State Parks near Hickory, NC

Andrew Jackson State Park in South Carolina is located in Lancaster County, and just north of the city of Lancaster. The state park is obviously named for Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. Born near Lancaster in 1767, Jackson is the only president to be born in South Carolina. His political home was Tennessee, but he was raised in South Carolina.Lancaster County has a humid subtropical climate, which means that its summers are hot and humid while its winters are fairly mild. The high elevation in some of the upstate areas such as Lancaster means that they have fewer of the subtropical characteristics. Summers are not as hot and humid as they might be further south …

This summer, plan a motorhome camping trip to Blue Ridge Parkway, considered America’s longest linear park that runs through the two states of North Carolina and Virginia. Referred to as ‘America’s Favorite Drive,’ Blue Ridge Parkway is an All-American Road and National Parkway that is known for its stunning scenic beauty. Extending over 469 miles, the parkway runs from north to south, passing through Asheville and Boone in North Carolina, and three major cities in Virginia - Waynesboro, Roanoke, and Galax. Following the ridge of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains for most of the parkway, the recreational motor road is a sheer delight for outdoor enthusiasts. The parkway also connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia on the northern …

The southern portion of the Appalachian Mountains is lush with green woodlands, mountainous terrain, and breathtaking views. About three hours east of Lexington, KY, three and a half hours west of Roanoke, VA, in the heart of the Jefferson National Forest, you’ll find Breaks Interstate Park. This 4,500-acre park is one of only two interstate parks in the country jointly managed by two state park departments.In 1767, legendary explorer Daniel Boone discovered this area for himself. He named it Breaks because of the “break” in the mountains which came as a much-needed relief after hiking through the Appalachians. The biggest draw to the park is that very gorge, which has been carved over centuries by the Russell …

When you rent a camper near Camp Creek State Park, you’ll have easy access to both the state park and the neighboring Camp Creek State Forest. Both are easy to explore when you book an RV in Mercer County, WV, which encompasses the area both parks reside in. Camp Creek State Park, in combination with Camp Creek State Forest, covers and protects over 5,000 acres of mountain woodlands, interspersed with creeks, panoramic views, and plenty of hiking trails.Although much of the forest was cleared in the late 1800s to make space for farmland, the West Virginia Conservation Commission began purchasing large sections of land in the 1950s and was able to regrow it to its former conditions.Camp …

Private landowners and farmers purchased a large swath of sandy dunes with the hopes of turning the land into farms during the early 1900s. However, due to the sandy soil and poor management of the already-thin topsoil, the efforts were unsuccessful. The state of North Carolina purchased the land from desperate farmers during the height of the Great Depression and set it aside as a National Wildlife Refuge in 1939. The Civilian Conservation Corps, operating under President Roosevelt’s New Deal program, paved several miles of roads and nurtured fragile plants and grasses to restore the original habitat. Thanks to the organization’s efforts, Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is a thriving dune biodome in South Carolina.The closest large town is …

The banks of Rock Creek make an ideal setting for Cedarock Park, a nature preserve spread over 400 acres, and a great spot for a motorhome camping trip. Located near the town of Bellemont in North Carolina, the park sits on the northwestern side of the Cane Creek Mountains. Not too far from Cedarock Park will bring you to the cities of Graham, Burlington, and Greensboro, and you can easily access these cities by renting an RV; you’ll find a range of affordable RV rentals in Alamance County. Cedarock Park came into being in 1975 when it was established on the historic farm of a local couple, John and Polly Garrett. Today, the park welcomes over …

As you are heading into the wilderness of beautiful South Carolina on a motorhome camping trip, consider cruising over to Chester State Park, a 523-acre green oasis and haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Located near the town of Chester, just fifteen minutes off Interstate 77, and aptly located midway between the cities of Columbia, SC and Charlotte, NC. Book an RV in Chester County to explore the state park and its neighboring towns and cities.Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, the park is one of 16 parks commissioned to be built by the CCC in South Carolina, in an attempt to provide employment to the youth. This move also hugely popularized the outdoors and went on …

