At BLP You Are Never too Far From…The NC Amazing NC Lighthouse Road Trip

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When looking into making the move to a new home in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve, there are no questions that you would have come across what we call “Lifestyle Redefined.” Well, in “redefining” of course you have the amazing on-site, spa-like amenities here at BLP. Likewise, you have the perfect location to be in a reasonable distance of any attractions across NC and for that matter across the Eastern United States. That being said, one of the state of North Carolina’s most popular vacations is one that takes you to the coast and for several stops along the way for the NC Lighthouse Road Trip.

With seven stops along the NC Lighthouse Road Trip, we would suggest planning a 4-5 day vacation with the family to tackle the entire route. This trip is not only an NC traditional favorite, but this path through the Outer Banks along the Carolina coast has become one of the most popular vacation spots nationwide. So, make the plans, pack up the car and the kids and get ready to soak up some history and some sun on this journey.

NC Lighthouse Road Trip: Edenton to Hatteras is About Halfway Home

In detailing the route for your NC Lighthouse Road Trip, obviously if unfamiliar with the area, you’ll want to pull up some type of directions. However, we will include a physical address of each stop along the path as we briefly touch on each lighthouse you will be visiting on this vacation.

Distance from Belmont Lake Preserve to Roanoke River Lighthouse– 1 hour, 26 minutes (87.6 miles)

Roanoke River Lighthouse, Edenton, NC

The starting point for our NC Lighthouse Road Trip is the Roanoke River Lighthouse in Edenton, NC. The actual Roanoke Lighthouse dates all the way back to 1866. However, it was in 1955 that it began calling Edenton home as a private residence. Soon after it was city property. Then, renovations were made, and the iconic lighthouse had new life. It currently sits at 7 Dock Street in Edenton. To drive from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve and reach your first stop on the NC Lighthouse Road Trip, is not even an hour and a half trip.

Distance from Roanoke River Lighthouse to Currituck Beach Lighthouse- 2 hours, 4 minutes (97 miles)

Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Corolla, NC

Stop number two on the NC Lighthouse Road Trip brings us to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Located at 1101 Corolla Village Road in Corolla. This amazing example of Gothic revival architecture is unique from all others on the NC coast as it’s the only natural-brick lighthouse on the entire coast.

Distance from Currituck Beach Lighthouse to Bodie Island Lighthouse-  1 hour, 9 minutes (42.8 miles)

Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head, NC

This is actually the third exact replica of the Bodie Island Light Station. The original was built in 1872. Impressively standing scenically among gorgeous marshland, the view from the top of this stop on the NC Lighthouse Road Trip must truly be seen to be believed. This impressive landmark is located at 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse in Nags Head.

Distance from Bodie Island Lighthouse to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse-  55 minutes (43.3 miles)

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton, NC

In pictures at least this may be the most recognizable of any of the structures on our NC Lighthouse Road Trip. Regardless of whether you’ve seen it before or not, you must see the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. the huge structure originally served as a “guiding light” to help the sailors navigate on the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you have seen it previously or readying for the first time, the 210 foot lighthouse at 46379 Lighthouse Road in Buxton is certainly a sight to see.

The Second Leg of the NC Lighthouse Road Trip is Longer than the First

Leaving Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, you technically have gone more than halfway through your journey. However, even though the structure marks four lighthouses seen, there is more travel time as you go through the final three stops on our NC Lighthouse Road Trip. This is due in some part to distance, but in others to the need to jump on. a ferry to get to the actual lighthouse. 

This, however, in itself though is one of the moments to enjoy on our road trip, and by using our estimations in time, you can at least have a rough sketch plan made out when putting your vacation schedule together. So, without further ado, let’s continue on our NC Lighthouse Road Trip with our distance from Cape Hatteras on to the next stop.

