North Carolina is a nature lover's paradise, offering a diverse range of landscapes and breathtaking scenery. From the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the tranquil shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the state boasts an abundance of natural beauty. Among its many attractions, the campgrounds in North Carolina provide an ideal opportunity to immerse oneself in the outdoors and witness the state's stunning vistas. Here, we present a curated list of 12 campgrounds that offer not only exceptional camping experiences but also some of the best scenery North Carolina has to offer.
1. Mount Mitchell State Park
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Mitchell State Park is home to the highest peak in the eastern United States. The campground here offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, with an elevation of over 6,000 feet. Campers can enjoy hiking trails that lead to the summit of Mount Mitchell, where they can take in the panoramic views of the Appalachian range.
The park also features a visitor center with exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area, making it an educational experience for all ages. With its high-altitude location and stunning mountain scenery, Mount Mitchell State Park is a must-visit destination for any camping enthusiast.
Facilities and Activities:
- 32 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings
- Flush toilets and cold running water
- Hiking trails, including the Mount Mitchell Summit Trail
- Visitor center with interpretive programs
2. Asheville East KOA
Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville East KOA offers a unique camping experience with stunning mountain views. This campground is ideally located for exploring the vibrant city of Asheville, known for its art scene, craft breweries, and outdoor adventures.
The campground itself provides a range of accommodation options, from traditional tent sites to fully equipped RV sites. Campers can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, with easy access to nearby hiking trails and scenic drives. The friendly staff at Asheville East KOA can provide recommendations for local attractions and activities, ensuring a memorable stay.
Amenities and Highlights:
- Spacious campsites with full hookups for RVs
- Cabin rentals for a more comfortable camping experience
- Heated swimming pool and hot tub
- On-site store for camping essentials and local products
- Firewood and ice available for purchase
3. New River State Park
New River State Park is a gem hidden in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campground here offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the surrounding forests and the meandering New River. Known for its exceptional water quality, the New River provides excellent opportunities for swimming, tubing, and kayaking.
The park’s trails, including the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, offer hikers and mountain bikers a chance to explore the diverse ecosystem and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. With its pristine natural environment and recreational activities, New River State Park is an ideal destination for those seeking a serene camping experience.
Recreational Opportunities:
- 23 primitive campsites along the New River
- Hiking and biking trails, including the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
- Canoeing, kayaking, and tubing on the New River
- Fishing in the river and nearby lakes
- Geocaching and birdwatching
4. Hanging Rock State Park
Hanging Rock State Park is renowned for its unique geological formations and breathtaking views. The campground here is situated amidst a stunning landscape of rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and dense forests. Campers can explore the park’s numerous hiking trails, which offer varying levels of difficulty and lead to picturesque viewpoints.
One of the park’s iconic features is the Hanging Rock, a massive granite monolith that looms over the surrounding landscape. The park also boasts several waterfalls, including the Moore’s Wall Falls, which add to the natural beauty and provide a refreshing experience for visitors. Hanging Rock State Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and unparalleled scenery.
Attractions and Activities:
- 45 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings
- Flush toilets and hot showers
- Hiking trails to Hanging Rock, Moore’s Wall, and other scenic viewpoints
- Rock climbing and rappelling on designated routes
- Swimming in the park’s swimming hole
5. Lake James State Park
Lake James State Park offers a diverse landscape with a stunning 6,510-acre lake surrounded by lush forests and majestic mountains. The campground here provides easy access to the lake, allowing campers to enjoy a range of water activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing. The park’s trails offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, providing breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
Lake James State Park is also known for its rich cultural history, with several historic sites and structures within the park boundaries. The park’s visitor center provides information on the area’s natural and cultural heritage, making it an educational and enjoyable destination for campers.
Camping and Recreation:
- 57 campsites with water and electric hookups
- Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station
- Boat ramp and swimming area on the lake
- Hiking trails, including the Lake James Loop Trail
- Picnic areas and playgrounds
6. Morrow Mountain State Park
Morrow Mountain State Park is located in the Uwharrie Mountains, offering a unique camping experience with stunning mountain vistas. The campground here provides a peaceful retreat amidst dense forests and rolling hills. Campers can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with trails leading to scenic overlooks and historic sites.
The park’s lake, Lake Tillery, offers excellent opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake’s calm waters provide a serene setting for water enthusiasts, while the surrounding hills create a picturesque backdrop. Morrow Mountain State Park is an ideal destination for those seeking a balance of outdoor adventure and natural beauty.
Park Features and Activities:
- 54 campsites with water and electric hookups
- Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station
- Boat ramp and swimming area on Lake Tillery
- Hiking trails, including the Morrow Mountain Loop Trail
- Mountain biking and horseback riding trails
7. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a coastal paradise, offering miles of pristine beaches and stunning ocean views. The campground here provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of the Outer Banks, with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. Campers can enjoy swimming, surfing, and beachcombing, as well as exploring the area’s rich maritime history.
