Camping in North Carolina
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, your adventure is waiting.
- North Carolina
97% (19032 reviews)
Popular camping styles for North Carolina
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12 top campgrounds in North Carolina
99%
(1920)
Starlight Hills
16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Bostic, Rutherford
Our Spa is now available for booking!
We are a constantly evolving location.
Our goal is to provide a genuine secluded camping experience immersed in nature in a mountainous forest with privacy and well spaced out, secluded
camp sites. We also have minimal light pollution, so our skies are beautiful for
viewing the stars. We offer trails through natural wooded habitat with hidden gems of nature.
Wildlife viewing throughout. There are feed locations to increase viewing opportunities.
A creek on the property is lovely
for walking.
Centered between Charlotte and Asheville we are within your reach!
We offer primitive tent camping, Glamping Tents and a Cabin. Glamping and cabin have a private Mountain View, fire pit area, Queen bed, Night Stand (built in phone charger), Desk area, interior and exterior lighting, heater and fan (powered by solar system).
As a part of Starlight Hills Campground you have access to filtered drinking water, common overlook (w/ BBQ pits & picnic tables), trails, bathroom and showers.
Welcome to bring all your furry family members ❤️.
Please Note: 2 Wheel Dr. vehicles can access all of our sites. Gravel/ Dirt road up hill.
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$36
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99%
(205)
Tiny House in Happy Valley
1 site · Lodging300 acres · Lenoir, Caldwell
I moved here from San Francisco, to simplify my life, and accomplish my dreams. The Tiny house was designed and built by architect, Jesse Plaster. It's a unique cozy loft style design, set back in the woods on our property. It's purposely placed next to a creek, with a nice stone fire ring to really enjoy the outdoors. In the cold months, it's heated by a wood burning stove. Also next to the house are logging roads that allow you to hike the Ripshin Mountains. The Yadkin River is near by, and so is Boone and Blowing Rock. If you like mountain biking, bring your bike to ride Kerr Scott, or Zacks Fork trails. Also, check out the workshops at Pattersonschoolfoundation.org They offer sustainable living classes such as cheese making, mushroom foraging, blacksmithing, soap making, kimchi making, etc... Also ask about our private Yoga sessions. Last but not least, there is a wood burning private sauna that your able to reserve.Come enjoy our Happy Valley! Mi casa es su casa!
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$105
/ night
99%
(1125)
Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch
15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Waynesville, Haywood
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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$49
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99%
(694)
Black River Camping Ventures
12 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Ivanhoe, Bladen
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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$35
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99%
(160)
Above the Fray Glamping, Black Mtn.
6 sites · Lodging11 acres · Black Mountain, Buncombe
The views are hypnotic and look down and out over the continental divide. Good morning sun and sunsets can be seen in the same spot. Your car is parked within feet of your deck so Car Campers and experienced campers can enjoy. Designed with campers and dogs in mind. The deck is large (384 square feet) with a tin roof. Some roofs are full size, some 2/3rds and some 1/3rd, depending on what one wants for tent size or sun. (See pictures of each site/deck) Each deck has sun and rain curtains for helping keep comfortable in normal weather. Dogs enjoy a two gate system so quests and dogs can be leash free and away from the road. All dog owners know to pick up after their pets. The human Private Porta John is cleaned weekly. Lights and electrical is 110V (3 prongs) for YOUR coffee pots, electric grills, mattress inflators, crockpots, electric blankets fans, etc. I do not provide any electrical appliances, other than counter area lighting and low level string lights so one can see the night sky. Many of my campers will "Pay it Forward" and leave coffee pots, hot plates, fans and such, so count yourself lucky to find a deck with them. I provide chairs, 5 gallons of fresh water in containers, fickle solar shower and pop up changing room along with an assortment of camping supplies from dog bowls to antimicrobial wipes. I provide various size garbage bags to manage your garbage. Your parking area is next to the deck. Black Mountain’s tasty restaurants are 4 miles away and All Trails is a great app for finding trails suited for your interest. Be respectful to the place and please be friendly to the people you meet.
