Discover Camping in the North Carolina Mountains

Nothing is more serene and beautiful then camping in the mountains. With unbelievable weather conditions, just perfect for sleeping under the stars or playing in the nearby lakes and rivers during the day, the North Carolina mountains have much to offer. Backpack in to your preserved campsite or sail your canoe - there are even parks that offer horse stalls so you can ride in! All of these campgrounds are run by the North Carolina Division of State Parks and Recreation so you know it's well cared for and there's much more to do then just camping.

Hanging Rock State Park, located in Danbury, NC is just a hop, skip and a jump north of the Triad cities. Single campsites include a tent pad, a picnic table and a grill, with drinking water, restrooms and hot showers close by. For larger organized parties they offer group camping with a fire circle for the site and picnic tables. Pit toilets and drinking water are nearby. If you aren't quite the rugged type then perhaps one of their vacation cabins is what you're looking for. Holding up to six guests, the vacation cabins offer two bedrooms, bathroom, living room, kitchen and dining space. Looking for a great spot for a family gathering for the day? Picnic shelters are available with 9, 7 or 3 tables per shelter. The use of each shelter is free and are first-come, first-served, however you may pay a fee to have one reserved for your event. In addition to hiking trails, swimming, boating and fishing, Hanging Rock State Park has an exhibit hall that houses hands-on exhibits on local plants and animals, as well as informative dioramas. There is tons to learn, see and do if you want to take a break from the camp trail.

At the base of the Linville Gorge in Nebo, NC lies Lake James State Park. With a 6510 acre lake and over 150 miles of shoreline, there is possibly no better spot in all of North Carolina. Standard campsites include a tent pad, picnic table and fire pit, with drinking water, restrooms and hot showers nearby. Collecting firewood throughout the park is prohibited but bundles are available for a very small fee at the park office. Picnic shelters with 12 tables can be reserved for a fee but are first-come, first-served when no reservation is made. Canoes are available for rental and then there's always swimming, boating, fishing and hiking trails.

Those with horses will enjoy South Mountains State Park in Connelly Springs, NC where stalls are available at ride up campsites, with restrooms and hot showers nearby. Regular backpack and family camping is also available with pit toilets close by, no wash houses are available near these sites. Picnic shelters with 10 tables, 2 grills and a fireplace are available with the same reservation requirements as all other State Parks.

Pilot Mountain State Park in PInnocle, NC was named a National Natural Landmark in 1976 and offers fishing, picnicking, rock climbing and hiking trails, in addition to canoe-in camping and regular camping. Group campsites require a reservation but the rest are first-come, first-served. As with most State Parks, Pilot Mountain offers picnic shelters and has firewood for sale.

Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap, NC features standard camp sites as well as RV sites with water and electrical hook-ups. Drinking water, restrooms with hot showers and laundry tubs are located close to all camp sites. Picnic shelters are available in either 8 table or 12 table settings with grills, drinking water and restrooms close by. Daily Bullhead Stream fishing permits are available for purchase for fishing in their trout lake - all fishing is strictly catch and release. In addition to rock climbing and hiking trails you can enjoy the many historical sites of Stone Mountain State Park.

New River State Park in Jefferson, NC is the only park in this area that has community building with a meeting room, kitchen facilities and restrooms, available by reservation and for a fee. Ten table picnic shelters are also on site with grills and a fireplace. Camping is canoe-in and includes a picnic table and fire ring with a grill cover.

The newest addition is Gorges State Park, located in Sapphire, NC and still under development. Standard campsites are available with a picnic table, fire ring and lantern hook at every site. Pit toilets are close to each location. Gorges State Park offers beautiful waterfalls, gorges, river and lake fishing and miles of hiking trails.

No matter which part of the extensive North Carolina mountains you are in, you're sure to find a State Park for you. State Parks are not independently owned and therefore all follow the same set of rules, however each one is unique in it's beauty. Try them all and decide on your favorite!