Lakeside camping in North Carolina with swimming

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, your adventure is waiting.

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98% (2557 reviews)

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12 top lakeside campgrounds in North Carolina with swimming

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JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond

27 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents86 acres · Chinquapin, NC
Rated Finalist for Top Hipcamp in 2023 and 2024! This is a Family Venue! No Parties allowed. We strive to create an environment for nature viewing, stargazing, fishing, and unwinding in nature as camping should be. Events: August 31st Boat demos with another Family-Owned Business. September 28th Carolina Critters Preschool Nature Class, October 19th is our Halloween Bash. Trunk or treat through the RV sites and Cabins main side, potluck, movies, games, and more. November 9th Toys for Tots Bass Boat Tournament and Christmas in the Cabins starts! The historic pond was originally much smaller. We have records that date back to our 6th Great-Grandfather, Joab Fountain, who received a royal grant from the crown in 1773 for the property and then just a grist mill, blacksmith shop and old general store. The property was passed down through the Fountain family until the late 1910's. Originally a creek dammed up for the purpose of the mill it was later dug out in the late 1940's by Lee Baysden. In a long story (that can soon be found on our website/blog) the land was auctioned off in 2007. This landowner dug it out and made it the 22-acre lake that it is today. The property also features 2 smaller ponds and surrounded by woods, swamp, and farmed fields, a total of 84 acres. Divided by Duplin and Onslow County line making it very unique! Chinquapin, NC The store/office is the original detached kitchen from his homeplace, which is the white house just up the street. We still use this today and it has Mr. Lee Baysden's handwriting in the store that states opened June 1956. The pond was owned and fished until the late 1990's. A hurricane damaged the dam and land was sold sometime after. The next owner dug the pond into the lake it is today and fixed the dam. In 2020 My husband Tyler, and I decided to buy the Pond when we saw the signs up for sale in the height of the pandemic. We created JCO, Juniper Creek Outfitters and Guide Service, fall 2020 and began to restore the lake and land to better than ever! We introduced our first Glamping A-Frame cabin in 2021 and in 2024 the Floating Cabin. We host community events such as fishing tournaments, fireworks, music, movie nights, and food trucks. We also host special occasions in the cabins from engagements, honeymoons, birthdays anniversaries. Youth groups and scouts also welcome. Ask about special pricing. Our camp office/store is opened most weekends or by check-in requests and fishing passes available 7 days a week online from sunrise-dark. Our lake features fishing for Bass, Crappie, Bream, Catfish, Bowfin, varieties of Panfish, and more. Check out our Facebook page (JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond) for all the latest news and catches! We have tagged bass that have been released back into the lake. Let us know if you catch one so we can record it! We are continually trying to make JCO and Lee Baysden Pond a great place in our community for friends and families! Enjoy the great outdoors unplugging from all the daily devices of reality. Enjoy bird watching for ducks, geese, heron, osprey or occasional eagle, owls, turkey, deer, and more. We now have a lake Kitty that adopted us and is now part of the team. Her name is "Tail", named by our 4 year old, Beckham. You may see Tail roaming around by the office or patrolling the campground as lake security. Beckham and our new baby girl Atley will be with us most days in office or helping to check you in to your sites! Eight RV sites- # 2, 6, 7, 8 are 30/50 amp, water hookups, fire pit, and waterfront. Sites #3, 4, 5, 9 are 30 amp Only, water hookups, firepit and waterfront. Check out descriptions and pictures of each site at booking. Pump out dump station at check out that we handle for you. One Free Pump out for weekenders. $25 fee for additional pumps or 1x free every 4days. 13 Tent sites - Sites #1-4 are Sunset Cove primitive Sites and #5 and 6 are Group bigger sites side by side. Little Pond site all by itself on private pond off the main lake. Sawmill Creek Tent site right off backside of the dam. Timber Creek are all newer sites. Couples Glamping A-frame Cabin complete with add on extras to make your stay more special. Includes Canoe and fishing passes. New Fully floating Cabin currently moored in RV #1 originally. Featuring full bathroom, kitchenette with Mini Fridge, Microwave, Coffee Pot, 2 burner range, dishes, gas logs, queen bed, futon, ac, tv and wifi, covered front porch with hammock and chairs, firepit, charcoal grill, canoe and more. Enjoy local favorites (ask to see our blog!) The Country Barn, Mike's Farm, Community Food and Grill, The Country Squire, Huffman Vineyards, Duplin Winery, Walton's Distillery, Southern breeze Seafood Market and Food Truck, Richlands Cajun Market, The Mad Boar, Triple C Sweets, Capt. Bob Becks Marina Cafe, Lejeune Memorial Gardens, Lynnwood Zoo, Surf City Beach and hour drive to Wilmington, NC. 30 minutes to Camp Lejeune, NC, and 10 minutes to Albert Ellis Airport, Jacksonville, NC Chinquapin, NC Richlands, NC Beulaville NC Wilmington NC Wallace NC Jacksonville, NC Camp Lejeune, NC Swansboro, NC Burgaw, NC Maple Hill, NC Eastern Nc.
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$25
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99%
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Barnhill Mountain in Fletcher, NC

