Camping in National Forests In North Carolina

Carolina Outdoors Guide – Parks & Forests – Camping – Hiking – Adventures

National Forest Camping in North Carolina

The National Forests in North Carolina offer 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 among campgrounds and year to year at individual campgrounds; early or late in the year it’s good to check the website through the link provided. 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 campgrounds and all group camps require reservations and may have minimum and maximum stays.

Fees cited below are per night. Where we’ve cited ranges, large, developed family campgrounds may have different fees for weekdays, weekends and holidays and/or peak season and off-season.

Visit www.Recreation.gov for reservation information for federal recreation sites in North Carolina and nationwide.

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.

After destructive storms, check at the links below to make sure sites are open.

National Forest Camping Links

Updated July 2025.

Croatan National Forest (Forest Map)

Contact the Croatan Ranger District office at (252) 638-5628. All campgrounds are open all year.

– Catfish Lake Boat Launch. From Maysville take N.C. 58 east to the Jones/Craven County border. (Locator Map). Boat ramp for flat bottom boats with undesignated camping sites; fishing, canoeing. No fee.
– Cedar Point. 1.25 miles north of N.C. 58/24 near Cape Carteret (Locator Map). 36 accessible sites with full electrical service (20/30/50 amps): flush toilets, private hot showers, drinking water, picnic tables, dump station, boat ramp, fishing pier, interpretive trails. $20, $27 with electricity; double sites $40, $54 with electricity. 32 of the 36 sites may be reserved online or at phone above. Click on the photo for more info.
– Fisher’s Landing. 8 miles south of New Bern off U.S. 70 (Locator Map). Nine sites, tents only: vault toilets (handicapped accessible), drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, fishing. No fee.
– Flanners Beach / Neuse River. About 15 miles east of New Bern off U.S. 70 on Flanners Beach Road (Locator Map). 39 sites, 22 with electricity; two double sites. Handicapped-accessible campground: flush toilets, private hot showers, drinking water, dump station, fishing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking. $20, $25 with electricity. 32 sites may be reserved online or at phone above. Click on the photo for more info.
– Oyster Point. From Newport take S.R. 1154 (Locator Map). 15 sites: vault toilets, drinking water, picnic table, fire grill, parking spur, tent pad, lantern post, hand-launch boat ramp, fishing, canoeing, Neusiok Trail trailhead. $10, $20 double sites. Reserve online or at phone above.
– Siddie Fields. Near Havelock and Pine Cliff Picnic Area off N.C. 101 and Ferry Road. (Locator Map). Undesignated sites at canoe/kayak launch. Fishing, canoeing, beach access (no swimming). 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 (Locator Map). Four backpacking sites. Pit toilet, picnic tables, lantern hangers, trails, fishing. No water. All year. No fee. (828) 524-6441.
– Appletree Group Camp. Near Topton. (Locator Map) Two sites for up to 25 people, two sites for up to 50: handicapped accessible, flush toilets, showers, drinking water, fire rings, lantern posts, picnic shelters, trails, fishing. April 1-October 31. $50 to $100. Reservations required at (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) but no linens, blankets, pillows, towels; fully applianced wheelchair-accessible kitchen with all utensils; outside grills; three bathrooms and one roll-in wheelchair shower; wood for fireplace; gas heat. No cell phone or wi-fi service. $170, $200 Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Maximum of 20 people. Reservations online or (828) 524-6441. Click on the photo for information about the Balsam Lake day use site.
– Blue Valley. From Highlands take N.C. 28 south 5.5 miles and turn right (Locator Map). 22 backpacking sites. Pit toilet; most sites have picnic table and fire ring; trails, fishing, swimming. No drinking water. All year. No fee. (828) 524-6441.
– Bristol Fields 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 (Locator Map). 4 single sites, 2 double site. Vault toilets, fishing, bridle trails, trails. All year. $8, $16 double site. Reservations required. (828) 837-5152.
– Cheoah Point Recreation Area. From Robbinsville take U.S. 129 north; on Santeetlah Lake (Locator Map). 22 sites, six RV sites with electricity. Flush toilets, showers, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, boat ramp, swimming, trails, fishing. April 15-November. $20, $25 with electricity. Reservations online and (828) 479-6431.
– Horse Cove. From Robbinsville take U.S. 129 north (Locator Map) near entrance to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. 8 primitive sites on Little Santeetlah Creek. Vault toilets, fishing, trails. Available all year. $15. (828) 479-6431.
– Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive. Two miles south of Standing Indian (below) on FR 67. 5 sites with horse stalls, undesignated sites. Vault toilets (handicapped accessible), picnic tables, fire rings, fishing, trails, bridle trails. No water. March 15-January 1, depending on weather. $6. (828) 524-6441.
– Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area. 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). 92 sites, most with water view: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), showers (handicapped accessible), drinking water, picnic tables, lantern post, dump station, boating access area, fishing, swimming, hiking, mountain biking. May-November. $20 and $40. Reservations online and at (877) 444-6777..
– Kimsey Creek Group Camp. Southwest of Franklin on Nantahala River within Standing Indian Campground, below (Locator Map). Three sites for up to 25 each (limited RV use): vault toilets, drinking water, fishing, trails. April-November 30. $75. Reservations available through Standing Indian. (828) 524-6441.
– Rattler Ford Group Camp. Near Robbinsville on Santeetlah Creek (Locator Map). Located ¼ mile south of the entrance to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Four sites for 25 each: flush toilets, showers, drinking water, grills, lantern posts, fire pits, fishing, trails, horseshoe pits, volleyball court. April through October. $75. Reservations online or at (877) 444-6777.
– Standing Indian. From Franklin take U.S. 64 west to W. Old Murphy Road and Forest Development Road 67; on Nantahala River (Locator Map). 85 tent and RV sites: flush toilets, showers, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, lantern posts, dump station, fishing, trails including access to the Appalachian Trail. April-November 30. Some reservations are available. $$26, $52 (828) 524-6441.
– Swan Cabin. North from Robbinsville on U.S. 129 and west on N.C. 143 then S.R. 1134 (Locator Map). Near the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Area. The circa 1931 log cabin has three rooms and a loft with nine beds, including three double bunk frames, two single bed frames and a double bed frame, all strung with rope to accommodate sleeping bags. No electricity or running water. Pit toilet, picnic table, grill, fire ring; trails, stream nearby. Mid-April-November. $25. Reservations online or at (828) 479-6431.
– Tsali Recreation Area. From Bryson City take U.S. 19 south, N.C. 28 west near Almond; on Fontana Lake (Locator Map). 42 sites: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), showers (handicapped accessible), drinking water, picnic tables, fire ring, lantern post, boating access area, fishing, trails, bridle trails, mountain biking. April 15-October 31. $20. (828) 479-6431.
– Van Hook Glade. From Highlands take U.S. 64 west (Locator Map). 18 sites: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), hot showers, drinking water, tent pads, picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, lantern posts, trails. Cliffside Lake Day Use Area, which has swimming, picnicking, and trails to waterfalls, is adjacent. Reservations with minimum and maximum stay required. April-October 31. $24. (828) 524-6441.

