Discover the best beach and dog-friendly campgrounds in North Carolina

United States
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North Carolina

97% (1707 reviews)

Popular camping styles for North Carolina

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds in North Carolina

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Canter Lakes Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents47 acres · Rocky Point, NC

Canter Lakes Farm offers waterfront camping on 47 acres. We are a private horse farm with beautiful swimming lakes and river access on site via “Sand Hill Creek” At canter lakes farm you can explore over 10 acres of water without ever leaving our property, and hike almost 3 miles of manicured trails. The sunset and sunrise is always beautiful here! If you’re an early riser you can witness the magnificent steam rolling in over the lakes, creek and cypress swamp while you sip your coffee at sunrise. Bring your paddle boards and cruise, or warm up with sunny yoga on your private dock. Kayak or John boats can explore the river bends from our property, or even make it out to the big wide cape fear. We are also very close to two public boat ramps suitable for larger boats and jet skis. Holly Shelter boat ramp is literally 2 minutes away, Shelter Creek boat ramp is 10 minutes away. Both ramps have a fishing area and allow kayaks/paddle boards. Fishing is good on our ponds and the river year round, (bass, catfish, crappie, bowfin, gar, etc) in June hundreds of wild blueberry plants you can pick and eat. We also have prickly pear cacti for harvesting which you can cook the fruit and paddles over the fire and enjoy. If our trails aren’t enough and you want more adventure, just two miles away is the Holly Shelter game lands entrance where you’ll find thousands of acres for hunting, biking, hiking or horseback riding. And if you’re craving a beach day, Wrightsville beach is just a 30 minute drive away as well as is downtown Wilmington where you can enjoy walking the riverfront for shopping or dining. Stargazing galore! Surrounding the property is privately owned country land- this is a phenomenal place to be amazed by the stars. Photography lovers will be in heaven from the sunrises and sunsets golden hour is magical here! And with the diverse landscape there’s always something to capture. Tent camping or dry rv camping only at this time. Hot Shower, sink and full size toilet are provided in the bath house. No feeding of the horses allowed, or entering fencing. campers are welcome to visit or partake in farm experience with permission. If you’re looking for a yummy bite to eat we recommend chilitos, about 10 minutes away, for some authentic Mexican food! •Nearest gas station, grocery store and restaurants are in Rocky Point, just 12 minutes from us. •Wrightsville Beach - 30-40 minutes depending on traffic •Surf City/Topsail - 35 minutes •Hampstead- 15 minutes •Jacksonville - 38 minutes •Downtown Wilmington - 30 minutes (riverfront/live oak bank pavilion) •urgent care address: 7910 US hwy 117, Rocky point. (10 minutes from our farm) “novant health express care”.

