Campground Camping

Campground Camping Areas

• Croatan National Forest

  Welcome to the Croatan National Forest, one of four National Forests in North Carolina and the only true coastal forest in the East.  The Croatan National Forest's 160,000 acres have pine forests, saltwater estuaries, bogs and raised swamps called pocosins.  Bordered on three sides by tidal rivers and the Bogue Sound, the forest is defined by water.

  All this water provides a variety of recreation and diversity of wildlife- from deer, black bears and turkeys to wading birds, ospreys and alligators.  Canoeing and fishing are popular on blackwater creeks and saltwater marshes.  The Croatan is also home to the carnivorous Venus fly-trap, sunder and pitcherplant. 

  The Croatan National Forest has one Ranger District, the Croatan Ranger District.  Please contact the District for more information.

  Camping and Day-use Information

  Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Croatan National Forest can be found here.

  Recreation Maps

  Croatan National Forest Maps

  Be Safe

  The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.

• Cedar Point Recreation Area

  Update 6/25/2020: Restroom facilities for this location are closed at this time. Portable toilets are available for visitor use. 

  The Cedar Point Recreation Area, near the mouth of the White Oak River, is surrounded by a salt marsh and a coastal forest.  The salt marsh, where fresh water meets salt water, stretches out like a sea of grass.  This nutrient-rich wetland is a valuable "nursery" for commercial seafood, including fish, shrimp, crabs and oysters.

  A small-craft boat ramp and fishing pier provides easy access to the river and its bounty. The shallow water is suited to flat-bottom boats. Canoes and kayaks can navigate the maze of canals through the salt march. From the boat ramp, paddle around the point, then pass under the boardwalk of the Tideland Trail. Be aware of the tides; an extremely low tide can leave some canals dry. The loop is shown on the map is about 2 miles and can be completed in half a day.

  The campground has 40 sites with electrical hookups, a bathhouse with flush toilets, warm showers, drinking water and a ramp for shallow water boats. Picnic tables are nearby. The Cedar Point Tideland Trail crosses boardwalks to explore the salt marsh and the life above and beneath.

   

  Common birds around the salt marsh:

  Osprey*, Red-tail hawk, Turkey vulture, Fish crow, Common egret, Snowy egret, Great blue heron, Tri-colored heron, Little blue heron, Red-winged blackbird, Boat-tail grackle, Belted kingfisher.

  Common birds in the forest:

  Carolina chikadee, Brown-headed nuthatch, Tufted titmouse, Northern mockingbird, Brown thrasher, Caolinawren, Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Pine warbler, Northern cardinal, Rufous-sided tewhee, Eastern bluebird, Red-bellied woodpecker, Red-headed woodpecker, Pileated woodpecker

  *Mostly Mar-Oct. All others are year-round residents

  Common Mammals:

  White-tailed deer, Raccoon

  Other Common Wildlife:

  Marsh periwinkle, Fiddler crabs, Blue crabs, Oysters, Mud crabs, numerous insects, Green anole lizard, Eastern fence lizard.

  Check out the brochure.

• Cedar Point Campground
• Fishers Landing
• Flanners Beach/Neuse River Recreation Area

  Neuse River Campground and Trails

  Situated on a bank of the Neuse River and under tall pines and hardwoods, the Neuse River Recreation Area offers secluded campsites. The campground has reopened but the picnic area and beach are temporarily closed due to the impacts of Hurricane Florence. 

  For more information, read the Neuse River Recreation Opportunity Guide.

  You can also view these maps for the area: Neuse River Campground, Neuse River Recreation Area Overview, and Neuse River Recreation Opportunity Guide.

• Flanners Beach/Neuse River Campground
• Oyster Point Campground
• Nantahala National Forest

  Welcome to the Nantahala National Forest! The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. The largest of North Carolina's four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. The Forest is divided into three Districts, Cheoah in Robbinsville, NC, Tusquitee in Murphy, NC, and the Nantahala in Franklin, NC. All district names come from the Cherokee language. "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noon day sun," a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday.The Nantahala National Forest was established in 1920 under authority of the 1911 Weeks Act. This act provided authority to acquire lands for national forests to protect watersheds, to provide timber, and to regulate the flow of navigable streams. In the Nantahala National Forest, visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities from whitewater rafting to camping. With over 600 miles of trails, opportunities exist for hikers, mountain bikers, horse-back riders and off-highway vehicle riders.

