Waterside camping near Lake Lure
Forest bathe by the shore’s edge when camping near Lake Lure in North Carolina.
- Lake Lure
Popular camping styles for Lake Lure
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterside camping near Lake Lure guide
Overview
Surrounded by lush greenery in summer and gorgeous oranges and reds in fall, North Carolina’s Lake Lure has an obvious allure. The town of Lake Lure itself is a small community of around 1,600 people on the shores of the lake for which it is named. Camping near Lake Lure invites Hipcampers to go hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, rock climbing, or stay in a treehouse. Don’t forget to visit Lake Lure Flowering Bridge with flower gardens beautifying its full 155-foot span. They don’t call it “The Gateway to Somewhere Beautiful” for nothing.
Where to go
Chimney Rock State Park
Look no further than Chimney Rock State Park for some of the best mountain scenery in all of North Carolina. The eponymous Chimney Rock granite monolith towers 315 feet above the forest. Take the hidden elevator up 26 stories, or ascend 500 steps to reach a humbling, panoramic view of Hickory Nut Gorge below and the forest all around. Hike further to Exclamation Point, the park’s highest peak. Tent sites, RV camping, and cabin camping options are all nearby.
Pisgah National Forest
Named the first National Forest in the eastern United States back in 1916, Pisgah National Forest includes over half a million acres of hardwood forest. Streams cutting through the forest provide great trout fishing, and the whitewater rivers are perfect for thrill-seeking rafters. High mountain peaks and deep gorges create an outdoor playground for rock climbers and mountain bikers. Ascend Richland Balsam, the 6,410-foot peak—among the highest in the eastern United States. Camping options range from primitive tenting to full-service RV parks.
Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
For some family fun away from the forest, pack the bathing suits and head over to Lake Lure Beach and Water Park. Owned by the Town of Lake Lure and managed by a private company, the beach and water park are open from March through September. There’s a large covered picnic shelter on the 100 yards of sandy beach, plus several individual picnic tables. Both kids and the young at heart will love the water slide and water games. The beach is easily accessible from any of the nearby campgrounds.
When to go
Camping near Lake Lure is most popular during summer, when the weather is warm and sunny. Average daytime highs are around 85°F, so it’s the best time for families to hit up the beach and enjoy water activities. Spring and fall are also terrific times to visit with milder weather. Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is particularly impressive in the spring, with blooms beginning in late March, while North Carolina’s fall foliage is second to none.
