Visit North Carolina
Also known as the “Tar Heel State”, North Carolina is a great place to spend your next RV location. North Carolina is a state full of natural beauty and rich history, with diverse landscapes ranging from the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains to the picturesque coastline. North Carolina is also known for its arts and culture, and beautiful state parks with massive mountains.
North Carolina has a varied climate; the eastern part of the state is experiencing a humid subtropical climate while the western part of the state has a humid continental climate. Summers are generally hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around the mid to upper 80s Fahrenheit (29-32°C) during the day. Winters are generally mild, with temperatures averaging around the low to mid-50s Fahrenheit in the day and dropping down to the mid to low 30s Fahrenheit (0-3°C) at night.
The state can also experience occasional snow and ice storms, particularly in the mountainous regions of western North Carolina.
If you’re traveling in an RV, the best thing to do is to take the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a scenic drive that spans 469 miles and connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The drive offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, lush forests, and rolling hills. Along the way, there are numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and historical sites to explore. The drive is breathtaking in the fall when the leaves change colors.
North Carolina National Parks
North Carolina is home to three national parks, each offering a unique experience for visitors.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Located in western North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, elk, and more than 200 species of birds.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The aforementioned Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that winds through the Appalachian Mountains and connects Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Along the way, visitors can stop at overlooks to take in the stunning views, hike scenic trails and learn about the history and culture of the region.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers 70 miles of pristine beaches and dunes, as well as historic lighthouses, coastal forests, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can swim, fish, surf, and explore the natural and cultural wonders of the seashore.
In addition to the three national parks, North Carolina also has several national forests, wildlife refuges, and other protected areas that offer opportunities for outdoor activities and spotting wildlife.
North Carolina State Parks
North Carolina has 41 state parks, each offering a variety of outdoor activities and natural beauty.
Gorges State Park: a 7,500-acre park located in western North Carolina, near the border with South Carolina. The park is named for the spectacular gorge that was carved by the Horsepasture River, which runs through the park.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park: Located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Jockey’s Ridge is home to the tallest sand dune system on the East Coast. Visitors can hike to the top of the dunes, hang glide or even try sandboarding. The park also offers educational programs about the dune ecology and history of the area.
Pilot Mountain State Park: Pilot Mountain is a distinctive landmark in central North Carolina, rising 2,421 feet above sea level. Visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside or explore the park’s extensive network of hiking and horseback riding trails.
Hanging Rock State Park: Hanging Rock is located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina and offers 18 miles of hiking trails, including a challenging trek to the summit of Hanging Rock itself. The park also has a 12-acre lake for fishing and swimming, with several great picnic areas.
North Carolina Campgrounds
From rustic tent sites to full-service RV parks, North Carolina offers many campgrounds.
Davidson River Campground
Located in the Pisgah National Forest, Davidson River Campground is a perfect place for a quiet and peaceful getaway for the whole family. The campground offers 144 campsites for tents and RVs with water, electricity, and sewage hookups and modern restrooms with showers and flush toilets. It has great access to the river, with recreational activities that include swimming, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and spotting wildlife.
Carolina Beach State Park
Carolina Beach State Park is a 761-acre state park on Pleasure Island that offers 83 campsites, including 69 campsites with water and electric hookups. It is located a short walk from the beach. The park also offers hiking trails, kayaking, and fishing activities.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Located in central North Carolina, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers several campgrounds for tents and RVs. The park features more than 1000 campsites with water and electric hookups. The most popular activities include hiking trails, fishing, and swimming.
Things to do while you’re in your RV Rental in North Carolina
North Carolina offers many beautiful nature resorts, parks, estates, and museums.
Popular destinations in North Carolina
Great Wolf Lodge: The largest indoor water park is crawling with activities for the whole family! It’s open all year round and besides the water enjoyment part, it offers a bowling alley, a 100-game arcade park, a rope course, and a mini-golf course.
Reed Gold Mine: Visit the site of America’s first discovery of gold! Reed Gold Mine is an underground historic site that offers tours of restored gold mine tunnels. Relive the history and if you find any gold, you can keep it!
Charlotte: The city of Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city, and it offers a mix of cultural attractions such as museums and performing arts venues, as well as shopping and dining options.
Top Attractions and Activities in North Carolina
North Carolina offers many wonderful attractions and fun activities, especially if you’re traveling in an RV!
NASCAR Hall of Fame: Located in Charlotte, the NASCAR Hall of Fame celebrates the history and culture of stock car racing. Visitors can see historic cars and enjoy more than 50 interactive exhibits.
North Carolina Zoo: Located in Asheboro, the North Carolina Zoo is home to over 1,600 animals from around the world. Visitors can see African elephants, polar bears, and many other rare animals.
Chimney Rock State Park: This state park near Asheville features a towering 315-foot rock formation, as well as hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning mountain views.
Outer Banks: This string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina offers many stunning beaches, historic lighthouses, and charming seaside towns.
RV Dump Stations in North Carolina
Waste disposal is always a drag, but it needs to be done regularly so you can enjoy your trip to the state of North Carolina. Most of these locations are open 24/7 and you can also find free non-potable water at these locations.
The best North Carolina RV Dump Stations include Mama Gertie’s Hideaway Campground, Camping World, Young RV Sales, Triangle RV Park, Camp Hatteras RV Resort & Campground, and many more.
Storage RV Rentals North Carolina
Arden Fletcher Self Storage
With a security fence guarded by video cameras, Arden Fletcher Self Storage offers 24/7 access to your RV.
Capital Boulevard Storage
Capital Boulevard Storage offers outdoor or covered RV storage with online bill payment. The covered parking space is 15 by 25, while the outdoor one is 15 by 30 feet.
Devon Self Storage
If you visit Charlotte, Devon Self Storage offers a secure and convenient way to store your RV. In the area, there are a lot of great restaurants and other services, while the 24-hour CCTV security makes sure you can safely enjoy your stay.
Conclusion
Discovering North Carolina in an RV can be a wonderful and unique way to experience all that this beautiful state has to offer. Whether you are exploring the stunning natural landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains or taking in the historic charm of towns like Asheville and Wilmington, traveling in an RV allows you to do so on your own terms, at your own pace.
With an RV, you have the freedom to choose your own adventure, whether that means camping under the stars in a state park or enjoying the comforts of a fully-equipped RV campground.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting an RV in North Carolina
Can you live full-time in an RV in North Carolina?
Yes, you can live full-time in an RV in North Carolina, but it depends on local zoning laws and regulations. Some counties and cities have restrictions on living full-time in an RV outside of designated campgrounds or RV parks.
While rural areas may be more lenient, it’s essential to check local ordinances to ensure compliance. RV parks and campgrounds generally allow full-time RV living, but restrictions may apply on private property in some residential zones.
How old do you have to be to rent an RV in North Carolina?
The typical minimum age to rent an RV in North Carolina is 25 years old. Some rental companies may allow renters as young as 21, but they often charge a “young driver” fee. Age policies vary, so it’s best to confirm with the specific rental company.
Do you need a special license to drive an RV in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, a special license is not required to drive most RVs. If the RV has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less, you can drive it with a standard Class C driver’s license.
However, if the RV exceeds this weight limit or you are towing a vehicle or trailer with a combined weight of over 26,000 pounds, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may be required.