  Camping and Day-use Information

  Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Nantahala National Forest can be found here.

  Recreation Maps

  Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps

  Be Safe

  The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.

  Waterfall Safety for the Summer.

• Cheoah Ranger District

  The Cheoah Ranger District has 120,500 acres in Graham and Swain Counties. These lands surround four large mountain reservoirs and contain numerous streams. Fishing, boating, whitewater rafting, hunting, hiking, and viewing fall colors are some popular activities. From the Cherohala Skyway, you can enjoy mountain vistas. The Appalachian Trail and other trails make up a network of some 320 miles that cross the district. The district offers trails for horseback riders, mountain bikers, short-distance hikers, and backpackers. Several lakeside, streamside, and scenic developed campgrounds, and picnic areas provide a variety of outdoor experiences.

• Cable Cove Recreation Area

  This area offers camping and hiking, with boating access on Fontana Lake. Cable Cove is 4 miles from Fontana Dam and the Appalachian Trail. The 26 campsites are set in a wooded area near a stream.

• Cheoah Point Recreation Area

  Located adjacent to Santeetlah Lake, this area has developed camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and boating. Nearby, the Wauchecha Bald Trail provides access to the Appalachian Trail.

• Horse Cove Campground
• Tsali Recreation Area

  Left loop temporarily closed for maintenance starting July 13, 2020

  Enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, motorized boating, kayaking or camping at Tsali Recreation Area, all located within steps of Fontana Lake.

  Follow the Trail. The Tsali (pronounced “SAH-lee”) Recreation Area’s four-loop trail system has become a popular destination for mountain bikers and horseback riders. It is best known as a challenging mountain bike course.

  • The Right Loop, rated moderately difficult, offers 13.9 miles of single track, with shorter 4- and 8-mile loops possible.
  • The Left Loop, rated moderately difficult, is 11.9 miles of single track with views toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake.
  • The Mouse Branch Trail, rated moderately difficult, is 8.7 miles of single track and includes old logging roads.
  • The Thompson Loop, rated moderately difficult, is 7.3 miles of single track.

  Hikers may travel the trails on any day, but mountain bikers and equestrians–the primary users–are kept separated by alternating days on the trails. Be sure to follow the trail schedule:

  Jan./Feb./March/April/June/Sept./Nov./Dec.
  Right Loop and Left Loop:

  • Horses – Tuesday , Thursday, & Saturday
  • Mountain Bikes –Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

  Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop:

  • Horses – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday
  • Mountain Bikes – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday

  May/July/August/October
  Right Loop and Left Loop:

  • Horses – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday
  • Mountain Bikes – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday

  Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop:

  • Horses – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
  • Mountain Bikes – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday

  There is a per-person day use fee for trail use. Fees can be paid at either the Tsali Bike or Horse Trailheads.

  Sleep under the Stars. Open early April through October, Tsali Campground offers 42 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Many sites accommodate small RVs, but no hookups are available. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are available. Campers pay fees at the campground fee station.

  Get in the Water.Fontana Lake offers flatwater paddling and motor boating. One boat launch is located at Tsali, while another is located nearby on FR 2553 at Lemmons Branch. Ample parking is available at either launch. Fishing is permitted year-round, and anglers will find some of the best fishing for walleye in the state. Anglers can also catch black bass, crappie, catfish and white bass.

  Check out the brochure.

