North Carolina RV & Camping: Time, Dates & Rules (With Examples)

North Carolina is well known for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountain landscapes, rolling hills, and natural attractions.

There are numerous fantastic RV and tent campgrounds on offer throughout this prosperous state. Yet, some campgrounds stand out, which is why we have put together this convenient camping guide.

We have given you the vital information you need to know while providing insight into the best places you can visit:

2 North Carolina Campgrounds With Times, Dates, And Rules

North Carolina has much to offer travelers.

There is plenty to do and many amazing sites to see. Yet when planning your trip to the state, you might run into a few snags.

One of which will likely be where you should choose to stay.

To help you with this dilemma, we have found two of the best North Carolina campgrounds you should consider.

We have provided some information about them that includes their dates, times, rules, facilities, and amenities:

1. Indian Creek Campground

Do you love to be fully immersed in nature when on holiday?

If so, you may want to consider the Indian Creek Campground. This campground is nestled on approximately 88 acres of forest between three spectacular mountain tops.

This campground provides a sense of peace and tranquility that you would be hard-pressed to find somewhere else.

The Indian Creek Campground can be found on the Cherokee Indian Reservation near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the western region of North Carolina.

There are 74 sites, with most being fully equipped RV sites that come with either 30 amp or 50 amp connections. However, it should be noted that the sites are back in only.

At this campground, guests can look forward to many activities, modern facilities, and local attractions. Unlike other North Carolina campgrounds, the Indian Creek Campground offers spectacular trout fishing opportunities.

The on-site Bunches Creek is frequently stocked with trout by the Cherokee Fisheries and Wildlife Management Program, which guarantees you will be able to participate in some of the best fishing in the region.

Moreover, some of the amenities you will likely enjoy include excellent cellphone reception, WiFi, clean restrooms with showers, a convenience store, a playground, a dump station, and laundry.

Additionally, nearby this campground, guests can participate in a host of activities that include horseback riding, tubing, white water rafting, hiking, and gem mining.

Times:

Guests are allowed to check-in at 1 pm but have to check out at noon.

Dates:

The Indian Creek Campground is open throughout the year.

Rules:

• Drunkenness, rowdiness, and abusive and profane language is not permitted.
• At each site, only six people and two vehicles are allowed.
• Guests are allowed to drink alcoholic beverages but only at their designated site.
• Only two pets are permitted at each campsite.

2. Camp Hatters RV Campground And Resort

Most people visiting North Carolina want to stay somewhere close to the outer banks.

Should you want to visit a campground surrounded by the Atlantic ocean and the Pamlico sounds, you will want to look at Camp Hatters RV Campground and Resort. This amazing destination sprawls across 50 acres of land and features more than 400 full hook-up sites with concrete pads.

If you’re camping with your family, it stands to reason that you need a family-friendly resort. The Camp Hatters RV Campground and Resort has everything a family could need when making memories together.

There is 10,000 feet of ocean access for leisurely strolls, indoor and outdoor heated jacuzzis and a kiddie pool, 5 fully equipped bathhouses and 4 laundries, a marina with water sports equipment rentals, and a non-denominational worship center.

Additionally, the resort also has a dog park, a clubhouse with a kitchen, a game room, a tennis and basketball court, a camp store, a conference center, bicycle rentals, miniature golf, and there are numerous planned activities and crafts.

Times:

Guests can check-in anytime after 1 pm, but check-out time is strictly at 11 am.

Dates:

The Camp Hatters RV Campground is open year-round.

Rules:

• No loitering in the park after 11 pm.
• Campfires are not permitted in the park, but they are permitted on the beach as long as a permit is obtained from the office.
• All those wishing to wash vehicles and RVs need to obtain a permit and pay a fee.
• The speed limit throughout this park is 10 miles per hour.
• Children under 12 are not allowed in the resort’s hot tubs.

Can You Go RVing In North Carolina Outside These Dates?

Knowing when you can camp in North Carolina is crucial to planning a holiday.

Above, we mentioned campsites that are open year-round. However, not every campground in North Carolina is open throughout the year. Many North Carolina private campgrounds and State and National Parks set their own seasonal dates.

Additionally, a campground can change its dates at its own discretion, which is why it’s important to make sure you contact them to find out their dates, even if their website lists them.

We have managed to find a few campgrounds that are open year-round that you can visit in North Carolina.

Some of the campgrounds belong to State and National Parks, while others are KOA and privately-owned campgrounds.

You should not that depending on the time of year you camp; you will have to pay higher fees regardless of where you choose to camp unless you are camping at one of the state’s free campground options.

Moreover, KOA campgrounds tend to be the most expensive option, but you will usually enjoy an incredible range of amenities and facilities:

• Hammocks Beach State Park
• Black Forest Family Campground.
• Lakewood RV Resort.
• Smokey View Resort.
• Pine Lake RV Resort.

Where Can A Person Camp For Free In The State Of North Carolina?

Camping with your tent or motorhome doesn’t always have to be an expensive endeavor.

If you are seeking a cheap holiday, camping in North Carolina could be the solution.  There are many destinations throughout the state that allow primitive, dispersed, and motorhome camping for free.

After searching through countless campground options, we have managed to narrow down the list to a few of the very best free campgrounds you can explore next:

• Croatan National Forest.
• Nantahala National Forest.
• Butner Lake Wildlife Management Area.
• Uwharrie National Forest.
• Fires Creek Recreation Area.

Are You Allowed To Camp On Public Hunting Land In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, campers are allowed to camp on public hunting land.

There are specifically designated areas where camping is allowed. Most public hunting lands in North Carolina allow primitive and backcountry camping.

If you want to camp with your motorhome, it is unlikely you can, but you should still contact the relevant department to see if you can make arrangements to do so as some other states have made exceptions.

North Carolina Camping And RV Rules For Local State Parks And National Parks

North Carolina has many State and National Park rules in place for the protection of both the visitors to the parks and the parks themselves.

If you have decided that you want to visit a North Carolina National or State Park for your next camping excursion, there are specific rules you should know.

We have listed some of the general rules, but it’s important to note that some parks may have specific rules they need to be followed that other parks don’t require.

That’s why it would be best to contact the park you are interested in visiting before you plan your trip as that way you will encounter fewer problems and be guaranteed a pleasant stay:

• Campers cannot take off or ascend in a flying machine such as a drone, hot air balloon, glider, or parachute in a North Carolina State and national park.
• Some North Carolina Parks allow pets, but they must stay within a tent, vehicle, or motorhome during quiet hours.
• Quiet hours for most parks are from 10:00 pm until 07:00 am.
• All fireworks and guns are prohibited except for those who have a valid permit.
• Airguns, cap guns, and bows and arrows are not allowed at all properties managed by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation.
• Guests cannot use metal detectors in any parks unless they are being used to look for lost property.
• Before guests can make their way to reserved campsites, they need to register at an on-site registration box or with a ranger.
• Firewood is not allowed to be transported into the park.
• Only six people are allowed per campsite with two tents and two cars.
• Public nude bathing is not allowed in the designated camping areas at North Carolina parks.

Citations:

North Carolina State Park Rules