Tent Campgrounds in North Carolina

Discover the best tent campgrounds across North Carolina. Get back to basics with traditional tent camping. From established sites with amenities to secluded wilderness spots.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: May-September (peak season)

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.6

(530)

Standing Indian Campground

Franklin
National Forests in North Carolina

Towering evergreens shelter spacious sites across four loops, where level ground and thoughtful spacing create natural privacy in ancient mountain terrain. Wake to the rush of the Nantahala River and step directly onto trails that climb toward 5,000-foot peaks.

Tsali Recreation Area

Robbinsville
National Forests in North Carolina

Thick forest canopy shelters 42 tent-friendly sites where you'll fall asleep to rustling leaves after conquering Tsali's legendary mountain bike trails.

Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)

Old Fort
National Forests in North Carolina

Tent pads nestle among three distinct loops where mountain stream sounds replace neighbor noise, offering everything from roadside convenience to secluded meadow camping beneath star-filled Pisgah skies.

Tents

RVs

About Tent Campgrounds in North Carolina

Tent camping in North Carolina offers an extraordinary diversity of experiences, from the rugged peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the windswept beaches of the Outer Banks, spanning three distinct geographic regions that create some of the most varied camping terrain on the East Coast. The state's commitment to preserving natural spaces has resulted in exceptional tent camping destinations across national forests, state parks, and coastal preserves, each offering unique landscapes and authentic outdoor experiences.

Best Time

Spring and fall represent prime tent camping seasons across North Carolina, with April through May and September through October offering the most comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and reduced insect pressure compared to summer months. Mountain campgrounds like Standing Indian and Curtis Creek become accessible as snow melts in late March and April, with wildflower displays peaking in May and fall foliage creating spectacular displays from mid-September through October.

What Makes It Great

Designated tent pads and flat ground
Fire rings and picnic tables
Varying levels of amenities
Scenic natural settings

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4.7

(137)

Lake Norman State Park

Troutman

Spacious tent sites nestle beneath towering pines along North Carolina's largest lake, offering level ground and natural shade that creates genuine forest seclusion.

Frisco
Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Tent campers claim elevated sandy sites nestled within dense maritime forest, where gnarled live oaks and wax myrtles create natural walls between neighbors while ocean breezes keep bugs at bay.

Hanging Rock State Park

Danbury

Shaded sites nestle among Piedmont hardwoods with level, well-drained ground perfect for pitching tents beneath a forest canopy. Wake to morning mist rising from nearby waterfalls, then spend your day scrambling up dramatic rock formations before returning to your secluded woodland retreat.

Curtis Creek Campground

Old Fort, NC
National Forests in North Carolina

Secluded tent sites nestle along rushing Curtis Creek, where dense forest canopy and the constant murmur of mountain water create natural privacy between camping spots.

Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive Campground

Franklin
National Forests in North Carolina

Tent campers sleep beneath towering pines on soft forest floor, with the gentle rush of Hurricane Creek providing natural white noise throughout the night.

Goose Creek State Park

Washington

Tent campers find generous spacing between sites among maritime forests and salt marshes, creating secluded pockets where morning birdsong replaces neighbors' conversations.

Hayesville
National Forests in North Carolina

Tent sites dot a forested peninsula jutting into Lake Chatuge, where dense hardwoods provide natural separation and many spots claim direct water views. Morning paddlers launch kayaks straight from shoreline sites, while inland campers enjoy level, needle-cushioned ground beneath towering pines.

Briar Bottom Group Campground

Burnsville
National Forests in North Carolina

Towering hardwoods create natural privacy between six spacious group sites that wind through this forested mountain hollow beneath Mt. Mitchell's peaks.

Medoc Mountain State Park

Hollister

Spacious campsites tucked into ancient forest groves provide genuine solitude, with level ground and natural shade canopies sheltering tents from the elements. Summer evenings come alive with firefly displays dancing through the trees while streams babble along the nearby trail system.

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in North Carolina

Map of campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in North Carolina

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Map Key

Standing Indian Campground

Tsali Recreation Area

Curtis Creek Campground (Nc)

Lake Norman State Park

Frisco Campground

Hanging Rock State Park

Curtis Creek Campground

Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive Campground

Goose Creek State Park

Jackrabbit Mountain

Briar Bottom Group Campground

Medoc Mountain State Park

Raven Rock State Park

Cataloochee Group Camp

Big Creek Group Camp

South Mountains State Park

White Pine South Group Camp

Kuykendall Group Camp

Cataloochee Horse Camp

Lumber River State Park

View all 92 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Tent camping in diverse ecosystems from mountains to coastHiking mountain trails to waterfalls and summit viewsFishing in mountain streams, piedmont lakes, and coastal watersMountain biking on extensive trail systemsKayaking and canoeing on lakes and riversSwimming in mountain streams, lakes, and ocean surf

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve mountain campgrounds well in advance for fall foliage season and spring wildflower periods, as sites at Standing Indian, Curtis Creek, and other Blue Ridge locations fill months ahead for peak weekends.
2Bring extra tent stakes and guy lines for mountain camping, where rocky soil and slope camping require additional anchoring beyond standard equipment.
3Coastal tent campers should pack sand stakes, extra rope for wind protection, and tarps to create shade, as Outer Banks locations like Frisco Campground offer limited natural shade and experience persistent ocean breezes.
4Bear-proof food storage is required at many mountain campgrounds, with bear canisters or proper hanging techniques essential for overnight stays in Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Tent Campgrounds in North Carolina

Tent Campgrounds in North Carolina FAQ

North Carolina offers 20+ tent-friendly campgrounds. We've ranked them based on site quality, natural setting, amenities, and user reviews.

Tent camping in North Carolina typically costs $15-35 per night at developed campgrounds. Some national forest and primitive sites may be free or under $10 per night.

Essential gear includes a quality tent, sleeping bag rated for North Carolina conditions, sleeping pad, camp stove, and appropriate clothing. Check weather forecasts and pack layers.