Camping for Large Groups

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Wahoo95

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Looking for suggestions on camping sites for large groups. We're trying to put together a camping trip in October for a group of 16 people and would prefer something that provides adequate space and a more primitive feel rather than the common campgrounds which to me look more like tailgating.

I'm currently looking at Lake Norman State Park which has some group sites but there's very limited info or pictures available online.

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Morrow Mountain is the only thing that comes to mind right now... To me.... The biggest issue I would have with MM is that after 8:00pm you're locked in. I'm not sure how they would handle an emergency situation should it arise.
 
Most state parks can't accommodate large groups in primitive areas. I'd check out Uwharrie or primitive go-it-your-own in GSMNP or Nantahala.
 
Bailey Boat said:
Morrow Mountain is the only thing that comes to mind right now... To me.... The biggest issue I would have with MM is that after 8:00pm you're locked in. I'm not sure how they would handle an emergency situation should it arise.
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A couple of campgrounds around Jordan Lake do this. I refuse to go to those because of being locked it.

I second Uwharrie.
 
Don't know anywhere around here for a large group.

We have a big group that is usually 15-20 guys that go to Greenridge park in MD every year. Really awesome campsites. You drive to each camp site so its truck camping, but each one is separate and secluded. We build huge bonfires and get drunk for a couple days every year.
 
Cane creek is nice but some of it is more like drive up. UWHARRIE is the way to go just hike in a little bit and find a nice spot

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Nolichucky in Erwin TN
VERY reasonable rates, you bring tent etc but there is access to bathrooms and showers.
Plus youre right on the river - can hop in and play or float or fish whenever you like (with fishing permit)

Show up and claim a spot, they'll come around randomly and ask for camping money. Was $10/night per person
 
I know of a couple good spots that'll probably accommodate that many people, but it will be primitive. No bathrooms, showers, or vending machines.
 
@Wahoo95

I spent years dealing with groups of 10-12 camping. First, find the regulations for the area you are going. Anything outside of designated campgrounds will probably have size limits. Most areas it is 12, in the Smokies it's 8. Also, most designated group campsites will require reservations.

Depending on how far you want to drive there are groups sites in Brevard and in the Smokies. They are usually just open field areas to accommodate a lot of tents. Davidson River Campground in Brevard has a groups site. That puts you about 5 minutes from the outskirts of Brevard for supplies. Not real rustic. Smokemont outside of Cherokee has a group site. It's a little more out of the way but about 10 minutes from civilization. Cataloochee has a group site, it's tucked way off the beaten path up there. And you are almost an hour from the closest gas station, well anything but a private home too.
 
The state parks like Morrow Mountain, Hanging Rock, and several others have rangers living on the property so getting the gates unlocked in an emergency is not an issue. You'll wait longer for the ambulance. I was a scoutmaster for many years and never hesitated to camp at any of NC's state parks with a bunch of youth and just one other adult
 
DCGallim said:
I know of a couple good spots that'll probably accommodate that many people, but it will be primitive. No bathrooms, showers, or vending machines.
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That's what I'm looking for. Seems like all the places with showers and bathrooms are nothing more than Tailgating at the edge of the woods. I want something that's not so crowded

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There is also a state park on the parkway in VA that's just east of Mabry mill that is primitive but close enough to three general stores should you need something. I have camped there many times.
 
Wahoo95 said:
That's what I'm looking for. Seems like all the places with showers and bathrooms are nothing more than Tailgating at the edge of the woods. I want something that's not so crowded

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I hate to be Debbie Downer, but that's all your going to get on Gov property. They want to consolidate the impact of large groups to certain areas. If you want a woods experience pick a spot where you can do some hiking and get out of the camp. Also, that time of years about anything in the mountains will be crowded with the leaf lookers. That includes the trails.

If you can find someone with property that would be a totally different experience. And FWIW, car camping is mostly glorified tailgating. I'm getting ready to do it for a week, and it is what it is.
 
LeeMajors said:
There is also a state park on the parkway in VA that's just east of Mabry mill that is primitive but close enough to three general stores should you need something. I have camped there many times.
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This one used to do groups of 20.
 
Bailey Boat said:
I was more concerned about emergency services being able to get to an injured person inside the compound.
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Rangers live in the park. Im sure they would open the gate for EMS. That gate keeps the nonpaying drunks and methheads from Albemarle out. Ive been camping there since I was a kid, its a superb campground in a remote part of Stanly so I am happy they gate it at night.

Uwharrie group camp on the other hand, is quite the opposite. Its basically an open field and will be full of drunk and rowdy Jeepers well into late fall. Arrowhead would be my choice even if you have to reserve 2 sites
 
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I have a crew in SC that we all get together a few times a year down in upper Santee, "Sparkleberry Swamp" and camp. Santee Cooper owns the land but allows the public to hunt , fish, bird watch or what ever. This is pretty primitive, anything you take in is by boat. There is a small store, Packs Landing, or Low Falls Landing to resupply ice, beer, but the prices are higher than giraffe, well you know what. If you happen to wander over to Low Falls Landing, go to the little store and ask the gentleman about the swamp ape, you owe it to yourself. Also, there is a bathroom at the store for those of you from Cary that need to sit in order to pee. There are a few sites along the river that could fit a group that big. Keep in mind, these are not official camp sites, they are spots along the riverbank that people have cleared out over the years.
 
Sparkleberry Swamp is no joke in a jon boat. You're but can and will get lost overnight in there if your not careful. In fact, if you've never been, I would recommend not leaving the main river.
 
trcubed said:
I can just see the big. fat Mallards floating down out of the trees...
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Unfortunately not so much anymore. They say back in the heyday that place was just spectacular, long before my time. If you ever get chance, read, "Sunrise on The Santee". Chances are you will read it from cover to cover.
 
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We stayed in a cabin in Santee State Park last winter. Nice place to fish camp and stay inside with AC
 
URE has the rifle and pistol range for $3 and provide targets. I will be camping there in two weeks
 
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New River State Park (Foster Falls Va.). Baker Island, you carry everything over on your Jon boat, kayak, or raft. One side of island is slow water and the other side has a few fast spots. Good Smallmouth Bass and Muskie Fishing.
 
I know this is an old thread...but I don't venture in here often.

We had a large group this past week. 400+ people for a father/child campout, and <10 minutes from @Wahoo95's house. :p

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