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Are you trying to find campgrounds in NC, also known as the Old North State or the Tarheel State? You’re in luck because North Carolina has endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy nature.
This southern state is great for camping, from the blue ridge mountains to the rolling hills or the sandy beaches. Guests love the peaceful mountain settings and the vibrant beach scene locations, with the resorts with tons of amenities and remote campgrounds with stunning views.
No matter which area of the state you want to explore, you have great campgrounds in NC to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Let’s look at the highest-rated campgrounds in North Carolina so you can start planning your trip to the Old North State. Let’s dive in!
What Is North Carolina Known For?
Whether you’re looking for a view of a sandy beach or a view of a mountain ridge, North Carolina has the best of both worlds.
From the Outer Banks in the east to the Great Smoky Mountains in the west, the Old North State is a good place to visit for any kind of outdoor enthusiast. You can go fishing, paddling, swimming, boating, biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing all over the state.
North Carolina also has rich traditions in college sports. It’s a place where Blue Devil, Tarheel, Wolfpack, Demon Deacon, and Mountaineer fans gather year-round to root for their favorite college teams.
So whether you want a romantic getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains or attend a Saturday afternoon football game in Chapel Hill, you have plenty of activities and entertainment venues to keep you busy in North Carolina.
Is North Carolina Good for Camping?
The Old North State is great for camping because of its diverse weather, landscapes, and attractions.
Visitors love to stay near Asheville to enjoy the microbreweries and take a tour of the Biltmore Estate. Others love to stay near Kure Beach to enjoy the pier fishing and tour the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
The four distinct seasons of North Carolina also make camping desirable here. The beauty of the spring flowers and stunning colors of fall lure travelers to the Great Smoky Mountains.
The popular ski slopes of Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain and the mild temperatures of Wilmington and Beaufort provide both winter camping opportunities and snowbird getaways.
And the humid conditions at the coast contrasted with the mild heat of the mountains provide opportunities for campers to enjoy the ocean waves at Carolina Beach or the hiking trails of Mount Mitchell during the summer.
When Is the Best Time to Visit North Carolina?
There really isn’t a bad time to visit North Carolina. Many campgrounds in NC remain open year-round, with winter camping opportunities in the mountains and summer beach camping in June, July, and August.
If you want to escape the heat, spring, and fall are the prime camping seasons. But if you hope to enjoy jet skiing or snow sledding, you’ll want to visit in summer or winter.
Highest Rated Campgrounds in NC
When planning your trip, you’ll find dozens of campgrounds across the state. First, narrow your search to a particular location, the mountain, piedmont, or coastal region. Then find one of these 12 campgrounds in N.C. to make your reservations.
1. Indian Creek Campground
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Address: 1367 Bunches Creek Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
Rate: Rates start at $36.
Because of its location deep in the mountains of NC, Indian Creek Campground closes during the winter. Located at the southern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the campground is secluded and quiet. It has 74 sites and some with full hookups.
You can camp surrounded by woods with 88 acres of beautiful mountain land. Bunches Creek, an excellent place for trout fishing, runs through the campground.
Other nearby attractions within a 20-minute drive include Harrah’s Casino, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, downtown Cherokee, gem mining, “Unto These Hills” drama of the Cherokee people, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, and more.
2. Jomeokee Campground
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Address: 1140 Paces Place Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043
Rate: Rates start at $35.
Enjoy an incredible view of Pilot Mountain at Jomeokee Campground. From the language of the Saura Indians, “jomeokee” means “great guide” or “pilot.”
The campground is a prime base camp location for travelers wanting to explore the Yadkin Valley. Hiking, biking, climbing, and paddling are all popular outdoor activities in this region.
Pilot Mountain State Park is less than three miles from the campground, and Hanging Rock State Park is about a 30-minute drive.
Offering a wide variety of campsites, from dispersed to group to premium campsites, you can find a spot for everyone at Jomeokee Campground. And amenities include hot showers, hookups, bathrooms, and fire rings.
3. Moonshine Creek Campground
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Address: 2486 Dark Ridge Road, Sylva, NC 28779
Rate: Rates start at $69.
Another on our list of campgrounds in NC nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains is Moonshine Creek Campground. It offers peace and quiet for travelers seeking a more traditional camping experience.
Heated restrooms, a country store, cable TV, lawn games, and other amenities provide everything you need without the extra frills.
The creekside RV sites offer 20/30/50 amp service, sewer, water, and cable. And for fun, you can go river rafting, tubing, gem mining, golf, trout fishing, and antique and craft shopping, all nearby.
4. Cross Winds Family Campground
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Address: 160 Campground Lane, Linwood, NC 27299
Rate: Rates start at $50.
All campsites at Cross Winds Family Campground have full hookups with a picnic table, fire ring, and access to HD digital cable and Wi-Fi. The campground also offers a “seventh night free” weekly discount.
On-site guests enjoy the heated and cooled laundry and bathhouse, a stocked catch-and-release pond, a swimming pool, and a playground.
The famous Lexington BBQ Festival, Lazy Five Ranch & Zoo, Old Salem, and N.C. Transportation Museum are some of the popular attractions located nearby.
5. New Bern KOA Holiday
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Address: 1565 B Street, New Bern, NC 28560
Rate: Rates start at $40.
