Waterside camping in North Carolina
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, your adventure is waiting.
97% (15554 reviews)
- North Carolina
97% (15554 reviews)
Popular camping styles for North Carolina
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9 top waterside campgrounds in North Carolina
99%
(200)
Mountaintop Fantasy
4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Cullowhee, NC
Selected by Outside Magazine as their Favorite Hipcamp in North Carolina and a Hipcamp Finalist in N.C. 2020, 2021, and 2022 and runner up best treehouse in 2023, you can choose among three separate and memorable experiences in our 8 acre compound: 1) a woodsy, peaceful glamping experience with million dollar views in an 6 person tent;; 2) a glampingTreehouse with W/C; and 3) the newly built 2BR 1 1/2 BA private annex to our house. Each can be all yours - this is not a commercial campground.
Explore the innumerable trails and waterfalls of the Smokies; fish in the
Lake or numerous rivers and streams; swim in the Lake and at the sand beach down the road; rent a pontoon boat; travel the Blue Ridge Parkway; enjoy the shopping and restaurants of nearby Cashiers and Highlands.
Or just chill out. These are truly unique high altitude sites with amenities you won't find elsewhere.
Both are in a gated "subdivision" that has 60 lots but only 8 houses - the rest is woods and the only place in your vicinity is our cabin.
With unmatched mountain and western views, if you like the great outdoors on the mountain and in the woods,
This is the place for you and your family.
If you like a more camping style with tent (provided), covered camp kitchen, table and firepit ( along with the uncovered ones) check out Smoky Mountain High. Don't like tents? No problem. Check out our Treehouse with kitchen, bunks, grill, cooktop, heaters, W/C and more. Prefer indoor rustic luxury? The Glenville Aerie (4100') is a fully furnished, annex we built for our family, guests and friends who value their privacy.
Walkie-talkies to facilitate mountain communications. Board games too.
Access to our dock, canoes and kayak? Yep. Adult life preservers provided. Secret nature trail to our kids playground and trampoline. Hammock, kid's swing, hanging chair and dining for 6. Visit with Jake the Cat and our chickens.
This area is truly one of a kind spiritual respite.
These mountains are justly known for hiking, fishing, water sports, chilling out and forgetting about the Virus, politics and the nuisances of the workaday world. Our goal is to provide you and your family with an unforgettable and magical N.C. mountain experience, while reducing your blood pressure.
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$120
/ night
99%
(136)
Live Oaks Farm
5 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Holly Ridge, NC
Live Oaks Farm is a mini farm full of beautiful 200 year old live oak trees, willow trees, azaleas, other plants, and a pond.
We are a great oasis right off of Topsail Island that gets coastal breezes and plenty of sunshine. We are a small growing farm with chickens, dwarf Nigerian goats, and ducks. We also offer a seasonal pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm.
You will usually see Patrick working around the property or in the wood workshop building furniture. His beautiful wife Brittany and their gorgeous kids Maddox and Everlee enjoying the outdoors as well.
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$60
/ night
100%
(235)
Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...
1 site · RV, Tent35 acres · Walnut Cove, NC
NOTE: We are OPEN starting April 1st through October 31st. We are closed for the winter season.
Welcome! This primitive Tent/RV site offers: 2-Private Acres + FREE Firewood + 8-foot Industrial Picnic Table + Little Tikes Picnic Table + Commercial-Grade Port-A-Potty + Large Garbage Can + 5-Gallon Bucket + Adirondack/Sitting Chairs + Pet Friendly!
Solo travelers, families, and romantic getaway travelers: This is a very private and safe place to camp! Because we only have 1 site, you will be alone in the space the entire time. My family lives on the premises so we are here in case of an emergency.
My daughter and I own this 35 acre secluded piece of heaven just minutes from Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park, and other attractions. We are pet friendly (if your pet does not play well with our dog or horses, please leave them on a leash or at home). Our Shire horses are endangered and very BIG! We hope you have time to say hello to the horses during your visit.
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$35
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98%
(134)
Sparkroot Farm
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Moncure , NC
Sparkroot is a gathering place with permaculture gardens and growing food forest orchard.
We invite campers to enjoy our land, tiny cabin and funky, post-apocaMythic Airstream. We are located atop a hill surrounded by a woodland grove of ancient oaks. You are welcome to explore and make yourselves at home amongst the forest and gardens, as you listen to the owls hoot to each other at night under the stars.
Be welcome.
