic tables, firepits, firewood for purchase and a well maintained porta-john. We are just minutes away from Nantahala Lake, Nantahala River, and the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy nearby white water rafting, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, kayaking, ziplines and more. If you're not up for cooking there is a local restaurant on the lake 5 minutes away, as well as the Nantahala Outdoor Center a quick 20 minute drive.

JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents86 acres · Chinquapin, Duplin

*Oct 21, 23 3rd Annual Halloween Bash** Trunk or Treat, Pumpkin Carving Contest, Hot dog roast, firepits, music, and family fun. The pond was originally much smaller and a mill pond in the 1920's and features a long dam along one side. It is a 22 acre lake, 2 smaller ponds and surrounded by woods, swamp, and fields, a total of 90 acres. The Lee Baysden Pond was originally owned by Mr. Lee Baysden himself and first opened for fishing in 1956. The store/office is the original detached kitchen from his homeplace, which is the white house just up the street. We still use this today and it has Mr. Lee Baysden's handwriting in the store that states opened June 1956. The pond was owned and fished until the late 1990's. A hurricane damaged the dam and land was sold sometime after. The next owner dug the pond into the lake it is today and fixed the dam. It was deemed private and no fishing was permitted during this time frame. In 2020 My husband Tyler, and I decided to buy the Pond when we saw the signs up for sale. It was way overgrown and covered in duck weed, but we saw the potential and love for the lake in our community. We could not see it developed off into housing. We created JCO, Juniper Creek Outfitters and Guide Service, fall 2020 and began to restore the lake and land to better than ever! We also have our first Glamping A-Frame cabin available. We have had several community events hosting fishing tournaments, fireworks, music, and food trucks. Our camp office/store is opened most weekends and fishing passes available 7 days a week online from sunrise-dark. Our lake features fishing for Bass, Crappie, Bream, Catfish, Bowfin, varieties of Panfish, and more. Check out our Facebook page (Juniper Creek Outfitters and Guide Service) for all the latest news and catches! We are continually trying to make JCO and Lee Baysden Pond a great place in our community for friends and families! Enjoy the great outdoors unplugging from all the daily devices of reality. Enjoy bird watching for ducks, geese, heron, osprey or occasional eagle, owls, turkey, and more. We now have a lake Kitty that adopted us and is now part of the team. Her name is "Tail", named by our 4 year old, Beckham. You may see Tail roaming around by the office or patrolling the campground as lake security. Beckham and our new baby girl Atley will be with us most days in office or helping to check you in to your sites! Nine RV sites- #1, 2, 6, 7, 8 are 30/50 amp, water hookups, fire pit, and waterfront. Sites #3, 4, 5, 9 are 30 amp Only, water hookups, firepit and waterfront. Check out descriptions and pictures of each site at booking. EightTent sites (More on the way)- Sites #1-4 are Sunset Cove primitive Sites and #5 and 6 are Group bigger sites side by side. Little Pond site all by itself on private pond off the main lake. Sawmill Creek Tent site right off backside of the dam. One Couples Glamping A-frame Cabin complete with add on extras to make your stay more special. Includes Canoe and fishing passes.

Blue Bear Mountain Camp

46 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · Boone, NC

Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers year-round camping experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Car-accessible tent and RV sites in a natural setting. Hike-in sites for those looking for a little more adventure and privacy. Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals for guests wanting a rustic, mountain getaway while staying in comfort. Located just 8 miles north of Boone, NC on over 150 acres of pristine mountain land, miles of hiking trails, a trout pond, and spacious low-density sites allow the guest to get away from it all in a rustic, remote setting. In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At 4,000 feet elevation, come enjoy cool mountain breezes and mild temperatures. Blue Bear Mountain is a scenic location for large events such as weddings, corporate events, and family reunions. Come Get away from it all at Blue Bear Mountain! Blue Bear Mountain offers spacious, Low-Density RV camping, spacious, private, rustic car-accessible tent camping, and spacious, private remote tent camping. Blue Bear Mountain also offers luxury Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals to provide you with more choices of how to experience your mountain getaway. In a beautiful mountain setting with incredible views, the Stargazer Domes are a great way to enjoy the camping experience without really roughing it. Great for a romantic getaway or bringing the family. Furnished with a queen size bed, complete with high-quality linens, a bistro table, and chairs, you will stay in complete comfort. Conveniently located near the bathhouse with private bathrooms, a Laundry room, and a dishwashing station. You can drive right up to the handcrafted stargazer dome. Relax and take in the views while sitting around your stone fire ring. A park grill, picnic table, and free bundle of firewood are also provided to complete your glamping getaway.