• Nantahala Ranger District

  The Nantahala Ranger District stretches 250,000 acres across Macon, Jackson and Swain counties offering a variety of recreational opportunities from camping to off-highway vehicle riding. This District is a diverse, rugged, and mountainous area with raging rivers, granite walls, and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy the remoteness of the Southern Nantahala WIlderness, a scenic drive along the Mountain Waters By-way or a view Whitewater Falls, the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains. The Nantahala is also home to four long distance trails, the Appalachian, Bartram, Foothills, and Mountains-to Sea Trails. Come experience the outdoors and explore the Nantahala! Nantahala Ranger District, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734, (828) 524-6441

• Cullasaja Gorge
• Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
• Standing Indian Campground
• Van Hook Glade Campground
• Tusquitee Ranger District

  This 158,900-acre district lies in the far southwestern tip of North Carolina in Cherokee and Clay Counties. The Tusquitee District has three large lakes that offer a variety of recreation. Two major rivers, the Hiwassee and Valley, provide canoeing. Three reservoirs in beautiful mountain settings provide a playground for recreation enthusiasts. Hiwassee Lake, Chatuge Lake, and Appalachia Lake offer boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming, as well as a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature’s wonders. Chatuge Lake is excellent for sailing. The Hiwassee and Appalachia Lakes are located west of Murphy, along the Hiwassee River. Chatuge Lake spans the Georgia-North Carolina State line, south of Hayesville. For camping and picnicking, four areas are available.

• Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area

  Open May through September, Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area lies on a peninsula of Lake Chatuge – a TVA reservoir that boasts more than 130 miles of shoreline. This destination recreation area offers a large campground and numerous day use activities such as swimming, picnicking, mountain biking and hiking trails, fishing and motorized boating access to the lake.

  Sleep under the Stars.Three campground loops offer 92 wooded sites, most of which provide views of Lake Chatuge. Several sites in Loops A and B can accommodate RVs, but no hook-ups are available.   Registered campers may access the on-site RV dump station. Reserve a site at visit www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. A few sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are available. In the campground, a large picnic pavilion offers lakeside views and room to gather.

  Follow the Trail.  Ride your mountain bike along the area’s 15-mile stacked-loop system. Many of the trails border Lake Chatuge, while others meander through the woods or ridge-top. These trails appeal to riders of all skill levels.  

  If you are interested in hiking, try the Jackrabbit Mountain Trail. With a trailhead just outside the campground, this 2.4-mile easy trail loops through open woods and offers glimpses of Lake Chatuge.

  Get in the Water.  At Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area, a designated swimming area and sandy beach are surrounded by picnic tables on a large grassy lawn. A picnic pavilion offers group picnicking with views of the lake. A short trail connects the campground and beach. The lake is filled with a bounty of fish ranging from spotted, white and striped bass to catfish, crappie and sun-fish. Launch your boat and fish from the lake, or try the accessible fishing pier located near the swim beach.

  Don’t have a boat? There are several marinas to rent boats and other small craft. For details, call the Clay County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 389-3704.

  Be Safe.Your safety is your own responsibility.

   

  Check out the brochure.

• Pisgah National Forest

  The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. It is also home of the first school of forestry in the United States, now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site, and boasts two of the first designated wilderness areas in the east. The Pisgah, Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts are scattered along the eastern edge of the mountains of western North Carolina and offer visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains.

  Camping and Day-use Information

  Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Pisgah National Forest can be found here 

  Recreation Maps

  Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps

  Directions to Frequently Requested Places

  NC Arobretum and Bent Creek Area

  Blue Ridge Parkway South

  Blue Ridge Parkway North

  Pisgah Ranger District

  Cradle of Forestry

  Cradle of Forestry (Scenic Route)

  The Biltmore House

  Mt. Mitchell

  Be Safe

  The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.

  Waterfall Safety for the Summer.

• Appalachian Ranger District

  Welcome to the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest. The Appalachian Ranger District consists of Pisgah National Forest lands that stretch westward from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park's eastern boundary to Craggy Gardens on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Roan Mountain near Tennessee. Elevations range from 1,900 feet at Max Patch to 6,684 feet at Mount Mitchell. Our district office is located at 632 Manor Road, Mars Hill, NC 28754. The phone number is (828) 689-9694. Our fax number 828-689-9762. The office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m.

