Camping in North Carolina with wildlife watching
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, your adventure is waiting.
96% (19173 reviews)
- North Carolina
96% (19173 reviews)
Popular camping styles for North Carolina
Under $50
Available this weekend
12 top campgrounds in North Carolina with wildlife watching
99%
(622)
Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping
13 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Robbinsville, NC
We are open for fall camping. We’ve had no storm damage in our area and the roads in this area are open. Private property bordering Nantahala National Forest on Little Snowbird Creek in Robbinsville, NC. 16mi from Lake Santeelah, about 10mi from the Cherohala Skyway.
MUST HAVE 4X4 OR AWD VEHICLE TO ACCESS MOUTAINTOP CAMPSITES. Property damage fee of $100 for 2WD vehicles not adhering to rule.
2WD vehicles must camp creekside, sites 1-6. NO AXES, HATCHETS, MACHETES ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY. NO NAILS IN THE TREES TO HANG THINGS. It damages the tree and causes them to die.
Spacious camping lots, and great trout fishing along little snowbird creek which is on private property. Fishing privileges are actually written into property owners' deed on the purchase of land.
Amazing views and relaxing sounds of the creek can be heard from anywhere on the property. Many Hiking trails are just a short drive from the property and please be respectful of others' property and no trespassing signs.
It’s a kinda bumpy mountain road to get there but the secluded, peaceful and breathtaking views make this location a must-see and adventure.
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$32.30
/ night
98%
(2127)
Starlight Hills
18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Bostic, NC
Our Spa is now available for booking!
We are a constantly evolving location.
Our goal is to provide a genuine secluded camping experience immersed in nature in a mountainous forest with privacy and well spaced out, secluded
camp sites. We also have minimal light pollution, so our skies are beautiful for
viewing the stars. We offer trails through natural wooded habitat with hidden gems of nature.
Wildlife viewing throughout. There are feed locations to increase viewing opportunities.
A creek on the property is lovely
for walking.
Centered between Charlotte and Asheville we are within your reach!
We offer primitive tent camping, Glamping Tents and a Cabin. Glamping and cabin have a private Mountain View, fire pit area, Queen bed, Night Stand (built in phone charger), Desk area, interior and exterior lighting, heater and fan (powered by solar system).
As a part of Starlight Hills Campground you have access to filtered drinking water, common overlook (w/ BBQ pits & picnic tables), trails, bathroom and showers.
Welcome to bring all your furry family members ❤️.
Please Note: 2 Wheel Dr. vehicles can access all of our sites. Gravel/ Dirt road up hill.
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$37.80
/ night
99%
(954)
The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms
15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · Yadkinville, NC
Our new BATHHOUSE is now completely functional with toilet, sink and SHOWER!! 🛖 It is centrally located in front of the office at the pond. WE LOVE OUR CAMPERS! ❤
Our new CAMP STORE offers meats and eggs from our farm, drinks, Amish made ice cream and jams/jellies/preserves, hammocks, hammock chairs, smoked dog bones, soaps (made right here), and MUCH MORE!
Please note that all our sites are reserved with a one vehicle limit. Some sites are large enough to accommodate additional vehicles but each additional vehicle will incur a $10 per night charge. Free parking for additional vehicles is located at the office/store.
Check us out for your next camping experience. We promise we will do everything within our power to make it great!
Two new nicely wooded sites with pond view are now available to provide easy access even during periods of heavy rain. One is already set up with a new shade tent so you don't even have to bring your own! 🏕
Looking for a camping experience with a little luxury to boot? Look no further than our Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms! You can drive right up to most sites, weather permitting. You will have access to a fire ring and picnic table (located at each site), firewood for sale on site (please do not bring firewood from off-site), clean well water (located near the pond), the creek to explore, our stocked pond to fish, and wooded trails to hike. Once roamed by Native Americans and now farmed by the same family for over 6 generations, Harmon Creek Farm is a working farm of over 150+ acres. Peace, quiet, tranquility and privacy are overflowing along the creek, and hiking throughout the hills on the backside of the farm (and on the other side of the creek) leads to interesting and abundant flora and fauna. The stocked, spring fed pond is 'brimming" with angler challenges🎣
Our cows, pigs, sheep, donkeys, chickens, ducks, quail, and geese are all eager to meet you, as are we! We currently have fresh eggs, pork and beef for sale on site as well. Like us on Facebook (Harmon Creek Farms of NC) for the latest on what's going on here at the farm. :)
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$21.60
/ night
100%
(388)
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 allowed. We strive to create an environment for nature viewing, stargazing, fishing, and unwinding in nature as camping should be.
Events: August 31st Boat demos with another Family-Owned Business. September 28th Carolina Critters Preschool Nature Class, October 19th is our Halloween Bash. Trunk or treat through the RV sites and Cabins main side, potluck, movies, games, and more. November 9th Toys for Tots Bass Boat Tournament and Christmas in the Cabins starts!
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.
