Camping in North Carolina with wildlife watching
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, your adventure is waiting.
97% (17742 reviews)
- North Carolina
97% (17742 reviews)
Popular camping styles for North Carolina
Dog-friendly getaways
Under $50
12 top campgrounds in North Carolina with wildlife watching
99%
(471)
Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping
12 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Robbinsville, NC
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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$37
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91%
(51)
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
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99%
(865)
The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms
15 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Yadkinville, NC
Update: Our new BATHHOUSE now has a functioning flush toilet and Sink!!🛖 Pictures are coming soon, but it will also house a shower (with hot water!) and a dressing area, and is centrally located in front of the office at the pond. We're doing this to prove WE LOVE OUR CAMPERS! ❤
FULL HOOK UPS AND MORE!!!!
We are now also offering our full hookup site with arbor on the pond that includes: breakfast (eggs, sausage/bacon), lunch (hamburgers, fresh garden veggies), 2 bundles firewood, farm tour for 2, fire pit, and grill. All for only $65. per night. Message for booking details, as this is not yet available through Hipcamp.
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 also have fresh organically raised vegetables and herbs in season (currently kohlrabi, asparagus, romaine, cabbage, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, rosemary, chives, and more! 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
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99%
(1996)
Starlight Hills
17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Bostic, NC
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%
(263)
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
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99%
(119)
Blue Ridge Ranch
20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents440 acres · Ferguson, NC
Blue Ridge Ranch, established in December of 2020, is located on 440 acres nestled between two mountain ridges in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The property features an established pasture, mountain ridges, barns, and a homestead. In addition, the ranch is home to five ponds (some stocked and one trophy), more than a mile of trout streams, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Together, they provide the perfect foundation for the establishment of farming, livestock, camping, and community events. All profits of Blue Ridge Ranch go to Hope for His Children, Inc., a 501(c)(3) that conducts youth camps at the ranch. Tours of the ranch are available for $10/person (to offset fuel expense) and includes interaction with some farm animals. We pride ourselves in doing everything possible to help our guests have a great experience. We offer coffee during morning hours in our farm store!
We are sorry, but we are not able to allow guests to bring ATV's and motorcycles to operate on the property. There are many acres of hay that we must protect and our agritourism insurer does not allow guests to operate ATV's and motorcycles on property.
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$15
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99%
(766)
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
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100%
(331)
JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond
25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents86 acres · Chinquapin, NC
Rated Finalist for Top Hipcamp in 2023 & 2024!
Events: We will have once a month kids Saturday Nature Class (hour class: May 11 and June 15th) and Summer Camp July 24th-26th (3 hrs morning and afternoon). July 27th Kids Fishing Tournament. July 6th a 4th of July celebration with local Music, Food Trucks, and more!
The historic 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 farmed fields, a total of 90 acres. Divided by Duplin and Onslow County line making it very unique! Chinquapin, NC
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. 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 or by check-in requests 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 (JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond) for all the latest news and catches! We have tagged bass that have been released back into the lake. Let us know if you catch one so we can record it! 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!
Eight RV sites- # 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. Pump out dump station at check out that we handle for you.
Nine Tent 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.
Couples Glamping A-frame Cabin complete with add on extras to make your stay more special. Includes Canoe and fishing passes.
New Fully floating Cabin currently moored in RV #1 originally. Featuring full bathroom, kitchenette with Mini Fridge, Microwave, Coffee Pot, 2 burner range, dishes, gas logs, queen bed, futon, tv and wifi, covered front porch, firepit, charcoal grill, canoe and more.
Enjoy local favorites (ask to see our blog!) The Country Barn, Mike's Farm, Community Food and Grill, The Country Squire, Huffman Vineyards, Duplin Winery, Walton's Distillery, Southern breeze Seafood Market and Food Truck, Richlands Cajun Market, The Mad Boar, Triple C Sweets, Capt. Bob Becks Marina Cafe, Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Lynnwood Zoo, Surf City Beach and hour drive to Wilmington, NC. 30 minutes to Camp Lejeune, NC, and 10 minutes to Albert Ellis Airport, Jacksonville, NC
Chinquapin, NC Richlands, NC Beulaville NC Wilmington NC Wallace NC Jacksonville, NC Camp Lejeune, NC Swansboro, NC Burgaw, NC Maple Hill, NC Eastern Nc.
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$25
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100%
(142)
The Dancing Pig On Abbotts Creek
3 sites · Lodging, Tents24 acres · Lexington, NC
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’re currently undergoing changes! Check out our new camping platform, and stay tuned for a new, upcoming bell tent site.
We have a corn hole board and bags now available for use, as well as a few other yard games. Please let us know if you are interested in using them.
The edible landscape is available for you to enjoy. Check here for what is currently available.
5/16/24 Update
Herbs- rosemary, thyme, sage, chives, mint, oregano, catmint
Onions
Eggs
Strawberries
Kale
Rainbow Chard
Beets
Radish
Radicchio
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$30
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98%
(161)
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
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99%
(1181)
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
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99%
(86)
Tar River Life
16 sites · Tents40 acres · Lake Royale, NC
Back to the basics, come and experience Tar River Life’s primitive camping on the Tar River.
Enjoy being on the river and listening to slow running sound of the Tar River. Bring your own tent or rent one of ours. You can drive your vehicle to all of our campsites.
The drive to camp is about 1/2 miles. Each site includes a fire pit, wood and trash bin. Cook your own meals or try and catch your own fish from the river. Campsites can be secluded or grouped.
Each site comes with a picnic table, 1 bundle of wood and trash can. Stay for a night or longer period of time, come and enjoy the outdoors with us. We have lots of walking trails, fishing access, wildlife, kayaking and tubing (must be purchased through us). 2WD vehicles are ok except during wet conditions.
There is also the Vollmer Farm, with seasonal produce a Full Coffee Shop with breakfast goodies and baked goods and not to mention their fabulous ice cream. They have goods from around NC including, eggs, honey, meats, beers, wine and more. There is a grocery store (Food Lion) about 15 minutes away. So you can stock up on supplies on your way to your next adventure.
We are pet friendly!
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$35
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Camping in North Carolina with wildlife watching guide
Overview
Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking to immerse yourself in wildlife watching in the beautiful state of North Carolina, we've got you covered. With over 3,400 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that fits your preferences. Whether you're interested in pitching a tent, parking your RV, or staying in a cozy cabin, we have a variety of accommodations to suit your needs. Our top campsites, such as Starlight Hills (627 reviews), Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa Farm (388 reviews), and The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms (288 reviews), are highly recommended by fellow campers. And don't worry about missing out on amenities - popular options like pet-friendly sites, showers, and toilets are available. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also enjoy off-roading (OHV), whitewater paddling, and wind sports. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in North Carolina!
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