From glamping to boondocking, these six camping spots are among the most scenic in North Carolina. Here’s info on fees, amenities, and nearby attractions.
One fact about North Carolina? There’s seemingly no limit to the amount of gorgeous camping spots throughout the state. Whether you prefer mountain vistas, scenic seaside scenes, or convenient, centrally located places, you can find it in the Tar Heel state. Best of all: No matter the type of site or style you’re partial to, you’ll still reap the benefits of fresh air, sunshine, reduced stress, and limited screen time.
Mountain region
Julian Price Memorial Park
Located at milepost 297 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Julian Price Memorial Park is a lovely spot any time of year—but autumn’s brilliant changing leaves and crisp air make it arguably the best time of year to visit. The park’s 4,200+ acres include campgrounds, hiking trails, picnic spots, and the 47-acre Price Lake, where guests with valid licensure can fish. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and rowboats are available to rent from Price Lake Boat Rentals, which is within walking distance from the park.
Popular hiking trails nearby include the strenuous-in-sections, 13.5-mile Tanawha Trail and the 5.5-mile, moderate Boone Fork Trail. Pro tip: Boone Fork leads to Hebron Falls, a magnificent 25-foot cascading waterfall popular among photographers.
As for camping, the park typically offers 75 sites available for advance reservation and 115 available on a first-come, first-served basis—each costing $30 per night. However, due to ongoing damage from Hurricane Helene, only advance reservations are accepted in 2026.
The park is located near the charming town of Blowing Rock, which offers unique shopping and dining options. Bustling college town Boone is located less than 10 miles away and offers breweries, the historic Mast General Store, art galleries, and more.
Lake Powhatan
Just minutes from downtown Asheville, this wooded area in the Pisgah National Forest is open year-round and features the tranquil, seven-acre Lake Powhatan and a sandy beach. Because it’s a popular swimming spot, we recommend visiting in the summer for the most refreshing experience.
Lush greenery abounds, and trout fishing and mountain biking are fun activities to enjoy. The easy, family-friendly 1.2-mile Lake Powhatan Loop and access to Bent Creek Experimental Forest’s extensive trail system create opportunities for longer, more challenging explorations.
While Lake Powhatan’s lakeside camping spots are consistently lauded for great maintenance and amenities like hot showers and ice and firewood for purchase at the gatehouse, its glamping options also get high marks. Featuring 12 fully furnished platform tents with conveniences like charging stations and campfire rings with grills, it’s easy to see why.
There are a plethora of things to do in nearby Asheville, including excellent eateries, arts, breweries, and live entertainment venues. The stunning Craggy Gardens off the Blue Ridge Parkway and the River Arts District are two Asheville area spots visitors should not miss.
Camping fees depend on the accommodations guests choose (from single sites with no hookups to glamping tents) and range from $37 to $130 per night.
Piedmont region
Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Located in Durham and Wake counties and a short distance from some of the Research Triangle’s biggest cities, Falls Lake State Recreation Area offers a picturesque retreat from urban life.
If you choose to venture out, hit up the riveting North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the beautifully engaging North Carolina Museum of Art. Gourmands will also appreciate the area’s 14 restaurants recognized by the MICHELIN Guide.
An expansive 12,000-acre reservoir surrounded by 26,000 acres of verdant woodlands, Falls Lake features radiant lake views, ~25 miles of hiking trails, peaceful campgrounds, and ample space with direct paths for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
Three distinct campgrounds for tent, group, trailer, RV, and backpack camping (accessible via a hike) dot the perimeter of the lake. Grills, picnic tables, water, and restrooms are conveniently scattered throughout the area. While summer brings a high volume of visitors, it’s still an ideal time to visit to take advantage of all the fun to be had along the beach’s 175 miles of shoreline.
