Late 20th Century To Present
Since the 1970s, North Carolina has seen steady increases in population growth. This growth has largely occurred in metropolitan areas located within the Piedmont Crescent, in places such as Charlotte, Concord, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Durham and Raleigh. The Charlotte metropolitan area has experienced large growth mainly due to its finance, banking, and tech industries.
By the 1990s, Charlotte had become a major regional and national banking center. Towards Raleigh, North Carolina State, Duke University, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, have helped the Research Triangle area attract an educated workforce and develop more jobs.
In 1988, North Carolina gained its first professional sports franchise, the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association . The hornets team name stems from the American Revolutionary War, when British General Cornwallis described Charlotte as a “hornet’s nest of rebellion.” The Carolina Panthers of the National Football League became based in Charlotte as well, with their first season being in 1995. The Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League moved to Raleigh in 1997, with their colors being the same as the NC State Wolfpack, who are also located in Raleigh.
North Carolina Campgrounds: Pisgah National Forest
The Pisgah National Forest is a 500,000-acre hardwood forest in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina. Home to soaring mile-high mountain peaks, thundering waterfalls, rushing whitewater rivers, and hundreds of miles of top hiking trails, the Pisgah National Forest is world-renowned for its spectacular scenery and outstanding outdoor recreation. Once the property of George W. Vanderbilt, the forest is considered to the birthplace to modern forestry in America and is home to the United States’ first forestry school. Year-round recreation includes fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming, while land-based activities in and around the park include hiking, picnicking, and camping.
North Carolina 28761, Phone: 828-257-4200
Hickory Nut Falls Trail Chimney Rock
If youve ever seen the movie The Last of the Mohicans, youll recognize the gorgeous waterfall at the end of this family-friendly trail! There are benches and other rest areas scattered along Hickory Nut Falls Trail as you go, providing ample opportunity for you and your family to take a breather if needed. The hike is about 1.4 miles all told, so as long as you pace yourselves and enjoy the trip, you shouldnt have any trouble crossing this trail off your North Carolina hiking bucket list!
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Pettigrew State Park Creswell
Considered an anglers paradise, Pettigrew State Park is the home of the famous Lake Phelps, a 16,600-acre lake where fishing is king. A combination of nature, history, and recreation, here youll find crystal clear waters for bass fishing alongside ancient American Indian dugout canoes and the grave of a Confederate general. Soak in the landscape of the grassy meadow and majestic cypress trees, as a family campground and group camping are available, featuring picnic tables and a grill. Perfect for a day of spotting wildlife, take a hike along the trails or hop in a canoe to paddle along the Scuppernong River to see animals in their natural habitat.
Best Places To Camp In North Carolina
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A state full of natural wonders and eye-catching landscapes, North Carolinas abundance of state parks and bodies of water makes it a perfect location for an overnight camping trip. Home to both a beautiful coast with soft dunes and flat plains and rugged mountain vistas, here you can pitch a tent and have an adventure of enjoying the outdoors on a scenic hike and stargazing up at the Milky Way. From beachside camping to pitching a tent sky high in the mountains, here are some of the best places to go camping in North Carolina.
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Primary And Secondary Education
Elementary and secondary public schools are overseen by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction is the secretary of the North Carolina State Board of Education, but the board, rather than the superintendent, holds most of the legal authority for making public education policy. In 2009, the board’s chairman also became the “chief executive officer” for the state’s school system. North Carolina has 115 public school systems, each of which is overseen by a local school board. A county may have one or more systems within it. The largest school systems in North Carolina are the Wake County Public School System, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Guilford County Schools, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, and Cumberland County Schools. In total there are 2,425 public schools in the state, including over 200 charter schools. North Carolina Schools were segregated until the Brown v. Board of Education trial and the release of the Pearsall Plan.
Reconstruction Era Through Late 19th Century
Following the collapse of the Confederacy in 1865, North Carolina, along with other former Confederate States , was put under direct control by the U.S. military and was relieved of its constitutional government and representation within the United States Congress in what is now referred to as the Reconstruction era. In order to earn back its rights, the state had to make concessions to Washington, one of which was ratifying the Thirteenth Amendment. Congressional Republicans during Reconstruction, commonly referred to as “radical Republicans“, constantly pushed for new constitutions for each of the Southern states that emphasized equal rights for African-Americans. In 1868, a constitutional convention restored the state government of North Carolina. Though the Fifteenth Amendment was also adopted that same year, it remained in most cases ineffective for almost a century, not to mention paramilitary groups and their lynching with impunity.
