North Carolina is the perfect state to visit for an adventure. Camping alongside the crashing waves and serene landscape is the ideal getaway for “outdoorsy” people.
There are several campsites throughout North Carolina, such as the Hammocks Beach State Park, Lake Santeetlah, and Linville Gorge. You can camp on the islands forming Outer Banks if you want to channel your inner Pogue. North Carolina has no shortage of incredible camp spots.
Beachside camping is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Spending a night away from the city and under the stars and sea breeze around you is a heavenly experience.
Where To Camp On The Beach In North Carolina
Hammocks Beach State Park
The Hammocks Beach State Park is a secluded campground found in Bear Island. You can only access the park by ferry or boat. The campground facilities are open during the year’s warmer months – from approximately May to September. If you visit the campgrounds during the offseason, be prepared to bring your own drinking water.
The facilities feature outdoor cold showers, pit toilets, and a bathhouse. You get the real and raw experience of camping at the Hammocks Beach State Park. The state park is made up of exceptional white beaches.
You can hike and fish for miles within the park. The park’s gateway has a full-service visitors center and hosts a launch site for private boats and access to the ferry. You can canoe, kayak, paddleboat, and spend your days swimming in gorgeous waters.
The Hammocks Beach State Park is well known for its untouched maritime forest.
Lake Santeetlah
Lake Santeetlah is a favorite camp spot for anglers and those keen on a wilderness camping experience. It is remote, and the Nantahala National Forest surrounds the campsites and shorelines.
It is an exceptionally beautiful campsite, and visitors will find no shortage of tranquility and peace here. There are 50 campsites to choose from, over 200 miles of hiking trails, and plenty of opportunities to canoe, paddleboat and kayak throughout Lake Santeetlah.
There are picnic tables and fire rings that can be found in each campsite, but it’s worth noting that there are no facilities for no drinking water or toilets available.
Linville Gorge
For backpackers, Linville Gorge is an exceptional destination to visit. It is located in Pisgah National Forest and hosts canyon walls, rock formations, and breathtaking waterfalls.
Hiking throughout Linville Gorge rewards you with beautiful summit views. Campsites can be found throughout the park alongside the hiking trails. Experienced campers can set up their equipment within the park.
It is important to note that you will need a permit to camp on weekends and between May to October. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. There are 39 campsites where you can reserve a spot, and 25 first-come, first-served campsites to choose from.
Cape Hatteras/ Outer Banks KOA Resort
The Netflix show Outer Banks popularized the beach city within North Carolina. Outer Banks is a barrier of islands that divide North Carolina from the Atlantic sea. There are four campsites within Cape Hatteras to choose from.
The campground facilities are friendlier for inexperienced campers. There are toilets and snack bars available, as well as a host of activities to keep yourself busy with. You can spend your time windsurfing or rock painting, and in the evenings, there is Campfire time that is open for all campers to join in on.
Depending on how natural you like to camp, each campsite caters to your needs. If you like to still have access to modern technology, Oregon Inlet Campground provides access to electricity plug points. The other three campsites within Cape Hatteras do not offer the same feature.
There are a number of events occurring at Cape Hatteras every month, and it is well worth planning a vacation to spend in the great outdoors and refresh your soul.
Mount Pisgah Campground
As Mount Pisgah is one of the highest campgrounds you’ll find throughout North Carolina, you’ll be rewarded with exceptional panoramic views. There are 52 sites along the trail route to reserve a spot to rest in and 74 campsites available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Pisgah Inn is a great restaurant to stop and refuel. The hiking trails vary from moderate to difficult intensities, and it is vital that you are prepared before embarking on a hike. Mount Pisgah is surrounded by mountain ranges and dense forestry making it the perfect campground for hiking enthusiasts.
Despite North Carolina’s hot summers, the dense forests provide a cool and shady environment. There are modern facilities available, such as toilets, drinking water, country stores, and dump stations.
RVs are welcome within Mount Pisgah. Both electric and non-electric campsites are available, and Mount Pisgah caters to everyone’s needs, whether you are looking for an unplugged or modern camping experience.
Mount Mitchell State Park
The biggest draw to Mount Mitchell State Park is that it hosts the highest peak east of the Mississippi. It is an exceptional camping spot to witness rich forests, hike through beautiful trails and spend the day outdoors.
There is a museum within the park to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. There are 9 campsites throughout Mount Mitchell State Park that come with grill areas and picnic tables. There is a full-service restaurant to enjoy, a gift shop, and a concession stand.
Mount Mitchell is a family-friendly campsite to visit and is said to be one of North Carolina’s most beautiful places to spend outdoors.
Roanoke River Platform Sites
This unique camping experience is a favorite among kayakers. In order to reach the campsites, you must pack all of your equipment into a kayak or canoe and paddle out along the Roanoke and Cashie River.
Each platform varies in what amenities they offer. Some platforms have a cover, in-ground bathrooms, and one of the platforms has 2 bikes you can use to cycle. Other platforms are only the platform for campers to set up their equipment on.
Roanoke River Partners, a non-profit group, maintain the Roanoke River Platform Sites. It is a remarkable camping experience that every kayaker and experienced camper must take advantage of.
In Conclusion
Camping is a favorite American pastime and is a great way to refresh your soul away from the busyness of your everyday lives. Spending time outdoors is restorative and most campsites have activities on offer to enjoy.
North Carolina hosts several beautiful campsites for anyone to visit. For wilderness lovers, hiking within Linville Gorge is a must-do. Spending your nights alongside the crashing waves on North Carolina’s shores is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