Black Barn Farm

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Newport, NC

"HYTTE" is a Norwegian word that translates to "cabin" or "cottage' in English. Hytte are small, wooden houses that are often built in the countryside or forest. They are typically rustic and simple, with basic furniture and utilities like a table ,chairs, bed and heat source. They are not equipped with running water or electricity. Ours have solar! The idea of hytte includes freedom, frugality and a simple life. We offer #4 Steinhytte-the stone cabin, #5Trehytte- the wood cabin ,#8 Rosahvalhytte-the pink whale cabin and #9 Furuhytte-the pine cabin. Come embrace what the Scandinavian people have been doing for hundreds of years. Unplug, unwind, relax and enjoy nature. See it through the eyes of your childhood. Play. Live. Breathe. Welcome to our little piece of heaven! Our property offers a variety of activities for you to enjoy and a variety of camping options. Set up camp in a tent, a screened hammock, a car, a bus or RV, or stay in one of our primitive dry camping cabins. All camp areas are private from our home, with a porta potty and well water available. Please be aware-we are a working farm. There is sometimes noise and if you are sensitive bring earplugs, headphones, etc... The ducks chatter and talk the night away, the dogs do bark if Bambi-Baloo-Thumper or their chicken siblings hang too close to the pens. We have wildlife here! Owls, coyotes, bear and deer some are more musical than others. Please be aware! Never put your hands where you can't see! North Carolina has several poisonous snakes and although we don't see them often, we are playing in their playground-the great outdoors. There are mosquitoes, ticks, fire ants (esp. after a good rain) and critters outdoors. Always bring bug spray even if you think you may not need it! To avoid unwanted interaction, keep tents/screens on cabins zipped or closed when not in use. Make sure food is "buttoned up" for the night and be aware of any crumbs or scraps dropped on the ground or in cabins. This will invite unwanted guests of all types. Be aware and observant where you walk and use a flashlight or headlamp at night. We will not be responsible for injury, bites, stings, etc... Be smart and camp safe! There are MANY things to do in our area that are low cost to free, which is an added plus for any families coming to visit! Just ask me and I'll give you suggestions depending on your budget. Plenty of stuff for grown-ups too! Walmart Express is less than three miles away and Walmart Supercenter is less than five miles away. Smithfields BBQ, Chinese and Bojangles are close by. There are two wonderful restaurants nearby El Mexicano and Riverside a Pizza/subs place that will deliver camp side too! Be sure to mention what site number you are camped! If you love the ocean, the beach is just a short distance away. Emerald Isle is ten miles away, Ft. Macon is twelve miles away. These both have public beaches and Ft. Macon offers hot showers if you don't opt for our cold one! Hikers will love the nearby trails and abundant hiking options from poccosin (bogs) swamps to the Mountain to Sea Trail. Our property is perfect for outdoor adventure and exploration. If you prefer a more relaxing stay, you can stay on our property and enjoy a refreshing swim in our pond or cozy up by a campfire. Bring your s'mores gear to belly up to a picnic table. Birdwatching is a popular activity here as we are a family-run bird farm with a variety of feathered friends including ducks, chickens, guineas, geese, turkey and even an emu or two! We have recently added (this Spring 2024) baby goats and also have cows. Napoleon and Rosie are Dwarf pygmies and Brielle is a New Zealand Kiko. Napoleon, Elle and Rosie love children and kids are welcome to come visit them under the supervision of Miss Jennifer. Fresh eggs are available for breakfast, straight from our farm to your plate. We offer mini tours of the animals when we feed up and kids like to help gather eggs. Just reserve the "Feeding time" and a head count. We are passionate about birds and love to share our knowledge with our guests. The porta toilet is located at the end of the emu pen and well water is available in front of the barn. There are buckets available to bring water to your site. Any vehicle over 6' will have to enter/exit on West (left) side of the pond due to low clearance. Cold water shower available. (Let me define...high tech redneck style; a hose with multi option spigot.) Our property is also conveniently located near the historic towns of Beaufort and New Bern, perfect for a day trip. There are nearby stores and farmers markets where you can get fresh veggies, and we are always willing to suggest places to go. You can also visit Fort Macon, Hammocks Beach, Carteret County Speedway, the NC Aquarium, local farms, live music at The Gardens and more. Go see a local mud bog on Saturday nights or check out the local Bogue Sound distillery and fabulous seafood restaurants, which is just a short drive away. Bring your boat because we have plenty of space to park and can direct you to whichever type of waterway you want to be on. There are nearby private fishing charters, horseback riding and ferry adventures to go see the ponies. Better yet go visit the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort and get inspired to sign up to build your own boat. They offer excellent sea themed classes for the children during the summer. Sign up early because they fill up fast. Just one of our neat local treasures. Come have an assisted outdoor oyster roast! You go pick up your fresh local oysters (in season) from people we can recommend, and we can help walk you thru the "how to". We will have all you need: pot, burner, knives, new condiments and table ready to go so all you have to do is cook eat and enjoy! Go clamming! We can provide you with all you need to go get your dinner! (in season) Rake, floating bucket, a hat and the knowledge of where and when to go. A boat or kayak is recommended. We do have a kayaks available with a deposit to take it offsite. This is bookable through the extras. We know people/locations to get you going for beach fishing, kayaking, hunting, and tons more. Don't forget there are many festivals, parades and floatillas nearby to enjoy. Mumfest in New Bern is always awesome and don't forget the NC Seafood Festival. During Winter carriage rides can be arranged through historical New Bern. We are open year-round, and Wintertime is a delight at the beach. Come visit us during the holiday season to enjoy the lights and cuddle up to a cozy campfire. The cabins are heated by propane, and we can have a tank ready for you when you arrive for an extra charge. A single 20 lb tank typically lasts four days. Light a luminary to float on the pond to make your New Year begin just right even just for a special occasion! We ask that no one smokes inside the cabins for the safety of yourself and allergies to other campers. Thank you in advance and please police your butts. We try to keep the area tidy. There are trash cans by #4, #5 and #9 also the large dumpster behind the barn. Please do not feed anything to our birds! Each species has a specialized diet and just one food item wrong could kill them. We love sharing our pets with you and Miss Jennifer is always willing to answer questions. Make sure to get the coupon codes for the active military, vets, repeat campers, Fall/Winter discounts! So come unwind, unplug, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in nature. Remember how to play and have fun like in your childhood. We look forward to hosting you! Please be sure to plug in our discount codes for the best pricing! Only one discount can be used at a time /per stay. Repeat campers! $5 OFF YOUR STAY We appreciate you! C9MOQGQH We LOVE OUR VETS-30% off your stay. Active duty/Enlisted/Veterans...Thank you for you service and sacrifice! This can also apply to EMTs, Nurses, Doctors and firefighters! EFHEXJEJ Fall/Winter Season Discounts 10% off...It's just cool. Available Sept-Feb DBN6PKIY Discount not applicable for week of Thanksgiving (11/19-11/26) and Christmas (12/17-12/26). Bookings are for a total of seven days max per site. If you need additional dates just PM Jennifer. We have a zero-drug policy, and we love our 2nd amendment but cannot allow firearms (this includes BB guns), fireworks or ATV's due to insurance. We are a family run, family-oriented camp. Please be respectful to your fellow campers. You can always ask questions and we are here to help you have the best camp experience available. Please be respectful of others while here and learn to be a kid again. We ask that no cooking or smoking in done inside the cabin!

