As you know, I have camped quite a bit around the US. One of my favorite places to camp is in North Carolina. You can choose from a variety of best places to camp in North Carolina, like camping right on the beach and playing in the Atlantic Ocean or hiking the beautiful Smoky Mountains. North Carolina is the place to go if you want to do some hiking, biking, fishing, and my favorite, wildlife viewing. Check out these five campsites for your next camping adventure in North Carolina.
Top 5 Best Places to Camp in North Carolina
North Carolina is a great place to camp because it has all the beaches, the mountains, and everything in between. I love visiting North Carolina. If you are looking for more camping places nearby check out 32 of the Best Places for Free Camping in the Southeast USA.
Also, I shared How to Find the Best Free Camping Sites & Free RV Camping
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Campfire Lodgings, Asheville
I don’t usually go with private campgrounds, but Campfire Lodgings in Asheville is an exception. This campground is nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. If you are newer to camping, going to a private campground can help to alleviate any worries you may have.
Campfire Lodgings has options for tent or RV camping, plus there are rental cabins, yurts, and the Cliff House. There are 100 acres of woods and more hiking and biking trails than you can imagine.
While in Asheville make sure to check out the 21 Top Things to do in Asheville NC and The Ultimate Asheville Outdoors Guide for Nature Lovers There is so much to see and do in the area!
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Great Smoky Mountain National Park, North Carolina
There are 10 campsites located in Great Smoky Mountain National Park that are accessible by cars and RVs. You can also do backcountry camping and there is a horse campground also available. For car camping, check out either Cades Cove or Smokemont campgrounds for RV and tent camping.
This national park is full of wildlife viewing of elk, white-tailed deer, black bears, raccoons, and wild turkeys. There are waterfalls to hike back to, trails to bike and wander on, and beautiful fall colors to see while you are fishing the day away.
There is a lot to do in the surrounding areas like Gatlinburg.
Related: 22 Must-See Free Things to do in Gatlinburg Tennessee
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Outer Banks
There is nothing quite like visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina. There are beautiful beaches, marine life, and a way of life that slows down with the rolling in of the waves. At Cape Hatteras National Seashore you can choose from four different campgrounds.
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All of them have space for RVs and tent camping and have dumpsites, showers, and fireside grills. These campgrounds are ocean-side so you can fall asleep to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean. The Frisco Campground is located right in the sand dunes, whereas the others are separated by the beach with barrier dunes.
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Mount Pisgah Campground
Reaching heights of around 5,000 feet the Mount Pisgah Campground is one of the highest in the state. It is also located along the Blue Ridge Parkway which runs from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. This means you will have some breathtaking views within walking distance of your camping spot!
The best part it the campground is about 20 minutes into Asheville NC so you can check out these 32 Free Things to Do in Asheville NC or takin a tour of the Biltmore Estate.
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Mount Mitchell State Park
Also located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway is Mount Mitchell State Park. Mount Mitchen is the highest peak on this side of the Mississippi. The park starts on the Blue Ridge Parkway and climbs to the top. The drive to the top is amazing and there is a smaller version of the Clingman’s Dome (from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park) for you to take in the views.
Again Asheville is close so you can head in and take advantage of all there is to see and do there.