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Hoopers Creek, NC
My wife and I moved to the area, from Boone, in the spring of 2014. Our dream was to own a house, preferably a cabin, on top of a mountain with long range views and a gradual winding road to the top. Living in Boone, this dream was definitely out of reach. When we began our search for a new home in the Asheville area, we discovered that the more affordable homes were in fact on the mountains. Perfect! In general I always have a pretty positive outlook on what’s possible, however, I was skeptical that we would ever find our dream home. As Jeannie began her Zillow browsing adventures, one particular cabin with acreage, that was outside of our budget continued to pop up. Jeannie would delete it and then it would come back. At some point the price began to drop, and drop, and drop. On our way back into town one weekend after attending a wedding, I convinced Jeannie to drive by the cabin just because we had the time. Immediately we fell in love and reached out to our realtor buddy. It was more of a shot in the dark but it couldn’t hurt, right? We held our breath for the next month totally expecting someone to get it under contract before us or the sellers not accepting our offer. It had already been reduced significantly so we knew our chances of a lowball offer were slim. We offered the most that we could get a loan for. They accepted! I still get anxious thinking back to that month, October 2014. Many years and two children later, here we are, just as excited everyday to make the long trek up our mountain as we were that August of 2014, and now we are happy to offer a similar experience to you, without having to buy the place. Never stop dreaming! Hope to see you soon, cheers! Learn more about this land:   Pitch your tent in the grass on the tip top of the mountain or park your camper in the flat gravel spot with a fire pit just below the top with beautiful views overlooking Cane Creek.  In the fall and winter enjoy 360 degree views and in the summer enjoy the shade and cool breeze while relaxing & snacking on wild wine berries and black raspberries.   What you will not find is light pollution, traffic, and a desire to leave the mountain.  Fall asleep to the calls of the hoot owl and wake up to the knocking of the wood pecker.       If & when you decide to explore the area, be sure to checkout Hickory Nut Gap farm just 7.9 miles away & Whistle Hop Brewery 7.7 miles away.  Turgua brewery just down on Cane Creek road is only 6.2 miles from camp.  Cane Creek Valley Farm as well as the Cane Creek Community swimming pool is also at the base of camp just in case the kids need a dip of ice cream or a dip in the pool.  Justus Apple Orchard is only 10 miles down the mountain towards Hendersonville.  We love taking our kids there.      We are only 15 miles from downtown Asheville & Hendersonville, and 22 miles from Lake Lure. The site backs up to over 100 acres of forest for a truly wilderness feel just outside of town. *Please message me proof of Military Service to receive your 25% discount code.  We support our troops and their families.
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$35
 / night
97%
(51)

Carl’s Campsites - Riverside

17 sites · RVs, Tents58 acres · Pilot Mountain, NC
BEST KEPT SECRET IN PILOT MOUNTAIN!! Select TENT SITES below to book specific campsite. Small wooded camping area on the Ararat river in beautiful Pilot Mountain on Private Land! 9 riverfront sites for tents with two access points into river. There is a 2-car limit parking at the sites, and four wheel drive absolute MUST when wet or rain expected! There is also availability to camp on total of 58 acres owned by Carl’s Campsites. Select a field or hike-in site, with 2 field sites which have rock firepits. Bring your own camp toilet and water containers. Take trash with you. Potable water available across from A-Frame. Riverside Sites includes private structure with rustic toilet, an E-series seat, and a place to hang a shower bag. Water and soap for hand washing provided. Separate trashcan for toilet bags. No ATVs. LIMIT 2 TENTS AND TWO VEHICLES PER CAMPSITE. Campers expected to be environmentally respectful. Riverside sites have trash receptacles, Fire pit, hammock, and picnic table. Swimming, fishing, hiking of property permitted. Pilot Mountain State Park, Hanging Rock, and MANY wineries close by. Lots of hiking on property as well as State Parks close by. Hanging Rock is a great place to explore, with a lake and swimming for reasonable price and picnic areas in the park. We are also 20 minutes from Mt Airy, fictitious home of Mayberry.
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$30
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(268)

Kohler Farms-A Shire Horse...