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 (Locator Map). 37 primitive campsites, 3 campsites with electric hookups. Hot showers, flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, tent pads, lantern posts, campfire rings with grills, dump station, hiking and bridle trails, fishing. Mid-April-October 30. Tents $28, $35 with electricity; RVs $28, $56 with electricity. (828) 675-5616. (See also Briar Bottom Group Camp below.)
– Boone Fork. From Lenoir take N.C. 90 west to Mulberry Creek Road then Boone Fork Park Road (Locator Map). Campground is no longer maintained but primitive camping is available to hike-in campers. (828) 652-2144.
– Briar Bottom Group Camp. Below Mount Mitchell adjacent to Black Mountain Campground, above (Locator Map). Tents only. Six sites; up to 30 people each: vault toilets, drinking water, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, trails. Reservations required. Mid-April-October 31. $125. (828) 652-2144.
– Carolina Hemlocks. From Burnsville take U.S. 19 east, N.C. 80 south (Locator Map). 35 sites: flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, tent pads, picnic tables, lantern posts, campfire rings with grills, fishing, tubing, trails. Mid-April-October 31. Reservations available. More information from the Cradle of Forestry in America, which operates the campground. $28. (828) 675-5509.
– Cove Creek Group Camp. West of Brevard off N.C. 215 north (Locator Map). Two group campgrounds with one site at each for up to 60 people: vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, fishing, mountain biking, trails. There are two creek crossings to Upper Cove Creek. During heavy rains, the creek will rise and may temporarily make crossing impossible. Reservations required: Lower Group Camp and Upper Group Camp or at (877) 444-6777; minimum and maximum stays. All year. $130.
– Curtis Creek. From Old Fort take U.S. 70 east to Curtis Creek Road (Locator Map). 25 tent and RV sites (no hookups). Vault toilets, drinking water pumps, tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, fishing, trails. April 1-November 30. $. (828) 652-2144.
– Davidson River. From Brevard take U.S. 64 east, U.S. 276 north (Locator Map). 161 sites: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), hot showers, drinking water, tent pads, picnic tables, lantern posts, fire rings with grills, dump station, fishing, trails. Reservations required. $35-$74, plus $5 on weekends. (828) 885-7557. Kuykendall Group Camp and White Pines Group Camp (both below) are adjacent.
– Harmon Den Horse Camp. Near Hot Springs. Take I-40 exit 7 (Harmon Den) northeast onto Cold Springs Road (FR 148) to FR 3526 (Locator Map). 13 upper loop sites for up to 4 horses and 8 people each, 9 lower loop sites for tent or dry trailer campers: vault toilets, water for animals, tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, bridle trails, fishing, trails. May-October. Reservations required. $15. (828) 689-9694.
– Kuykendall Group Camp. Near Brevard, adjacent to Davidson River Campground, above (Locator Map). One site for tents and RVs; up to 60 people: drinking water, vault toilet, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, lantern posts, fishing. You must drive through stream to get to campground. Reservations required; minimum and maximum stays. All year. $130. (828) 577-4910.
– Lake Powhatan. From I-26 Exit 33 take N.C. 191 south; on Lake Powhatan and Bent Creek (Locator Map). 98 sites (“a few” with hookups) and 12 fully furnished canvas platform “glamping” tents: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), hot showers (handicapped accessible), drinking water, tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, lantern posts, dump station, fishing (handicapped accessible), swimming, trails, bike trails. Reservations online; minimum and maximum stays. $37, $46 with electricity, $52 full hookups, plus $5 or $10 on weekends; glamping $100, $130 weekends. (828) 577-7278.
– Linville Gorge Wilderness. From Morganton take N.C. 181 north (Locator Map). Undesignated sites, no facilities in rugged backcountry on Linville River. Opportunities for hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, fishing and hunting. Free permits are required for camping weekends and holidays May-October; no permit required other times or for day use. Group size cannot exceed 10. Each visitor or group may receive one weekend permit per month and may stay up to 3 consecutive days and 2 nights. Get permits a month in advance or three days in advance. (828) 652-2144.
– Mortimer. From Colletsville, west of Lenoir, take N.C. 90 west; next to Thorpe Creek (Locator Map). Five tent-only walk-in sites on lower loop, 14 accessible sites for tents or RVs on upper loop: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), hot showers (handicapped accessible), drinking water, tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, fishing, trails. April-November. Reservations online. $20. (828) 652-2144.
– North Mills River. Near Mills River, N.C. 280 west to North Mills River Road. (Locator Map). 31 sites in two loops on opposite sides of the river, some with water and electric hookups: flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, lantern posts, dump station, fishing, trails. One group site for tents. All year. Reservations available. $30-$62; group site $50. (828) 577-4167.
– Rocky Bluff. From Hot Springs take N.C. 209 south about 3 miles; on Spring Creek (Locator Map). 18 sites: porta-johns, drinking water, tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, lantern posts, fishing, trails. May 1-October 31. Reservations required. $15. (828) 689-9694.
– Sunburst. From Waynesville take U.S. 276 east, then N.C. 215 south 8 miles (Locator Map). 9 sites: flush toilets, drinking water, tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, lantern posts, fishing, trails. Late March-mid-November. Reservations online. $25. (828) 577-4910.
– White Pines Group Camp. Near Brevard, adjacent to Davidson River Campground (above) (Locator Map). Walk-in site for up to 25 people: vault toilets, water pump, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, lantern posts, hiking, fishing, swimming, mountain biking. Reservations required with minimum and maximum stays. All year. $60. (828) 577-4910.