Spruill Conservation Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents110 acres · Roper, NC

(Note: Fireworks, crackers, sparklers, garbage burning are not permitted) Tip: check out the 'Phases of the Moon' calendar in photos before booking! Formerly: Spruill Farm Conservation Project The Spruill Farm belonged to the Spruill Family for over a hundred years and has just been set up as conservation easement protected land. It includes hardwood forest, swamp, a beautiful swimming beach* on the Albemarle Sound - one of the largest freshwater sounds in the world-, acres of farmland, vegetable garden and perhaps the largest fig orchard for hundreds of miles around. The purpose of the Spruill Farm is to further environmental research, promote ecological education and sustainable practices, and provide access for the public to the ever-diminishing shoreline experience. Please enjoy the incredible sunsets and woodland views, while respecting the serenity of this unique gem on the inner-banks. Wildlife on the property include Red Fox, River Otter, and 95 species of birds, including Bald Eagles (2 nests on the farm), nesting Osprey, Wood Ducks. Visit the 'Spruill Farm Conservation Project' on inaturalist(dot)org to see all 95 species, and upload any images from your observations. Because it is a nature preserve, please read the guidelines and rules closely if you choose to book with us. *Note: the shoreline changes with the wave action and the seasons. This makes the Bobby Wilkins shoreline trail so beautiful- always changing. If your expertise and interests coincide with the mission of the Farm, feel free to propose collaborative projects to julia@thepeanutfactory.org

