Discover the best a-frame rentals in North Carolina with campfires

United States
—
North Carolina

99% (601 reviews)

Popular camping styles for North Carolina

Dog-friendly getaways

7 top a-frames sites in North Carolina with campfires

100%

(423)

JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

27 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents86 acres · Chinquapin, NC

Rated Finalist for Top Hipcamp in 2023 and 2024! This is a Family Venue! No Parties and/or drunknesses allowed. We strive to create an environment for nature viewing, stargazing, fishing, and unwinding in nature as camping should be. Events: November 9th Toys for Tots Bass Boat Tournament and Christmas in the Cabins starts! Cabins are currently decorated for Christmas now through New Years! The historic pond was originally much smaller. We have records that date back to our 6th Great-Grandfather, Joab Fountain, who received a royal grant from the crown in 1773 for the property and then just a grist mill, blacksmith shop and old general store. The property was passed down through the Fountain family until the late 1910's. Originally a creek dammed up for the purpose of the mill it was later dug out in the late 1940's by Lee Baysden. In a long story (that can soon be found on our website/blog) the land was auctioned off in 2007. This landowner dug it out and made it the 22-acre lake that it is today. The property also features 2 smaller ponds and surrounded by woods, swamp, and farmed fields, a total of 84 acres. Divided by Duplin and Onslow County line making it very unique! Chinquapin, NC The store/office is the original detached kitchen from his homeplace, which is the white house just up the street. We still use this today and it has Mr. Lee Baysden's handwriting in the store that states opened June 1956. The pond was owned and fished until the late 1990's. A hurricane damaged the dam and land was sold sometime after. The next owner dug the pond into the lake it is today and fixed the dam. In 2020 My husband Tyler, and I decided to buy the Pond when we saw the signs up for sale in the height of the pandemic. We created JCO, Juniper Creek Outfitters and Guide Service, fall 2020 and began to restore the lake and land to better than ever! We introduced our first Glamping A-Frame cabin in 2021 and in 2024 the Floating Cabin. We host community events such as fishing tournaments, fireworks, music, movie nights, and food trucks. We also host special occasions in the cabins from engagements, honeymoons, birthdays anniversaries. Youth groups and scouts also welcome. Ask about special pricing. Our camp office/store is opened most weekends or by check-in requests and fishing passes available 7 days a week online from sunrise-dark. Our lake features fishing for Bass, Crappie, Bream, Catfish, Bowfin, varieties of Panfish, and more. Check out our Facebook page (JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond) for all the latest news and catches! We have tagged bass that have been released back into the lake. Let us know if you catch one so we can record it! We are continually trying to make JCO and Lee Baysden Pond a great place in our community for friends and families! Enjoy the great outdoors unplugging from all the daily devices of reality. Enjoy bird watching for ducks, geese, heron, osprey or occasional eagle, owls, turkey, deer, and more. We now have a lake Kitty that adopted us and is now part of the team. Her name is "Tail", named by our 4 year old, Beckham. You may see Tail roaming around by the office or patrolling the campground as lake security. Beckham and our new baby girl Atley will be with us most days in office or helping to check you in to your sites! Eight RV sites- # 2, 6, 7, 8 are 30/50 amp, water hookups, fire pit, and waterfront. Sites #3, 4, 5, 9 are 30 amp Only, water hookups, firepit and waterfront. Check out descriptions and pictures of each site at booking. Pump out dump station at check out that we handle for you. One Free Pump out for weekenders. $25 fee for additional pumps or 1x free every 4days. 13 Tent sites - Sites #1-4 are Sunset Cove primitive Sites and #5 and 6 are Group bigger sites side by side. Little Pond site all by itself on private pond off the main lake. Sawmill Creek Tent site right off backside of the dam. Timber Creek are all newer sites. Couples Glamping A-frame Cabin complete with add on extras to make your stay more special. Includes Canoe and fishing passes. New Fully floating Cabin currently moored in RV #1 originally. Featuring full bathroom, kitchenette with Mini Fridge, Microwave, Coffee Pot, 2 burner range, dishes, gas logs, queen bed, futon, ac, tv and wifi, covered front porch with hammock and chairs, firepit, charcoal grill, canoe and more. Enjoy local favorites (ask to see our blog!) The Country Barn, Mike's Farm, Community Food and Grill, The Country Squire, Huffman Vineyards, Duplin Winery, Walton's Distillery, Southern breeze Seafood Market and Food Truck, Richlands Cajun Market, The Mad Boar, Triple C Sweets, Capt. Bob Becks Marina Cafe, Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Lynnwood Zoo, Surf City Beach and hour drive to Wilmington, NC. 30 minutes to Camp Lejeune, NC, and 10 minutes to Albert Ellis Airport, Jacksonville, NC Chinquapin, NC Richlands, NC Beulaville NC Wilmington NC Wallace NC Jacksonville, NC Camp Lejeune, NC Swansboro, NC Burgaw, NC Maple Hill, NC Eastern Nc.