Learn more about this land:
Private Glamping Decks with a view that pictures do not do justice. Private decks on a dead-end gravel road mean hopefully the sounds will only be of nature. The conveniences of electricity, porta john, water, chairs, table, roof, cleaning supplies, rain curtains, and astounding views have my Glampers coming back often. Designed with Dogs in mind with a two-gate system and no need for a leash when on the deck. Obnoxious, barking dogs are not welcome, so bring only controlled and well socialized dogs. Help me keep it dog friendly. Never block the road with a park car.
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$75
/ night
100%
(112)
The Dancing Pig On Abbotts Creek
2 sites · Lodging24 acres · Lexington, Davidson
A small homestead on the bank of Abbotts Creek near where it feeds into High Rock Lake. Peace and solitude , but close to the amenities of town. Less than a five minute drive to the grocery store, and less than a fifteen minute drive to uptown Lexington. Public access for kayaks is less than half a mile away. And the view is unbelievable!
We have a corn hole board and bags now available for use, as well as a few other yard games
The edible landscape is available for you to enjoy. Check here for what is currently available.
7/24/23 Update
Herbs- rosemary, thyme, sage, chives, dill, sweet basil, lemon basil, cinnamon basil, Thai basil, tulsi, mint, chamomile, marjoram, oregano, parsley, lemongrass, catmint
Onions
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Red yard beans
Green Beans
Okra
Zucchini and yellow squash
Swiss chard
Blackberries
A few small beets
Eggs
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$79
/ night
100%
(151)
The Waldhaus Resort
4 sites · Lodging60 acres · Barnardsville, Buncombe
Waldhaus Resort is a special place surrounded by the Pisgah National Forrest. Pure nature close to a thriving metropolitan area. We offer the Sawmill and the Summit!I have been an engineer, corporate executive and world traveler all my life. Born and raised in Switzerland I speak German, French, English and a little Spanish. My passion is the outdoors, hunting, fishing and cooking . My other calling is to entertain people which share the same passions. That’s why I created the Waldhaus resort.During the past years, the Sawmill has become my favorite place to spend quality time in what I call "Cabin Living" which I love so much. Nearly every day there is a small challenge, nothing comes easy, but all the coziness and comfort is there. The water is supplied by a spring above the mill. Electricity is generated by solar technology and a generator. All refrigeration and cooking appliances are propane; and so is the basic heat (propane again) - and a very old Jotul wood stove will do the rest. I sleep a lot on the day bed in the living room so the Sawmill can be comfortably rented for up to 4 guests. The outhouse is a thing of the past, just recently I installed a compositing toilet besides the bedroom.We also offer The Summit which is a high elevation, 2-story cabin surrounded by national forest which has evolved into an off-grid living and play space located at nearly 3300 feet elevation on a 1/2 acre flat with an incredible view. There are very private old forest service trails leading directly into the Pisgah National Forest.
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$80
/ night
100%
(108)
Pause || Eco-Retreat at Aramesh
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Clyde, Haywood
This no ordinary campground. Your experience will be as if you are exploring your own private mountain nature reserve. Aramesh is 120 acres of Blue Ridge heaven with something for every wilderness adventure seeker: unmatched mountain views, lush old growth forests, babbling brooks, and miles of trails for all skill levels. The property starts at 3700 ft altitude, with summit at 4500 ft on the Glades mountain ridge. We have only a few campsites on the vast property, so the wind in the trees and birds will be all you hear. Come and stay with us and be renewed!
Campsites: They are 3/4-1/4 mile from the entrance. Some are accessible by 4WD. There may be some vigorous hiking involved, but the views are worth it. The pads are various sizes. Let us know what the needs of your party are and we can help you choose from the available spots. We also have several more remote “off-menu” sites for those seeking a backpacking adventure - ask for more information if your are interested.