The elections in April 1868 following the constitutional convention led to a narrow victory for a Republican-dominated government, with 19 African-Americans holding positions in the North Carolina State Legislature. In attempt to put the reforms into effect, the new Republican Governor William W. Holden declared martial law on any county allegedly not complying with law and order using the passage of the Shoffner Act.
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Campgrounds In North Carolina: Lake James State Park
Spread across Burke and McDowell Counties, Lake James State Park is a state park near Nebo that spans 3,707 acres and borders the 6,510-acre Lake James. The park is home to three campgrounds, catering for all needs from 20 walk-in campsites with lake views at the Catawba River Area and 33 drive-to, family-friendly campsites at the Paddys Creek Area to a remote boat-in campground on the Long Arm Peninsula for water-lovers. The park offers a wealth of recreational activities ranging from boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and powerboating to mountain biking on 15 miles of trails, backpacking, and hiking on over 25 miles of trails.
7321 NC-126, Nebo, NC 28761, Phone: 828-584-7728
Where To Camp In North Carolina When Great Smoky Mountains National Park Is Booked
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country. Each year, over 11 million people visit the park, many of them vying for a camping spot in one of the parks nine developed campgrounds. Because of the sheer number of visitors, the campgrounds within Great Smoky Mountains National Park usually book up quickly.
But dont worry if you cant secure a camping spot within the park. There are many amazing North Carolina state parks within a two-hour distance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park that offer easy access to the Smokies and provide unique and exciting outdoor adventures of their own. From the primitive backpacking campsites of Crowders Mountain State Park to the paddle-in campgrounds at Lake James State Park, camping outside of the national park allows campers to see more of the beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife that the state has to offer.
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Rainbow Falls Pisgah National Forest
Rainbow Falls is a 3-mile hike, and its considered moderate because of its steeper path and somewhat rough terrain. The trail is mostly unpaved, so make sure you come equipped with the right footwear for this trek. Once you arrive at your destination, thanks to a viewing area by the falls, you can enjoy this incredible 150-foot waterfall from all angles! If youre lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the rainbows that gave this waterfall its name if the sun hits the spray just right.
What To Consider Before Camping In North Carolina
There are many factors that come into play when it comes to camping in North Carolina, these can be split into three sections Legal, Safety and Fun. Legal relates to things like maximum stays, setting fires, leave no trace guidelines and other rules and regulations based on the state or campgrounds. Safety can coincide with legal factors, such as if you are setting a fire check if its allowed first, but also make sure youre setting it in a safe environment with no excess debris around and keep it as contained as possible. Dont over fuel it and let it get too high and out of control. Avoid dangerous animals if you can, pack the appropriate repellents and research the area you wish to camp/hike in. When staying at a campground with other people there, keep your valuables safe and locked away in your car when youre sleeping in your tent.
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Ultimate Camping Guide: North Carolina
The Old North State is abundant with state parks, bodies of water, gorgeous landscapes and national seashore. There are many hiking trails, dispersed campgrounds and establish campgrounds, as well as dense backcountry for all types of campers. This guide will provide as much necessary information as possible so you can enjoy North Carolina for all its worth.
Lake James State Park Nebo
Home to a 6,512-acre lake, Lake James State Park is a sprawling reservoir with more than 150 miles of shoreline, offering visitors a peek at the Appalachian Mountain range. With a range of family-friendly activities available, campers will find walk-in, boat-in and drive-in campsites, each with their own amenities that cater to a range of travelers. The park has an extensive trail system with over 25 miles of scenic paths, 15 of which are available for mountain biking. Kids will want to hit the Holly Discovery Trail for its educational features, while those looking for an adventurous day of natural landscapes can head to the historic Overmountain Victory Trail.
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Tent Camping Near Me: Pettigrew State Park
Nestled on the shores of Lake Phelps and the Scuppernong River in Tyrrell and Washington Counties, Pettigrew State Park is a 5,951-acre state park with more than 1,200 acres of land and 16,600 acres of water. The park provides a wealth of outdoor recreational activities ranging from boating, fishing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking to hiking, mountain biking, camping, visiting historic sites, and wildlife watching. The park has a family campground with 13 campsites boasting picnic tables and grills, tent camping in an open, grassy meadow with potable water and restrooms with showers nearby and primitive camping with tent pads, grills and pit toilets in a nearby forest.
2252 Lake Shore Rd, Creswell, NC 27928, Phone: 252-797-4475
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
If sleeping to the sound of the ocean waves and the sight of sea turtles along the seashore sounds appealing to you, then a trip to Cape Hatteras National Seashore is in order. Combining the calm of the salt marshes with the beautiful starry night sky, campers are spoiled for choice with the four campgrounds near the ocean. Providing a unique way to experience the barrier islands, here you can get an up close and personal look at the plants, wildlife, and natural landscapes. Take a stroll along the picturesque beach, kayak along the sound, or climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, one of the most picturesque lighthouses in North Carolina, to see its 75 miles of protected land along the Outer Banks.
