Attention, adventurers! A waterfront wonderland awaits. North Carolina has over 322 miles of ocean coastline, plus another 12,000 miles of estuarine coastline—think sounds, bays, and wetlands. It’s also home to the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains, white sand beaches, and several large cities. 

Saying The Tarheel State is diverse is an understatement. So, it should come as no surprise that the North Carolina State Parks system encompasses 41 designated places, including 34 parks. 

Each one offers something unique, ranging from cascading waterfalls to pristine beaches or rugged mountain peaks. To best experience all the adventure and natural beauty, consider renting an RV and exploring what this gem of a state has to offer.

Read on to learn about five incredible North Carolina state parks with RV camping!

Best North Carolina State Parks with RV Camping

Crowders Mountain State Park 

Crowders Mountain State Park is one of the most popular North Carolina state parks with RV camping. It’s just 40 minutes from downtown Charlotte but will make you feel like you’re worlds away. Outdoor adventure is the star of the show, with many visitors coming to hike or climb one of two peaks: the appropriately-named Crowders Mountain or King’s Pinnacle. If you’re not into adrenaline-pumping mountain adventures, not to worry—the museum-like visitor center is worthy of a visit itself. 

While camping inside Crowders Mountain is more about primitive, backcountry sites, Hound’s Campground is just 15 minutes away. 

Amenities: All 43 back-in sites at Hound’s Campground have full hookups, and there are bathhouses with hot showers and laundry onsite. The RV park is also pet-friendly and has a playground, plus a drive-in movie theater!

More information: Crowders Mountain State Park

Fort Macon State Park 

Ready for more NC state park RV camping ideas? Fort Macon State Park is one of North Carolina’s most popular parks, offering both beaches and an important piece of American history. Located on the coast near Emerald Isle, Fort Macon was built in the 1820s and was the home of a critical battle during the Civil War. The diversity makes Fort Macon one of the best destinations for North Carolina state parks RV camping.

Note that overnight camping isn’t allowed inside Fort Macon State Park, but there are several great RV parks nearby, such as Holiday Trav-L-Park (HTP) Resort. 

Amenities: The oceanfront RV resort in Emerald Isle has direct beach access, full hookup sites that can accommodate up to 50-foot-long RVs, a beach bar, pool and splash pad, an arcade, and several planned events throughout the summer. 

More information: Fort Macon State Park

Gorges State Park 

Often considered North Carolina’s crown jewel, Gorges State Park sits near the South Carolina border and features rugged mountains, river gorges, sheer cliffs, and several waterfalls—over 20, in fact. It’s an adventure lover’s paradise, home to some of the state’s most popular falls, including Rainbow Falls, Hidden Falls, and Turtleback Falls. 

For North Carolina state parks RV camping just 10 minutes from Gorges, check out Riverbend RV Resort in Lake Toxaway.

Amenities: Pet-friendly Riverbend RV Resort is located on a stream and offers many amenities with outdoor enthusiasts in mind. There’s catch-and-release fishing onsite, weekly community BBQs and breakfasts outdoors, horseshoes, and bocce ball. All the park’s sites are creekside and have full hookups, patios, and picnic tables.

More information: Gorges State Park

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

As one of the largest and most picturesque lakes in all of the southeast, Kerr Lake is one of the best North Carolina state parks with RV camping. The lake itself stretches into southern Virginia, covering 50,000 acres with over 850 miles of shoreline. From boating and watersports to fishing to hiking and birdwatching, Kerr Lake has something for absolutely everyone. 

There are seven individual access areas on Kerr Lake with swimming beaches and boat ramps.  Five of them also have campsites. 

Amenities: There are nearly 600 RV sites at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, all with varying amenities. You’ll find both back-in and pull-through sites, as well as electric-only, full hookup, and dry boondocking sites. Nearly all sites have fire rings or grills and picnic tables, plus proximity to restrooms, showers, and dump stations.

More information: Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

South Mountains State Park 

Widely considered one of the most rugged, remote areas in the state, South Mountains State Park features Jacob’s Fork River, the 80-foot High Shoals Falls, soaring mountains, and over 40 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Trout fishing and simply taking in the sights and sounds of Mother Nature at her finest are also popular activities. 

South Mountains is another of the few North Carolina state parks with RV camping inside park boundaries. However, note that RV camping is extremely limited. 

Amenities: There are 18 riverfront RV campsites at South Mountains, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Only two have electric hookups, but visitors are welcome to boondock. The campground also has a bathhouse with restrooms, hot showers, and potable water.

More information: South Mountains State Park

Enjoy North Carolina State Parks with a Cruise America RV

However you choose to spend your time in North Carolina’s “Naturally Wonderful” state parks, a Cruise America RV rental makes it even more enjoyable and stress-free. 

With over 100 rental locations across North America and five in North Carolina, it’s easy to literally pick up and go! Contact us today to learn more about which models are perfect for your North Carolina state parks RV camping trip.