Discover the best river, stream, or creek campgrounds in North Carolina with hot tubs

United States
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North Carolina

99% (512 reviews)

Popular camping styles for North Carolina

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in North Carolina

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(6)

Pink Fox Cove Cabin

1 site · Lodging13 acres · Weaverville, NC

This immaculate small cabin near Asheville is ready to treat you to a luxurious retreat experience. We are located only 15 minutes from Asheville and a few miles from the parkway, surrounded by 14 acres of forest. There is a private hot tub that is all yours! Sauna available upon request. Professional massage therapist onsite as well. The house is hand crafted with unique creative touches for your delight. We look forward to having you! This home was built in 2019 by an expert craftsman with the vision of making it cozy and spacious with sweet artistic details and lots of care and love. The home is 300 sq feet but feels much more grand inside. You will be nestled on 14 pristine acres of forest, with two decks, your own personal private hot tub, and a spring fed creek not too far down the driveway. There is a gas fireplace outdoors on the porch, and an outdoor fire pit for your use as well. The house has a queen size bed in the upper loft, a large twin day bed on the first level, and an extra loft with camping mats if needed above the day bed. The house can comfortably sleep 3 and up to 4 or 5 especially if a couple of them are children or petite people. The house has a full kitchen and bathroom, living room area and two lofts. For now there is a composting toilet that is easy to maintain and we are happy to help you with it if you’re on the land for more than a few days. The main house is about 30 yards up the hill, and although somewhat close, you will have plenty of privacy. We are close if you need us, but we try to give all of our guests ultimate privacy. The house is under a huge magnolia tree, so it stays shaded in the summer and quite cool. There is an AC unit and heaters in the house as well. There is a personal hot tub, which is screened in, and located on the front deck of the house now. You will love it! There is a back deck that is only for meditation, yoga, and bird watching, and we ask that folks stay silent on the back deck if they use it. Pets are welcome at an extra charge of $40 a night. If anything is needed down at the house we are available. Much of the time there is a massage therapist on site, so if you are interested in getting Bodywork please just inquire about prices and availability. There is also a wood-fired sauna on the property, so if you would like to sauna please let us know. And an added bonus is that you are only 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and LOTS of great hiking, great restaurants, bars, coffee shops, art galleries and more. Asheville is 15 minutes from the tiny cabin and Weaverville is 10 minutes away. On any given day you might see a family a deer, turkeys or bears in the front yard. There is a spring fed creek on the edge of the property you are welcome to soak your feet in, and there is incredible hiking just a few miles away. You are welcome to explore the 13 acres of property as well that the home is located on. This is not a place for parties. Our neighbors are about 200 yards down the hill so we try to respect their privacy and keep it quiet. That is why we have made the back deck a retreat/silent deck. Maximum of 4 guests.

Candy Mountain Goat Farm

10 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Murphy, NC

Our six-acre solar-powered goat farm is a quiet and peaceful slice of paradise away from the chaos and noise but close to so many places to adventure. Spring is in the air and goats are having kids (babies). Visit during May through July and play with lots of baby goats! Feed and play with the goats, picnic along our grass-covered brook, hang out around the large fire pit, and rejuvenate while being close to the many Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountain activities. We have two custom-built RV pads with 15 and 30-amp service plus water and four grass tent locations overlooking a small brook in a forest-shaded park-like setting. Internet is provided by Starlink Business - high speed, low latency, and great for remote workers. We provide solid service throughout the entire property. Work from the top of a mountain!! IP service is available throughout the property - perfect for Van Life or van living. 200-300 down and at least 20-30 up!! Nearby are numerous hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, and other outdoor activities such as tubing, white water rafting, and boating. If you want to chill, you can check out a local swimming hole, We have several options for our guests at the farm, including a small zipline, farm activities, loop trail, massage services (20+yr licensed), spring trail, wine tastings, weekly outdoor movies (on request), and our petting area where you can interact with very friendly goats. RV/CAR/VANLIFE We can help by recommending and using local mechanics, on-site RV repair (they come to us), solar and power troubleshooting, and good old-fashioned southern kindness.

