Camping in North Carolina: From Mountains to Beaches

Whether seeking adventure in the rugged wilderness, a peaceful retreat by a serene lake, or a coastal escape, North Carolina has it all. The towering peaks of the Appalachian Mountains offer adventurous hiking trails, and the sandy shores of the Outer Banks are perfect for kayaking. With its mild climate, North Carolina is a year-round camping destination offering something new with each season. 

Use this guide to determine your next camping destination in the Tar Heel State and plan out some must-see spots. 

Top 10 Camping Destinations in North Carolina

Shackleford Banks, Cape Lookout National Seashore

Shackleford Banks is a secluded barrier island known for its wild horses, pristine beaches, and untouched natural beauty. Visitors can only access this campground by boat or ferry, but reserve your ticket early. Shackleford Banks offers a truly rugged and remote experience with no amenities or designated sites. If you bring any electronics, you’ll need an EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W). Use this solar generator to power your phone, small appliances, and lights without limit. While here, explore the island’s maritime forests, sand dunes, and tidal pools. There are strict rules to protect wildlife here: no feeding, keeping a safe distance, respecting nesting sites, and following fishing regulations. 

• Amenities: None; primitive camping is allowed here.
• Campsites: Primitive beach camping.
• Activities: Snorkeling, hiking, swimming, shelling, and wildlife watching: horses, manatees, sea turtles, and dolphins.

Crosswinds Campground, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Crosswinds is one of several camping sites at Jordan Lake Recreation Area near Raleigh. This area balances lush forests with modern amenities, making it accessible for families or solo campers. Visitors can enjoy sites with access to water, electric hookups, and a nearby lake for kayaking or swimming. Make reservations and plan to buy firewood from entrance stations or campground hosts. Jordan Lake is home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles on the East Coast. 

• Amenities: Water and electric hookups, hot showers, restrooms, fire rings, and dump stations.
• Campsites: There are 182 sites, of which 132 offer electric and water hookups. Each has a picnic table, grill, and lantern holder.  
• Activities: Watch for bald eagles, plus lots of swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking.

Cedar Point Campground, Croatan National Forest

Cedar Point Campground is nestled by White Oak River. Discover unique ecosystems like salt marshes and tidal waterways, where salt water meets fresh water. Rent a kayak and navigate through the marsh’s channel, looking for dolphins, birds, and fish. The marshes serve as a nursery for commercial seafood like fish, shrimp, oysters, and crabs. It’s also near the scenic Emerald Isle beaches, combining forest and coastal experiences. Make reservations three days in advance, and pay attention to the weather. Summer camping aligns with hurricane season, June to mid-November, so prepare for your reservation to be canceled if a hurricane strikes.

• Amenities: Flush toilets, showers, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings.
• Campsites: Tent and RV sites with some electrical hookups.
• Activities: Kayaking, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the Cedar Point Tideland Trail.

Hanging Rock Family Campground, Hanging Rock State Park

Located in the beautiful Sauratown Mountains, this campground offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views, waterfalls, and lush forests. Take a hike up to Hanging Rock Summit, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding Sauratown Mountains and the Piedmont region. Other trails take visitors to stunning waterfalls: Lower Cascade Falls, Hidden Falls, and Window Falls. This accessibility and amenities make this campground popular for families. Packaging an EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner is recommended to cool off in the summer. This portable AC unit provides 5100 BTUs of cooling, which is plenty to keep any little one or furry friend comfortable. 

• Amenities: Showers, restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, and potable water.
• Campsites: Tent and trailer sites (no hookups).
• Activities: Hiking to waterfalls, swimming at the lake, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and visiting Moore’s knob observation tower.

Cape Point Campground, Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The campground is on the iconic Outer Banks, offering quintessential coastal camping. The campground is perfect for unwinding at the beach, with Cape Point only a short drive to several beach access points. Visitors can also reach the ocean by walking through the dunes. Access the barrier islands through a short hike. While on the beach, keep your phone charged with the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank. It’s a magnetic power bank that connects to the back of your phone—you can also recharge your laptop and AirPods with it. A visit to the nearby Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, is a must. Stop by the Museum of the Sea for a deeper dive into the area’s rich history. 

• Amenities: Water hookups, toilets, picnic tables.
• Campsites: Tents, RVs, cabins, group camping.
• Activities: Hiking, surfing, swimming, beachcombing, visiting the museum, touring the lighthouse.

