Boat in camping NC/SC

[Epsmith19]

All,
I'm thinking it would be fun to do a little camping trip this spring with the boat. Does anyone nknow of any boat-in camping spots with in a few hrs drive of Charlotte?

 

[tkeru408]

Lake James State Park just west of Morganton has primitive (no running water or electricity), boat-in camping spots. I can't give any details as I haven't used the boat-in campsites before, but the drive-in camp site (called Paddy's Creek Area) is a nice, newer facility with running water and electricity. Only downside to Paddy's Creek Area is it's not on the water, you have to drive or walk the mile or so to the end of the peninsula to get to the water.

Another potential option is Jordan Lake State Park west of Raleigh/south of Chapel Hill. It's drive-in camping, not boat-in, but there are camping spots on the water where you can just anchor your boat right there next to your campsite. There are several waterfront options in the Poplar Point Area, probably other Areas too but I'm only familiar with Poplar Point. The advantage here is that it's not primitive, you actually have access to running water and electricity (unless you're looking to go primitive, in which case those Lake James ones are probably a better option).

 

[ChrisM]

Lake wateree state park in SC may have campsites at shore level.

Lake Wateree | South Carolina Parks Official Site

 

[kgower]

Not NC or SC but Raystown Lake in PA has an Island, boat access only for camping.

 

[BigT51]

Not NC or SC but Raystown Lake in PA has an Island, boat access only for camping.

Are you talking about Nancy's Camp Boat to Shore? It's not an island but it is only accessible by boat.

Nancy'S Boat To Shore Campground (PA), Raystown Lake - Recreation.gov

Explore Nancy'S Boat To Shore Campground (PA) in Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania with Recreation.gov. The Nancy's Boat to Shore Campground, in the central region of Raystown Lake, is the perfect secluded getaway camping spot accessible only by boat. Located nea

www.recreation.gov

 

[yjander]

Lake James boat in camping is great. The best spot in the campground is site 15. Has a nice little beach for easy access and plenty of room.

 

[kgower]

Are you talking about Nancy's Camp Boat to Shore? It's not an island but it is only accessible by boat.

Nancy'S Boat To Shore Campground (PA), Raystown Lake - Recreation.gov

Explore Nancy'S Boat To Shore Campground (PA) in Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania with Recreation.gov. The Nancy's Boat to Shore Campground, in the central region of Raystown Lake, is the perfect secluded getaway camping spot accessible only by boat. Located nea

www.recreation.gov

Yes, thanks for the correction. I have been on the lake guess I should have realized it wasn't an island.

 

[yjander]

some pictures from Lake James from a trip me and my family took in 2019. It was amazing, I want to so back to bad. Site 15 is the best site, so much room and a perfect beach for swimming. I have a little one, so that's a major high point. Pictures are of my old boat, a 79 Searay SRV190.

 

[BigT51]

Yes, thanks for the correction. I have been on the lake guess I should have realized it wasn't an island.

Only being accessible by boat makes it feel like an island. We've not camped there but have walked around the campground. It's not very expensive and the people we know who have camped there enjoy it.

 

[JetBoatPenguin]

some pictures from Lake James from a trip me and my family took in 2019. It was amazing, I want to so back to bad. Site 15 is the best site, so much room and a perfect beach for swimming. I have a little one, so that's a major high point. Pictures are of my old boat, a 79 Searay SRV190.

For "Day Adventures while there as well" you can also hike the Fonta Flora trail by the State Park. (easy).
A more challenging hike is Shortoff Mountain Trail (not too far away).
There is also the Fonta Flora Brewery up the road from the State Park for libations after boating (Adapted old Dairy Farm).
There is a little island named Goat Island for a day visit in the lake that many boaters beach at during the day - see the arrow.
Best place to put in if you're going to the State Park is the X on the pic - aka the Canal Bridge Boat Ramp.
The water is typically very clean so that's a positive.

 

[Epsmith19]

Lake James State Park just west of Morganton has primitive (no running water or electricity), boat-in camping spots. I can't give any details as I haven't used the boat-in campsites before, but the drive-in camp site (called Paddy's Creek Area) is a nice, newer facility with running water and electricity. Only downside to Paddy's Creek Area is it's not on the water, you have to drive or walk the mile or so to the end of the peninsula to get to the water.

Another potential option is Jordan Lake State Park west of Raleigh/south of Chapel Hill. It's drive-in camping, not boat-in, but there are camping spots on the water where you can just anchor your boat right there next to your campsite. There are several waterfront options in the Poplar Point Area, probably other Areas too but I'm only familiar with Poplar Point. The advantage here is that it's not primitive, you actually have access to running water and electricity (unless you're looking to go primitive, in which case those Lake James ones are probably a better option).

Thanks I would only do 1 or 2 nights so running water or electricity aren't a big deal.

 

[Jameson Clark]

Devil's Fork State Park on Lake Jocassee has boat in sites.

Devils Fork | South Carolina Parks Official Site

Hiking trails, sightseeing at waterfalls and some of the best South Carolina trout fishing in Lake Jocassee await you at Devils Fork State Park.

southcarolinaparks.com

 

[ifly4fun]

Coinjock, North Carolina Campground | Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA Holiday

Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA Holiday is located in Coinjock, North Carolina and offers great camping sites! Click here to find out more information or to book a reservation.

koa.com