Mystic Meadow Love Shack

1 site · Lodging28 acres · Madison, NC

My farm had been untouched for years and only used as hay farming. It is rolling hills known by the locals as "Butterfly Hill" Which the farm is home to many species of butterflies in the summer. I know the area was inhabited by native Americans many decades ago. I have found a few broken arrow heads over the years. The farm is beautiful and quiet. I have a beautiful hiking trail around the property for you to take your fur babies on. The cabin is right on a beautiful stream too. There are several state parks nearby and river tubing within 10 -30 minutes. Hot showers and potable water just a few feet away.

Cozy A-Frame Cabin Camping

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Oriental, NC

Welcome to our cozy A-frame cabin where you can enjoy nature while being close to downtown Oriental. Minutes from the village, this private and quiet camper’s cabin has a unique wing-wall feature that allows nearly all seasons stay. Enjoy a quick stay or have a few guests tent camp with you on the property. Sailors and hunters have just a short drive to all your local interest while enjoying complete privacy while you stay.

98%

(210)

The Heart Center

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Robbinsville, NC

The Heart Center sits on 30 acres of beautiful forest land and it is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. The place is an old school site that was literally left to be buried by the forest, until I came along and decided to fix it up, and create a holistic sanctuary for people wishing to get away from it all. A place where one can heal, contemplate, re-energize, and relax in a quiet and pristine environment. Feel secluded enough to experience your own inner stillness; and, yet, connected enough to enjoy many beautiful area attractions that are just minutes away such as: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Fontana Dam and the Appalachian Trail, 20 Mile Ranger Station, Cherohala Skyway, and Santeetlah Lake!The Heart Center is about love, unity, harmony, joy and re-connecting with ourselves, others, and Mother Nature. At the Heart Center, we take special interest in providing our guests with a uniquely peaceful, positive, comfortable, and relaxing experience! Whether you are laying on a hammock, walking the labyrinth, or just sitting on the deck taking in the sights and sounds, we want you to enjoy.

100%

(7)