Mountaintop Fantasy

4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Cullowhee, NC

Selected by Outside Magazine as their Favorite Hipcamp in North Carolina and a Hipcamp Finalist in N.C. 2020, 2021, and 2022 and runner up best treehouse in 2023, you can choose among three separate and memorable experiences in our 8 acre compound: 1) a woodsy, peaceful glamping experience with million dollar views in an 6 person tent;; 2) a glampingTreehouse with W/C; and 3) the newly built 2BR 1 1/2 BA private annex to our house. Each can be all yours - this is not a commercial campground. Explore the innumerable trails and waterfalls of the Smokies; fish in the Lake or numerous rivers and streams; swim in the Lake and at the sand beach down the road; rent a pontoon boat; travel the Blue Ridge Parkway; enjoy the shopping and restaurants of nearby Cashiers and Highlands. Or just chill out. These are truly unique high altitude sites with amenities you won't find elsewhere. Both are in a gated "subdivision" that has 60 lots but only 8 houses - the rest is woods and the only place in your vicinity is our cabin. With unmatched mountain and western views, if you like the great outdoors on the mountain and in the woods, This is the place for you and your family. If you like a more camping style with tent (provided), covered camp kitchen, table and firepit ( along with the uncovered ones) check out Smoky Mountain High. Don't like tents? No problem. Check out our Treehouse with kitchen, bunks, grill, cooktop, heaters, W/C and more. Prefer indoor rustic luxury? The Glenville Aerie (4100') is a fully furnished, annex we built for our family, guests and friends who value their privacy. Walkie-talkies to facilitate mountain communications. Board games too. Access to our dock, canoes and kayak? Yep. Adult life preservers provided. Secret nature trail to our kids playground and trampoline. Hammock, kid's swing, hanging chair and dining for 6. Visit with Jake the Cat and our chickens. This area is truly one of a kind spiritual respite. These mountains are justly known for hiking, fishing, water sports, chilling out and forgetting about the Virus, politics and the nuisances of the workaday world. Our goal is to provide you and your family with an unforgettable and magical N.C. mountain experience, while reducing your blood pressure.

Green Acres Private Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Primitive Tent and Boondock Camping NO ELECTRIC or NO WATER HOOKUPS Portable Pottie Available To Rent. Primitive Tent and Boondock Camping NO ELECTRICAL OR WATER HOOKUPS Portable Pottie Available To Rent. Primitive Tent and Boondock Camping NO HOOKUPS Portable Pottie Available To Rent Located minutes from Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach and Calabash! Located Between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach! Minutes away from Beaches, Attractions, Shops and Dining! Private and secluded grass-covered fields perfect for Boondocking and Tent Camping. Each site has a Picnic Table, Umbrella, Firepit and Complementary Citronella Oil Lamp. Pets are welcome! 5 gal Camp Showers available to Rent. Communal BBQ Grills. (Charcoal Not Included) Portable Pottie Available To Rent. Goods and Supplies available for Purchase or Rent during booking checkout. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!! For upcoming event schedules, specials and discounts! NEARBY DUMP STATIONS: *Brunswick Beaches Camping Resort 7200 KOA Drive Southwest Sunset Beach, North Carolina 28468 1-910-579-7562 M-Sat. 9am-4:30pm, Sun. 9am-2:30pm $20.00 Fee ____________ *Myrtle Beach State Park Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29575 1-843-238-5325 Water: Yes $5.00 Fee ____________ *Willow Tree Resort 520 Southern Sights Drive Longs, S.C. 29568 1-866-207-2267 $15.00 Fee ** Trailer Campers, Please Spray Your Undercarriages, Tires And Ground Supports With Outdoor Ant Spray Before and Upon Arriving.**

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Crockett Landing

9 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Beaufort, NC

15 beautiful acres on the North River in Beaufort, NC. Just off Highway 70 which is an Outer Banks Scenic Byway. Trails and private campsites throughout the property as well as a large communal deck (The Landing) by the river for gatherings and multiple observations areas to observe and enjoy the wildlife throughout the property. Bathhouses for guests and well water throughout property. Fishing, hiking, boating, kayaking, etc on the property. Atlantic Beach and Morehead City only 20 minutes away. Close to several stores and gas stations as well as countless fishing spots and about 7 miles to the end of Hawkers Island Rd where you can catch the ferry to Cape Lookout. Crockett Landing is a haven and sanctuary for wildlife and those who want to connect with nature and have a good time. There is a tote at the Cafe Blue full of games like badminton, volleyball, frisbees, wiffle ball, corn hole, paddle ball etc. The Cafe is an outdoor kitchen for guests to use as they like. Propane grill and stove available including dishware and pots and pans.