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Shining Rock Pisgah National Forest
Our next difficult trail for hiking in North Carolina is Shining Rock! Climbing along the Shining Rock Creek will take you up 4.5 miles of trail until you reach the summit. Shining Rock itself earns its name, and you wont be disappointed with the splendor of this part of the Pisgah National Forest.
Campgrounds Near Me: Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
Spanning Vance and Warren Counties, Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is a state park near Henderson that is spread over 3,376 acres along the shores of the 50,000-acre human-made Kerr Lake and features pristine woodlands and other spectacular natural landscapes. The area is made up of seven access areas scattered around the shoreline of the reservoir and is home to hundreds of campsites that offer a range of camping options from RV hookups and tent campsites to group camps. Two private marinas provide boat access, and the lake is renowned for excellent fishing and swimming with several safe swimming beaches in the recreation area. The area also has a community building for community gatherings.
269 Glass House Rd, Henderson, NC 27537, Phone: 252-438-7791
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The Best Spots For Camping Under The Stars: Backpacking Your Way Through Jackson County
Jackson County, North Carolina, features a varied landscape is a veritable buffet for backpackers. Nestled at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, overlaid by the Plott Balsam and Great Balsam mountains, and loaded with strings of soaring 6,000-foot peaks amid a massive expanses of forestthe trip options are almost endless. Jackson Countys diversity of trails provides something for backpacking enthusiasts of all stripes, from gear gurus to altitude-immune peak-seekers to cautious car campers striking out into the backcountry for the very first time. So load up the pack, seek out the starry-skied campsites of Jackson County, and spend some time exploring western North Carolinas wildest spaces.
Campgrounds Near Me: Nantahala National Forest
Established in 1920, the Nantahala National Forest is a national forest named for the Cherokee word meaning Land of the Noonday Sun. The 528,000-acre forest is one of four managed by the United States Forest Service and is nestled so deep within the high mountain wilderness that it only gets direct sunlight at mid-day. The Nantahala National Forest is home to three designated Wilderness Areas and two Wild and Scenic Rivers and offers world-class kayaking, canoeing, and whitewater rafting, as well as boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, and camping. Miles of developed hiking trails include the Bartram Trail and the Appalachian Trail and horseback riding, and mountain biking are also popular recreational activities.
Nantahala, NC 28734, Phone: 828-257-4200
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North Mills River Recreation Area
Pisgah National Forest, southwest of Asheville
No. of group sites: 1
Accommodates: 30 people
More info here.
North Mills River was our Plan B the first time we visited. Wed intended to stay at the nearby Davidson River Campground outside Brevard, but the campground was booked when we went to make reservations. We got out a map, started searching nearby and noticed North Mills River about 20 crow-fly miles to the northeast. We wanted to stay in the region, so we booked.We were rewarded upon arrival with a grass meadow perfect for Frisbee, rimmed by hardwoods ideal for camping beneath or stringing a hammock between. A nice commons area with picnic tables and fire ring, and we couldnt have been happier. Or so we thought. The next day we set out from camp and hiked up the river to the old Hendersonville Reservoir, then continued up old-growth-rimmed Fletcher Creek, with about a dozen creek crossings. Eventually, we took the Spencer Gap Trail up to the Blue Ridge Parkway on one of those classically challenging-yet-rewarding Pisgah hikes. The following day we did a similar hike, on different trail, up to the parkway. Theres a good week of hiking out of this campground
Can You Sleep On Carolina Beach
If youre looking for an idyllic beach experience, Carolina Beach may not be the right place for you. The sand dunes are protected by State and Federal statute, and overnight camping is prohibited within corporate city limits.
Driving, open fires and overnight camping are all prohibited along the strand so make sure to respect this natural area. If you must visit Carolina Beach, please do so responsibly by following these guidelines itll help preserve the pristine beauty of this iconic spot.
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Can You Camp On Any Beaches In North Carolina
Camping at the beach can be a great way to spend a weekend with your friends or family. There are many designated campgrounds in North Carolina that offer clean, safe camping grounds perfect for enjoying the beauty of the coastline.
Make sure you have all of your gear ready before setting out on your adventure -beach camping can take some planning and preparation. Beaches in North Carolina are open year-round and offer plenty of opportunities to explore each one during different seasons Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.
Dont forget: if its too hot or windy outside to enjoy the beach, dont worry there are also plenty of indoor attractions in North Carolina that you can visit instead.