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The National Forests in North Carolina allow tent and RV camping in developed family campgrounds, undeveloped campgrounds and often in wilderness areas without designated sites. It is advisable to check the suitability of a campground for an RV. The Nantahala and Uwharrie have horse camps; the Pisgah has a group horse camp. Seasons vary. Some mountain campgrounds close when it is too cold to offer running water, but some remain accessible all year. Group campgrounds are designed for organized groups of 25 to 100 people per site. Some are fully developed, while others are simply large grassy fields with chemical toilets. Some fee changes announced in the spring of 2007 were pending approval. Some campgrounds, and all group camps, require reservations and minimum stays. (* below means operated by private concessionaire.) There's a $9 service fee for reservations. Phone (877) 444-6777, or visit www.Recreation.gov, which combines the old ReserveUSA and Reservations.NPS.gov sites, and has information about federal recreation sites nationwide. (It is incomplete though; Carolina Outdoors Guide has many North Carolina sites that recreation.gov doesn't.) The Uwharrie, which is more compact that the other national forests, has a Web site with specific campground information. Fred and Suzi Dow's U.S. National Forest Campground Guide, which is linked here to the North Carolina list, has in-depth information about national forest camping at family-style campgrounds.
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Croatan National Forest (Forest Map)
All campgrounds except Neuse River are open all year. Phone (252) 638-5628 for more information.
- Catfish Lake. From Maysville take N.C. 58 east to the Jones/Craven County border. (Locator Map). Undesignated sites: boat ramp, fishing, canoeing. No fee.
- Cedar Point. 1 mile north of N.C. 58/24 near Cape Carteret (Locator Map). 40 sites with electricity, handicapped-accessible campground: flush toilets, showers, drinking water, picnic tables, dump station, boat ramp, fishing pier, interpretive trails. $15 (pending approval).
- Fishers Landing. 10 miles east of New Bern off U.S. 70 (Locator Map). Undesignated sites, tents only: vault toilets (handicapped accessible), drinking water, picnic tables, fishing, swimming. No fee.
- Great Lake. From Maysville take N.C. 58 east (Locator Map). Undesignated sites: vault toilets (handicapped accessible), boat ramp (handicapped accessible), fishing, canoeing. No fee.
- Long Point. From Maysville take N.C. 58 east; on the White Oak River (Locator Map). Two sites: vault toilets (handicapped accessible), picnic tables (handicapped accessible), pier (handicapped accessible), boat ramp, canoeing. $5.
- Neuse River (aka Flanners Beach). About 15 miles east of New Bern off U.S. 70 on Flanners Beach Road (Locator Map). 45 sites, 14 with electricity, handicapped-accessible campground: flush toilets, showers, drinking water, picnic tables, dump station, fishing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking. $15, $20 with electricity (pending).
- Oyster Point. From Newport take S.R. 1154 (Newport Locator Map). 15 sites: vault toilets, drinking water, boat ramp, fishing, canoeing, Neusiok Trail (.pdf) trailhead. $8 (pending). (The brochure at the Neusiok Trail link has a map that shows the campground location.)
- Siddie Fields. Near Havelock off N.C. 101 and Ferry Road (See Neusiok Trail link above for map.). Undesignated sites: fishing, canoeing. No fee.
Nantahala National Forest (Forest Map, includes Pisgah)
- Ammons Branch. About 4.5 miles east of Highlands off Main Street onto Bull Pen Road (Highland Locator Map). Four sites: vault toilets, trails. No water. All year. No fee. (828) 526-6441.
- Appletree Group Camp. Near Topton. (NFS Brochure with map) Two sites for up to 25 people, two sites for up to 50: handicapped accessible, flush toilets, showers, drinking water, trails, fishing. March 31-October 30. $50 to $100. (828) 524-6441.