• Black Mountain / South Toe River Area

  The South Toe River area is on the Appalachian Ranger District near Burnsville, NC. This area includes the Black Mountains, the Blue Ridge, and the headwaters of the South Toe River. The Black Mountains, capped with a forest of red spruce and Fraser fir, are named for the resulting dark color. Along the South Toe River, you can camp, picnic, fish, swim, tube, bike, and horseback ride.

• Black Mountain Campground
• Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area
• Harmon Den Area

  Harmon Den is on the Appalachian Ranger District in the vicinity of exit 7 off of  I-40. The area is a haven for hikers and horseback riders. It offers 54.5 miles of trails with 14.2 miles of trails designated for horseback riding and 40.3 miles for hiking.

• Harmon Den Horsecamp
• Hot Springs Area

  The French Broad River and Appalachian Trail travel right through Hot Springs making the town a  haven for hikers, rafters and other outdoor enthusiasts. The Hot Springs area features 44 miles of trails with 13.4 miles designated for mountain biking.  

• Rocky Bluff Campground
• Grandfather Ranger District

  The lands that make up the Grandfather Ranger District are those public lands that run from the McDowell/Buncombe county line on Black Mountain just east of Asheville over to US 321 between Lenoir and Blowing Rock. The Blue Ridge Parkway forms the northern boundary of the district. The Grandfather Ranger District began under the Weeks Act with the purchase of an 8,100acre tract in 1912. Now, the district covers over 192,000 acres.Enjoy your visit!

• Boone Fork Campground
• Curtis Creek Campground

  RV and tent camping, campground host on site.

• Mortimer Campground

  Temporarily closed during bridge construction. See https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nfsnc/alerts-notices/?aid=60682

  RV and tent camping, campground host on site. Flush toilets and shower are available. Picnic shelter on site. Seventeen first come, first serve sites are available at Mortimer Campground.

• Pisgah Ranger District

  The Pisgah Ranger District is home to many waterfalls, scenic views, and miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Bordering Transylvania, Buncombe, and Haywood Counties, Pisgah Ranger District is a short drive from Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, and Waynesville. Lake Powhatan Recreation area and Bent Creek Experimental Forest are also included in the Pisgah District, providing visitors with more recreation opportunities. 

• Bent Creek Experimental Forest

  Established in 1927 to study rehabilitation of cutover, degraded forests, Bent Creek is the oldest experimental forest in the East. The area is now used to research current issues that threaten or enhance the health and productivity of forests.

• Lake Powhatan Campground
• Davidson River Recreation Area
• North Mills River Campground
• Sunburst Campground
• Wolf Ford Horse Camp
• Uwharrie National Forest

  Uwharrie National Forest is 52,000 acres in Montgomery, Randolph & Davidson Counties. Uwharrie National Forest map

  Ranger District Office, 789 Biscoe Road, Troy, NC 27371, (910) 576-6391, uwharrie@usda.gov. America the Beautiful Passes and USGS Topo maps for sale at https://store.usgs.gov/.

  Firewood permits available by phone and mail starting October 5 for $20. Call (910) 576-6391 and provide Name, Address, Mailing Address for permit, Phone Number, Driver's License or National ID Number, Payment (Money Order or check payable to: USDA Forest Service). After purchase is complete, we will mail permit, restricted areas map, and policies. This process is temporary until operations return to normal

  Hunting

  Uwharrie NF is designated Game Lands and part of 2 million acres of public lands for public hunting, trapping and fishing managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The appropriate basic annual hunting license and Game Lands Privilege license is needed to hunt on Uwharrie NF. Seasons, bag limits, and special restrictions are annual N.C. Inlands Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest.

  Camping & Day-use

  Picnic at a day-use area. Camp at developed campgrounds for a fee. See list  here. You can only camp for 14 days in a 30-day period at a developed campground or dispersed camping. Primitive dispersed camping is allowed except in those areas posted "No Camping" or a developed campground or day-use area. Find sites along most Forest Service roads and trails. Be careful with campfires and only use dead and down wood. Do not bring wood from outside the area to protect from invasive plants and insects. 

