EXPLORE NORTH CAROLINA'S DIVERSE OUTDOOR DESTINATIONS

In a day's drive across North Carolina, you can go from mountaintop views to oceanside real estate. Here's how to make sense of the diverse and dynamic outdoor experiences the state has to offer.

Camping: One of the best things about camping in North Carolina is that you can choose from mountaintop vistas or Oceanside views. Take your pick at these camping spots.

Nothing beats camping right next to the ocean breeze. There are a limited number of campsitesHammocks Beach State Park –just 14 family campsites that accommodate two tents and six people each. In order to score one of these coveted spots near the beach and the inlet, you have to obtain a permit from the park office. Once that bit of housekeeping is out of the way, enjoy ferry transport to bear island, boating, fishing swimming – and of course, lots of playing in the sand.

Lake James State Park, a sprawling 6,812-acre reservoir, is tucked into the rolling hill country of North Carolina. With 150 miles of shoreline, Lake James State Park is the perfect camping destination for fishermen, swimmers, boaters, and those who just want to lounge by the water. The park houses more than 3,000 campsites, as well as cabins, picnic shelters, community buildings, and other facilities you can reserve. There's plenty of room for your next camping trip!

Away from the Atlantic shore of North Carolina lies an entirely different ecological environment to explore. At Hanging Rock State Park, campers can enjoy the views of sheer cliffs, rocky peaks, quiet forests, waterfalls, and seemingly endless views of the Piedmont Plateau. The park is home to a range of trails that will lead hikers past these incredible views. A cool mountain lake provides a place to relax and cool off after a day of climbing rocky trails. Hanging Rock State Park offers cabin rentals and campsites, depending on what type of experience you want.

State and National Parks: Thanks to protections from the National Park Service, mountains, beaches, historic battlefields are all preserved for adventurous visitors.

It can be difficult to find a beach that isn't overshadowed by giant oceanfront condos and neon signs advertising big box stores. Fortunately, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore preserves the portion of the Outer Banks from Bodie Island to Ocracoke Island. At the various beaches along Cape Hatteras, you'll find natural sand dunes, sea grass, and the abundance of wildlife attracted to these natural areas. Small beach cottages are available to rent, and there are a few campgrounds located in the Outer Banks as well. Cape Hatteras is the perfect vacation destination thanks to its diverse activities ranging from history education, to wildlife education, to kayaking, fishing, and swimming.

Resource : USATODAY