The Carolinas is a term used to refer to the two distinctly separate states of North Carolina and South Carolina. The term has actually hung around since the area was originally colonized by English and European settlers some 300+ years ago. But now when people refer to the area, the reference is to North Carolina and South Carolina, collectively. And as we look at our campgrounds in “the Carolinas” we truly believe they are very distinct areas; areas that offer all kinds of history and adventure and outdoor activity. Let’s take a look at our camping Carolinas!
North Carolina
North Carolina has three Thousand Trails campgrounds – Thousand Trails Forest Lake in Advance; Thousand Trails Green Mountain in Lenoir and Thousand Trails Lake Gaston in Littleton. Green Mountain is the furthest west, and the city of Lenoir sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Advance is a midway between Lenoir and Littleton and is considered a suburb of the twin cities of Winston-Salem. Littleton is the most eastern of our three NC representatives and offers small town charm and of course, Lake Gaston, which is a fisherman’s dream.
Thousand Trails Forest Lake is situated on the banks of the Yadkin River so onsite activities include fishing and hiking or biking the trails here. Of course, with Winston-Salem less than 20 miles away you can also enjoy the attractions there which include Old Salem Museums & Gardens, a wonderful living history museum or Reynolda House Museum of American Art, which has not only a tremendous art collection encompassing art from colonial times to present but also beautiful gardens and a unique 3-story pipe organ. Pilot Mountain State Park is great for hiking, rock climbing and fishing.
Thousand Trails Green Mountain is a great place for an outdoor adventure camping trip as the area offers great whitewater rafting, hiking in the foothills, mountain biking the trails or fishing in the many rivers, creeks and lakes here. From an attraction standpoint, historic Fort Defiance, the homestead built by William Lenoir, for whom the city is named, dates to the late 1700s while the Caldwell Heritage Museum, which chronicles the history of the area from pre-Colonial days to the present. Day trip from Lenoir can include drives to nearby Boone or Asheville.
Thousand Trails Lake Gaston onsite is all about fishing, boating and swimming thanks to the lakeside setting, plus the surrounding woodlands provide great hiking and trail walking opportunities. How about checking out a museum dedicated to Big Foot and the mystery that surrounds everybody’s favorite yeti? Head into town to experience the small but oddly unique and quirky Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum. Another unique adventure can be found in nearby Halifax at the Sylvan Heights Bird Park (shwpark.com) which is home to more than 2500 birds including parakeets, flamingos and more birds from around the world.
Located just minutes from North Topsail Beach, Topsail Sound RV Park offers a relaxed coastal camping experience on North Carolina’s stunning shoreline. This peaceful park is ideal for those who want easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean—perfect for boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and beachcombing. The laid-back beach town of Surf City is nearby for dining and local charm, while the surrounding natural areas make it easy to enjoy scenic walks, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking sunsets. Whether you’re after a quiet getaway or a salt-air adventure, Topsail Sound delivers the best of coastal Carolina. What’s even better is they have a bunch of fresh new sites you can book for your stay!
Nestled along the banks of the White Oak River in Stella, North Carolina, White Oak Shores Camping & RV Resort blends riverfront relaxation with outdoor recreation. Guests can launch kayaks or boats right from the campground’s private ramp, cast a line from the fishing pier, or simply unwind beneath the shade of tall pines. This family-friendly park also features a pool and playground, making it a great choice for all ages. Its location offers convenient access to coastal attractions and the Croatan National Forest, adding even more options for exploration. It’s a scenic, peaceful retreat with plenty of ways to connect with nature and a bunch of fresh new sites you can book for your stay! Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, this resort is opening up new sites and a fresh set of amenities, including a brand-new pool and spacious deck, pool house for extra comfort and convenience, covered pavilion for relaxing or gathering, and a kiddie pool for summer fun!
South Carolina
South Carolina also has three campgrounds to enjoy – Thousand Trails Carolina Landing in Fair Play, Thousand Trails the Oaks at Point South in Yemassee and Carolina Shores RV Resort located in Myrtle Beach.
Thousand Trails Carolina Landing is a great one for water activities. Located on the shores of Lake Hartwell this is the place to come if you want to experience a water-focused camping getaway as the lake provides opportunities for sailing, fishing and jet-skiing. Another fun thing about Fair Play is its proximity to Athens, Georgia – home of not only the University of Georgia and all things Bulldogs, but also the Georgia Art Museum and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. In fact, Athens has been named one of the best college towns in the US thanks to its mix of trendy shops, great places to dine, entertainment and attractions.
A camping trip to Carolina Shores RV Resort is a great way to experience the Atlantic Coast as its Myrtle Beach location provides just that. Hitting the beach here is easy as Myrtle Beach sits on the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of sandy Atlantic oceanfront. Don’t miss a visit to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk with its shops, eateries and of course, the SkyWheel, the boardwalk’s soaring observation wheel that provides riders with glass-enclosed gondolas with spectacular views.
Thousand Trails the Oaks at Point South in Yemassee offers the quiet respite for a relaxing camp trip but yet boasts location, location, location as its proximity to charming Charleston and Savannah, Georgia as both sit about an hour’s drive from camp. Spend your days touring Savannah (don’t miss Forsyth Park, a trolley ride through town, a stroll on the riverfront or the several shopping districts here!) and Charleston (don’t miss Fort Sumter, Boone Hall, the South Carolina Aquarium and the Charleston City Market).
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