DuPont Bike Retreat

14 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Brevard, NC

DuPont Bike Retreat is located 1/4 mile from the Fawn Lake Access area into DuPont State Forest. The DBR is 37 acres and has a pond with a dock and numerous camping sites available. The property used to hold Glass Feather Studio, which was a glass art studio and is now Glass Feather Lodge. The mountain view from the indoor porch is amazing and there are several places to relax and enjoy this view. There is an outdoor shower and bike wash station behind the lodge and two indoor bathrooms (one with shower) off the porch. The lower Pond Area of the property has a port-a-john near the pond. Starter bundles of firewood are included, and additional can usually be purchased on-site. Come enjoy the forest straight from your campsite!

Asheville Area Luxury Solo RV'ing

1 site · RV1 acre · Fletcher, NC

Asheville Area Luxury Dwellings offers a gated year round solo RV site with full hook ups, firewood, kindling, bike wash or pet wash station, and trash service provided by your host in the nightly rate. ADDITIONALLY, you can enhance your stay by adding any of the FOUR EXTRA AMENITIES before checking out. Extras which are available for a one time fee are onsite which include a partially covered lighted outdoor shelter with a grill, bar sink, bar stools, and infrared heater above the couch to warm up on those chilly nights. This outdoor covered porch can be added to your stay in the extras sections if you so choose. The hot tub and outdoor shower are also available for rent for a one time charge under the extras section. Working remotely? Add wifi in the extras section. Rv'ing with a friend? No problem, you can add one additional RV to your booking. Our site can accommodate two large rigs. If these items are not needed then you can still use the site only at the nightly price. Remember, your nightly rate includes a bike wash or pet wash station to clean up after a day of exploring the Asheville area, firewood, kindling, and trash service are always included in your nightly price. 0ur site is only 10 miles to downtown Asheville and 8 miles to the Biltmore Estate. Come relax by the outdoor fire pit and listen to the sound of the natural spring flowing down the mountain. Come enjoy our RV site in beautiful Asheville Area. We are glad to offer a one of a kind private mountainous solo RV site.

Secret Garden of Eden

4 sites · Lodging, RVs20 acres · Weaverville, NC

Closest experience to Hot Springs you'll find just 15 minutes from Asheville! Our hot tubs and pool are constantly refreshed with mountain spring water! Retreat into nature on our 20-acre organic food forest! Take a hot soak under the stars. Swim laps in our saltwater pool. Take a barefoot hike. Pick berries in the summer, apples in the fall. Have a campfire. Sleep to the sound of crickets, and wake to the sound of birds. **Secret Garden of Eden is a Private Membership Association (PMA). We are not open to the general public, nor are our glamping cabins permitted by or regulated by any government entity. Your reservation includes a $1 lifetime membership to our Private Membership Association.

12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds in North Carolina with hot tubs

99%

(418)

DuPont Bike Retreat

14 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Brevard, NC

DuPont Bike Retreat is located 1/4 mile from the Fawn Lake Access area into DuPont State Forest. The DBR is 37 acres and has a pond with a dock and numerous camping sites available. The property used to hold Glass Feather Studio, which was a glass art studio and is now Glass Feather Lodge. The mountain view from the indoor porch is amazing and there are several places to relax and enjoy this view. There is an outdoor shower and bike wash station behind the lodge and two indoor bathrooms (one with shower) off the porch. The lower Pond Area of the property has a port-a-john near the pond. Starter bundles of firewood are included, and additional can usually be purchased on-site. Come enjoy the forest straight from your campsite!

Secret Garden of Eden

4 sites · Lodging, RVs20 acres · Weaverville, NC

Closest experience to Hot Springs you'll find just 15 minutes from Asheville! Our hot tubs and pool are constantly refreshed with mountain spring water! Retreat into nature on our 20-acre organic food forest! Take a hot soak under the stars. Swim laps in our saltwater pool. Take a barefoot hike. Pick berries in the summer, apples in the fall. Have a campfire. Sleep to the sound of crickets, and wake to the sound of birds. **Secret Garden of Eden is a Private Membership Association (PMA). We are not open to the general public, nor are our glamping cabins permitted by or regulated by any government entity. Your reservation includes a $1 lifetime membership to our Private Membership Association.