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$25
/ night
99%
(415)
Cedar Creek Campground at Elease
24 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · White Oak, NC
Located east of Fayetteville near exit 49 of I-95, is our lovely, quiet, and secluded 30 acre tract of Southern Yellow pines that we purchased 11 years ago.
Since we love camping so much we decided to pay it forward and carve out 15 campsites for other campers to enjoy.
Most of our campsites are gravel and level. We have a couple of sites that are grass for tenters.
We have only site 1 that has full hookups. All the other sites are boondocking.
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$20
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99%
(185)
Candy Mountain Goat Farm
10 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Murphy, NC
Our six-acre solar-powered goat farm is a quiet and peaceful slice of paradise away from the chaos and noise but close to so many places to adventure.
Hurricane Helene completely missed the farm. Everything looks fantastic with trees ready for the fall colors.
Feed and play with the goats, picnic along our grass-covered brook, hang out around the large fire pit, and rejuvenate while being close to the many Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountain activities.
We have two custom-built RV pads with 15 and 30-amp service plus water and four grass tent locations overlooking a small brook in a forest-shaded park-like setting.
Internet is provided by Starlink Business - high speed, low latency, and great for remote workers. We provide solid service throughout the entire property. Work from the top of a mountain!! IP service is available throughout the property - perfect for Van Life or van living. 200-300 down and at least 20-30 up!!
Nearby are numerous hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, and other outdoor activities such as tubing, white water rafting, and boating. If you want to chill, you can check out a local swimming hole.
For the next few months we have a kayak guide on-property who can take you and your group through some of the lakes and streams nearby. Contact us for availability and pricing.
We have several options for our guests at the farm, including a small zipline, farm activities, loop trail, massage services (20+yr licensed), spring trail, wine tastings, weekly outdoor movies (on request), and our petting area where you can interact with very friendly goats.
RV/CAR/VANLIFE
We can help by recommending and using local mechanics, on-site RV repair (they come to us), solar and power troubleshooting, and good old-fashioned southern kindness.
STORMS/BAD WEATHER
Located on the campground is a tiny home shed that is being converted to a studio but is open and available during harsh weather.
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$15
/ night
99%
(140)
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
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$35
/ night
98%
(122)
Smoky Mountain Meadows
165 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents57 acres · Bryson City, NC
(Please Note: Hipcamp does not have an easy way to add in Pet and Child fees.
You will need to go to EXTRAS and add in number of pets ($5/pet/per night) for cabins and/or number of children ($5/child/night) on all sites SEPERATE from adults when making your reservation. IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $10/NIGHT FOR EACH CHILD INSTEAD OF $5. We will no longer be issuing refunds or store credits for the overcharge.)
When you enter Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground, you can leave all the “rush-rush” of your daily life behind. You will find yourself in a beautiful valley with quiet green meadows and a bubbling brook encompassing your surroundings.
We are almost half-way between Bryson City and the Nantahala Gorge.
We have been host to the Carolina Canoe Club's
annual Week of Rivers Event for over 25 years! Thanks everyone!
2023 Season: March 31 – Oct 31
Rules for the Campground
1. 100 % Refund less credit card processing fee if you cancel before 14 days of your arrival date. 50% Refund if you cancel between 14 and 7 days of your arrival date. No Refund if you cancel within 6 days of your arrival date.
2. CHECK OUT: Noon; CHECK IN:Cabins, Campers and Glamping Tents: 2pm All Other Sites: Noon
3. QUIET TIME. Weekdays 10pm – 8am Weekends 11pm – 8am
4. CHECK OUT PROCEDURES. Camp must be broken down by noon on departure day. If you stay past noon you could be charged for an additional day. Extension possible with pre-approval. You must inform the office when you are leaving.
5. All Overnight Guests Must Pay
6. Trash must be taken to the Green Bins located at the lower corner of the upper field
7. No washing vehicles
8. PETS.Must always be kept on a leash. Must be picked up after by the owner. Must never be left unattended (exceptions apply).
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$10
/ night
99%
(1316)
Smoky Mtn Mangalitsa River Ranch
15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents95 acres · Waynesville, NC
Voted 2nd in NC!! We are a Mangalitsa farm in The Smoky Mountains of western NC. The entire property is oriented toward private farmland views, a half mile of river and surrounding mountains. It's really quite remarkable to be so accessible yet feel so remote! Come swim, fish, cook and play! Check out www.smokymtnriverranch.com for more information.
PLEASE NOTE, our rate is based on the number of vehicles in your group. The first vehicle is included in the nightly rate and admits 4 campers. WE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL CARS. The charge will be added to your booking once you select the number of vehicles at checkout.
Please note that each additional car admits four campers. For EXAMPLE, 2 cars = 8 campers total. If you only have two cars but more than eight people, YOU MUST select the "Extra Person" Extra for each night they are camping. Please select these extras at checkout. If you have questions about this PLEASE message me prior to booking.