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Escape near Cape Lookout

6 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Davis, NC

Secluded campsite with 4 RV spots, 3 electric and water, 1 water only (quiet generator allowed here) and 1 tent only site. All spots are waterfront, located on Core Sound. There is a dock to tie up your water crafts, such as kayaks and paddle boards. Boats are welcome to park in our overflow parking area and a public boat ramp is 0.25 miles away. Take the Davis ferry to the beautiful beaches of Cape Lookout just a few minutes away! 3 sites with 30 amp power (sites 1, 2 and 3) we welcome generators at the other sites, so long as they are quiet. All with water hookups except tent site 5. One can also pitch your tent right by the water (site 5). Enjoy swimming in the sound, fishing from the private dock, wind surfing, paddle boarding, kayaks and your canoes!!!! Enjoy it all and only share the space with 4 other sites. Personal boat parking available, public dock is 0.25 miles away. Or take the Davis ferry, a minute away, to the beautiful beaches of Cape Lookout! No waste dump on site, but one nearby, information available upon request. They charge $25. Enjoy the property’s sound access to Core Sound. Fish, kayak, canoe or paddle board in nature’s beauty. 20 minutes from shops and restaurants of Beaufort and Morehead city. There is also a ferry to Ocracoke Island from Cedar Island, a peaceful 20-minute drive away. Really great access to a quiet and beautiful part of the outer (inner) banks. Everything you’d ever want to do at the beach is within 30 minutes and the sunrise on the sound is gorgeous. Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially at dusk. Recommend spray or a bug light. Carteret County is now spraying our site for mosquitoes! With Cape Lookout National seashore and Fort Macon State Park under 20 minutes from us, you also have tons of outer-bank activities to choose from.

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Jessup Mill

7 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Westfield, NC

Hi there. Here is a little rundown of everything we do at the mill…. So, as far as camping, there are two main options on either side of the river; the mill yard or primitive camping across the river. In the mill yard, we do festival style camping, meaning that there are no individual campsites per se, but rather a large grassy lawn near the mill and bathhouse with shared fire pits, picnic tables, charcoal grill, and sinks for water/dishes. We also have two platforms up in the woods that are good for a little more privacy and are completely shaded, but do require a small climb up the hill. The bathhouse has three restrooms and hot showers in each. Across the river, there are several more primitive sites that are generally very private and offer great sounds coming from the river and waterfall, but no facilities. Most sites are car accessible, and a 5 minute walk back over to the mill (or a 1 minute drive). Lastly, our newest camping spot on the primitive side is a river front beach right by the dam with space for a several medium sized tents and a private fire pit. The beach is hike-in only (2-3 minutes along a mostly flat trail). Our normal rate is $10 per person per night. Firewood is available for $10 per wheelbarrow load. We accept cash, credit card, Venmo, Paypal, and crypto. We are also fairly flexible on check in/check out times, but just let us know if you’ll be arriving at odd hours. Dogs are generally welcome as long as they are kept on leash. Here is a little rundown of tubing at the mill (May-October, weather permitting). We have two tubing options available. We have a short Fun Run that takes roughly 45 minutes, and cost $10 per person for as many rides as you’d like. The river bends sharply like a horseshoe in this section, so it makes everything accessible by foot traffic. It’s a 3 minute walk up the trail to the dam, put in and float 30-45 minutes (depending on water level), then a 5-10 minute walk back to the mill carrying your tube. There is also the longer Forks Run, which last 3-4 hours (~2.5 river miles), and costs $15. For this, we shuttle you up the river in a vehicle, and you float back to the top of the dam, then 3 minutes walking back to the mill. Most weekends, tubing starts at 11 am and the last Forks Shuttle is around 3 pm, with the Fun Run staying open till around 5. Also, with enough heads up, we can sometimes arrange for trips during the week. Our tubes are required for each person floating for insurance and liability reasons, but you are welcome to bring your own cooler tubes to carry drinks and snacks. Technically, alcohol is not permitted on the river, but what is in your cooler is your business. Either way, please bring ALL trash out with you! Water shoes are recommended, and we have life jackets on request. Most of our tubes come with bottoms and back rests, but a few are open to the water. Most weekends, reservations are not required, but it does help tremendously if we know when you want to come and how many in your group. Lastly, check out a Facebook page for our occasional live music events and festivals!

