Campgrounds in North Carolina
North Carolina has 96 campgrounds in the Camphive database, from free dispersed and BLM camping to developed state park and national forest sites. The highest-rated spots are listed below by Vistas score, Camphive's 1–10 scenic rating. Every listing links to a full page with location, fees, and details.
Camping on a budget? See the 3 free camping spots in North Carolina. Looking for a site for a larger party? See the 10 group campgrounds in North Carolina.
Of the 40 top-rated spots listed below, 31 are free and 15 score 8 or higher on the Vistas scenic scale.
Top campgrounds in North Carolina
- BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND — BALSAM MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND · Vistas 8.6
- OCRACOKE CAMPGROUND — OCRACOKE CAMPGROUND · Vistas 8.5
- MOUNT PISGAH CAMPGROUND — MOUNT PISGAH CAMPGROUND · Vistas 8.5
- BIG CREEK GROUP CAMP — BIG CREEK GROUP CAMP · ~$10/night · Vistas 8.3
- BIG CREEK HORSE CAMP — BIG CREEK HORSE CAMP · Vistas 8.2
- DEEP CREEK GROUP CAMP — DEEP CREEK GROUP CAMP · ~$10/night · Vistas 8.2
- Pisgah National Forest — Pisgah National Forest · Vistas 8.2
- SMOKEMONT GROUP CAMP — SMOKEMONT GROUP CAMP · ~$10/night · Vistas 8.2
- CURTIS CREEK CAMPGROUND (NC) — CURTIS CREEK CAMPGROUND (NC) · Free · Vistas 8.1
- BLACK MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND — BLACK MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND · Vistas 8
- DEEP CREEK PICNIC PAVILION — DEEP CREEK PICNIC PAVILION · Vistas 8
- TOW STRING HORSE CAMP — TOW STRING HORSE CAMP · Vistas 8
- ROUND BOTTOM HORSE CAMP — ROUND BOTTOM HORSE CAMP · Vistas 8
- BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) — BIG CREEK CAMPGROUND (GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK) · Vistas 8
- SMOKEMONT CAMPGROUND — SMOKEMONT CAMPGROUND · Vistas 8
- COLLINS CREEK PICNIC PAVILION — COLLINS CREEK PICNIC PAVILION · Vistas 7.9
- LONG POINT CABIN CAMP — LONG POINT CABIN CAMP · Vistas 7.9
- Linville Falls Campground — Linville Falls Campground · Vistas 7.8
- CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND — CATALOOCHEE CAMPGROUND · Vistas 7.8
- Julian Price Campground — Julian Price Campground · Vistas 7.7
- Deep Creek Campground (NC) — Deep Creek Campground (NC) · Vistas 7.7
- Oregon Inlet Campground — Oregon Inlet Campground · Free · Vistas 7.5
- Hanging Rock State Park — NC - Danbury · $20/night · Vistas 7.5
- Frisco Campground — Frisco Campground · Vistas 7.5
- Doughton Park Campground — Doughton Park Campground · Free · Vistas 7.5
- GREAT ISLAND CABIN CAMP — GREAT ISLAND CABIN CAMP · ~$10/night · Vistas 7.5
- CATALOOCHEE GROUP CAMP — CATALOOCHEE GROUP CAMP · ~$10/night · Vistas 7.5
- Blue Ridge Parkway - Linville Falls — NC - Marion · $20/night · Vistas 7.5
- JACKRABBIT MOUNTAIN — JACKRABBIT MOUNTAIN · Vistas 7.5
- KUYKENDALL GROUP CAMP — KUYKENDALL GROUP CAMP · Vistas 7.5
- Cape Hatteras NS — NC - Buxton · $20/night · Vistas 7.5
- Cable Cove Recreation Area — Cable Cove Recreation Area · Vistas 7.5
- Black Mountain / South Toe River Area — Black Mountain / South Toe River Area · Vistas 7.4
- COVE CREEK LOWER GROUP CAMP — COVE CREEK LOWER GROUP CAMP · Vistas 7.3
- Grandfather Ranger District — Grandfather Ranger District · Vistas 7.3
- BRIAR BOTTOM GROUP CAMPGROUND — BRIAR BOTTOM GROUP CAMPGROUND · Vistas 7.3
- NORTH MILLS RIVER — NORTH MILLS RIVER · ~$15/night · Vistas 7.2
- Nantahala National Forest — Nantahala National Forest · Vistas 7.2
- Curtis Creek Campground — Curtis Creek Campground · Vistas 7.1
- CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA — CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA · Vistas 7
Open the interactive North Carolina camping map on Camphive to browse all 96 spots with filters for free camping, RV access, and scenic ratings.
North Carolina camping FAQ
Are there free campgrounds in North Carolina?
Yes, many primitive and dispersed sites in North Carolina are free; developed campgrounds typically charge a nightly fee. Check each listing for current fees.
What is the Vistas score?
Vistas is Camphive's 1–10 scenic rating for every campground, based on the surrounding landscape. Spots rated 8 or higher are exceptional; this page lists North Carolina's top-rated camping first.
Do campgrounds in North Carolina require reservations?
Developed state park and national forest campgrounds often do, especially in summer. Dispersed and most BLM sites are first-come, first-served with no fee. Each listing links to a detail page with what's known about fees and access.
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