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$25
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100%
(1)
Cute Historic Cottage in Village
1 site · Lodging1 acre · Ocracoke, NC
Ocracoke is a North Carolina Island is known as the ultimate secluded family vacation destination in the state !! There is so much that the island has to offer. Not only are there swimming beaches and beaches that you can drive (with a permit), but there are also lovely areas for Kayaking and fishing !!
The Grey Pearl is an original 1934's Cottage located in the heart of the Village of Ocracoke. This lovely island 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath cottage offers a quiet respite after a fun filled day at the beach and out exploring. With its central location you can literally walk or bike to everything you need !
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$185
/ night
100%
(14)
Sacred Roots
2 sites · Lodging1 acres · Rosman, NC
A sublime place where art and the natural world collide. Start your morning enjoying coffee on the patio among the trees, completely immersed in nature. Relax by the garden after a long day of exploring or take a spin around the lake in one of our rented kayaks. (A waiver will be required for all boat use.) The fire pit is a perfect way to end the day with stories, music, and laughter while the stars shine down upon you.
Learn more about this land:
Enchanting and unique cottage on 1.5 acres, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains just 20 minutes outside of charming Brevard. A perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone seeking tranquil solitude. Beautiful, wooded property with gardens, creative art, screened-in porch, patio, fire pits, and an 11-acre lake for kayaking, swimming, fishing, and exploring. Two kayaks are available for 150.00 or stand up paddleboards for 150.00 for the duration of your stay. A liability waiver is required for all boat use. The foothills trail, hiking, biking, and waterfalls are all within minutes of the property.
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$120
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100%
(5)
Hullings Farm
2 sites · RVs, Tents43 acres · Stoneville, NC
Old farm converted into family get away. There are trails on property along with a stream (depending on rain how much it is flowing) at the lower portion of the trail, that can be ridden with bicycles. The trail is about 1 mile to the far field and back with hills.
There is a community firepit with wood available. (Cut your own or pay for bundles) There is a picnic table for your use.
There are 2 bathrooms, handicap accessible, but currently no shower.
There is also a building/venue that is available for events (separate fee): family reunions, birthday parties, weddings, your event.
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$25
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88%
(4)
Prince Bay Farm
10 sites · Tents120 acres · Tabor City, NC
The Prince Family has been in the Carolina low-country since the 1670s, and here on this property since 1827. The farm and family have seen many changes throughout the centuries, and is looking to the future!An experimental and educational farm, we are working to bring a high level of self-sufficiency here and to share our knowledge with our visitors. This is the farm's 7th year hosting visitors. Thirty-eight countries represented and over 200 folks staying, all have helped make the farm a better place. They have laughed, learned, sweated, grown and eaten some great food. We hope all that spend time here will take something positive away with them. Looking forward to another year of great helpers & guests!Located in the Carolina Lowcountry, on the NC/SC border in the lower coastal plain, the farm is 30 miles NW of Myrtle Beach, SC, just outside a small rural town. I own 120+ acres of mixed pine/hardwood forest and fields, and a large 2-story 1880s farmhouse--the land has been in our family since 1827. Would like to get it back to the level of self-sufficiency of my great-grandparents' day. The property has a small pond, an extensive network of trails(several miles), fruit(plum, persimmon, nectarine, cherry, quince, loquat, apple, serviceberry, fig, black currant, hardy kiwi, peach, pomegranate, pear) and nut(pecan, chestnut, hazelnut)trees, grapevines, blackberry, raspberry & blueberry bushes, a dog(Snoddy Dawg!), friendly barn cats, poultry(Chickens, geese, ducks, guineas, turkeys, bantams), lots of wildlife, as well as a zone 8 growing season(4 season garden). Learn more about this land:Lots of private camping spaces throughout our mixed pine/hardwood forest!Several miles of hiking trails that will take you through many different ecosystems unique to the Carolina Bays.A water-lovers dream: 30 minutes to Myrtle Beach, SC, 5 minutes to Lake Tabor, 20 minutes to the Lumber or Waccamaw Rivers, 25 minutes to Lake Waccamaw!Come experience the legendary Southern Hospitality of the Carolina Low-country!Please plan to arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour before sunset as host will need to walk you to camping area.
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$24
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Back to Nature
2 sites · RVs4 acres · Chadbourn, NC
Learn more about this land:Gated. Pond for fishing. Swing. Pier for relaxing with hammock. This is a country setting that sits back off the road. 35 minutes from beach. Close to Lake Waccamaw. Close to Lumber River State Park.
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$40
/ night
Dog-friendly getaways
Under $50
Waterside camping in North Carolina 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.
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