Uwharrie National Forest (Forest Map)

Five developed campgrounds are part of the Badin Lake Recreation Area, where the Badin Lake Hiking Trail circles Badin Lake and there are several day use areas. Elsewhere, there are three hunt camps and an undeveloped site for mountain bikers at Wood Run, and primitive camping is allowed in the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness, a 5,160-acre area with 10 miles of trails at the northern end of the Uwharrie Mountains.

Campgrounds are open all year unless otherwise noted. The family campgrounds and group camps can be reserved online (individual links below), and reservations are strongly recommended. Phone (910) 576-6391.

– Arrowhead Campground. (Locator Map) 48 sites for tents or RVs, 4 for tents only; 33 with electricity: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), hot showers (handicapped accessible), drinking water, tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, lantern posts, boat ramp, dump station. All year. Reservations online. $20-$54.
– Badin Lake Campground. (Locator Map) 35 non-electric sites for tent and camper trailers, many on lake shore: flush toilets (handicapped accessible), hot showers (handicapped accessible), drinking water, tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, lantern posts. Reservations online. $20, $40 double sites.
– Badin Lake Group Camp. (Locator Map) Three sites for up to 50 people each: flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water, tent pads, picnic tables, grills. Reservations required. $75.
– Badin Horse Camp / Old Horse Camp. (Locator Map) Undesignated sites on open field with tie outs for the horses. Access to 15 bridle trails. No fee.
– Canebrake Horse Camp. (Locator Map) 28 sites, including four doubles, with electric hookups, horse washing station, hitching racks, tack tables, parking spurs for horse trailers, direct access to about 40 miles of trails, flush toilets, showers, drinking water, dump station, picnic tables, grills, lantern posts. Reservations online. $27, $54 double sites.
– Canebrake Overflow Horse Camp. (Locator Map) Open field with horse tie outs used when Canebrake Horse Camp fills. There is no water or bathroom available.
– Uwharrie Hunt Camp. (Locator Map) Eight sites for tents: water, vault toilets, tent pads, table, grill, lantern posts. $5.
– West Morris Mountain. (Locator Map) 14 individual sites, two group sites (up to 16 people each) for tents or RVs: vault toilets, tent pads, tables, fire rings with grill, lantern posts. $10, $20 group site.
– Yates Place. (Locator Map) Undesignated sites near the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail: vault toilets, tables, grills. No water. No fee.