Asheville Area Luxury Solo RV'ing

1 site · RV1 acre · Fletcher, NC

Asheville Area Luxury Dwellings offers a gated year round solo RV site with full hook ups, firewood, kindling, bike wash or pet wash station, and trash service provided by your host in the nightly rate. ADDITIONALLY, you can enhance your stay by adding any of the FOUR EXTRA AMENITIES before checking out. Extras which are available for a one time fee are onsite which include a partially covered lighted outdoor shelter with a grill, bar sink, bar stools, and infrared heater above the couch to warm up on those chilly nights. This outdoor covered porch can be added to your stay in the extras sections if you so choose. The hot tub and outdoor shower are also available for rent for a one time charge under the extras section. Working remotely? Add wifi in the extras section. Rv'ing with a friend? No problem, you can add one additional RV to your booking. Our site can accommodate two large rigs. If these items are not needed then you can still use the site only at the nightly price. Remember, your nightly rate includes a bike wash or pet wash station to clean up after a day of exploring the Asheville area, firewood, kindling, and trash service are always included in your nightly price. 0ur site is only 10 miles to downtown Asheville and 8 miles to the Biltmore Estate. Come relax by the outdoor fire pit and listen to the sound of the natural spring flowing down the mountain. Come enjoy our RV site in beautiful Asheville Area. We are glad to offer a one of a kind private mountainous solo RV site.

Candy Mountain Goat Farm

10 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Murphy, NC

Our six-acre solar-powered goat farm is a quiet and peaceful slice of paradise away from the chaos and noise but close to so many places to adventure. Spring is in the air and goats are having kids (babies). Visit during May through July and play with lots of baby goats! Feed and play with the goats, picnic along our grass-covered brook, hang out around the large fire pit, and rejuvenate while being close to the many Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountain activities. We have two custom-built RV pads with 15 and 30-amp service plus water and four grass tent locations overlooking a small brook in a forest-shaded park-like setting. Internet is provided by Starlink Business - high speed, low latency, and great for remote workers. We provide solid service throughout the entire property. Work from the top of a mountain!! IP service is available throughout the property - perfect for Van Life or van living. 200-300 down and at least 20-30 up!! Nearby are numerous hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, and other outdoor activities such as tubing, white water rafting, and boating. If you want to chill, you can check out a local swimming hole, We have several options for our guests at the farm, including a small zipline, farm activities, loop trail, massage services (20+yr licensed), spring trail, wine tastings, weekly outdoor movies (on request), and our petting area where you can interact with very friendly goats. RV/CAR/VANLIFE We can help by recommending and using local mechanics, on-site RV repair (they come to us), solar and power troubleshooting, and good old-fashioned southern kindness.