- Balsam Lake Lodge From N.C. 215 south in Tuckasegee, take SR 1756 (Charley's Creek Road) 5 miles to the lodge (Locator Map). Lodge amenities include: 16 twin beds (some bunks) complete with linens, blankets, pillows; fully applianced wheelchair-accessible kitchen with all utensils; outside grills; three bathrooms and one roll-in wheelchair shower; wood for fireplace; gas heat; phone for local or credit calls. $170, $200 Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Reservations online at link above and (877) 444-6777.
- Blue Valley. From Highlands take N.C. 28 south 5.5 miles and turn right (Locator Map). Undesignated sites: vault toilets, trails. No water. All year. No fee. (828) 526-3765.
- Bristol Horse Camp. From Hayesville take S.R. 1307 for 3 miles to S.R. 1300, then 5.7 miles to S.R. 1344 and follow signs; on Fires Creek (Hayesville Locator Map). Seven sites: vault toilets, fishing, bridle trails, trails. All year. $5. (828) 479-6431.
- Cable Cove. From Fontana Village take N.C. 28 east 4.7 miles and turn left on FR 520 for 1.4 miles (Locator Map). 26 sites: flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, boating access area, fishing, trails. April 15-October 31. $10. (828) 479-6431.
- Cheoah Point. From Robbinsville take U.S. 129 north; on Santeetlah Lake (Locator Map). 26 sites plus two cabins: flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, boating access area, fishing, swimming, trails. April 15-October 31. $15, $20 with electricity (pending). Cabin one, Cabin two $35. (828) 479-6431.
- Hanging Dog. From Murphy take N.C. 1326 west for 5 miles; on Hiwassee Reservoir (Locator Map). 51 sites: flush and vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fishing, trails, dump station. April 1-September 15. $8 (828) 837-5152.
- Horse Cove. From Robbinsville take U.S. 129 north (Locator Map). 18 sites: flush and vault toilets, drinking water, fishing, trails. No water in winter. April 15-October 31; 5 sites all year. $10, $5 in winter. (828) 479-6431.
- Hurricane Creek. Two miles south of Standing Indian (below) on FR 67. undesignated sites: vault toilets (handicapped accessible), picnic tables, fishing, trails, bridle trails. No water. March 15-January 1, depending on weather. $6. (828) 524-6441.
- Jackrabbit Mountain. Take U.S. 64 east from Hayesville for 6.2 miles, turn left on N.C. 175 for 3 miles then right on SR 1115; on Chatuge Reservoir. (Locator Map). 100 sites: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), showers (handicapped accessible), drinking water, picnic tables, dump station, boating access area, fishing, swimming, trails. May-October 31. Reservations available at the link. $15. (828) 837-5152.
- Kimsey Creek Group Camp. Southwest of Franklin on Nantahala River (Near Standing Indian, below.) Three sites for 25 each (limited RV use): vault toilets, drinking water, fishing, trails. April-December 1. $50. (828) 524-6441.
- Rattler Ford Group Camp. Near Robbinsville on Santeetlah Creek (Locator Map). Four sites for 25 each: flush toilets, showers, drinking water, fishing, trails. April through October. Reservations required at (877) 444-6777. $50. (828) 479-6431.
- Standing Indian. From Franklin take U.S. 64 west; on Nantahala River (Locator Map). 84 sites: flush toilets, showers, drinking water, picnic tables, fishing, trails. March 31-November 27. Some reservations are available. $14.* (828) 524-6441.
- Swan Cabin. North from Robbinsville on U.S. 129 and west on N.C. 143 then N.C. 1134; near the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness (Wilderness Locator Map). Cabin has three rooms and a loft, and a wood stove. Three double bunk frames, two single bed frames, and one double bed frame are strung with rope to accommodate sleeping bags; sleeps nine total. Privy, trails, stream nearby. April 1-December 31. Reservations required. $25. (828) 479-6431.
