North Carolina RV Camping And Campgrounds

RV Camping and Campgrounds In North Carolina

When it comes to RV camping, North Carolina offers the RVer just about every type of camping opportunity imaginable. US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has several water containment projects great for RV camping. Four national forests feature dispersed camping and rustic RV campsites, private RV parks are located just about everywhere, and state and national parks offer even more camping opportunites. From seashore camping to remote mountain campsites, North Carolina has great RV camping destinations.

North Carolina Private RV Parks and Campgrounds

Private RV Parks - Research tool for finding the best private RV parks and campgrounds in North Carolina.

Federal RV Camping Information

• National Park Service - NPS information about National Parks and other NPS administered lands in North Carolina. Great RV camping destinations.
• US Forest Service - USFS information about free dispersed camping (boondocking) and developed campgrounds at the 4 USDA National Forests in North Carolina.
• US Army Corps of Engineers - USACE/COE information about Corps managed lakes and campgrounds in North Carolina.

State RV Camping Information

• North Carolina State Parks - RV camping is available throughout North Carolina's state park system.
• North Carolina WRC - The NC Wildlife Resources Commission has camping available in many wildlife areas. Check regulations about required hunting or fishing license. You will find the facilities list and basic regulations here.
• North Carolina State Tourism Website - Where to go, and what to do in North Carolina. Includes RV camping suggestions.

Campground Reservations

Camping Reservations - Make your campground reservation in advance and your campsite will be waiting for you when you arrive.

North Carolina RV Dump Stations

• RVDumps.com - Places to dump in North Carolina.
• Sanidumps.com - North Carolina RV dumps listed by town.

Public RV Camping and Campgrounds

The following are only a few examples of the great public RV camping locations available in North Carolina.

BURNSVILLE
Rustic RV camping is available at the Black Mountain Recreation Area. 48 campsites offer picnic tables, fire rings with cooking grills, and lantern posts. Nearby are flush toilets, drinking water, and trash cans.

CAPE HATTERAS
RV camping is available at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The four Cape Hatteras Campgrounds offer both reserved and first come first serve campsites suitable for tents and RVs of all sizes.

FRANKLIN
The Nantahala National Forest offers numerous recreation opportunities along the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Reservable RV camping is available at two campgrounds with over 100 total campsites.

GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAINS
RV camping is available at Great Smokey Mountain National Park. There are 10 designated campgrounds that offer both reserved and first come first serve campsites suitable for tents and RV camping.

JORDAN LAKE
The Nantahala National Forest offers numerous recreation opportunities along the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Reservable RV camping is available at two campgrounds with over 100 total campsites.

SEVEN SPRINGS
Great RV camping is available at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. The campground is located in a lovely wooded area, there are no water or electrical hookups, but a dump station is provided, and water is available at several locations in the campground.

County Park Campgrounds

Several counties in North Carolina offer RV camping. County resident campers are often charged a lower camping fee than non residents. To find these campgrounds, try and Internet search using the term - county park campground nc. A great example of the RV camping opportunities available is Dan Nicholas Park. This Rowan County park offers 30 and 50 amp electric hookup sites. Check carefully for seasonal closures and other regulations concerning out of county resident RV camping.

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Federal Public Land
RV Camping Information

USFS (US Forest Service) - Describes USFS policies and rules about RV camping. Information about dispersed camping, and tips on how to find great free RV camping sites.

NPS (National Park Service) - General information about RV camping and campgrounds in US National Parks. With campgrounds in the most historic and scenic places in the country, the NPS offers some of the best places for RV camping.

USACE/COE (US Army Corp of Engineers) - USACE (perhaps better know as COE) manages water recreation areas throughout the USA. Information about finding USACE lakes, RV camping possibilities, and rules and policies for use of these water based recreation areas is included.

BLM (Bureau of Land Management) - Located throughout the western USA, BLM managed lands offer great camping locations. Developed campgrounds, and almost unlimited dispersed camping opportunites await you.

Free RV Parking Ideas

Here's a list of places to consider when looking for a free overnight RV camping or parking location in North Carolina. We always recommend asking for overnight RV parking permission when looking for a free spot to spend the night. The smaller your RV, the better chances you will have finding places to stay if you choose not to ask permission. If you don't ask permission, you end up "sneaking" into places and hoping nobody bothers you or issues you a trespassing ticket before you move on.

Be smart and Be Safe...Ask Permission.

• Truck Stops - Asking permission is usually not a requirement Be considerate of the big rigs!
• Walmart - Not all stores allow overnight RV parking in North Carolina due to city ordinances. Check store for policy.
• Nightclubs - Had one too many or just pretending?
• Grain Elevators - Ask where you can park your RV out of the way for the night.
• Fraternal Organizations - VFW, Elks etc. may allow members free overnight RV camping.
• Cemetery - Sounds creepy to us, but we've also heard they may have water available.
• Fairgrounds - State and County facilities may allow RV camping when not otherwise in use.
• Parks - City, County, State, and Community parks often have free RV camping.
• Churches - You can almost make "reservations" by calling ahead for permission.
• Hotel Parking Lots - Assuming a nightclub/bar is inside, had one too many or just pretending?
• Truck Terminals - Parking areas for large trucks might allow you free RV camping permission.
• RV Dealers - Pretty brave to us, but you could fit right in.
• Cracker Barrel - These nationwide restaurants usually allow free overnight RV parking.
• Movie Theaters - Too tired to drive home after the late show?
• Highway Rest Areas - All rest areas allow a few hours of free RV parking, but noisy.
• Drive In Movies - Got a small RV, park in the back row and enjoy the show. Fell asleep by accident right?
• Vehicle Repair Shops - Need to see the repairman first thing in the morning?
• Big Box Retailers - Kmart, Best Buy, Sams Club often allow free RV camping.
• Roadside Parks & Picnic Areas - The early day version of the rest area.

As you can see, there are a lot of free RV camping and parking possibilities in North Carolina. If you are not asking permission, it's best to keep a very low profile. If your RV has slide outs, jacks and TV antennas, don't use them so as not to draw attention to yourself. Consider your surroundings carefully and if you feel uncomfortable with the area, move somewhere else.