Pink Fox Cove Cabin

1 site · Lodging13 acres · Weaverville, NC

This immaculate small cabin near Asheville is ready to treat you to a luxurious retreat experience. We are located only 15 minutes from Asheville and a few miles from the parkway, surrounded by 14 acres of forest. There is a private hot tub that is all yours! Sauna available upon request. Professional massage therapist onsite as well. The house is hand crafted with unique creative touches for your delight. We look forward to having you! This home was built in 2019 by an expert craftsman with the vision of making it cozy and spacious with sweet artistic details and lots of care and love. The home is 300 sq feet but feels much more grand inside. You will be nestled on 14 pristine acres of forest, with two decks, your own personal private hot tub, and a spring fed creek not too far down the driveway. There is a gas fireplace outdoors on the porch, and an outdoor fire pit for your use as well. The house has a queen size bed in the upper loft, a large twin day bed on the first level, and an extra loft with camping mats if needed above the day bed. The house can comfortably sleep 3 and up to 4 or 5 especially if a couple of them are children or petite people. The house has a full kitchen and bathroom, living room area and two lofts. For now there is a composting toilet that is easy to maintain and we are happy to help you with it if you’re on the land for more than a few days. The main house is about 30 yards up the hill, and although somewhat close, you will have plenty of privacy. We are close if you need us, but we try to give all of our guests ultimate privacy. The house is under a huge magnolia tree, so it stays shaded in the summer and quite cool. There is an AC unit and heaters in the house as well. There is a personal hot tub, which is screened in, and located on the front deck of the house now. You will love it! There is a back deck that is only for meditation, yoga, and bird watching, and we ask that folks stay silent on the back deck if they use it. Pets are welcome at an extra charge of $40 a night. If anything is needed down at the house we are available. Much of the time there is a massage therapist on site, so if you are interested in getting Bodywork please just inquire about prices and availability. There is also a wood-fired sauna on the property, so if you would like to sauna please let us know. And an added bonus is that you are only 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and LOTS of great hiking, great restaurants, bars, coffee shops, art galleries and more. Asheville is 15 minutes from the tiny cabin and Weaverville is 10 minutes away. On any given day you might see a family a deer, turkeys or bears in the front yard. There is a spring fed creek on the edge of the property you are welcome to soak your feet in, and there is incredible hiking just a few miles away. You are welcome to explore the 13 acres of property as well that the home is located on. This is not a place for parties. Our neighbors are about 200 yards down the hill so we try to respect their privacy and keep it quiet. That is why we have made the back deck a retreat/silent deck. Maximum of 4 guests.

100%

(7)

Private Glamper/HOT TUB/MNTN VIEWS

1 site · Lodging5 acres · NC

Welcome and Thank you for choosing All Seasons Glamping for your unique camping experience nestled on 4.3 Acres in the mountains of North Carolina. We hope you will enjoy the nature and an outdoor adventure or two. Relax and Stargaze in our Hot Tub with Stunning Mountain Views. Located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, 15 minutes from Cherokee, NC and the Casino, 10 mins drive to the Great Smoky National Park, and 5 mins drive to Downtown Bryson City, NC. This cute little Private R-Pod Camper provides a unique, convenient and memorable stay with epic views overlooking the mountains, and some hiking trails down to a little creek below the property. Perfect for all Seasons. Join us for a new Glamping Adventure!

100%

(8)

Candee's Mountain Retreat

3 sites · Lodging60 acres · Bakersville, NC

Our pods (arched cabins) are newly constructed tiny homes, well situated for both spectacular views as well as romantic privacy. Each home has an arched cabin style, cozy, yet well-appointed with a bedroom (queen bed), full bathroom, full kitchenette and living area with sofa and Roku TV. Homes are located close enough to enjoy a campfire with neighbors, but separated enough to enjoy that special romantic evening on your own large deck with spectacular views, or late at night enjoying the stars above. Each cabin has its very own fire pit. All cabins are outfitted with an outdoor hottub. Property is over 60 acres of onsite hiking trails, or find your special spot to sit on a bench and enjoy the view. We are just up the road from the Toe River. The famous Appalachian Trail is just minutes away, as are the Gem mines that made Mitchell County famous. Our property is historic and once a famous location for moonshine production, detailed in the book "Red Hill" available on Amazon. Or Google the "Bakersville Riots". Truly a place to enjoy hiking, or just relaxing on the beautiful large decks.

93%

(40)

Nantahala: Cabins & Campsites

13 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · NC

We just retired from Active Duty Air Force! My ancestors have owned the land our NC cabins sit on since 1836. In fact, my mother grew up there after my Grandfather returned from WWII when there was no electricity and the outhouse was a bench over the creek. I grew up hiking the mountains with my brothers and our BB guns and my Uncle Frank at our family reunions. In 2005 he deeded us a parcel of land and we built our first cabin - Smawlie. We love to come to the cabin and Hike the trails on our own property, and of course, the world famous ones that join them, namely the Bartram and the Appalachian Trails. As you explore the lake, the trails, the rivers, and the mountain roads you'll see why our ancestors settled here. In 2018 - we bought the remainder of Uncle Frank's land - and in his honor built our second cabin - Frank's Landing. Also in that year I started managing my brother Bill's cabin. When we were stationed in Alaska for 6 heavenly years - we purchased a remote parcel of property and have slowly begun to develop it. We just completed building our cabin there. Thanks for reading this little tid bit about us. We love to explore the mountains and are excited to share our cabins with you.

