North Carolina advice

**Gresh** · 12-28-2012, 00:37

I'm planning (or at least starting to get ideas) for my next camping trip that I do annually in memory of my brother, and this year we'll be going up to North Carolina. I'm familiar with ZERO campgrounds up there, and would appreciate some input. We're gonna do it around October (presumably...I'm not quite that far yet). 2012's was here near Columbia, but one of the attendees lives in Raleigh. Rather than ask him to drive down here this year (to where we all are), a few of us decided it would be nice to head up closer to there.

Here's the geography: I need it to be within an hour or two of the Raleigh area on the eastern or preferably southwestern side, since we're gonna be coming up from Columbia and don't wanna drive four or five hours to get there.

We'll be car camping, so hiking needn't be a consideration. Needs to have space for at least a few hammocks and a few tents. Running water: yes. Electricity: don't need it.

Any input would be GREATLY appreciated.

**Catavarie** · 12-28-2012, 01:18

Might be a little further north than you were hoping, but Jordan Lake is awesome for hanging and it is about a half hour south of Raleigh. Another option is Uwharrie NF, which is further south and tot he west of Raleigh. Not a lot of options that I'm aware of South East of Raleigh for car camping.

**Gresh** · 12-28-2012, 01:27

Uwharrie is bloody close to some property my family has in Norwood, but I've never actually been there...and it looks like it may be a solid contender.

Do you know much about the different campgrounds there? Bates vs. Arrowhead for instance, or are they all pretty much the same?

**Catavarie** · 12-28-2012, 01:32

Sad to say, I've never actually been to Uwharrie. I know there was a fall hang at Yates and there are plans for a spring gathering there as well. Could probably have better luck contacting the folks on those threads. I believe Miyanc is heading up the discussion and could probably provide you more info.

**Gresh** · 12-28-2012, 01:34

Thanks, Cat. I'll get a feel for Falls Lake while I'm there at Smoked Butt, might be that's a contender as well depending on the drive.

**Catavarie** · 12-28-2012, 01:39

If you have time while up here then, swing my Jordan lake and have a look around there as well. There is a bit less underbrush so the hanging is probably actually a bit better there, although I've hung at both and never had trouble with either one. I personally prefer Eno River but it's hike in camping and not what you're looking for.

**Bonepile** · 12-28-2012, 07:44

Gresh, Heres a trip report from the UHwarrie fall hang. Theres another planned for this spring and maybe there will be one next Fall that will fit into your schedule.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=62203

**millergear** · 12-28-2012, 10:14

To the East: Croatan NF has campgrounds on the Neuse and Newport Rivers (Both ends of the Neuusiok trail. And inland I believe there is camping at Catfish and some other lakes.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_...rdb5188169.pdf

There is also a Campground at Cedar Point.

**grannypat** · 12-28-2012, 10:39

Our favorite is Mile High campground outside of Cherokee, NC. There are some good sites for hammocks down the road to the left of the office. They have water spigots several places and have hot showers. I believe they close the end of October. It can get pretty cold up there, even in the summer. Elk have been known to wander through. I think the last weekend of September is when they host the Dutch Oven Gathering cookoff event--they share and have some interesting food, but fill up the sites fast. Their website isn't impressive, but I really like the campground. http://campmilehigh.com/Info.html The first picture is where we camped last time. If you look closely, you can see my Hennessey hammock hanging in the center of the picture. The second picture is of the site next to us.

**Just swingin** · 12-28-2012, 11:05

I grew up in NC and the folks who have already commented have given some great options. I was also going to throw out the option of Kerr Lake Reservoir. It is in the northern part of the state not south but it is an hourish from Raleigh right up route 1 or I-85. It's a big lake and has lots of options (Jordan does as well). The Henderson Point area is pretty nice. You will have to hang in pines. I have not been there for years but I doubt much has changed. Just some thoughts.