One of the nicest things about camping is that you can get away for an entire weekend without draining your wallet. North Carolina is teeming with awesome campgrounds where you can steal away and enjoy nature for the weekend. Here are some wonderful locations in the Tar Heel State that are on Federal lands only and are some of the best cheap campgrounds in North Carolina where you can spend the night for 25 dollars — or less! Cheap tent camping is a wonderful and inexpensive way to enjoy nature. Take a peek, and then start planning your next adventure of cheap camping in North Carolina!

1. Arrowhead Campground - New London

789 HWY 24/27, New London, NC, 28127
Timothy Rhine/Google
Located at Badin Lake, Arrowhead has paved campsites, making easier accessibility for many travelers; even the fire pits are on a stable surface making it less likely you'll trip after dark. The campground is shaded by the Uwharrie National Forest and is open year-round. Site rates vary based on size and available hookups and start at $20 for a non-electric site.

Get an aerial view of this beautiful area:

2. Bandit's Roost Campground at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir - Wilkesboro

667 Jess Walsh Dr, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, USA
raywells2006/TripAdvisor
Nestled in the Yadkin Valley, Bandit's Roost Campground may make you feel fat and happy like a bandit when you only have to pay $20 for a non-electric tent site. Standard sites with electricity are only $30 per night. With so many opportunities for outdoor recreation, this is one of the best cheap RV campgrounds and it belongs near the top of your list! It's open seasonally from April 1 through October 30.

Take a closer look at this lovely camping area:

3. Warrior Creek Campground - Boomer

7659 NC-268, Boomer, NC 28606, USA
Chuck Payne/Google
Enjoy fun in the sun on the sandy beach at this lakeside campground on W. Kerr Scott Reservoir. Of the 61 campsites, only 6 of them are tent-only. Rates here vary from $22-$30 a night for non-group sites. It's open seasonally from April 15 through October 14.

4. Julian Price Campground - Laurel Springs

Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Cherokee, NC, USA
©Robin Jarvis
Nestled right on the Blue Ridge Parkway just outside of Blowing Rock and alongside picturesque Price Lake is the popular Julian Price Campground. Note, only one loop of this campground is lakeside; although, the other loops are in a spectacular forest setting! Wake to the sun rising over the mountains and make breakfast over a wood fire before you take the two-mile loop trail around the lake. The campground is open seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. Many sites are walk-in only but they're all affordably priced at $20/night.

5. Cape Point Campground - Cape Hatteras

46700 Old Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920, USA
Arthur Taylor/Google
Park yourself in a location convenient to all of the sites and attractions of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. You may even have a front-row seat for a view of the tallest lighthouse in America! All sites are non-electric and run for $20 per night. It's open seasonally from March 30 through December 1.

Get an aerial view of this gorgeous shoreline:

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6. Carolina Hemlocks Campground - near Burnsville

North Carolina 80, NC-80, North Carolina, USA
Zachary Maynard/Google
Camp underneath the canopy of a hemlock forest and among thick mountain laurel at this riverside oasis. Any adventure at this campground should definitely include a planned day just for enjoying the waters of the South Toe River! This campground only has tent and small trailer sites. Individual sites (either with or without electric) are $30 per night. Carolina Hemlocks Campground is open from January 1 through December 31.

7. Smokemont Campground - Cherokee

Smokemont Campground Road A, Smokemont Campground Rd A, North Carolina 28719, USA
Chris Lynch/Google
Open seasonally from mid-February through the end of October, Smokemont Campground near Cherokee is just inside the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundaries (on the NC side). From here, you can explore the entire GSMNP, or just enjoy the trails and other recreational opportunities found within the campground. All sites, RV, tent, electric, and non-electric, are $30 per night.

8. Linville Falls Campground - Linville Falls

Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Cherokee, NC, USA
Carlos Loaiza/Google maps
Take a quick turn off the Blue Ridge Parkway to arrive at this beautiful campground right on the parkway. It offers both tent and RV sites with or without electric for only $20 to $35. Bunk down here and explore all the trails and waterfalls in the area! (Please note: there is another Linville Falls Campground that also has "RV Park" in its name. Don't confuse that one with this one.) This photo is of the turn-off from the parkway so you won't get this campground confused with the other one with the same name.

9. Badin Lake Campground - New London

429 Badin Lake Rd, New London, NC 28127, USA
Shane Lambert/Google
This lovely campground is located on the shore of the 5,000-acre Badin Lake and has both RV and tent sites available. Rates vary based upon amenities/hookups available per site. The campground offers swimming, fishing, and a shady canopy inside the Uwharrie National Forest. It's open year-round. A standard non-electric site runs $20 to $40 per night.

10. Cataloochee Campground - near Waynesville

Cataloochee Entrance Road, Cataloochee Entrance Rd, North Carolina 28785, USA
Ken K/TripAdvisor
Enjoy the remoteness of this campground in the heart of the Cataloochee Valley and inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From here, you can explore a number of magical trails through the wilderness to preserved historic sites, like the Palmer House found in the middle of the woods along a trail. The campground offers flush toilets, but no showers. All sites are standard non-electric and cost $30 per night.

Have you had the pleasure of discovering inexpensive fun at any of these spots for cheap camping in North Carolina? What are your favorite things about camping in cheap campgrounds in North Carolina? Is it hiking, fishing, stargazing, or something else? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments. And if you have another fave that’s under 25 bucks a night, please add it to the list via the comments! To get ready for the camping season, get a new tent so that you can camp in comfort. Be sure to check out these campgrounds in North Carolina that don’t require a reservation:

10 Glorious Campgrounds In North Carolina Where No Reservation Is Required

 

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The Natural Beauty of North Carolina

William Suphan | April 12, 2023

What are the most incredible natural wonders in North Carolina? 

The most incredible natural wonders in North Carolina include:

  • Whitewater Falls. These are the tallest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains. These gorgeous falls are 811 feet tall.
  • The Outer Banks. This is a collection of barrier islands that stretch on for 200 miles. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
  • Pilot Mountain. This intriguing mountain is a local landmark and is the last remaining portion of the ancient Sauratown mountain chain.
  • Looking Glass Rock. This ancient stone mountain formed over 390 million years ago and is made of whiteside granite.

 

Discover more about the most incredible natural wonders in North Carolina. 

What are some bucket list nature spots in North Carolina? 

Bucket list nature spots in North Carolina include:

  • White Lake. This has been a popular local vacation destination for several decades. It has white sand beaches and crystal-clear water.
  • Sand Dollar Island. Take a ferry out to this tiny Island and collect dozens of sand dollars along the beautiful shores.
  • Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This is one of the largest old-growth forests in the nation with gigantic trees and a ton of gorgeous green nature.
  • McGalliard Falls Park. You'll find natural rock water slides here as well as a historic, old-fashioned mill.

 

Learn more about bucket list nature spots in North Carolina.

What are the most relaxing natural areas in North Carolina? 

The most relaxing natural areas in North Carolina include:

  • SOCO Falls. This is an idyllic and quiet area with tiny waterfalls and streams just off Highway 19.
  • Craggy Pinnacle Overlook. Take a short hike near the Blue Ridge Parkway to a stunning view of Craggy Gardens.
  • Camp Alice Trail. This Trail leads you to gorgeous open fields with amazing views of Mt. Mitchell and there's hardly anyone here.
  • Hawksbill Mountain. Take a day hike up this mountain to get breathtaking views of Linville Gorge.

 

Find out more about the most relaxing natural areas in North Carolina. 

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