Camping in North Carolina
Camping is a popular thing to do in North Carolina, with some estimates saying that more than three million people camp there annually. With all of the different places to camp, it can be difficult to decide where you want to go on your next camping trip. Luckily for you, we have compiled a list of the top twelve places to camp in North Carolina!
1. Croatan National Forest
First up on our list of the top twelve places to camp in North Carolina is Croatan National Forest. This national forest has several different areas that are perfect for camping, with most having some sort of water source nearby including the Atlantic Ocean. The campgrounds in Croatan National Forest range from primitive sites to having a few amenities, including water and restrooms.
2. Fort Macon State Park
Second on our list is Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach. This state park has campsites that are right along the ocean, which is a great way to relax during your vacation! The park also offers biking and hiking trails. For those wanting an extra adventure, there are cabins that can be rented out for your stay.
3. Mount Mitchell State Park
Coming in third is Mount Mitchell State Park in Burnsville. This state park offers twenty-eight miles of trails throughout the park, as well as six different campgrounds with 97 individual campsites. These campsites are spacious and have picnic tables, fire rings, and parking.
4. Caesar’s Head State Park
The fourth place on our list is Caesar’s Head State Park right along the border of North Carolina and South Carolina. This park has several different areas to explore, but the one we are focusing on is Oconee Station Area. There are 52 campsites that can be used throughout the year at this location, with most of them coming with restrooms and water. If you decide to stay in the primitive campsites, there is no running water so be sure to bring enough water for your camping trip.
5. Hanging Rock State Park
Coming in at number five on our list of the top twelve places to camp in North Carolina is Hanging Rock State Park. There are a total of 22 different campsites available at this park, with some being more secluded than others. Cabins can also be rented out for an additional fee per night, and there is a general store located on-site as well.
6. Jones Lake State Park
Sixth on our list is Jones Lake State Park in Sanford. This park offers a total of 32 different campsites, with 14 being permanent and 18 being primitive. Primitive sites are ideal for those who want to camp off the beaten path, as they do not have water or restrooms nearby. The park also has a beach available to guests during the summer months.
7. Stone Mountain State Park
Seventh on our list is Stone Mountain State Park, located in Roaring Gap. This park has several different areas to camp at, with most of them being along either the Hiwassee River or Fontana Lake. One of these locations is Cane Creek Campground, which can be used year round and has 25 campsites available. These sites are primitive and do not have running water.
8. Gorges State Park
Coming in at number eight on our list is Gorges State Park in Sapphire. There are a total of 10 different campsites available for campers in this park, with 8 being permanent and 2 being primitive. The campground in the park is located right along the main road, making it easy to find. The park also has a playground and basketball court for campers with children.
9. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Ninth on the list is Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Buxton. This national seashore has several different areas that are perfect for camping, with all of them being within a few miles of water. While this park does have some campgrounds available, they are not run by the park. They are instead privately owned, so anyone who decides to camp at one of these areas must pay for a permit.
10. Raven Rock State Park
The tenth place on our list is Raven Rock State Park in Seven Devils. This park has a total of 36 different campsites that are available to campers, with 10 being primitive and 26 being standard. It also offers cabins for rent, which can be used throughout the year. The only downside to this park is that water and restrooms for the campgrounds are not available, so those who stay here need to be prepared for this.
11. Hammocks Beach State Park
Eleventh on our list is Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro. This park has 10 different campsites that can be used throughout the year, with most of them being primitive. This park is ideal for those who love to go kayaking and canoeing, as it has over two miles of shoreline that can be explored. Fishing can also be done in nearby White Oak River, which provides the chance to catch several different species of fish.
12. William B Umstead State Park
Last on our list of the top twelve places to camp in North Carolina is William B Umstead State Park in Raleigh. With a total of 68 campsites, this park has plenty of room for visitors to explore and enjoy. Campgrounds are not run by the park and instead come with individual caretakers who live on site. If you decide to stay here, be sure to bring your own water source as none is available on the grounds of the park itself.