North Carolina
Looking for the best camping in North Carolina? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around North Carolina. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Camping Spots in and near North Carolina
-
Bryson City, North Carolina
Hike to Lonesome Pine Overlook
5.07 mi / 2300 ft gainTo start the hike to Lonesome Pine Overlook begin from the Noland Divide Trailhead in Deep Creek. The trail is a steady climb with an average gain of 700 ft. every mile. Approaching the top you'll walk along a rocky ridge line where you are able to see the overlook. As you continue, be sure to lo...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Southern Smokies: Fontana Lake to Clingman's Dome
4.520.39 mi / 5750 ft gainThis is a strenuous (though not technical) hike that really showcases the forests, creeks, and (eventually) the highest point of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As this is a point-to-point route, you will want to have two vehicles - one that you can leave at Clingman's Dome and one that you ...Read more -
Franklin, North Carolina
Backpack the Standing Indian Loop on the Appalachian Trail
24 miBegins at the parking lot for the Standing Indian Campground. (No permits are needed to park here) For the first 3.7 miles, take Kimsey Creek Trail, which runs along the water, until you meet up with the AT at Deep Gap. Rolling hills and lots of foliage throughout, leading up to Standing Indian M...Read more -
Burnsville, North Carolina
Backpack the Black Mountain Crest Trail
12 mi / 5390 ft gainThe Black Mountain Crest Trail is legendary among hikers in the southeast. It is the highest trail east of the Mississippi, as it traverses the summit of several peaks over 6,000 feet. It is also widely acknowledged as one of the premier hikes on the east coast. To whit, the trail immediately asc...Read more -
Franklin, North Carolina
Siler Bald from Wayah Gap
5.03.66 mi / 1060 ft gainThe Appalachian Trail does not need a lot of hype beyond its existing legendary status. However, there are certain parts of it that do stand out as being a little extra special. Siler Bald is one of those spots. A large clearing starting from Snowbird Gap and going all the way up to Siler Bald...Read more -
Marion, North Carolina
Hike the Rock Jock Trail
6 mi / 700 ft gainOne of the first things I noticed when researching this hike was the conflicting information regarding finding the trail head, length of the hike, and the hike's correct route. Hopefully, as of September 2017, this report will contain the most up-to-date information currently available. To find t...Read more -
Newland, North Carolina
Hike to Bradley Gap along the Appalachian Trail
4.6 mi / 1339 ft gainBradley Gap rests along the Appalachian Trail overlooking North Carolina and Tennessee mountains. Part of the Roan Highlands, Bradley Gap can be accessed via Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead. Follow the Roaring Fork Trail from the trailhead until you intersect the Appalachian Trail (White Blaze) app...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Hike Big East Fork Shining Rock Loop
4.014 miWe began this trip by camping overnight in Graveyard Fields. Those camp sites are .5 miles from the car, so we kept our food there over night. Bear activity has increased, so it's strongly advised to bring a bear canister and be wise about food storage. We woke up early the next morning made bre...Read more -
Canton, North Carolina
Camp at Mt. Pisgah
5.0The Mt. Pisgah campground is nestled right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Canton, NC. Since it is at an elevation of 4,980 feet the campground is a perfect destination to beat the heat and humidity that the region can be known for in the summer months. Reservations and information can be fo...Read more -
Hays, North Carolina
Hike along Basin Creek in Doughton Park
5.011 mi / 1800 ft gainA treasure in North Carolina that doesn't get as much attention as it should, Doughton Park has some of the best trails around. It is the largest park operated by the Blue Ridge Parkway and has over 30 miles of trails available. The parking area for the Basin Creek Trail is small, but rarely cro...Read more -
Pinnacle, North Carolina
Rock Climb at Pilot Mountain SP
5.0Wide assortment of climbing on some of the best granite in the world. The grades range from 5.5 to 5.13 so anyone could find their level. It is a very top rope friendly climbing area. All thanks to the Carolina Climbers Coalition who regularly check and maintain all of the bolts located on all of...Read more -
Connelly Springs, North Carolina
Sawtooth Campground via Chestnut Knob Trail
5.06.18 mi / 1299 ft gainThis 6.2-mile total trip will take you through the highlights of South Mountains State Park with an overnight stay in one of the drier campsites. OPTIONAL: You can get a warm-up in by starting with a 2.5-mile loop to High Shoal Falls that you can do without packs before picking up with a 3-mile...Read more -
Creston, North Carolina
Three Top Mountain
4.2 mi / 1260 ft gainThree Top Mountain sits within the same vicinity of Elk Knob. The mountain gets its name from its three prominent rock projections at its peak. The highest point, unofficially named “Big Rock”, is at an elevation of 5020 feet. Prior to the originally named rock peak, you will arrive at Huckleb...Read more -
Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, North Carolina
Backpack Slickrock Creek Trail #42
30 mi / 3700 ft gain8:30 a.m. and we’re winding our way down Highway 129 near Robbinsville, NC. The fog is still thick over the Little Tennessee River as we slow down crossing the bridge into Graham County. “I think we missed it,” I say as we continue onward. Within minutes the Tapoco Lodge comes into view. My pre-h...Read more -
Robbinsville, North Carolina
Hike the Big Fat Gap Trail
12 mi / 3000 ft gainThere are many trailheads leading into the wilderness on either the Tennessee or North Carolina side. My favorite is the Big Fat Gap trail on the North Carolina side at an elevation of 3,060'. To see the best of what this area has to offer take the Hangover Lead South Trail to the 5,180' Hangover...Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Deep Creek to Clingmans Dome Loop
32.82 mi / 7400 ft gainThis is a ~36 mile loop that goes up Clingman's Dome (the tallest point in Tennessee). Pretty challenging, not for the novice backpacker. Park at Deep Creek campground in Bryson City, NC. We did it as a 3-day, 2-night camping at sites 53 and 61. As it is a loop it could easily be done in reverse....Read more