Umstead Group Camp, William B. Umstead State Park

Find a peaceful retreat with wooded trails and lakes right outside of Raleigh. Its spacious group camping areas make it perfect for large gatherings. There’s a dedicated area that fits up to 60 people. Cook on grilling stations and eat under sheltered picnic areas. If you’re hosting a reunion or retreat here, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus conveniently charges everyone’s phone or runs small appliances for meal prep. Bathroom facilities with running water make staying overnight comfortable. Plus, there are 20 miles of hiking trails like Lassiter Mill Trail and Reedy Creek Trail. 

• Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, shelters, grills, and nearby parking.
• Campsites: Large group camping, small group camping, RV, and tents.
• Activities: Hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, swimming, and picnicking.

Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, Pisgah National Forest

The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is referred to as the “Grand Canyon of North Carolina.” With dramatic cliffs, rugged terrain, and breathtaking views, it’s the perfect spot in western North Carolina. Hike along the Linville Falls Trail for a stunning view of the two-tried waterfall with multiple vantage points, a must-see for nature photographers. Table Rock and The Chimneys are popular rock-climbing spots for seasoned climbers. For bouldering, head to the gorge’s cliffs. There’s only primitive camping here; you must get a backcountry camping permit before heading in. This helps regulate the number of campers and ensure safety. 

• Amenities: None; campers must bring their own water or filter from Linville River.
• Campsites: Primitive camping near Linville River or Tennis Rock.
• Activities: Hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and stargazing.

Rolling View Campground, Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Rolling View Campground is located along the northern shore of Falls Lake. The rolling terrain around the campground provides a sense of seclusion and privacy, even though this site is close to Raleigh-Durham. Several hiking trails connect the campground to the rest of the recreation area. Fall Lake Trails is popular, with great views of the lake and easy-to-moderate difficulty. If you’re fishing, expect to catch largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Fish from the shore or head out on a boat for deep-water access. 

• Amenities: Electrical and water hookups, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and boat ramps.
• Campsites: A mix of tent camping and RV sites, with group sites also available.
• Activities: Boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, biking, and wildlife-watching.

Mount Mitchell Primitive Campground, Mount Mitchell State Park

As suggested in the name, this campground only offers backcountry camping experiences. Mount Mitchell Primitive Campground is home to the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet. Mount Mitchell’s peak is part of the Black Mountain range, a subset of the Appalachian Mountains. From the top, hikers will see views of Blu Ridge Mountain. Visit the Mount Mitchell Trail to summit the peak, Balsam Nature Trail to see the local flora, or veer off to Deep Gap Trail for 7 more miles exploring the mountain peak. 

• Amenities: No hookups, water, electricity, but there’s an outhouse at the campground. 
• Campsites: Primitive sites have a fire ring and table, while backcountry campers are encouraged to spread out. 
• Activities: Hiking, photography, and fishing at South Toe River. Stargazing is also excellent at this high-elevation

Cataloochee Campground, Great Smoky Mountain National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains are famous for their rich history and beautiful landscapes. At Cataloochee Campground, you don’t have to leave North Carolina to enjoy this National Park. A mix of tent and RV camping is available, but sites are more geared for tent camping. Cataloochee Valley holds on to remnants from an isolated mountain community. Visitors can explore the Caldwell House, Mingus Barm, and Little Cataloochee Church. For wildlife seekers, this area is known for elk viewing. Because this site is hard to access, 4WD vehicles are recommended in wet or snowy conditions. During peak times, beat the crowds and reserve a site in advance. 

• Amenities: Flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, trash disposal, no RV hookups, and potable water stations. 
• Campsites: Private tent-only sites shaded by trees, limited RV sites (better suited for smaller van camping), and group sites. 
• Activities: Hike several trails like the Boogerman Trail, Cataloochee Divide Trail, Rough Fork Trail, and Little Cataloochee Trail.

What To Pack for a North Carolina Camping Trip

• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Tent with stakes and rainfly for camping in the rain
• Multi-tool or knife
• Portable power station
• Portable stove or campfire supplies
• Biodegradable soap
• Bug spray (essential for coastal or forest areas)
• Sunscreen 
• Guidebooks for trails and lock wildlife
• Bear spray (if in bear-prone areas)
• Comfortable clothing: quick-dry shirts and pants

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

North Carolina is a diverse and exciting destination for campers, offering breathtaking mountains, tranquil shores, and salty marshes. Head to Cataloochee, Mount Mitchell, or Rolling View Campgrounds. Explore wetland wildlife in the marshes of Cedar Point and Shackleford Banks Campgrounds. Take a dip in a lake at Jordan Lake or Lake James State Parks. Or sunbathe on the coast at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 

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