Ash Grove Cabins and Camping

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents14 acres · Brevard, Transylvania

Nature Revives the Spirit! We believe the sights and sounds of nature - not those of the next guest, will help our guests achieve this ideal. Trees, flowering mountain laurel and rhododendron help to screen sites from one another, adding to a feeling of privacy and peace. So, revive your spirit in one of our forest walk-to tent sites, shady, drive-to tent or RV sites, quirky shelters, or fully furnished rustic mountain cabins. Located in the heart of "The Land of Waterfalls", we have more than 250 waterfalls within 30 minutes of Ash Grove. Centrally located between DuPont State Forest, Pisgah National Forest and Gorges State Park, we offer the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts wanting to hike, bike, ride horses, fish, kayak, paddle or even visit our local breweries! As we like to tell our guests, Ash Grove is located 15 minutes away from Awesome in every direction!

100%

(1)

Castle Hayne Jane's Family Farm

30 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Castle Hayne, NC

We have undeveloped farmland with small clearings for camping across from Riverside Park on the Northeast Cape Fear River. Our land is located in Castle Hayne, NC, an equestrian community just north of Wilmington. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and sunbathing are available on the river. Down the road in Castle Hayne you'll find mountain biking, horseback riding, disc golf, restaurants and socialization (try Luck's Tavern for great live music and karaoke!) We're also located just a short trip away from unique area attractions, including Masonboro Island, Screen Gems Film and TV Studios, The USS North Carolina Battleship, Fort Fisher, Wrightsville Beach, and Historic Downtown Wilmington. Enjoy your stay with us! Here are links to fun activities nearby: Luck's Tavern Karaoke Bar: https://www.facebook.com/Luckstavern/ Castle Hayne Disc Golf Course: https://www.newhanoverdgc.com/ Hanover Stables Horseback Riding: http://hanoverstables.net Blue Clay Mountain Biking Park: http://nhcparksconservancy.org/our-parks/blue-clay/ Castle Hayne Boat Ramp: https://castlehaynewatertours.com Food Scene: Buen Dia Authentic Mexican Breakfast: https://www.buendiarestaurant.com Highway 55 Burgers: https://hwy55.com Domino's Pizza: https://www.dominos.com Paul's Place Famous Hotdogs: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pauls-place-famous-hotdogs-rocky-point Jung's Egg Roll Express: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jungs-egg-roll-express-castle-hayne Uncle Louie's: https://www.unclelouiespizzerialounge.com Nigori Sushi: http://nigorigourmet.com The Sawmill Cafe: https://sawmillcafeandcatering.com Historic Sites, Venues, & Beaches: https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/events/ https://www.wrightsvillebeach.com/events.html https://simplelifefishing.com/classes https://www.southendsurf.com/about

100%

(4)

StatelineMovieTime.com

55 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Tabor City, NC

statelinemovietime.com $45.00 per night. Special events and high travel season fills up fast. Please contact directly for more information. Gates are locked late and opened at request. Burn band in effect. Special area for bonfire, grilling, ect. Only minutes to NC/SC Beaches, attractions, and more. Secure and safe environment. $5.00 per night pet fee. God bless, safe travels. 9104991756

100%

(55)

Emberglow Outdoor Resort

60 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents77 acres · Mill Spring, Polk

