Travel Guides
Travel Guides
North Carolina Gateway RV Parks: Explore State and National Parks from Convenient Private Campgrounds
RV through North Carolina and camp near stunning parks like Mount Mitchell, Hanging Rock, and the Outer Banks. Gateway campgrounds deliver camping access and glamping amenities for unforgettable getaways.
Overview
North Carolina offers a rich variety of outdoor experiences, from high-altitude hikes and mountain overlooks to pine forests, coastal wetlands, and miles of Atlantic shoreline. Some of the most iconic state and national parks in the country can be found here—but booking a campsite inside these public parks can be a challenge, especially during peak seasons.
That’s why many RVers choose to stay at privately owned campgrounds just outside the gates. These “gateway” RV parks offer reliable site availability, full hookups, and resort-style amenities while still placing you close to the trails, beaches, and waterfalls that make North Carolina such a beloved RV destination.
1
Carvers Creek State Park
Located just 13 miles northwest of Fayetteville in Cumberland County, Carvers Creek State Park offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The park includes Long Valley Farm, the former retreat of James Stillman Rockefeller, and the Sandhills access, which features multi use trails through a beautiful longleaf pine ecosystem. Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails make this a great stop for active RVers.
Nearby Private Campground:
Spacious Skies Sandy Run (Fayetteville, NC): This pet-friendly RV park offers large full-hookup sites, laundry facilities, and easy access to Carvers Creek and the Fayetteville area. It’s a quiet, convenient basecamp for exploring the Sandhills.
2
Lumber River State Park
Lumber River State Park spans four counties in NC’s Sandhills with two access points for paddling its 115-mile blackwater river, a federally designated National Wild and Scenic River teeming with wildlife and rare plants.
Nearby Private Campground:
Lumberton / I‑95 KOA Journey (Lumberton, NC): This campground is nestled along the Lumberton River and conveniently near I-95 and I-74 in Lumberton, North Carolina, only 20 minutes from the South Carolina border. Additionally, this location offers many large and level pull-thru RV sites with full 50/30 amp service and complimentary WiFi.
3
Hanging Rock State Park
Tucked into the Sauratown Mountains, Hanging Rock State Park is one of North Carolina’s most scenic mountain escapes. Visitors enjoy waterfalls, rock outcrops, mountain biking trails, and more than 20 miles of hiking trails. Popular hikes include the Hanging Rock Trail to stunning summit views and the Lower Cascades Trail to a beautiful waterfall.
Nearby Private Campground:
Jones Station RV Park and Campground (Mebane, NC): Located about an hour south, this quiet and highly rated campground offers full-hookup RV sites, Wi-Fi, and easy access to multiple central North Carolina attractions. It’s a peaceful spot to relax between day hikes.
4
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Spanning over 70 miles of barrier islands, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a bucket-list destination for beach-loving RVers. The seashore protects pristine Atlantic beaches, salt marshes, dunes, and historic lighthouses. Popular activities include beachcombing, birdwatching, kayaking, kiteboarding, and visiting iconic sites like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Camp Hatteras RV Resort & Campground (Rodanthe, NC): Situated between the Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean, this full-service RV resort offers oceanfront sites, pools, mini golf, and direct beach access.
Cape Hatteras/Outer Banks KOA Resort (Rodanthe, NC): A top-rated campground with full-hookup sites, a waterslide, pool, and beach access just steps away. Ideal for families and couples looking for a fun and convenient OBX basecamp.
5
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Shared with Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a crown jewel of the national park system and one of the most visited parks in the country. The North Carolina side offers rushing streams, panoramic mountain views, mature hardwood forests, and access to scenic drives and wildlife viewing. Waterfalls, wildflowers, and misty mountain mornings are just a few of the magical elements RVers come to experience.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday (Cherokee, NC): Located near the park’s southern entrance, this campground offers full-hookup RV sites, rental accommodations, and themed weekend activities. Amenities include a pool, playground, and access to the Oconaluftee River.
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Cherokee (Cherokee, NC): A great option for families, this campground offers campsites and cabins plus organized character activities, water slides, and mini golf—all just a short drive from the park entrance.
Why Stay at a Gateway Private Campground Near North Carolina’s Parks?
Booking a site inside North Carolina’s public parks can be difficult—especially in spring, fall, and summer. Private campgrounds nearby offer several key advantages:
—Full hookups and reliable power, water, and sewer service
—Spacious, level sites (including big rig options)
—Added conveniences like pools, camp stores, Wi-Fi, and laundry
—Family-friendly environments with playgrounds and scheduled activities
—Flexible booking and better availability during peak seasons
Whether you’re hiking up to a summit, wading into a stream, or relaxing on an OBX beach, gateway RV parks let you return to a comfortable campsite each night—no dry camping required.
Start Planning Your North Carolina RV Adventure
From the panoramic heights of Mount Mitchell and Hanging Rock to the white sand shores of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina offers outdoor adventures to suit every kind of RVer. Choose one of the state’s well-reviewed private campgrounds as your basecamp and enjoy the freedom to explore with comfort and ease.