Glamping A-Frame w/ opening wall

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Atkinson, NC

Come sneak away and enjoy a primitive off grid stay in Pender county, NC with a very unique A frame cabin with an opening wall. Cabin sits on 2 acres. The north side has a beautiful view of the neighboring farm. Cabin is furnished with a Full size bed. Please bring any blankets/comforters that you would like. 2 extra throw blankets are left for you to use. 2 fire pits, charcoal grill, solar lights, hammock, games, pond, propane heater for cooler month stays, outdoor camping loo. UNIQUE A FRAME W/ OPENING WALL CABIN Games provided: * Horseshoes * Uno * Deck of cards * Connect 4 * Tiki toss * Solar and hand crank radio POWER/WATER: * There is no ground electricity or running water * Solar power lights give a stunning shine into the night. battery operated lights and hand crank lights located in the cabin. * Propane heater for the cooler months, will provide 1 green propane tank per stay. Each tank last 4-8 hours depending on use. PLEASE BRING extras depending on length of stay and weather. PLEASE KEEP HEATER AT A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY FROM CLEAR PLASTIC DOOR OR OTHER FLAMMABLE OBJECTS. * High power Solar fan hooked up above door and can be moved around to cool you off for the warmer days. 2nd battery operated fan is also in the cabin to help with a breeze. (Southeast NC can be hot during summer months) * There is some firewood, can bring extra, it never hurts to have more dry wood available * There is no running water but a 7 gallon jug of water is provided for washing hands or anything. (Not recommended for drinking) as well as a 7 gallon hand pump shower jug * A portable loo (camping toilet/bucket) is available in the outdoor shower. Bags are located in the cabin. * Body bathing wipes are available for your use * no fridge but there is a cooler for any perishable items or drinks/water you bring. Just bring ice! * fire extinguisher, first aid kit available * There is a man made pond, still growing naturally to host plants and fish. Along with a waterfall with a solar pump, so will flow with the sun out OPENING DOOR: * The wall is on a rope pulley system with a hand crank. Simply crank the pulley and the door will open. Once open please grab each leg from the door running up the frame as seen in the photos and place them into locking positions. To close, push down the silver locking mechanism on the hand crank. PLEASE HOLD the rope as you do this so the door doesn’t slam down then slowly lower the door. Photos in guidebook as well LOCATION: This cabin is located close/ short drive to many popular spots. * Wilmington, NC 20-25 minute drive * Carolina beach, NC 40-45 minute drive * Duplin winery 30-35 minute drive * Gregory farms and winery 5 minute drive * Moores creek national battleground (national park) 5 minutes * White lake, NC 30 minutes There are mini marts and convenience stores within 10 minutes of a drive to pick up any supplies you may need. You are surrounded by woods please remember there are bugs, dirt, and there is other wildlife around you such as; deer, turkey, bears, foxes, etc. Please remember not to leave food out to attract any unwanted visits. Ideas on what to bring: * Drinking Water * Extra green Propane tanks * Fire starters * Blankets * Bug Spray Anything that you want to enhance your camping experience Other notes: * NO SMOKING IN THE CABIN * PLEASE BAG YOUR TRASH and place into the outdoor garbage can provided. DOUBLE BAG IF ITS LEAKING PLEASE. * additional cleaning fees may apply if excessive trash is left behind and not bagged in can * You will be the ONLY cabin on the property! * There is a camera that is facing the gate to ensure safety * As we continue to build and improve this experience we will update the changes * PLEASE NO EXCESSIVE FLAMES at the fire pits. USE SAFETY MEASURES AND KEEP THE FIRE IN THE PIT TO AVOID DAMAGE OR WILDFIRES * Bring charcoal if you are using the grill. (PLEASE CLEAN THE GRILL AFTER USE WITH THE BRUSH) * There are paper plates and plastic utensils. * Extra guest up to 6 are allowed with pre approval. Bring a tent for a $20 fee for extra guest. * The woods behind the cabin is available to walk around. The farm is not. Currently the pond is still naturally filling up so it may not be fully filled during your stay as it takes some time. When fully filled the pond can reach 12-14 feet.

Fall Creek Retreats

3 sites · Lodging122 acres · Purlear, NC

Enjoy this lovely setting and romantic spot in nature. This Tiny Home glamping site is the perfect place to relax, unplug and unwind in the great outdoors, right on the creek. Located on a private, easy to reach property, this Tiny Home offers stunning views of the creek. This has all essential amenities, equipped for a comfortable glamping stay; queen bed, Keurig, microwave, ceiling fan, gas grill, camping, outdoor shower and private portable toilet. Relax on the screened porch or fire pit, perfect for enjoying nature. The creek sound is simply hypnotic. The space Immerse yourself in nature. Welcome to the Tiny Home of Tranquility • One-room setup with all essentials: o Queen bed o Kitchenette o Dining table o Screened front porch • Private bath and shower at back entrance • Two additional glamping sites on the property for friends, each separated by 150 feet and dense woods for privacy o A-Frame o Geodome • Common areas: Pavilion, cornhole set & wading area in parking lot • State trout stream for fishing enthusiasts • Conveniently located: o 22 minutes to Boone o 18 minutes to Wilkesboro o 7 minutes of Hwy 421 to site Guest access All guests have access to: - Parking lot - Pavilion & cornhole area - Fishing at their site and from parking lot downstream (trout are released at parking lot) Other things to note • No Wifi to Distract You -Texting is possible; voice cell service is spotty • Power Supply - Batteries with a gas generator backup - Supports microwaves, Keurig, ceiling fans, and lights • Bathroom Amenities -Wood-encased portable toilet with overhead light - Camping shower bag for two quick showers - Soap/shampoo provided - Easy access from rear entrance • Central Location - Close to Boone (20 mi) - Wilkesboro (12 mi) - Nearby activities: hiking, boating, lake fishing, tubing, dining, wineries, breweries, and more • Additional Glamping Options - Geodome and A-Frame - Friends can join you and view