The park’s iconic lighthouses, including the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, add to the scenic beauty and provide a glimpse into the region’s past. With its unique combination of natural and cultural attractions, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a must-visit destination for campers seeking a coastal adventure.
Camping and Beach Activities:
- 120 campsites with water and electric hookups
- Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station
- Beach access for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing
- Fishing and crabbing in the sound and ocean
- Hiking trails along the beach and through the maritime forest
8. Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Jockey’s Ridge State Park is home to the largest natural sand dune system on the East Coast, offering a unique camping experience with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound. The campground here provides easy access to the dunes, allowing campers to enjoy sandboarding, kite flying, and breathtaking sunsets.
The park’s trails offer opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching, with a chance to spot various bird species and other native wildlife. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and stunning coastal scenery.
Park Highlights and Activities:
- 30 campsites with water and electric hookups
- Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station
- Sandboarding and kite flying on the dunes
- Hiking trails through the dunes and maritime forest
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the Currituck Sound
9. Grandfather Mountain State Park
Grandfather Mountain State Park is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of ecosystems and breathtaking mountain views. The campground here is situated at an elevation of over 4,000 feet, providing campers with a unique high-altitude experience. The park’s trails lead to scenic overlooks, where visitors can take in the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The park is also known for its environmental education programs, which focus on the area’s natural history and conservation efforts. With its stunning scenery and educational opportunities, Grandfather Mountain State Park is an ideal destination for those seeking a deeper connection with nature.
Camping and Educational Opportunities:
- 35 campsites with water and electric hookups
- Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station
- Hiking trails to scenic overlooks and waterfalls
- Environmental education programs and guided nature walks
- Birdwatching and wildlife viewing
10. Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon State Park is a historic site located on the scenic Atlantic coast. The campground here provides easy access to the beach, allowing campers to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The park’s iconic Fort Macon, a well-preserved 19th-century fortress, adds to the scenic beauty and provides a glimpse into the region’s military history.
The park’s trails offer opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching, with a chance to spot various bird species and other coastal wildlife. Fort Macon State Park is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of history, natural beauty, and coastal relaxation.
Park Attractions and Activities:
- 98 campsites with water and electric hookups
- Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station
- Beach access for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing
- Hiking trails through the maritime forest and along the beach
- Fishing and crabbing in the sound and ocean
11. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a large reservoir surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. The campground here provides easy access to the lake, allowing campers to enjoy a range of water activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing. The park’s trails offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with stunning views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
The lake’s calm waters are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, providing a serene experience for water enthusiasts. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is an ideal destination for those seeking a balance of outdoor adventure and natural beauty, with a focus on water-based activities.
Recreation and Camping Facilities:
- 110 campsites with water and electric hookups
- Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station
- Boat ramp and swimming area on Jordan Lake
- Hiking trails, including the Jordan Lake Loop Trail
- Mountain biking and horseback riding trails
12. Newells Creek Campground
Newells Creek Campground is a hidden gem located in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest. This campground offers a peaceful and secluded camping experience with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the crystal-clear Newells Creek. The campground is ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat amidst nature’s beauty.
Campers can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The nearby Newells Creek Trail provides a picturesque setting for nature walks, offering the chance to spot various bird species and other native wildlife. Newells Creek Campground is a perfect destination for those seeking a serene and scenic camping experience.
Camping and Nature Experiences:
- 16 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings
- Vault toilets and potable water
- Hiking trails along Newells Creek and in the surrounding forest
- Fishing in Newells Creek and nearby streams
- Wildlife watching and birdwatching
What are the best times of year to visit these campgrounds for optimal scenery?
+The best times to visit these campgrounds for optimal scenery vary depending on the location and the desired experience. Spring and fall are generally excellent times to visit, as the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery, while fall offers stunning foliage and cooler temperatures. Summer can be a popular time for camping, but it may be busier, and some campgrounds may have restrictions due to fire danger.
Are these campgrounds suitable for RVs and trailers?
+Yes, most of the campgrounds mentioned offer RV sites with full or partial hookups. However, it’s important to check the specific campground’s website or contact them directly to confirm the availability and suitability of RV sites. Some campgrounds may have size restrictions or specific guidelines for RVs and trailers.
What are some popular hiking trails near these campgrounds?
+Each campground offers a unique set of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. Some popular trails include the Mount Mitchell Summit Trail, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail at New River State Park, the Hanging Rock Trail, the Lake James Loop Trail, and the Morrow Mountain Loop Trail. These trails provide breathtaking views and a chance to explore the diverse ecosystems of North Carolina.
Are there any water-based activities available at these campgrounds?
+Yes, several campgrounds offer excellent opportunities for water-based activities. Lake James State Park, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore provide access to large bodies of water, allowing campers to enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and other water sports. Some campgrounds also offer boat rentals or have nearby marinas for convenient access to water activities.
Are there any restrictions or guidelines for camping at these locations?
+Yes, it’s important to be aware of any restrictions or guidelines specific to each campground. These may include fire restrictions, quiet hours, pet policies, and maximum stay limits. It’s recommended to check the official website of each campground or contact the park office directly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.