- Tsali Recreation Area. From Bryson City take U.S. 19 south, N.C. 28 west neaqr Almond; on Fontana Lake (Locator Map). (Brochure) 42 sites: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), showers (handicapped accessible), drinking water, picnic tables, boating access area, fishing, trails, bridle trails, mountain biking. No water in winter. April 15-October 31. $16. (828) 479-6431.
- Van Hook Glade. From Highlands take U.S. 64 west (Locator Map). 19 sites: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), drinking water and trails. Cliffside Lake day-use area, which has showers, swimming and picnicking, is adjacent. Reservations, minimum stay required. March 30-November 5. $15.* (828) 526-3765.
Pisgah National Forest (Forest Map, includes Nantahalah)
- Black Mountain. From Burnsville take U.S. 19 east to N.C. 80 south then FR 472; on South Toe River just below Mount Mitchell (Adjacent to Briar Bottom Group Camp below). (Brochure). 48 sites: showers (handicapped accesible), flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables. April 14-October 31. $15.* (828) 675-5616. Click the photo for info about a short camping trip near Mount Mitchell.- Boone Fork. From Lenoir take N.C. 90 west (Locator Map). 15 sites: vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fishing, trails. Temporarily closed spring 2008 Call for status: (828) 652-2144.
- Briar Bottom Group Camp. (Locator Map). Tents only. Six sites; up to 50 people, 10 vehicles each: vault toilets, drinking water, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, trails. Reservations required (at link). April 14-October 31. $50-$100.* (828) 675-5616.
- Carolina Hemlocks. From Burnsville take U.S. 19 east, N.C. 80 south (Locator Map). 36 sites: flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, swimming, fishing, trails. April 14-October 31. Reservations available. $15.* (828) 682-6146.
- Cove Creek Lower Group Camp & Upper Group Camp. West of Brevard off N.C. 215 north (Locator Map). One site at each camp; up to 100 people, 15 vehicles: vault toilets, water pump, picnic tables, fishing, mountain biking, trails. Reservations at (877) 444-6777 or link, minimum stay. All year. $80. (828) 862-5960.
- Curtis Creek. From Old Fort take U.S. 70 east (Locator Map). 10 RV sites, four tent sites: vault toilets, picnic tables, fishing, trails. April 1-December 31. $5. (828) 652-2144.
- Davidson River. From Brevard take U.S. 64 east, U.S. 276 north (Locator Map). 161 sites: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), showers, drinking water, dump station, fishing, trails. Reservations and minimum stay required. $18-$40.* (828) 862-5960. Click on the photo for more info.- Harmon Den Horse Camp. Near Hot Springs. Take I-40 exit 7 (Harmon Den) northeast onto Cold Springs Road (FR 148) to FR 3526. (Horse Camp brochure; Area, trail map brochure) Ten sites for 8 people and 4 horses per site: vault toilets, drinking water, bridle trails, fishing, trails. May through October. Reservations available at (877) 444-6777 or the link above. $15. (828) 622-3202.
- Kuykendall Group Camp. Near Brevard (Locator Map). One site; up to 100 people, 15 vehicles: vault toilet, water pump, fishing. You must drive through stream to get to campground. Reservations and minimum stay required; available at (877) 444-6777 or the link above. All year. $80. (828) 862-5960.
- Lake Powhatan. From I-26 Exit 33 take N.C. 191 south; on Lake Powhatan and Bent Creek (Locator Map). 98 sites (three with hookups): flush toilets (handicapped accessible), showers (handicapped accessible), drinking water, picnic tables, dump station, fishing (handicapped accessible), swimming (lifeguard), trails, bike trails. Reservations and minimum stay required. $17.* (828) 667-0391.
- Linville Gorge Wilderness. From Morganton take N.C. 181 north (Locator Map; Close-up map, zoom out.). Undesignated sites, no facilities in rugged backcountry on Linville River (Brochure). Free permits are required for camping weekends and holidays May 1-October 31; no permit required other times or for day use. Groups size cannot exceed 10. (828) 652-4841.