Nero Coffee Camping Spot

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Hendersonville, NC

Nero Coffee is a coffee brand based in the mountains on Western North Carolina, so when you camp at Nero Coffee + Camp you can enjoy a great cup of coffee (free coffee in my "coffee shed" on property!) and enjoy a relaxing spot in the mountains. Nero Coffee's mission is to create connection between people through sharing great coffee and conversation outdoors. I started Nero Coffee in 2019 and purchased 6 acres near DuPont State Forest to share my land and create my own coffee campground to continue growing the mission. Update for 2024! Nero Coffee's Camping Spot has three ways to camp. Site 1: Glamping in my custom built (and way too adorable) mini A frame cabin. This cabin is tucked in the rhododendrons for complete privacy. Enjoy the super comfy bed and unique lifting side door to let the outdoors in :) or Site 2: Camping with room for up to 8 guests. There are multiple sites and so much room to spread out for groups up to 8 people. This year I am only opening tent camping for one group at a time so you can experience the mountains in the most peaceful setting. The upper camping area has plenty of flat areas for vans, cars, trucks and tents, and if you don't mind carrying our tent down the hill, the lower creekside camping area is THE PERFECT stargazing spot. There's plenty of room to set up any size tent down there, too. basically, You have the campground to make yourself totally at home. Site 3: Simple Car Camping Spot - Just want a spot to pull over camp for the night close toDuPont State Forest? We can make that happen. No tents allowed here, but it's a peaceful alternative to a cracker barrel parking lot. ----- Once you set up camp feel free to visit the Coffee Shed - It's a small shed on the property by the house that has everything you need to make a great cup of coffee. Coffee is always free. :) I have fire pits, tables an, if I am home, I have a super cute corgi that roams around the property throughout the day. If you spot me outside feel free to say hi or ask any questions about the area. I love helping guests find new places to explore. You will be about 8 minutes to DuPont State Forest (my favorite hiking and biking area) which has miles and miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The entrance to Pisgah National Forest is about 15 minutes away as well so it's a convenient drive to visit the forest and drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I also own a company that guides "coffee hikes" to local waterfalls in DuPont State forest. You can find more about that in the photo descriptions. :) Please note!! My road up to my driveway is steep and bumpy. It’s only 0.3 miles up but bumpy. You don't need four wheel drive but higher ground clearance is recommended. (I have had small cars make it up but it is a bit intimidating if you are not used to driving in the mountains). if you have a small car just go slow. :) ------- Larger group? Want an indoor bath and shower?? If you are planning a larger group camping retreat and want to book the entire campground (including the main house with indoor shower, restrooms, and full kitchen and spare bedroom) I can make that happen for $500 a night. It's honestly the perfect spot for private, group camping and glamping up to 15 people. Just send me your date request and I will share a link to book if your dates are available. (2 night minimum for all full campground requests)

Star Hosts in North Carolina

97%

(147)

Nero Coffee Camping Spot

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Hendersonville, NC

Nero Coffee is a coffee brand based in the mountains on Western North Carolina, so when you camp at Nero Coffee + Camp you can enjoy a great cup of coffee (free coffee in my "coffee shed" on property!) and enjoy a relaxing spot in the mountains. Nero Coffee's mission is to create connection between people through sharing great coffee and conversation outdoors. I started Nero Coffee in 2019 and purchased 6 acres near DuPont State Forest to share my land and create my own coffee campground to continue growing the mission. Update for 2024! Nero Coffee's Camping Spot has three ways to camp. Site 1: Glamping in my custom built (and way too adorable) mini A frame cabin. This cabin is tucked in the rhododendrons for complete privacy. Enjoy the super comfy bed and unique lifting side door to let the outdoors in :) or Site 2: Camping with room for up to 8 guests. There are multiple sites and so much room to spread out for groups up to 8 people. This year I am only opening tent camping for one group at a time so you can experience the mountains in the most peaceful setting. The upper camping area has plenty of flat areas for vans, cars, trucks and tents, and if you don't mind carrying our tent down the hill, the lower creekside camping area is THE PERFECT stargazing spot. There's plenty of room to set up any size tent down there, too. basically, You have the campground to make yourself totally at home. Site 3: Simple Car Camping Spot - Just want a spot to pull over camp for the night close toDuPont State Forest? We can make that happen. No tents allowed here, but it's a peaceful alternative to a cracker barrel parking lot. ----- Once you set up camp feel free to visit the Coffee Shed - It's a small shed on the property by the house that has everything you need to make a great cup of coffee. Coffee is always free. :) I have fire pits, tables an, if I am home, I have a super cute corgi that roams around the property throughout the day. If you spot me outside feel free to say hi or ask any questions about the area. I love helping guests find new places to explore. You will be about 8 minutes to DuPont State Forest (my favorite hiking and biking area) which has miles and miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The entrance to Pisgah National Forest is about 15 minutes away as well so it's a convenient drive to visit the forest and drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I also own a company that guides "coffee hikes" to local waterfalls in DuPont State forest. You can find more about that in the photo descriptions. :) Please note!! My road up to my driveway is steep and bumpy. It’s only 0.3 miles up but bumpy. You don't need four wheel drive but higher ground clearance is recommended. (I have had small cars make it up but it is a bit intimidating if you are not used to driving in the mountains). if you have a small car just go slow. :) ------- Larger group? Want an indoor bath and shower?? If you are planning a larger group camping retreat and want to book the entire campground (including the main house with indoor shower, restrooms, and full kitchen and spare bedroom) I can make that happen for $500 a night. It's honestly the perfect spot for private, group camping and glamping up to 15 people. Just send me your date request and I will share a link to book if your dates are available. (2 night minimum for all full campground requests)