Hiking: There are several miles of trails on the property. They range from an easy slope to very strenuous. The entire property is fenced so you won't easily get lost. Your climbing efforts will be amply rewarded by stunning views, especially at sunset. Trail maps are available upon request.
On-Site Amenities: we provide a clean porta-potty and running water that is spring fed. We ask that you follow "Leave-No-Trace" procedures during your stay.
Off-Site Amenities: If you choose to explore the area : we are a 10 minute drive from I-40 Exit 24. Asheville is 45 minutes away; Waynesville is 25 minutes away. Presnell's Grocery (highly recommended, family-owned store that sells locally farmed products) is 10 minutes away from the property entrance. The Ingles supermarket in Canton is a 15 minute drive. You will find every kind of fast food in that area. There are also several excellent local dining options in Canton, Clyde, and Waynesville which we are happy to recommend to you by request.
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$49
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98%
(158)
Raven Ridge
2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Marshall, Madison
James landed on the property in 2009, built a small barn and milked 3 cows for 3 years. Then, started planting trees,gardening the hillsides. He married in 2015 and has three Daughters with Sofi, originally from Sweden.
Together they manage a botanically interesting hobby hill farm and are happy to host travelers and seekers in their cabins. Hilltop was a joint project that James built in 2012 with a talented woodworker and friend in 6 months of saturday for less than $5k. We have maintained the original vibe of the place, rustic simplicity and elegance a notch or two above glamping, well-described by the zen koan, "chop wood, carry water" Orchard House was built entirely by James from the block up to the roof, averaging 1 hour/day for 3 years or 1,000 hours.
Some of the Hilltop photos are a bit dated, we have a more private outhouse behind the cabin, and have made a few improvements here and there. Reach out anytime for any reason ! We really like hosting and nearly everyone enjoys their stay.
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$75
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99%
(402)
Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping
12 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Robbinsville, Graham
Private property bordering Nantahala National Forest on Little Snowbird Creek in Robbinsville, NC. 16mi from Lake Santeelah, about 10mi from the Cherohala Skyway.
MUST HAVE 4X4 OR AWD VEHICLE TO ACCESS MOUTAINTOP CAMPSITES. Property damage fee of $100 for 2WD vehicles not adhering to rule.
2WD vehicles must camp creekside, sites 1-6. NO AXES, HATCHETS, MACHETES ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY. NO NAILS IN THE TREES TO HANG THINGS. It damages the tree and causes them to die.
Spacious camping lots, and great trout fishing but will need a landowner permission slip as little snowbird creek is on private property. Fishing privileges are actually written into property owners' deed on the purchase of land.
Amazing views and relaxing sounds of the creek can be heard from anywhere on the property. Many Hiking trails are just a short drive from the property and please be respectful of others' property and no trespassing signs.
It’s a kinda bumpy mountain road to get there but the secluded, peaceful and breathtaking views make this location a must-see and adventure.
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$33
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100%
(113)
Barnhill Mountain in Fletcher, NC
2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Hoopers Creek, Henderson
My wife and I moved to the area, from Boone, in the spring of 2014.
Our dream was to own a house, preferably a cabin, on top of a mountain with long range views and a gradual winding road to the top.
Living in Boone, this dream was definitely out of reach.
When we began our search for a new home in the Asheville area, we discovered that the more affordable homes were in fact on the mountains.
Perfect!
In general I always have a pretty positive outlook on what’s possible, however, I was skeptical that we would ever find our dream home.
As Jeannie began her Zillow browsing adventures, one particular cabin with acreage,
that was outside of our budget continued to pop up.
Jeannie would delete it and then it would come back.
At some point the price began to drop, and drop, and drop.
On our way back into town one weekend after attending a wedding, I convinced Jeannie to drive by the cabin
just because we had the time.
Immediately we fell in love and reached out to our realtor buddy.
It was more of a shot in the dark but it couldn’t hurt, right?