North Carolina’s western region is famous for its stunning mountains, many of which form part of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Hidden away in the southern realms of these mountains is the picturesque Chimney Rock State Park. The park’s beauty is easily accessible, thanks to nearby highway 64 running past its boundaries, that adjoins to Interstate Route 26. So, when you book an RV in Rutherford County, you’ll be an easy hour’s drive away from both Charlotte and Asheville.Should you manage to take your eyes away from the sheer beauty of the park, you’ll unveil a fascinating history too. In 1902, a man named Dr. Lucius B Morse acquired 64 acres of Chimney Rock and continued to purchase …

If your idea of the perfect vacation involves swimming, fishing, camping, and a whole lot of time spent in the great outdoors, you'll love Claytor Lake State Park. Located near Dublin in southwestern Virginia, less than an hour out of Roanoke, this 472-acre park is a true delight for anyone who enjoys outdoor recreation.Situated on the shores of 4,500-acre Claytor Lake, this beautiful park offers excellent swimming and boating opportunities, not to mention an impressive network of hiking trails. Throw in a large family campground as well and it soon becomes obvious that Claytor Lake State Park is the ideal spot for an RV camping getaway. Keep reading to find out what to do and where to stay so …

Crowder’s Mountain State Park, North Carolina, is a popular destination for those that rent an RV in Gaston County. Easily accessible to the nearby towns of Gastonia and Kings Mountain, as well as the city of Charlotte, it provides visitors with the perfect mountain escape. Offering challenging hikes, towering cliffs, and views that will take your breath away, Crowder’s Mountain is made for the adventure lover.Crowder's Mountain State Park includes the peaks of Crowder’s Mountain and The Pinnacle and was named after the creek that runs through the park, originating at the mountain’s peak. A stay at the park will give you the adventure to remember.

Located along the Nolichucky River, between Johnson City, TN and Greeneville, TN, is David Crockett Birthplace State Park. This state park consists of more than 100 acres of land and is focused on the famous Tennessee soldier, politician, and frontiersman Davy Crockett. When you book an RV in Greene County, it should be easy to enjoy some RV camping at David Crockett Birthplace State Park.David Crockett Birthplace State Park is focused on telling the story of Davy Crockett and includes a replica of the original cabin in which Davy Crockett was born and raised. Getting an idea of what it was like where Davy Crockett grew up, including surveying and appreciating the landscape and seeing a recreation …

Conveniently located midway between Brevard, NC, and Hendersonville, NC, DuPont State Forest, or DuPont Forest covers 10,473 acres of land. It spread out over parts of Henderson and Transylvania Counties in Western North Carolina near North Carolina/South Carolina state line. It is home to dozens of spectacular waterfalls, which are the prime attractions in the area. The most popular ones include Wintergreen Falls, Hooker Falls, High Falls, Triple Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. There are five mountain lakes within the forest, including five-acre Lake Dense, 99-acre Lake Julia, one-acre Lake Imaging, and Fawn Lake.DuPont State Forest is a recreational haven for all ages and interests. The forest offers over 80 miles of recreational trails for walking, hiking, …

Elk Knob State Park covers over 4,227 acres and is one of North Carolina’s most recently created state parks. The park is best known for containing Elk Knob, which is one of the highest peaks in the area. Part of this state park also contains a section of the North Fork New River.The state park features an interesting mixture of flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for hiking and photography. Elk Knob State Park is situated near Johnson City and Asheville.

While Fairy Stone State Park might be famous for being home to the legendary stones after which it is named, there's much more for campers to enjoy in this beautiful area than just staurolite.Located 20 minutes northeast of Stuart in southern Virginia, this 4,700-acre park also boasts excellent swimming, fishing, boating, and hunting opportunities, as well as a scenic ten-mile trail network. If you like relaxing or getting active in the great outdoors, you'll find plenty to enjoy during your stay here.And with plenty of RV-friendly campsites to choose from, Fairy Stone State Park is the ideal spot for a magical RV camping getaway.

In the northwestern corner of North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain State Park is located on a mountain that was privately owned until 2008. The mountain can trace its literary history back to 1794 when Botanist Andre Michaux wrote that he’d climbed “the highest peak in all of North America.” Because of the mountain’s sharp edges and dramatic sweeping views, it often appears to be far taller than it actually is.When you book an RV in Avery County, you will find it is relatively easy to explore Grandfather Mountain State Park. Formed in 2008 after North Carolina acquired the 2,456-acre mountain, motorhome camping near the state park will give you access to the mountain, and many different ways to explore …