The Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains cover much of the western edge of North Carolina, offering a wide range of striking scenery and unpopulated wilderness. Many visitors choose to camp and explore these mountains on foot. From rustic camping to state parks, there are lots of places to camp in North Carolina's mountains.
North Carolina's mountains offer several state parks, which offer camping options from rustic to RV hookups. Grandfather Mountain State Park was founded in 2008 as a permanent preserve for the ridge of Grandfather Mountain. There are 13 backpacking campgrounds located within the park, all accessible by trail. Fires are permitted in designated areas during much of the year. Water is accessible only by stream within the park. Crowders Mountain State Park offers backpack camping, accessible by a 1-mile trail. Bathrooms and drinking water are provided, as well as grills, tent pads and picnic tables. Camping for RVs and trailers, as well as tent camping, is available at Medoc Mountain State Park.
The Appalachian Trail runs from Maine all the way to Georgia and is more than 2,000 miles long. This trail offers regular camping stops along the way, including water facilities, and some offer shelters. This is rustic camping at its finest with a clear trail, free water and regular places to set up camp. Campers can walk just one leg of the trail in a day, but to truly experience the Appalachian mountains, a several day trek is advised. Travelers often band together with other hikers who are moving at the same pace and make new friends along the way. Shuttle service is available to the trail at many locations.
Kampgrounds of America (KOAs) have been serving camping families since 1962. North Carolina's mountainous west is home to four KOAs, each featuring RV service, a pool and free wireless Internet. The Boone KOA, located in the northwest corner of the state, is the only one of the four not open year-round. It is open from May 1 to Oct. 31. Each of the campgrounds offers camping facilities, public restrooms and showers, bunkhouses, and camping cabins for rent. KOAs are known for their family-friendly environments, and all typically feature playgrounds.
