North Carolina is a state full of beautiful and dramatically different landscapes. From the mountains of the Western part of the state to the sunny beaches of the East coast, there's something for everyone within the state's borders. If you're planning a family RV road trip, make sure to include these six destinations on your map to get the full North Carolina experience.
The Outer Banks
Some of North Carolina's best beaches are located in the barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. From Kitty Hawk to Kill Devil Hills and Wanchese, there are dozens of different RV camps in the area that offer accommodations close to the beaches. There's no need for ferries to access most of the islands since there are plenty of bridges capable of supporting even the largest RVs. If you decide to visit Ocracoke Island, you will need to take a ferry. Each island of the Outer Banks offer unique ecosystems and beautiful sights, including operating lighthouses, thriving dunes, and local events.
The Biltmore Estate
If you love to explore classic architecture while on your RV trips across the country, make sure to schedule a visit to the Biltmore Estate outside of Asheville, NC. The property stretches over 8,000 acres of prime land, but the main attraction is the grand mansion located in the heart of the forest. There's an RV park down the road from the estate that offers short-term stays, or you can park the RV and stay in the Inn on the estate grounds.
Roanoke Island
Interested in historical sites and lingering mysteries from the past? Make a visit to Roanoke Island the heart of your RV adventure in North Carolina. Not only does the island boast plenty of historical exhibits and events related to the colonists that went missing, there are also natural attractions like the North Carolina Aquarium and the Elizabethan Gardens. There's also plenty of access to the best beaches in the area, especially if you choose to stay at one of the RV parks located in nearby Wanchese.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
While the entire Blue Ridge Parkway is nearly 500 miles long, a large portion of it passes through some of the most beautiful parts of North Carolina. There are also plenty of RV accessible attractions and campgrounds along the way, making it a great choice for a road trip in the summer or fall. Working mills, historical sites, overlooks, and natural waterfalls all offer excitement along the way. Even if you only drive a short section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to reach a specific attraction, you'll find plenty to appreciate along the way. Many of the campgrounds available in National Parks and other public areas along the parkway offer free or low-cost camping, even for RV travelers.
Franklin and Highlands, NC
For a two-part RV trip to the Appalachian mountains, plan a trip that combines visits to both Franklin and Highlands, North Carolina. Franklin is a small town with a strong focus on gem mining and mineral specimens. You can visit one of the many mines to clean and sort your own stones from raw dirt and rock deposits, or look for polished and even imported rocks in the local shops. Heading down the highway to Highlands will bring you to a bustling tourist town focused on high-end arts and crafts from both local and international artists. The roads between the two towns feature many waterfalls worth visiting as well. Camping opportunities abound at local privately owned RV campgrounds.
Boone, NC
If you're looking for a summer festival to attend in the mountains of North Carolina, plan a trip to Boone, NC for the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in July. As one of the country's largest Scottish games, the festival involves thousands of performers and contestants along with hundreds of vendors and plenty of attendees. Camping is available near the event grounds for RV travelers allowing for easy access to each day's events. The town is also home to many museums and botanical gardens to round out your visit. If you return in the fall, you can enjoy a stunning foliage display and enjoy the hiking trails around the area.
Once you've returned from your North Carolina RV trip, don't forget to park your camper in a secure spot. A metal building or carport is the ideal cover for long-term storage of an RV of any size.
