Ummm.. all 4 with water and electric are up around the Raleigh area.. wonder why that would be?
The NC state park system is nothing close to the SC State Park system. We generally always head south for that very reason. But there are some very good COE parks as have been mentioned, and some county parks. You might try Cane Creek Park near Waxhaw NC, between Charlotte and Lancaster SC. We have stayed there a few times because it is close to home for a quick weekend in the RV.
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Thanks for all of the posts. We will check out the links and campgrounds that were recommended. At least now we have the information that we need to make some informed choices.
Mike & Terri
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Notice that there are more sites in those campgrounds WITHOUT hookups than with? I said some parks now have SOME w/e sites, they even put some in at Morrow Mountain (less than half the sites) and after I moved out the area of course. I lived in NC for 17 years, so I am very familiar with their state park system, that is one of the reasons I moved to SC, better camping!
Again, with no reservation system, I stay away. There is no guarantee that you will even get one of the sites with w/e or any site at all after driving for several hours.
As others have noted, NC's State Parks don't provide anything close to the amenities offered by our VA, TN, SC and GA neighbors. However, all are well worth a visit and many provide a great camping experience.
Rent a canoe (or bring your own) at Merchant's Millpond SP, pack a picnic lunch and explore an awesome Cypress swamp. There's a good chance you'll spot a bald eagle, beaver or even an 8' gator (yep, right here in northeastern NC). Hike the highest mountain in the east - Mount Mitchell SP. Rock climber - Hanging Rock SP. And lots more.
NC's State Parks are not heavily developed but most of those with campgrounds offer large and relatively private sites with picnic table and grill. The restrooms generally have flush toilets and hot water showers. Reservations are accepted at the State Recreation areas (one week minimum stay requirement. We've camped at almost every NC Park, many of them multiple times, and have never had a problem getting a site. On holiday weekends, we do call ahead and if the staff thinks there may be a problem, we go elsewhere. For many, the locked gates at night are a definite drawback but we seldom leave once we've setup.
Not for everyone but worth a look if you just want to camp.
I'd take issue with the OP's use of the term 'primitive camping'. As I understand the term, it only applies to true boondocking areas, that may or may not have road access & designated sites, but certainly lack paved roads, bathhouses, etc.
AFAIK, all NC SP's that have CG's have 'park and camp' pull-thru or back-in sites, tho' most do indeed lack hook-ups. I suspect some offer 'primitive camping', but doubt that it's actually in what's called a campground.
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The only NCSPs that I have been to around here are primitive. The one over toward Jefferson, and Shattley Springs, Is walk in. You park in the lot, and carry your tent and stuff to your site. As you do at Mount Mitchell. Can drive to neither. And of course no RVs permitted.
The only other NCSP with camping I have been to is Carolina Beach. No hookups period. To me that is primitive, qand are advertised as such. As are the NPs on the Parkway. I can live without electricity on the PW in the mountains. But I can't at the beach in the summer. Why couldn't they at least run power to the sites? at least you could sleep at night. I guess, They are too far from Raleigh.
Terryallan wrote: Why couldn't they at least run power to the sites? at least you could sleep at night. I guess, They are too far from Raleigh.
No, thats not the problem.. the problem is they are too close to Raleigh. All those politicians spent the money on those interstate quality freeways to get them and their friends to their big ole beach houses out there.
All I know is South Carolina state parks gets my money for the following reasons:
1) Can make a reservation for 2 night, not just a min of 1 week
2) You have the combo to the gate and can get out in case of an emergency or late night snack attack or just becasue
3) Power to run the A/C! This former Yankee with severe allergies needs the A/C to keep the sinus attacks in control.
Sorry, but I guess my version of camping is being able to bring my rolling condo with me!
Seems the state has launched (or in the process) of a new website. The above search is a new feature to locate CGs by amenities, activities etc. We use to live in NC and Jordan Lake was just up the road from us. We never camped there but drove thru many times. Nice place. Here is a list of what you'll find at each.
Jordan Lake
Crosswinds Campground offers campsites for both recreational vehicles and tents; 129 sites have water and electric hookups at the site. All sites include picnic tables, grills and trash containers. Showers, restrooms and a dump station are centrally located.
Parkers Creek offers 250 sites for RV and tent camping. Of the sites, 150 have water and electric hookups. Each site contains a picnic table, grill and lantern holder. Showers, trash containers and restrooms are located nearby.
Poplar Point offers 580 sites for spending an evening under the stars, and 361 sites have electric hookups. The sites include picnic tables, grills and trash containers. Showers and restrooms are located nearby.
Randy Byrd, RV Net forum member, has some pics of Jordan Lake CGs in his webshot album. Byrdr1. The one is named Jordan Lake - the other is Men's retreat. I hope I got that right - Randy??? Anyway - sometimes pics are a better way to assess if you'd like to visit.
Edit to add webshot link.
Lucy
* This post was
edited 04/24/08 06:31am by HeresLucy *
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Ain't they also got some new bridges down there, That don't go anywhere 
