Last week we established that the weather in November remains ideal for a range of outdoor adventures: with an average daytime high of 62.4, skies that rarely drop rain (November is the second driest month of the year), and abundant sunshine (North Carolina averages 18 days of sunshine or partial sunshine in November), it’s hard to find fault. In fact, why even come inside?Why not go camping?
One reason to camp: no one else is. Reservations? Ha! Drive right up and pick a spot.
Now, despite these prime conditions, keep in mind that some campgrounds do close, or partially close, for the season. Thus, while reservations may not be necessary, it’s a good idea to check ahead before packing up the Roadmaster. We’ll save you a bit of legwork by telling you about 10 of our favorite campgrounds that remain open in November (and beyond).
1.Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Where: Triangle
Campground open: Rolling View (loops A, B and C open through November, Loop A open year-round).
No. of campsites: 80 total, not all open year-round
Stuff to do: Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs through the campground offering long hike opportunities. Water access for canoes and kayaks.
More info here.
2. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Where: Triangle
Campground open: call (see below)
No. of campsites: call (see below)
Stuff to do: Hiking at New Hope Overlook, good paddling opportunities on the lake’s smaller fingers.
More info here.
3. Lake Norman State Park
Where: Charlotte
Campground open: Family Campground
No. of campsites: 33
Stuff to do: Extensive hiking and mountain biking trail networks
More info here.
4. Carolina Beach State Park
Where: Wilmington area
Campground open: Carolina Beach Campground
No. of campsites: 81
Stuff to do: Five miles of hiking trail, access via a short drive to the beach.
More info here.
5. Hanging Rock State Park
Where: Danbury (north of the Triad)
Campground open: Family campground
No. of campsites: 73
Stuff to do: 18 miles of hiking trail, 8.4 miles of mountain bike trail, rock climbing, paddling on the Dan River.
6. Davidson River
Where: Pisgah National Forest, Brevard
No. of campsites: 160 (not all open year-round).
Stuff to do nearby: hiking, mountain biking, fishing, fly fishing
More info here.
7. Fires Creek Recreation Area
Where: Nantahala National Forest, Off US 64, between NC 175 and SR 1344 near Hayesville, N.C.
No. of campsites: 9
Stuff to do nearby: hiking, fishing
More info here.
8. New River State Park
Where: Laurel Springs, N.C.
No. of campsites: 45
Stuff to do nearby: paddling
More info here.
9. North Mills River
Where: Pisgah National Forest, Mills River
No. of campsites: 31
Stuff to do nearby: hiking, mountain biking, fishing.
More info here.
10. South Mountains State Park
Where: Connelly Springs, N.C.
No. of campsites: 13
Stuff to do nearby: hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing
More info here.