If possible, avoid the weekends to maximize peaceful solitude. If you visit in the summertime, reservations are recommended. Important note: Fees are also charged for camping, certain event permits, and facility reservations. Camping fees range from $20 to $45 per night and depend on the kind of site you choose and reserve. All campsites are closed on December 24 and December 25.
Hanging Rock State Park
Throughout Hanging Rock State Park’s 9,000+ acres, you can experience picturesque waterfalls, 48 miles of trails, a 12-acre swimming lake, breathtaking views, and ample options for camping, making it easy to see why it’s widely considered one of the country’s best state parks.
Conveniently located about two hours from Raleigh and half an hour from Winston-Salem, it’s a popular spot for residents in the Piedmont. Guests should plan a visit to Priddy’s General Store, built in 1888, in nearby Danbury. A bit further away in Pilot Mountain is the award-winning JOLO Winery and Vineyards, a must-stop for budding oenophiles.
The park’s lake is open for swimming in the summer and fishing year-round, but many campers prefer the cool evening breezes found during spring and fall. Canoes and rowboats are also available for rent. The park also offers access to the scenic Dan River, a popular spot for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing.
The park offers 73 roomy tent camping locations, five primitive camping sites, and 10 cozy, comfortable cabins. During the summer and on weekends, it can get busy, so reservations are a good idea. The type of lodging dictates the nightly camping fees, which range from $20-$110.
Coastal Plain region
Goose Creek State Park
With eight miles of hiking trails and a stunning beach and trees draped in Spanish moss, Goose Creek State Park looks and feels otherworldly, but its immaculate offerings, including a primitive camping area along the water, a private-feeling RV area with hookups, cabins, and modern restrooms and showers situate it firmly here in the here and now.
Located on the scenic Pamlico River estuary, the park boasts a peaceful, quiet location that lends itself to relaxing ventures like birding and wildlife watching, which can include bald eagles, black bears, and river otters. In addition to camping, it’s also a great spot for hiking and swimming.
There are picnic tables at the beach, and folks can also explore to find a more secluded spot. Guests will want to pack any essentials because there are no stores nearby.
The park is close to both Washington and Bath, and any trip to Washington that doesn’t include a stop at Bill’s Hot Dog stand is a missed opportunity for simple, delicious pleasures. Bath is home to St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Built in 1734, it’s the state’s oldest active church in its oldest incorporated town.
Due to larger crowds, oppressive heat, and insects, fall and spring are the best times of year to visit. Goose Creek State Park is open year-round and on all holidays except Christmas Day, but note that certain campsites and facilities aren’t available year-round. Fees are dependent on the type of lodging and range from $30 to $78 a night.
Carolina Beach State Park
With spacious and well-spaced sites, shade trees and privacy shrubs, lovely views, and clean, well-lit bathrooms, there’s a lot for camping enthusiasts to love about Carolina Beach State Park. Add in nearly nine miles of walking trails, a marina on the Intracoastal Waterway, beach, fishing pier, and grills, and you can see why this park is considered one of NC’s best.
Thanks to the summer heat and armies of insects, most notably enormous, ravenous mosquitoes, December through February is the best time of year to visit. Reviewers note the park often gets quite crowded during the spring and summer months.
Guests enjoy the convenience of nearby grocery stores and beaches, and beautiful Wilmington is less than half an hour away, making it easy to take advantage of the Port City’s vibrant dining and entertainment options. With plenty of bars and restaurants in the area and gorgeous views of the USS North Carolina and the Cape Fear River, the Riverwalk is a good option.
Because this area of the world is home to the Venus Fly Trap, a visit to the peaceful Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden at Piney Ridge Nature Preserve in Wilmington is in order. Free and open to the public year-round, it’s a must for nature lovers and budding horticulturalists.
Lodgings include log cabins with air conditioning and lots for primitive camping, campers, and recreational vehicles. As such, camping fees range from $20 to $78 per night. Open daily year-round (except for Christmas), reservations are recommended for those who want to camp or use the marina slip.