We held our breath for the next month totally expecting someone to get it under contract before us or the sellers not accepting our offer.
It had already been reduced significantly so we knew our chances of a lowball offer were slim.
We offered the most that we could get a loan for.
They accepted!
I still get anxious thinking back to that month, October 2014.
Many years and two children later, here we are, just as excited everyday to make the long trek up our mountain as we were that August of 2014, and now we are happy to offer a similar experience to you, without having to buy the place.
Never stop dreaming!
Hope to see you soon, cheers!
Learn more about this land:
Pitch your tent in the grass on the tip top of the mountain or park your camper in the flat gravel spot with a fire pit just below the top with beautiful views overlooking Cane Creek. In the fall and winter enjoy 360 degree views and in the summer enjoy the shade and cool breeze while relaxing & snacking on wild wine berries and black raspberries. What you will not find is light pollution, traffic, and a desire to leave the mountain. Fall asleep to the calls of the hoot owl and wake up to the knocking of the wood pecker.
If & when you decide to explore the area, be sure to checkout Hickory Nut Gap farm just 7.9 miles away & Whistle Hop Brewery 7.7 miles away. Turgua brewery just down on Cane Creek road is only 6.2 miles from camp. Cane Creek Valley Farm as well as the Cane Creek Community swimming pool is also at the base of camp just in case the kids need a dip of ice cream or a dip in the pool. Justus Apple Orchard is only 10 miles down the mountain towards Hendersonville. We love taking our kids there.
We are only 15 miles from downtown Asheville & Hendersonville, and 22 miles from Lake Lure. The site backs up to over 100 acres of forest for a truly wilderness feel just outside of town.
*Please message me proof of Military Service to receive your 25% discount code. We support our troops and their families.
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$35
/ night
99%
(1230)
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 may not be answered until the next morning.
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.
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$25
/ night
Under $50
Star Hosts in North Carolina
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping in North Carolina guide
Crank up the fiddle-and-banjo tunes while driving through the High Country, where campsites and high-altitude views along the Blue Ridge Parkway are marked by mists and mountains. The parkway rolls up to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, not far from the gorgeous homelands of the Cherokee tribe. Just east in Asheville, the Ale Trail rivals the Biltmore as the top draw, though live music and a fantastic culinary scene are close behind. Drive east to the windswept barrier islands of the Outer Banks for coastal camping, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures that tear across sea and sky. Charlotte, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh anchor the booming Central Piedmont.
Where to Go
High Country & the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway passes overlooks, waterfalls, and campgrounds in the rugged High Country of western North Carolina as it swoops south from Virginia. Mount Mitchell State Park, Linville Gorge, and Grandfather Mountain are Instagram-pretty while hiking and mountain biking trails beg to be explored.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Cherokee
Stories about Cherokee leaders and 19th-century mountain families add historic context to the mountain-and-forest views in the deep-green Smokies. Feeling social? Hit the welcoming Nantahala Outdoor Center for all-sorts of wild adventures, from rafting to ziplining. The Appalachian Trail runs along the North Carolina and Tennessee border in the national park then veers south through Nantahala National Forest.
Asheville & the Foothills
An easy detour from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville is a mountain town that’s going places. The craft beer situation is out of control—more than 30 breweries!—while innovative chefs keep the foodie scene abuzz. Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure, and gorgeous waterfalls are outdoor highlights in the foothills. Mountain bikers, get your fix in Pisgah National Forest.
North Carolina Coast
Wind, water, and sunny skies set a mood for fun along the North Carolina Coast. For the best all-around beach scene head to the Outer Banks, a 100-mile stretch of rugged barrier islands marked by dunes, fishing piers, and wild horses. Try hang-gliding at Jockey’s Ridge, windsurfing off Hatteras Island, and parasailing and paddling in Corolla and Duck. For close-to-the-beach tent camping, drive south to Cape Hatteras National Seashore or ferry over to Ocracoke Island.
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