Our 95-acre farm was once owned by the Davis family who predominantly raised dairy cattle. We now raise the wooly Mangalitsa pig and sell to the best chefs and restaurants. We sell our pork at the farm too!
All of our campsites are next to running water except the two hilltop sites.
Two porta-potties are on the farm and private porta-potties are available for rent. Groups of eight or more are required to rent a porta potty should you not bring your own toilet system with you. We do not allow the use of our small wooded areas as toilets.
Please review the Extras options as we offer river lifts, firewood and dog stays; thank you!
Quiet hours are from 10pm to 9am.
Checking in before 5 pm is requested. Later times may be available with prior arrangements. Our farm is very dark and navigating at night is difficult. Please contact Catherine directly so you can be checked in safely and accommodate your schedule. NO CHECK-INS AFTER DARK.
We are 1 mile off of I 40, 17 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, 15 min. to Maggie Valley, 10 min to the Elk at Cataloochee, 25 min to Cataloochee ski area, 10 min to Lake Junaluska and 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Asheville is 20 miles to our East.
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$51
/ night
99%
(188)
The Dancing Pig On Abbotts Creek
3 sites · Lodging, Tents24 acres · Lexington, NC
A small homestead on the bank of Abbotts Creek near where it feeds into High Rock Lake. Peace and solitude , but close to the amenities of town. Less than a five minute drive to the grocery store, and less than a fifteen minute drive to uptown Lexington. Public access for kayaks is less than half a mile away. And the view is unbelievable!
We’re currently undergoing changes! Check out our new camping platform, and stay tuned for a new, upcoming bell tent site.
We have a corn hole board and bags now available for use, as well as a few other yard games. Please let us know if you are interested in using them.
The edible landscape is available for you to enjoy. Check here for what is currently available.
6/07/24 Update
Herbs- rosemary, thyme, sage, chives, mint, oregano, catmint, basil, tulsi
Onions
Eggs
Potatoes
Kale
Rainbow Chard
Beets
Radish
Radicchio
Cucumbers
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$30
/ night
99%
(141)
The Enchanted Forest
6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Hayesville, NC
Five gravel, flat RV sites with electric and water, by a trout creek and dump site on property! Tiny homes on property, hammocks, fire pit and more. 30 minutes away from Lake Chatuge, local brewing companies, local shopping, wine tasting, local artist displays and Marinas on the lake. Hiking, fishing
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$52
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99%
(742)
OnTop.camp - NW NC Ashe Co
5 sites · Tents100 acres · Jefferson, NC
www.ontop.camp
STATUS of OT DOT CAMP 9.29.2024
All is well! A few ruts and downed trees is all. You’re welcome to come enjoy the mountain with us! Feel free to message me with any questions.
September - Gold, Purple, Gold, Blue... wild flowers are making a show. The seasons are shifting. Share the open air and space with us.
Welcome!
Our farm is vast and sparse,
focusing on sustainability while giving back to the community. We are a safe haven for animals and humans alike.
Situated on and between two peaks of Little Phoenix Mountain range in Jefferson Ashe County. Our sites’ altitudes range from 3100 feet to over 3600 feet, which is a lot of slope and hillside to say the least. As a guest you will be offered insane long views and limited exposure to the oldest registered breed of bovine in the world. Our Scottish Highland Cattle are majestic and fit in quite well in the NC mountainside. Located in the Blue Ridge mountains, we have natural water springs popping out, some of which are tapped to drink from. (10.1.23 currently farm springs are not accessible to guests, shatley springs up the road approx 4miles north has a public spring that we highly recommend)
If you are looking for a camping spot that is only 5-10 minutes from town (Jefferson NC or the quaint Downtown West Jefferson) but feels like you're in the middle of no where, then we have it!
The Blue Ridge Parkway is less than 20 minutes away and the New River equally close.
Looking Forward: July update. We are currently working on provided an all downhill mountain bike trail from 3600 to 3150ft. This path will be double wide for the most part and wide open at first to soak in the se view. Will update when completed! *a ride back up for your bike and yourself will be scheduled if requested
OnTopOfTheWorld.camp
*firewood is available if you pay on site you will have to use Venmo/Paypal
OnTop.camp
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from
$66.50
/ night
Dog-friendly getaways
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Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping in North Carolina with wildlife watching guide
Overview
Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! If you're looking to immerse yourself in wildlife watching in the beautiful state of North Carolina, we've got you covered. With over 3,400 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect campsite that fits your preferences. Whether you're interested in pitching a tent, parking your RV, or staying in a cozy cabin, we have a variety of accommodations to suit your needs. Our top campsites, such as Starlight Hills (627 reviews), Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa Farm (388 reviews), and The Oasis at Harmon Creek Farms (288 reviews), are highly recommended by fellow campers. And don't worry about missing out on amenities - popular options like pet-friendly sites, showers, and toilets are available. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also enjoy off-roading (OHV), whitewater paddling, and wind sports. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in North Carolina!
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