1 site · RV, Tent35 acres · Walnut Cove, NC
NOTE: We are OPEN starting April 1st through October 31st. We are closed for the winter season. Welcome! This primitive Tent/RV site offers: 2-Private Acres + FREE Firewood + 8-foot Industrial Picnic Table + Little Tikes Picnic Table + Commercial-Grade Port-A-Potty + Large Garbage Bin + 5-Gallon Bucket + Adirondack/Sitting Chairs + Pet Friendly! Solo travelers, families, and romantic getaway travelers: This is a very private and safe place to camp! Because we only have 1 site, you will be alone in the space the entire time. My family lives on the premises so we are here in case of an emergency. My daughter and I own this 35 acre secluded piece of heaven just minutes from Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park, and other attractions. We are pet friendly (if your pet does not play well with our dogs or horses, please leave them on a leash or at home). Our Shire horses are endangered and very BIG! We hope you have time to say hello to the horses during your visit. NOTE: we do NOT provide electric at the campsite; you are allowed to use a generator. NOTE: we do not provide garbage bags so please remember to bring garbage bags for all of your trash. All trash must be bagged and deposited into the provided garbage bin.
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$35
 / night
99%
(216)

Mountaintop Fantasy

4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Cullowhee, NC
Selected by Outside Magazine as their Favorite Hipcamp in North Carolina and a Hipcamp Finalist in N.C. 2020, 2021, and 2022 and runner up best treehouse in 2023, you can choose among three separate and memorable experiences in our 8 acre compound: 1) a woodsy, peaceful glamping experience with million dollar views in an 6 person tent;; 2) a glampingTreehouse with W/C; and 3) the newly built 2BR 1 1/2 BA private annex to our house. Each can be all yours - this is not a commercial campground. Explore the innumerable trails and waterfalls of the Smokies; fish in the Lake or numerous rivers and streams; swim in the Lake and at the sand beach down the road; rent a pontoon boat; travel the Blue Ridge Parkway; enjoy the shopping and restaurants of nearby Cashiers and Highlands. Or just chill out. These are truly unique high altitude sites with amenities you won't find elsewhere. Both are in a gated "subdivision" that has 60 lots but only 8 houses - the rest is woods and the only place in your vicinity is our cabin. With unmatched mountain and western views, if you like the great outdoors on the mountain and in the woods, This is the place for you and your family. If you like a more camping style with tent (provided), covered camp kitchen, table and firepit ( along with the uncovered ones) check out Smoky Mountain High. Don't like tents? No problem. Check out our Treehouse with kitchen, bunks, grill, cooktop, heaters, W/C and more. Prefer indoor rustic luxury? The Glenville Aerie (4100') is a fully furnished, annex we built for our family, guests and friends who value their privacy. Walkie-talkies to facilitate mountain communications. Board games too. Access to our dock, canoes and kayak? Yep. Adult life preservers provided. Secret nature trail to our kids playground and trampoline. Hammock, kid's swing, hanging chair and dining for 6. Visit with Jake the Cat and our chickens. This area is truly one of a kind spiritual respite. These mountains are justly known for hiking, fishing, water sports, chilling out and forgetting about the Virus, politics and the nuisances of the workaday world. Our goal is to provide you and your family with an unforgettable and magical N.C. mountain experience, while reducing your blood pressure.
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$102
 / night

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Lakeside camping in North Carolina with swimming guide

Overview

Crank up the fiddle-and-banjo tunes while driving through the High Country, where campsites and high-altitude views along the Blue Ridge Parkway are marked by mists and mountains. The parkway rolls up to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, not far from the gorgeous homelands of the Cherokee tribe. Just east in Asheville, the Ale Trail rivals the Biltmore as the top draw, though live music and a fantastic culinary scene are close behind. Drive east to the windswept barrier islands of the Outer Banks for coastal camping, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures that tear across sea and sky. Charlotte, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh anchor the booming Central Piedmont.

Where to go

High Country & the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway passes overlooks, waterfalls, and campgrounds in the rugged High Country of western North Carolina as it swoops south from Virginia. Mount Mitchell State Park, Linville Gorge, and Grandfather Mountain are Instagram-pretty while hiking and mountain biking trails beg to be explored.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Cherokee

Stories about Cherokee leaders and 19th-century mountain families add historic context to the mountain-and-forest views in the deep-green Smokies. Feeling social? Hit the welcoming Nantahala Outdoor Center for all-sorts of wild adventures, from rafting to ziplining. The Appalachian Trail runs along the North Carolina and Tennessee border in the national park then veers south through Nantahala National Forest.

Asheville & the Foothills

An easy detour from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville is a mountain town that’s going places. The craft beer situation is out of control—more than 30 breweries!—while innovative chefs keep the foodie scene abuzz. Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure, and gorgeous waterfalls are outdoor highlights in the foothills. Mountain bikers, get your fix in Pisgah National Forest

North Carolina Coast

Wind, water, and sunny skies set a mood for fun along the North Carolina Coast. For the best all-around beach scene head to the Outer Banks, a 100-mile stretch of rugged barrier islands marked by dunes, fishing piers, and wild horses. Try hang-gliding at Jockey’s Ridge, windsurfing off Hatteras Island, and parasailing and paddling in Corolla and Duck. For close-to-the-beach tent camping, drive south to Cape Hatteras National Seashore or ferry over to Ocracoke Island.

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