New Bern is located just inland along the Neuse River. This KOA Holiday in the second-oldest city in North Carolina has activities for the whole family to enjoy, like kayaking, pedal boating, barrel train rides, cornhole, ladder ball, horseshoes, gem mining, bike rentals, and swimming.
Guests can also go fishing in the catch-and-release pond or participate in one of the many weekend events. With full hook-up sites up to 128 feet in length, this KOA Holiday can accommodate rigs of all sizes.
6. Murphy/Peace Valley KOA Holiday
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Address: 117 Happy Valley Road, Marble, NC 28905
Rate: Rates start at $48.
The next on our list of NC campgrounds lies on the opposite side of the state. The KOA Holiday in Marble, N.C., is about 1 mile from Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and 30 minutes from whitewater rafting adventures on the Ocoee River or Nantahala River.
Campground amenities include a dog park, seasonal swimming pool, game room, walking path, and much more.
Whether you want to explore the outdoors or stay nestled in your RV, this KOA Holiday is perfectly situated in the Great Smoky Mountains.
7. Orchard Lake Campground
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Address: 460 Orchard Lake Road, Saluda, NC 28773
Rate: Rates start at $50.
Enjoy the blossoming apple trees of spring or the spectacular colors of fall at Orchard Lake Campground in western North Carolina.
The campground offers guests access to a zip line, a water slide, playgrounds, hiking trails, canoes, pool tables, a climbing wall, and so much more.
Campers enjoy swimming, fishing, and playing outdoor games like cornhole, badminton, and volleyball.
Plus, this campground in North Carolina is conveniently located near area attractions like the Biltmore Estate, the Western North Carolina Air Museum, and the Flat Rock Playhouse.
8. Oak Hollow Campground
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Address: 3415 N Centennial Street, High Point, NC 27265
Rate: Rates start at $35.
One of the few campgrounds on this list in the piedmont area of NC is Oak Hollow Campground. Located within the 1,550-acre Oak Hollow Park, it has 107 RV full-hookup sites and 13 tent platforms.
The outdoor pool opens seasonally, and families can enjoy the playground and picnic shelter. The Oak Hollow Golf Course and Oak Hollow Marina offer additional outdoor recreational opportunities.
9. Wilmington KOA Holiday
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Address: 7415 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28411
Rate: Rates start at $45.
Another KOA Holiday located near the coast is in Wilmington, N.C. This historic city offers southern charm and hospitality, and guests enjoy the conveniences of the RV park itself.
You get back-in and pull-through sites up to 65 feet long to accommodate rigs of any length. The park also offers recycling, free Wi-Fi, firewood, and propane. Other amenities include a dog park, bike rentals, cable TV, a giant chess board, ping pong, gaga ball, gem mining, barrel train rides, and more.
Keep in Mind: Think the KOA Rewards Membership Program Is Useless? Here’s Where You’re Wrong
10. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Address: 964 Crestview Church Road, Asheboro, NC 27205
Rate: Rates start at $48.
One of the most family-friendly campgrounds in NC is Jellystone Park in Asheboro. Families enjoy themed weeks with daily activities from Memorial Day through early August. And you get easy access to the North Carolina Zoo, located less than three miles from the campground.
All RV sites have full hookups with a fire ring and picnic table. You can choose a back-in or pull-through site. During your stay, you can enjoy a waterslide, a waterfall, and 80,000 gallons of pool fun.
In addition, it has two stocked catch-and-release fishing ponds, giant outdoor checkers, an inflatable obstacle course, and much more.
11. Davidson River Campground
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Address: 1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
Rate: Rates start at $32.
Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest about three miles away from the quaint town of Brevard is Davidson River Campground. Outdoor enthusiasts may love the easy access to fishing, paddling, tubing, and swimming.
Right across the street, you have the Pisgah Forest Ranger Station, where you can learn more about the miles of hiking trails and wildlife. You get picnic tables, tent pads, fire rings, lantern poles, a dump station, and a portable water-filling station. Additionally, some sites provide electricity.
12. Carolina Beach State Park
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Address: 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Rate: Rates start at $23.
You get some great state parks in North Carolina, but the only state park with a campground that made the list is at Carolina Beach.
Located about 12 miles south of Wilmington, Carolina Beach State Park offers guests great access to history, southern charm, and outdoor fun. It has 9 miles of hiking trails and fishing, picnicking, and paddling recreational activities.
The campground remains open year-round and provides some full hookup campsites for RVs. Additionally, you can rent bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards and use the coin-operated laundry facility, bathhouses, and marina store.
Keep in Mind: While you’re in North Carolina, make sure you have these 10 Things on your North Carolina itinerary!
Camp in the of the Best Campgrounds in the Old North State
These campgrounds in NC offer various amenities, from an inflatable obstacle course to catch-and-release ponds to weekend activities. You’ll find plenty to do no matter which location you choose.
But don’t forget to get out and explore all that North Carolina offers, too. These campgrounds provide easy access to popular tourist attractions in Asheville, Asheboro, Winston-Salem, Wilmington, Carolina Beach, and more.
And you’ll find yourself in awe of the beauty and majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Carolina coastline.
So when you’re ready to book your road trip through North Carolina, consider these highly-rated campgrounds. Where will you go first?
