Camping › North Carolina
Camping in North Carolina
816 places to camp in North Carolina: 83 national forest and federal campgrounds, 9 state park campgrounds, 191 free dispersed and primitive spots, 533 private campgrounds and RV parks. The best camping months are Apr–Jun & Aug–Oct, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In August expect highs near 85°F and lows near 64°F.
Best areas to camp
- Around Cherokee144 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Asheville103 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Morganton98 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Bryson City61 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Wilkesboro57 camps in the area within 25 miles
Questions
When is the best time to camp in North Carolina?
The best camping months are Apr–Jun & Aug–Oct, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In August expect highs near 85°F and lows near 64°F.
Is there free camping in North Carolina?
Yes: 204 free or dispersed spots, mostly on national forest and BLM land.
Will I have cell signal camping in North Carolina?
At about 90% of camps, at least one carrier has 4G or better (FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous). Plan for no signal on trails.
Where are the darkest skies for camping in North Carolina?
5 camps sit under the darkest skies (class 1–2). See the stargazing page.
Filter by camp type, amenities and activities, fly over any camp in 3D, then plan your trip.
Open North Carolina in Find campsThis week's picks
A different handful each week. Tap a camp to see it from above, check the weather and plan the drive.
- Tsali Recreation AreaFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
Tsali Recreation Area: Open year round
View camp → - Pisgah National ForestFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with…
View camp → - Uwharrie National ForestFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
There are approximately 51,000 acres of National Forest System lands in Montgomery, Randolph and Davidson Counties. The Uwharrie National Forest includes the Uwharrie Ranger District…
View camp → - Standing Indian CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · No cell signal
Standing Indian Campground is a camper's delight, whether you're camping in an RV or in a tent. The campground is surrounded by 5,000-foot peaks and crossed by several natural trout…
View camp → - Cedar Point Recreation AreaFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
The Cedar Point Recreation Area, near the mouth of the White Oak River, is surrounded by a salt marsh and a coastal forest. The salt marsh, where fresh water meets salt water, stretches out…
View camp → - Badin Lake Recreation AreaFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
Badin Lake Recreation Area offers swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking trails, equestrian trails, four-wheel drive trails, mountain biking trails & camping opportunities. Please pick…
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Rocky Bluff CampgroundFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalRocky Bluff Campground offers solitude in a wooded setting located just 3 miles south of the quaint town of Hot Springs and the majestic French Broad River. The campground is conviently…
View camp →- Grandfather Ranger DistrictFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
The lands that make up the Grandfather Ranger District are those public lands that run from the McDowell/Buncombe county line on Black Mountain just east of Asheville over to US 321 between…
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Free camping in North Carolina
204 spots cost nothing: dispersed sites on national forest and BLM land and free campgrounds. Most have no water or toilets, and stays are usually limited to 14 days.
- Badin Horse Camp or Old Horse CampFederal campground · Free · Cell signal
This is a primitive camping area where people camp in self contained RV/Horse Trailers. It is located in an open field with tie outs for the horses. No amenities available.
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