Come enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends in the rolling hills of Western North Carolina at Emberglow Outdoor Resort. We’ve assembled one-of-a-kind lodging options on 72 acres in a beautiful private valley, complete with spring-fed creeks and a night sky of a billion stars. We’re conveniently situated between Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville, and Columbia. Get a closer look at the beautiful Emberglow Outdoor Resort property in our photo galleries and book now to experience it for yourself. An elevated camping experience nestled in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Western NC. A CONVENIENT ESCAPE Located near Lake Lure, a less than 2-hour drive from Charlotte, Greenville, Columbia, and Asheville, we offer our guests a convenient escape from the commotion of the weekly grind. UNIQUE LODGING OPTIONS Pick your unique lodging experience or bring your own. Yurts, AirStreams, Treehouses, and more are available for rent or park your RV or pitch a tent in one of our beautiful campsites. OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS There are endless outdoor activities and attractions in nearby Lake Lure, or you can take advantage of our resort-quality amenities without ever leaving the property. At Emberglow, you can play outside on your own terms, limit your travel time, and disconnect from the daily hamster wheel. Our mission is to deliver to our guests an exceptional place to enjoy the great outdoors with a variety of comfortable lodging options and unique amenities. Book your stay today! EXPLORE OUR Unique Lodging Choose from more than 20 memorable lodging options or set up your own in one of our fully-equipped RV or tent sites, all with access to our resort-quality amenities. • Vintage Campers • Treehouses • Tiny Homes • Yurts • Glamping Pods • Safari Tent • Primitive Tree Houses • RV Rental Trailers • RV Sites • Primitive Tent Sites ON-SITE AMENITIES A resort-quality pool awaits you to kick your feet up. Take on the family in sand volleyball or hit the hiking trails. Emberglow’s premium on-site amenities are just the start of your vacation possibilities. • Resort Quality Pool • Hiking/Biking Trails • Dog Park • Pedal Kart Rentals • Free Wifi • The Jump Pad • Sand Volleyball • Bicycle Rentals (Adult + Youth Sizes) • Sport Fields • Community Fire Pit • GaGa Ball Pit • Playground

100%

(4)

HorsePower Camp & Treefort

20 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Morganton, NC

Learn more about this land: HorsePower Camp and Treefort - Family fun located in the Foothills of Western North Carolina, with wooded trails, Mountain views and creek swimming beach. We provide modern amenities, natural and rustic camping with riding experiences for all ages. Luxury Camping with our Treefort Camp Site, Primitive Tent Camping or RV Hookup site. We offer Polaris Adventures RZR Rentals or Bring your toys and hit the trails, dirt track, infield course, hill climbs and mud bogs. We have a creek with a sandy beach for shallow swimming, assorted snacks and drinks(weekends). Bathrooms and showers. We are conveniently located a little over an hour from both Charlotte and Asheville on HWY 64 just a few miles out of Morganton off I-40 and the perfect headquarters for Foothills sightseeing. We have a variety of camping settings from private and shaded tent sites with mountain views, flat paved areas for large RVs with trees, large sites for groups. Camping sites are large and located throughout the property and can accommodate larger groups but the pricing includes 1 tent/rv and 4 people, additional tents/people will also be charged the nightly camping fee. Open Ride Pass (release waiver) available for $20 adults and $10 kids and are good for the length of the camping stay (or Fri-Sun of that week whichever is longer). Campsites 1-11 are reserved spots and campsites 12-20 are distributed camping ,where you can pick an area yourself. We are flexible with adjusting sites as needed and available at arrival.

83%

(6)

Jack Rabbit Lake

35 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Lawsonville, NC

This property was once owned by a gentleman named Jack. He was known for selling rabbit pelts. He was also commissioned by the government to make apple brandy. The farm has been in the same family for many generations. Learn more about this land: Catch and release fishing. Kayaks are welcomed. Take nature hikes and view local wildlife and vegetation, Enjoy riding your horses, bikes, golf cart, and ATV's in designated areas, as not to scare guests with horses. Riding ATV's or carts after dusk should be quiet and courteous to others. Blue Ridge Parkway and other state park facilities nearby. There is a cafe, a gas station, and a Dollar General within 5 miles of the site. Pets are welcome as long as they don't distress other guests. We asked that everything you bring onto the property be removed when you leave, including all trash and debris. We ask that you be respectful to other guests, wildlife, and vegetation in the area. The site once operated an Apple brandy distillery, a working farm, and has been in the same family for several generations.

100%

(4)

Cypress Cove Retreat

22 sites · Lodging14 acres · Harrellsville, NC

We want to share our slice of the Chowan River with those who will respect fellow campers as well as wildlife. We have a hobby farm which includes goats, chickens and ducks as well as our guard dog, Bailey (Great Pyrenees) and some country cats. Learn more about this land: Book with this link: https://app.fireflyreservations.com/kiosk/property/CypressCoveRetreat We have a boat ramp for small boats, beach has pier to fish, swimming in the river, peaceful getaway you won’t want to leave. Full hookups as well as primitive land with well water faucet if you need water also dump station access. Overnight as well as long term stays are welcome. Primitive tent sites on the beach. Call office for details. 757.803.8496