Fishing Campgrounds in North Carolina

Discover the best fishing campgrounds across North Carolina. Wake up to the sound of rushing water and spend your days casting lines in pristine fishing waters. Lake, river, and stream access for every angler.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: Spring through Fall (April-October)

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.9

(77)

Long Point Cabin Camp

Harkers Island
Cape Lookout National Seashore

Atlantic Coast currents converge at this boat-access barrier island outpost, delivering trophy catches during prime spring and fall runs that have anglers returning generation after generation.

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4.7

(144)

Tsali Recreation Area

Robbinsville
National Forests in North Carolina

Fontana Lake's shoreline stretches right from your campsite, offering year-round access to trophy walleye that draw anglers from across the region. Cast your line for five species including black bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass in these mountain-fed waters.

Robbinsville
National Forests in North Carolina

Santeetlah Lake's pristine waters teem with bass, walleye, trout, crappie, and bream, all accessible from the cabin's convenient boat ramp. Cast your line from shore or launch into the crystalline lake to explore productive fishing spots throughout this mountain reservoir.

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About Fishing Campgrounds in North Carolina

Fishing camping North Carolina offers anglers an extraordinary diversity of waters, from the wild Atlantic surf of Cape Lookout to the pristine mountain trout streams of the Blue Ridge and the expansive bass waters of Lake Norman. The state's unique geography creates three distinct fishing zones: coastal saltwater fisheries along the Outer Banks, sprawling Piedmont lakes teeming with bass and catfish, and cold mountain streams where native brook trout still thrive in hemlock-shaded pools.

Best Time

Spring from April through May offers North Carolina's most productive fishing across all regions, with mountain trout streams running clear and cool after snowmelt, bass moving shallow in warming Piedmont lakes, and coastal redfish beginning their spring feeding frenzy. Fall from September through November rivals spring for fishing quality, particularly for trout anglers targeting spawning browns and brook trout in high-elevation streams, while coastal fishing peaks with migrating flounder and drum.

Activity Highlights

Direct lake and river access
Boat launches and marinas
Fish cleaning stations
Local fishing guides available

More Fishing Campgrounds in North Carolina

Discover 17 additional top-rated fishing campgrounds in North Carolina

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4.6

(125)

Curtis Creek Campground

Old Fort, NC
National Forests in North Carolina

Anglers cast their lines directly into Curtis Creek's clear mountain waters, renowned for productive trout fishing right from their campsite. The streamside setting lets you step from your tent to the water's edge, where rainbow and brown trout thrive in the cold currents flowing down...

Lake Norman State Park

Troutman

Anglers enjoy direct shoreline access to North Carolina's largest man-made lake, where bass, catfish, and crappie thrive in over 32,000 acres of pristine water. Cast your line from multiple fishing piers or launch your boat to explore hidden coves where the day's catch awaits beneath the surface.

Hanging Rock State Park

Danbury

Cast your line year-round in both the tranquil lake and the flowing Dan River, where anglers find plenty of action whether they're bank fishing at sunrise or wading into cool currents.

MILLS RIVER
National Forests in North Carolina

Rainbow and brown trout thrive in the cold, clear currents of Mills River, which flows directly through camp and provides easy wade-in access from multiple sites.

Standing Indian Campground

Franklin
National Forests in North Carolina

The crystal-clear Nantahala River flows directly through this mountain campground, offering anglers licensed access to wild trout waters fed by cold Appalachian streams.

Hayesville
National Forests in North Carolina

Lake Chatuge's shoreline wraps around this peninsula campground, offering anglers direct access to both productive bank fishing spots and easy water entry for launching boats. Cast your line from campsites that practically touch the water's edge, where fish strike within steps of your tent.

Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)

Old Fort
National Forests in North Carolina

Cast your line directly from streamside campsites into Curtis Creek's clear mountain waters, where wild trout dart through pools and riffles beneath the forest canopy.

Goose Creek State Park

Washington

The Pamlico River stretches along the park's shoreline, offering anglers direct access to brackish waters where freshwater and coastal species mingle. Cast your line from the shore or launch your boat to explore the river's vast expanse, though success varies with the seasons and tides.

Cataloochee Group Camp

Waynesville
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Wild trout thrive in the cool, crystal-clear mountain streams that wind through this secluded valley, offering anglers a chance to cast lines in some of the park's most pristine backcountry waters.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Fishing Campgrounds in North Carolina

Map of campgrounds near Fishing Campgrounds in North Carolina

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Map Key

Long Point Cabin Camp

Tsali Recreation Area

Cheoah Point Cabin 2

Curtis Creek Campground

Lake Norman State Park

Hanging Rock State Park

North Mills River

Standing Indian Campground

Jackrabbit Mountain

Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)

Goose Creek State Park

Cataloochee Group Camp

Big Creek Group Camp

South Mountains State Park

White Pine South Group Camp

Cove Creek Lower Group Camp

Cataloochee Horse Camp

Kuykendall Group Camp

Appletree Group Campground

Medoc Mountain State Park

View all 95 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Trout fishing in mountain streamsBass fishing in Piedmont lakesSaltwater surf and pier fishingFly fishing for native brook troutKayak fishing in coastal marshesWalleye trolling on deep mountain lakes

Tips & Recommendations

1Purchase a North Carolina fishing license before arrival, available online through the Wildlife Resources Commission, with separate licenses required for freshwater and coastal saltwater fishing.
2Mountain trout streams follow special regulations with many designated as catch-and-release or wild trout waters requiring single-hook artificial lures, so study the current fishing regulations digest for specific stream rules.
3Pack versatile tackle including ultralight spinning gear with 4-6 pound test for mountain trout, medium-heavy bass setups for Piedmont lakes, and surf rods with 20-30 pound test for coastal fishing.
4Bring waders for mountain stream fishing even in summer, as water temperatures rarely exceed 60 degrees in high-elevation creeks, and consider a wading staff for navigating slippery boulder-strewn streams.

20 campgrounds ranked

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Curated for Fishing Campgrounds in North Carolina

Fishing Campgrounds in North Carolina FAQ

We've ranked 20+ fishing campgrounds in North Carolina based on review ratings, lake/river access, and amenities. The top-rated options include campgrounds with boat launches, fish cleaning stations, and proximity to stocked waters.

Yes, North Carolina requires a valid fishing license for most anglers. Check the North Carolina Fish & Wildlife agency for current license requirements, fees, and regulations before your trip.

Spring through Fall (April-October) is typically the best time for fishing camping in North Carolina. Specific peak times vary by fish species and water body—check local fishing reports for current conditions.

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