North Carolina has three distinct regions: the Mountains, the Piedmont, and the Seashore. Luxury, top-notch RV lodging awaits in all three areas of NC.
Visitors to North Carolina who gear up in order to wind down will find it impossible to remain still for very long. Recreation opportunities abound in every shape and form. In the mountains, try mountain climbing and whitewater rafting. Located in the center of the state, Piedmont offers golf and bike touring. On the coastal Outer Banks are scuba diving and parasailing. You will find many parks near all these activities.
The Mountains of North Carolina
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The Mountains of North Carolina are located in the western portion of the state. The Blue Ridge and the Great Smoky Mountains contain the highest point east of the Mississippi at 6,685 feet, called Mount Mitchell. Over 200 mountains rising above 5,000 feet surround it.
Families wishing to stay near the Smokies will like the Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in Cherokee. Activities include hiking trails and themed months all year. There is a swimming pool. Close by are the Mingo Falls, the Smokemont Riding Stables, and whitewater rafting outfitters. Of course, the Cherokee Indian Reservation is nearby as is Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee. Cherokee, North Carolina is one of the gateways to the Smoky Mountains.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, 317 Galamore Road; Cherokee, NC 28719; 828-497-9151 or 877-716-6711; Jellystone-Cherokee.com
In Fletcher, the Rutledge RV Park is located on Rutledge Lake. All amenities are offered including cable, WiFi, lake fishing, and nature trails. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, gemming venues are nearby. The park is located between Asheville and Hendersonville. The Biltmore Estate is an easy day trip.
Rutledge Lake RV Park, 170 Rutledge Road; Fletcher, NC 28732; 828-654-7873; RutledgeLake.com
The Piedmont Region of North Carolina
The Piedmont has both pastoral settings and big cities. In North Carolina’s central region, Raleigh and Charlotte lie side by side with rivers that break off the fall line of the mountains providing rapids as the waters begin to approach the coast. This area is hilly with city hubs that jut out of the pastoral settings. Gourmet chefs provide delights among city lights. The firefly lights of the surrounding countryside offer simple pleasures such as horseback riding and extensive nature trails.
Head into Charlotte to visit the Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market. In Raleigh, attend the Reflections Outdoor Drama of the Amistad Saga. Midway between the two cities you will find the Sycamore Lodge and RV Resort. There are 194 acres with 175 RV sites, including a large swimming pool, sports, and an outdoor dance pavilion. Close by is the Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve.
Sycamore Lodge and RV Resort, 1059 Sycamore Lane; Jackson Springs, NC 27281; 888-455-9599; CampNorthCarolina.com
The Coast and Outer Banks of North Carolina
The geography of North Carolina reaches to the sea in an area known as the Outer Banks and the Barrier Islands. Plentiful activities and the colorful history of the region draws vacationers to the seashore. Here you will find small-town names such as Topsail, Oak, and Bald Head. Historic lighthouses line the coastal areas. RV Travelers will enjoy taking a leisurely pace on the Coastal Highway, also known as US 17.
North Carolina National Seashore and RV Resort Lodging on the Sea
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a protected environment with windsurfing, kayaking, and canoes. Weather changes rapidly with summers broken up by fast-moving and severe thunderstorms. Atlantic beaches are windy and winds can turn mild winters bitterly cold. Dress seasonally but prepare with extra gear. Camp Hatteras is located directly on the Cape with RV sites on the Sound and 1,000 feet of ocean frontage. The resort park includes three swimming pools, clubhouses, stocked fishing ponds, sports, and recreation staff.
Camp Hatteras RV Park, 24798 Highway 12; Rodanthe, NC 27968; 252-987-2777; CampHatteras.com