  Enjoy this story on a QR guided trail in the national forest.

  OHV Trail Vendors.

  • Badin Lake OHV Trails close December 15 at 8:00 am
  • OHV Trails will reopen April 1 in the morning
  • OHV annual passes are available from the Eldorado Outpost

  Flintlock Valley Shooting Range

  25-yard pistol and 100-yard rifle ranges open year-round Tuesdays through Saturdays including all Holidays on those days except Thanksgiving & Christmas. Passes required but  not sold on site and must be purchased in advance. Contact the office or vendors: Shooting Range Vendors.

  Be Safe

  We offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation. All outdoor recreational activities have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Your safety is your responsibility.

  Trail Strategy Documents, Presentations and Maps

  Badin Lake Area map, Morris Mountain Area map, North Eastern Portion map, South Eastern Portion map, Wood Run Area map

  Documents...

  Presentations...

   

• Badin Lake Recreation Area

  Badin Lake Recreation Area offers swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking trails, equestrian trails, four-wheel drive trails, mountain biking trails & camping opportunities. Please pick up your trash! Trash cans are at all recreation sites.

  Camping in Badin Lake Recreation Area

  There are 4 developed campgrounds for tents, camping trailers, & RVs with flush toilets and showers & 1 tent only campground within the Badin Lake Recreation Area. There are 2 campgrounds with electricity, flush toilets, showers & a dump station. Arrowhead Campground has 48 sites with electrical hookups at sites 12-45. These sites have 50 amp, 30 amp & 110 volt outlets. Sites 1-11 & 46-50 do not have power.  Canebrake Horse Camp has 28 sites available to the public. All sites have electrical hookups with 50 amp, 30 amp & 110 volt outlets. This campground has amenities for horse use but is not exclusive to horseback riders. Some of these horse amenities are a horse washing station, hitching posts, tack tables & direct access to the trails. 

  Badin Lake Campground offers 34 sites for tent, camping trailer or RV camping. There are several campsites on the lakeshore of Badin Lake which can be accessed via boat, canoe, or kayak.  This campground offers flush toilets, showers & drinking water hydrants. There is no electricity and no dump station at this campground. Badin Lake Group Camp offers 3 sites for up to 50 people each. There are flush toilets, vault toilets, showers & 3 drinking water hydrants. There are no electrical hookups and there is no dump station.  This campground is available by reservation only.

  To make reservations for any of the above listed campgrounds please call Recreation.Gov at 877-444-6777; TDD: 877-833-6777; International: 518-885-3639; or go to www.recreation.gov.

  The last campground in the Badin Lake Recreation Area is called Uwharrie Hunt Camp. This campground is rustic. It has 8 tent only campsites that can be accessed by a very short walk from the parking lot.  There are 2 vault toilets & drinking water hydrants.  Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, grill, & lantern post. 

  Recreating in the Badin Lake Recreation Area

  The Badin Lake Recreation Area offers many recreational opportunities. There are 17 miles of Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) or motorized trails available for dirt bikes, ATVs, and full-sized 4-WD vehicles with the purchase of a trail pass.  Primitive camping or dispersed camping can be done along the trails & at the Art Lilley Campground that is located in the Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex. 

  Additionally, there are approximately 40 miles of non-motorized trails available for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. These trails range from easy to difficult as they traverse beautifully wooded areas, rocky outcrops, the Uwharrie River & many of its tributaries.   

  The Cove Boat Launch is located on Cove Road near Arrowhead Campground & offers access to Badin Lake for trailered boats. There is a vault toilet. There are 2 day use areas for picnicking & fishing. The King's Mt. Point Day Use Area offers 34 picnic sites, a picnic pavilion, 4 accessible fishing piers and 4 vault toilets & 2 flush toilets. Holt's Picnic Area is more rustic with a vault toilet, fishing from the shore, grills & picnic tables available.

• Arrowhead Campground
• Badin Lake Campground
• Canebrake Horse Camp
• Uwharrie Hunt Camp
• West Morris Mtn. Campground
• Yates Place