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Waterfall camping close to CLT

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Bessemer City, NC

My Neighbor has started his own Campsite, "The Swimming Hole". If mine is booked up and you still want to camp, look him up. His is better suited for small groups but has much more privacy. We have a new road to the campsite; you can now drive down with two-wheel drive vehicle or RV down and park near your tent! There is plenty of soft sand to set up one tent or ten tents; large groups are welcome for an extra fee. A Porta-Potty is available at the campsite. Swimming is usually possible at the base of the falls; however, large amounts of rain can change conditions and make it unusable. I should also add, this is not a completely private campsite deep in the woods. The camp is visible from a shared driveway, and my residence is up a hill that overlooks the area. Also, I do not own the land on the other side of the stream. Occasionally, the owners of that land will spend a weekend afternoon enjoying the waterfall view also. Still much quieter and more private than a regular campground. Glamping tents and additional camping tents are available through a local company. Look in the pictures for the tent with red, white, and blue balloons. Message me for details. Close to US National Whitewater Center (mountain biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking), Kings Mountain National Military Park (Horseback riding and history), Crowders Mountain (Hiking), 3 miles off of I-85 and US-321 for people passing through.

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Live Oaks Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Holly Ridge, NC

Live Oaks Farm is a mini farm full of beautiful 200 year old live oak trees, willow trees, azaleas, other plants, and a pond. We are a great oasis right off of Topsail Island that gets coastal breezes and plenty of sunshine. We are a small growing farm with chickens, dwarf Nigerian goats, and ducks. We also offer a seasonal pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm. You will usually see Patrick working around the property or in the wood workshop building furniture. His beautiful wife Brittany and their gorgeous kids Maddox and Everlee enjoying the outdoors as well.

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Star Fall Station

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Shallotte, NC

Once a three car garage now converted into a working artists studio, this property is a creative and peaceful home. The owner, a former contractor and artist Martha McKinley Murphy and Shane have changed this into a place where sculpture, art and harmony blend into a haven and retreat enjoyed by many. Learn more about this land: Our four acres is an open view for the wonders of star gazing. Come enjoy a place where the artist in all of us can be peacefully camping or take a drive less than 4.5 miles away to Ocean Isle Beach. Be a shell collector or enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing at some very close places to enjoy the waters. A screened outdoor living room overlooks our half acre pond with a wooded backdrop. Under our giant magnolia tree, one can see gorgeous sunsets and enjoy a picnic dinner. Our private outdoor shower is spacious and is next door to an outdoor kitchen. Campers can enjoy our raised bed garden areas when in season or collect organic eggs from our free range hens. Attached to our home is a workshop/studio area where families and friends can gather for a small event, class or meal.

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Bright Star Farm

1 site · RV, Tent25 acres · Trenton, NC

Bright Star Farm has been in our family for over a century. The land, which is home to horses, chickens, peacocks, two little pigs, and various farm cats, is a restful, healing haven for both tired and adventurous souls who want to escape for a while. Learn more about this land: Hook up your RV or pitch your tent to camp with miniature horses, a couple of pot belly pigs, birds, and more in Jones County's charming countryside. Enjoy our 100-year-old family farm and receive half-a-dozen complementary farm-fresh eggs on your first morning with us. We are a short drive from some of North Carolina's best amenities, including historic New Bern and the Crystal Coast. Get ready to spend the night down on the farm!

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach and dog-friendly camping in North Carolina 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.