Vines And Goats Glamping

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Banner Elk, NC

Welcome to Vines and Goats Glamping, a truly unique luxury experience nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering unparalleled views of the vineyards of Banner Elk Winery and the surrounding breathtaking countryside. Immerse yourself in luxury with our two Luxury Geodomes, each featuring a king-size bed, AC/heat, beautifully appointed interiors, private bathrooms, private hot tubs, black stone grills, solo fire pits, and stunning outdoor entertainment areas. In addition, we proudly introduce the Wild Goat Wagon, an exquisite Western-themed accommodation featuring a king-size bed, AC/heat, Western interior, a themed entertainment area with a solo fire pit, blackstone grill, and proximity to the vineyards, providing a magical experience both day and night. Take in the tranquility of our streamside seating area and enjoy visiting our long-haired Angora Goats for a special meet and greet, perfect for capturing memorable photos. Venture to the nearby Winery for wine tasting experiences. While our property offers serenity, we are only 5 minutes from Downtown Banner Elk, boasting a plethora of restaurants and drinking establishments. Additionally, we are just minutes away from Beech and Sugar Mountain, Valle Crucis, Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, and more. There's truly nothing like our accommodations anywhere else, and we are dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience for all our guests. After an incredible first year in 2023, we are thrilled to promote our 2024 season, which is just beginning.

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2 Ponds & a Pup

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Winston Salem, NC

This land has never been developed, we have spent the entire year making it a beautiful area to enjoy and relax and get back to nature without having to leave the city. We are 10 minutes from the best pizza place downtown. Learn more about this land:We have a beautiful safari tent with a deck and a hot tub, furnished with a plush queen size mattress, oversize duvet, extra throws and pillows and indoor seating for 2 or you can Pitch your tent anywhere on our 4 acres and have complete access to the firepit and outdoor kitchen/bar area we have set up. We provide a gas grill, sink and small fridge and a fresh supply of drinking water, basic kitchen utensils and coffee. We have a pool house with a full bathroom as well as an outdoor shower if you are brave in this weather. ;) We are nestled in a quiet neighborhood, there are neighbors but you can barely see them, however there are dogs in the area, so please leash your pets and there will be some barkers at times.

Large Retreat - Adventure & Beauty

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Bryson City, NC

Welcome to Hideaway Point, a retreat property meticulously designed and built with a vision for bringing people together. Our property comfortably accommodates up to 32 guests and is nestled within the breathtaking scenery of the Nantahala National Forest, offering stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Bryson City, North Carolina, we provide a haven of casual comfort surrounded by the splendor of nature in a uniquely charming setting. Guests can enjoy three hot tubs, a sauna house, and a fire pit, all while soaking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. With quick access to endless outdoor adventures, Hideaway Point is the perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and exploration.

Booked 1 time

Old River Cabin

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Sugar Mountain, NC

Immerse yourself in nature at this enchanting 1200-square-foot log cabin overlooking the Elk River. Built in 1884, but fully updated in 2020, the historic and picturesque Old River Cabin features contemporary design, a wood-burning fireplace, a hot tub, a river view, and a serene setting for a relaxing getaway. 4 Min Drive to Downtown Banner Elk 5 Min Drive to Sugar Mountain 12 Min Drive to Grandfather Mountain State Park Experience Banner Elk With Us

Available this weekend

100%

(26)

Secret Garden of Eden

4 sites · Lodging, RVs20 acres · Weaverville, NC

Closest experience to Hot Springs you'll find just 15 minutes from Asheville! Our hot tubs and pool are constantly refreshed with mountain spring water! Retreat into nature on our 20-acre organic food forest! Take a hot soak under the stars. Swim laps in our saltwater pool. Take a barefoot hike. Pick berries in the summer, apples in the fall. Have a campfire. Sleep to the sound of crickets, and wake to the sound of birds. **Secret Garden of Eden is a Private Membership Association (PMA). We are not open to the general public, nor are our glamping cabins permitted by or regulated by any government entity. Your reservation includes a $1 lifetime membership to our Private Membership Association.

