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Top 10 Campsites in North Carolina

  • tylercoleman159
  • Aug 19, 2024
  • 3 min read

North Carolina is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from the rugged mountains to the picturesque coastline. Here are the top 10 campsites in North Carolina, each offering unique features and recreational opportunities:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  • Location: Cherokee, NC

  • Highlights: Stunning mountain views, diverse wildlife, and historic sites.

  • Best For: Hikers, nature enthusiasts, and families.

  • Why It’s Great: This national park offers some of the most scenic camping spots in the state, with numerous campgrounds located in beautiful mountain settings. Popular sites include Elkmont and Cades Cove, providing access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic structures.

2. Pisgah National Forest

  • Location: Brevard, NC

  • Highlights: Waterfalls, hiking trails, and mountain vistas.

  • Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and families.

  • Why It’s Great: Pisgah National Forest features several campgrounds, including Davidson River and Yellow Gap. The area is known for its beautiful waterfalls, dense forests, and extensive hiking trails. The forest is a great base for exploring nearby attractions like Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls.

3. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

  • Location: Hatteras Island, NC

  • Highlights: Beaches, lighthouse views, and fishing.

  • Best For: Beachgoers, anglers, and families.

  • Why It’s Great: Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers beachside camping with stunning ocean views. The campgrounds at Frisco and Ocracoke provide easy access to sandy shores, fishing opportunities, and the iconic Hatteras Lighthouse.

4. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

  • Location: Apex, NC

  • Highlights: Lake access, boating, and fishing.

  • Best For: Water enthusiasts, families, and anglers.

  • Why It’s Great: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers several campgrounds with access to a large lake. The park is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. The campsites are well-equipped and provide a great setting for family outings.

5. Linville Gorge Wilderness Area

  • Location: Nebo, NC

  • Highlights: Dramatic gorge views, rugged terrain, and hiking trails.

  • Best For: Experienced hikers, adventure seekers, and nature lovers.

  • Why It’s Great: Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Linville Gorge offers rugged landscapes and challenging hikes. The campgrounds, such as the Wolf Pit Campground, provide a remote and scenic camping experience with access to the gorge's dramatic vistas.

6. Hanging Rock State Park

  • Location: Danbury, NC

  • Highlights: Rock formations, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

  • Best For: Hikers, nature enthusiasts, and families.

  • Why It’s Great: Hanging Rock State Park features striking rock formations, waterfalls, and well-maintained trails. The park’s campgrounds offer a scenic setting with easy access to the park’s highlights, including the Hanging Rock overlook and Lower Cascades Falls.

7. Mount Mitchell State Park

  • Location: Burnsville, NC

  • Highlights: Highest peak east of the Mississippi, panoramic views, and hiking.

  • Best For: Hikers, mountain enthusiasts, and families.

  • Why It’s Great: Mount Mitchell State Park is home to the highest peak in the eastern United States. The park’s campgrounds offer access to breathtaking views and hiking trails. It’s a great spot for experiencing the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.

8. Uwharrie National Forest

  • Location: Troy, NC

  • Highlights: Old-growth forests, hiking trails, and lakes.

  • Best For: Outdoor adventurers, families, and hikers.

  • Why It’s Great: Uwharrie National Forest provides a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. The campgrounds, such as Badin Lake and Arrowhead, offer access to the forest’s scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.

9. South Mountains State Park

  • Location: Connelly Springs, NC

  • Highlights: Waterfalls, rugged terrain, and hiking trails.

  • Best For: Hikers, nature lovers, and families.

  • Why It’s Great: South Mountains State Park features beautiful waterfalls, rugged terrain, and a variety of hiking trails. The park’s campgrounds are located near the South Mountains, providing a great base for exploring the park’s natural attractions.

10. Morrow Mountain State Park

  • Location: Albemarle, NC

  • Highlights: Scenic views, hiking trails, and a large lake.

  • Best For: Families, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Why It’s Great: Morrow Mountain State Park offers picturesque views, hiking trails, and a large lake for boating and fishing. The park’s campgrounds are situated in a beautiful setting with access to a variety of recreational activities.


Bonus Campsite:

  • Elk Knob State Park: Located in Todd, NC, Elk Knob offers high-altitude camping with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and access to hiking trails that showcase the park’s diverse natural beauty.

These campsites in North Carolina provide a range of outdoor experiences, from beachside camping and lake access to mountain adventures and scenic views. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family getaway or an adventurous outdoor escape, North Carolina has something for everyone.

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