Cozy A-Frame Cabin Camping

1 site · Lodging3 acres · Oriental, NC

Welcome to our cozy A-frame cabin where you can enjoy nature while being close to downtown Oriental. Minutes from the village, this private and quiet camper’s cabin has a unique wing-wall feature that allows nearly all seasons stay. Enjoy a quick stay or have a few guests tent camp with you on the property. Sailors and hunters have just a short drive to all your local interest while enjoying complete privacy while you stay.

Mystic Meadow Love Shack

1 site · Lodging28 acres · Madison, NC

My farm had been untouched for years and only used as hay farming. It is rolling hills known by the locals as "Butterfly Hill" Which the farm is home to many species of butterflies in the summer. I know the area was inhabited by native Americans many decades ago. I have found a few broken arrow heads over the years. The farm is beautiful and quiet. I have a beautiful hiking trail around the property for you to take your fur babies on. The cabin is right on a beautiful stream too. There are several state parks nearby and river tubing within 10 -30 minutes. Hot showers and potable water just a few feet away.

JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

27 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents86 acres · Chinquapin, NC

Rated Finalist for Top Hipcamp in 2023 and 2024! This is a Family Venue! No Parties and/or drunknesses allowed. We strive to create an environment for nature viewing, stargazing, fishing, and unwinding in nature as camping should be. Events: November 9th Toys for Tots Bass Boat Tournament and Christmas in the Cabins starts! Cabins are currently decorated for Christmas now through New Years! The historic pond was originally much smaller. We have records that date back to our 6th Great-Grandfather, Joab Fountain, who received a royal grant from the crown in 1773 for the property and then just a grist mill, blacksmith shop and old general store. The property was passed down through the Fountain family until the late 1910's. Originally a creek dammed up for the purpose of the mill it was later dug out in the late 1940's by Lee Baysden. In a long story (that can soon be found on our website/blog) the land was auctioned off in 2007. This landowner dug it out and made it the 22-acre lake that it is today. The property also features 2 smaller ponds and surrounded by woods, swamp, and farmed fields, a total of 84 acres. Divided by Duplin and Onslow County line making it very unique! Chinquapin, NC The store/office is the original detached kitchen from his homeplace, which is the white house just up the street. We still use this today and it has Mr. Lee Baysden's handwriting in the store that states opened June 1956. The pond was owned and fished until the late 1990's. A hurricane damaged the dam and land was sold sometime after. The next owner dug the pond into the lake it is today and fixed the dam. In 2020 My husband Tyler, and I decided to buy the Pond when we saw the signs up for sale in the height of the pandemic. We created JCO, Juniper Creek Outfitters and Guide Service, fall 2020 and began to restore the lake and land to better than ever! We introduced our first Glamping A-Frame cabin in 2021 and in 2024 the Floating Cabin. We host community events such as fishing tournaments, fireworks, music, movie nights, and food trucks. We also host special occasions in the cabins from engagements, honeymoons, birthdays anniversaries. Youth groups and scouts also welcome. Ask about special pricing. Our camp office/store is opened most weekends or by check-in requests and fishing passes available 7 days a week online from sunrise-dark. Our lake features fishing for Bass, Crappie, Bream, Catfish, Bowfin, varieties of Panfish, and more. Check out our Facebook page (JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond) for all the latest news and catches! We have tagged bass that have been released back into the lake. Let us know if you catch one so we can record it! We are continually trying to make JCO and Lee Baysden Pond a great place in our community for friends and families! Enjoy the great outdoors unplugging from all the daily devices of reality. Enjoy bird watching for ducks, geese, heron, osprey or occasional eagle, owls, turkey, deer, and more. We now have a lake Kitty that adopted us and is now part of the team. Her name is "Tail", named by our 4 year old, Beckham. You may see Tail roaming around by the office or patrolling