- Mortimer. From Colletsville, west of Lenoir, take N.C. 90 west; next to Thorpe Creek (Locator Map). 19 sites: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), showers (handicapped accessible), drinking water, picnic tables, fishing, trails. No water in winter. April 1-November 30. $10. (828) 652-2144.
- North Mills River. Near Brevard, at I-26 Exit 33 take N.C. 191 south onto SR 191 south then turn tight onto SR 1345 (Locator Map). 32 sites: flush and vault toilets (vault in winter), drinking water, picnic table, dump station, fishing, trails. No water in winter. All year. Reservations available. $11/$14*; half price in winter. (828) 890-3284.
- Rocky Bluff. From Hot Springs take N.C. 209 south; on Spring Creek (Locator Map; Brochure). 30 sites: flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fishing, trails. May 1-October 31. $8. (828) 622-3202.
- Silvermine Group Camp. Near Hot Springs. (Brochure with map) One site for up to 50: vault toilet, drinking water, trails, including Appalachian Trail. April 20-October 31. Reservations required. $25 up to 25 people; $40 for 26 to 50 people. (828) 622-3202.
- Sunburst. From Waynesville take U.S. 276 east and N.C. 215 south (Locator Map). 10 sites: flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fishing. April 1-October 31. $10. (828) 648-7841.
- Wash Creek Group Camp. Near Brevard (and North Mills River Campground, above), at I-26 Exit 33 take N.C. 191 south onto SR 191 south then turn tight onto SR 1345 (Locator Map). One site for up to 35 people, 15 vehicles: vault toilet, bridle trails. $35. (828) 877-3265.
- White Pines North & South Group Camps. Take U.S. 276 north from Brevard to FR 477 and turn right (Locator Map). One walk-in site each; up to 25 people: vault toilets, water pump, horse stalls, bridle paths, fishing. Reservations, minimum stay; available at (877) 444-6777 or link above. All year. $40. (828) 862-5960.
Uwharrie National Forest (Interactive Forest Map & Facilities Chart)
All campgrounds are near Troy off N.C. 109 north. Open all year unless otherwise noted. The family campgrounds and group camps can be reserved online (individual links below); reservations are strongly recommended. The Badin Lake Hiking Trail circles Badin Lake, which is home to Arrowhead and the Badin Lake campgrounds. Phone (910) 576-6391.
- Arrowhead Campground. 50 sites; 33 with electricity: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), showers (handicapped accessible), drinking water, boat ramp, dump station, paved loop trail (in addition to longer trail). Open year-round. $12/$15 with electricity; $24 double site/$30 double with electricity. Reservations online or at (877) 444-6777.
- Badin Lake Campground. 39 sites, many on lake shore: flush toilets(handicapped accessible), showers (handicapped accessible), drinking water, fishing, swimming, trails. $12/$24 double sites. Reservations online or at (877) 444-6777.
- Badin Lake Group Camp. Three sites for up to 50 people each, 10 vehicles: vault toilets, showers, drinking water. $40. Reservations are required and available online or at (877) 444-6777.
- Badin Lake Horse Camp. Undesignated sites with access to 15 bridle tails. No fee. (910) 576-6391.
- Canebrake Horse Camp. 29 sites; five doubles, fully accessible facilities: Horse washing rack, flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water, dump station, picnic tables, grills, lantern posts, hitching posts, access to 25 bridle trails (32 miles). $12/$24 for doubles. Reservations online and at (877) 444-6777.
- East Morris Mountain Hunt Camp and Deep Water Trail Camp are identified on the map, but have undesignated sites with vault toilets nearby. No water. No fee.
- Uwharrie Hunt Camp. 29 sites in open field: vault toilet. No water. $5.
- West Morris Mountain. Undesignated sites: vault toilets, trails. No water. $5.
- Yates Place. Undesignated sites: vault toilets, trails. No water. No fee.