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10 of North Carolina's Best Campsites

From the Blue Ridge to the coast, North Carolina has no shortage of beautiful campsites.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

In the mood for a leisurely car camping adventure at the beach? Maybe you're chasing a sunrise over sprawling mountains or waking up lakeside and paddling out over a glassy lake. Whatever it is you're craving for your next camping adventure, you can probably find it in North Carolina. And if you're anything like us, just reading these words puts a dopey smile on your face and gets you stoked enough to start texting your crew and making the plans. Lucky for you, we've taken care of most of the plans for you - just pick one of these awesome campsites, pack up the car, and hit the road. 

1. Camp on Hawksbill Mountain


Photo: John Stephens

2. Camp in the Linville Gorge via the Pinch in Trail


Photo: Mason Boring

3. Camp and Paddle at Price Lake


Photo: Christin Healey

4. Camp at Round Bald


Photo: Steve Yocom

5. Camp at Davidson River Campground in Pisgah National Forest


Photo: Robbie O’Donnell

6. Camp at Freeman Park (Carolina Beach)


Photo: Robbie O’Donnell

7. Camp at Snaggy Mountain


Photo: Korey Taylor

8. Camp on Ocracoke Island


Photo: Angie Stidham

9. Camp at Jordan Lake State Park


Photo: Joshua West

10. Hike and Camp on the Sam Knob Loop


Photo: Steve Yocom

Cover photo: John Stephens

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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