the campground as lake security. Beckham and our new baby girl Atley will be with us most days in office or helping to check you in to your sites! Eight RV sites- # 2, 6, 7, 8 are 30/50 amp, water hookups, fire pit, and waterfront. Sites #3, 4, 5, 9 are 30 amp Only, water hookups, firepit and waterfront. Check out descriptions and pictures of each site at booking. Pump out dump station at check out that we handle for you. One Free Pump out for weekenders. $25 fee for additional pumps or 1x free every 4days. 13 Tent sites - Sites #1-4 are Sunset Cove primitive Sites and #5 and 6 are Group bigger sites side by side. Little Pond site all by itself on private pond off the main lake. Sawmill Creek Tent site right off backside of the dam. Timber Creek are all newer sites. Couples Glamping A-frame Cabin complete with add on extras to make your stay more special. Includes Canoe and fishing passes. New Fully floating Cabin currently moored in RV #1 originally. Featuring full bathroom, kitchenette with Mini Fridge, Microwave, Coffee Pot, 2 burner range, dishes, gas logs, queen bed, futon, ac, tv and wifi, covered front porch with hammock and chairs, firepit, charcoal grill, canoe and more. Enjoy local favorites (ask to see our blog!) The Country Barn, Mike's Farm, Community Food and Grill, The Country Squire, Huffman Vineyards, Duplin Winery, Walton's Distillery, Southern breeze Seafood Market and Food Truck, Richlands Cajun Market, The Mad Boar, Triple C Sweets, Capt. Bob Becks Marina Cafe, Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Lynnwood Zoo, Surf City Beach and hour drive to Wilmington, NC. 30 minutes to Camp Lejeune, NC, and 10 minutes to Albert Ellis Airport, Jacksonville, NC Chinquapin, NC Richlands, NC Beulaville NC Wilmington NC Wallace NC Jacksonville, NC Camp Lejeune, NC Swansboro, NC Burgaw, NC Maple Hill, NC Eastern Nc.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

A-frames in North Carolina with campfires guide

Overview

Crank up the fiddle-and-banjo tunes while driving through the High Country, where campsites and high-altitude views along the Blue Ridge Parkway are marked by mists and mountains. The parkway rolls up to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, not far from the gorgeous homelands of the Cherokee tribe. Just east in Asheville, the Ale Trail rivals the Biltmore as the top draw, though live music and a fantastic culinary scene are close behind. Drive east to the windswept barrier islands of the Outer Banks for coastal camping, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures that tear across sea and sky. Charlotte, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh anchor the booming Central Piedmont.

Where to go

High Country & the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway passes overlooks, waterfalls, and campgrounds in the rugged High Country of western North Carolina as it swoops south from Virginia. Mount Mitchell State Park, Linville Gorge, and Grandfather Mountain are Instagram-pretty while hiking and mountain biking trails beg to be explored.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Cherokee

Stories about Cherokee leaders and 19th-century mountain families add historic context to the mountain-and-forest views in the deep-green Smokies. Feeling social? Hit the welcoming Nantahala Outdoor Center for all-sorts of wild adventures, from rafting to ziplining. The Appalachian Trail runs along the North Carolina and Tennessee border in the national park then veers south through Nantahala National Forest.

Asheville & the Foothills

An easy detour from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville is a mountain town that’s going places. The craft beer situation is out of control—more than 30 breweries!—while innovative chefs keep the foodie scene abuzz. Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure, and gorgeous waterfalls are outdoor highlights in the foothills. Mountain bikers, get your fix in Pisgah National Forest.

North Carolina Coast

Wind, water, and sunny skies set a mood for fun along the North Carolina Coast. For the best all-around beach scene head to the Outer Banks, a 100-mile stretch of rugged barrier islands marked by dunes, fishing piers, and wild horses. Try hang-gliding at Jockey’s Ridge, windsurfing off Hatteras Island, and parasailing and paddling in Corolla and Duck. For close-to-the-beach tent camping, drive south to Cape Hatteras National Seashore or ferry over to Ocracoke Island.