Large Retreat - Adventure & Beauty

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Bryson City, NC

Welcome to Hideaway Point, a retreat property meticulously designed and built with a vision for bringing people together. Our property comfortably accommodates up to 32 guests and is nestled within the breathtaking scenery of the Nantahala National Forest, offering stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Bryson City, North Carolina, we provide a haven of casual comfort surrounded by the splendor of nature in a uniquely charming setting. Guests can enjoy three hot tubs, a sauna house, and a fire pit, all while soaking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. With quick access to endless outdoor adventures, Hideaway Point is the perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and exploration.

Candee's Mountain Retreat

3 sites · Lodging60 acres · Bakersville, NC

Our pods (arched cabins) are newly constructed tiny homes, well situated for both spectacular views as well as romantic privacy. Each home has an arched cabin style, cozy, yet well-appointed with a bedroom (queen bed), full bathroom, full kitchenette and living area with sofa and Roku TV. Homes are located close enough to enjoy a campfire with neighbors, but separated enough to enjoy that special romantic evening on your own large deck with spectacular views, or late at night enjoying the stars above. Each cabin has its very own fire pit. All cabins are outfitted with an outdoor hottub. Property is over 60 acres of onsite hiking trails, or find your special spot to sit on a bench and enjoy the view. We are just up the road from the Toe River. The famous Appalachian Trail is just minutes away, as are the Gem mines that made Mitchell County famous. Our property is historic and once a famous location for moonshine production, detailed in the book "Red Hill" available on Amazon. Or Google the "Bakersville Riots". Truly a place to enjoy hiking, or just relaxing on the beautiful large decks.

Nantahala: Cabins & Campsites

13 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · NC

We just retired from Active Duty Air Force! My ancestors have owned the land our NC cabins sit on since 1836. In fact, my mother grew up there after my Grandfather returned from WWII when there was no electricity and the outhouse was a bench over the creek. I grew up hiking the mountains with my brothers and our BB guns and my Uncle Frank at our family reunions. In 2005 he deeded us a parcel of land and we built our first cabin - Smawlie. We love to come to the cabin and Hike the trails on our own property, and of course, the world famous ones that join them, namely the Bartram and the Appalachian Trails. As you explore the lake, the trails, the rivers, and the mountain roads you'll see why our ancestors settled here. In 2018 - we bought the remainder of Uncle Frank's land - and in his honor built our second cabin - Frank's Landing. Also in that year I started managing my brother Bill's cabin. When we were stationed in Alaska for 6 heavenly years - we purchased a remote parcel of property and have slowly begun to develop it. We just completed building our cabin there. Thanks for reading this little tid bit about us. We love to explore the mountains and are excited to share our cabins with you.

DuPont Bike Retreat

14 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Brevard, NC

DuPont Bike Retreat is located 1/4 mile from the Fawn Lake Access area into DuPont State Forest. The DBR is 37 acres and has a pond with a dock and numerous camping sites available. The property used to hold Glass Feather Studio, which was a glass art studio and is now Glass Feather Lodge. The mountain view from the indoor porch is amazing and there are several places to relax and enjoy this view. There is an outdoor shower and bike wash station behind the lodge and two indoor bathrooms (one with shower) off the porch. The lower Pond Area of the property has a port-a-john near the pond. Starter bundles of firewood are included, and additional can usually be purchased on-site. Come enjoy the forest straight from your campsite!

River, stream, or creek camping in North Carolina with hot tubs guide

Overview

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.