Distance from Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to Okracoke Lighthouse-  1 hour, 43 minutes (35.9 miles)

Okracoke Lighthouse, Okracoke, NC

This may seem to many on the NC Lighthouse Road Trip as somewhat of a simple lighthouse if there is such a thing. On the contrary, though, the Okracoke Lighthouse has been “showing the way” and guiding sailors and boats since 1823. This does sit at 360 Lighthouse Road in Okracoke, which is one of the most remote stretches of the whole Outer Banks region. But it’s well worth the trip and many opt to make a whole day out of the Okracoke experience. 

Distance from Okracoke Lighthouse to Cape Lookout Lighthouse-  3 hours, 28 minutes (57.4 miles) NOTE- This is including the 2 hours and 33 minute Cedar Island-Okracoke Ferry Ride.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Harker’s Island, NC

Arriving at the Cape Lookout Lighthouse after leaving Okracoke is the long leg of the trip. But, experiencing the two and a half-hour Cedar Island-Okracoke ferry ride is a great part experience. Located on the absolutely stunning Crystal Coast, Cape Lookout is a local favorite stop for sure. This southernmost lighthouse on the Outer Banks actually helps people with directions. It has the sides facing North and south in black, while those towards the East and West are white. On a sidebar note, keep an eye out for the wild horses that you may see roaming when you visit this area.

Distance from Cape Lookout Lighthouse to Oak Island Lighthouse- 3 hours and 14 minutes (155 miles)

Oak Island Lighthouse, Oak Island, NC

The final stop on our NC Lighthouse Road Trip is the Oak Island Lighthouse. It was built in 1952 to replace the original structure at this site, 300 Caswell Beach Road in Oak Island. This lighthouse boasted the brightest light in the United States from 1958-1962. While it may no longer be the brightest, it still is shining strong and awaits welcoming you as the last lighthouse on your voyage.

The NC Lighthouse Road Trip: You Have to Do It at least Once

Now that you reside at Belmont lake Preserve and you continue to redefine your lifestyle, the direct path to start this NC Lighthouse Road Trip is very easily reached. Whether it’s this year or sometime in the future, this journey is one every North Carolinian should take at some point. Being you’re “never too far from there,” when to take the journey is entirely up to you.

For any further information on anything happening at Belmont Lake Preserve, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.

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By Land or By Water You Can’t Top Camping in North Carolina

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To continue with our second of a two-part series on the amazing Camping in North Carolina options, we will bring you to a few different settings. Everybody has their own preferences, and as we discuss in the first post of this series, some are more experienced “in the wild,” than others. We understand this, and luckily for you since moving to your new home in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve, you are in a fantastic, centralized location to explore some of the most beautiful outdoor areas anywhere across NC. So, whether you prefer a more primitive camping experience, or one slightly more pampered, “you’re never too far away.”

Now in our initial post, we finished off “in the mountains.” With the gorgeous scenery across the state, some of the most desired spots for Camping in North Carolina are at elevation, increasing the already incredible views and landscapes. Thus, we will continue with one more stop “in the hills,” before we bring you to another popular spot for Camping in North Carolina. This sought after spot is not specific other than being near water. Lastly, we will touch on a few iconic camping spots that can be enjoyed by the “roughest outdoorsman,” or the family looking to have a fun weekend alike.

A Little Bit of Everything When. Camping in North Carolina at Morrow Mountain

Morrow Mountain State Park, Albemarle

Let us head back into the mountains for the first of our Camping in North Carolina suggestions. To be precise let’s head to Albemarle and Morrow Mountain State Park. Now, at one point, the Uwharrie Mountains, of which this camping site is in, had elevations as high as 20,000 feet! Before you get scared off though, thanks to geologic aging, today the site is just over 1,000 feet. Now, we know that 1,000 feet are certainly nothing to scoff at. It certainly makes for some challenging hikes from your campsite at Morrow Mountain. Likewise, the elevation makes for incredible views. 

In addition to the great views and brisk hiking opportunities, Morrow Mountain features almost everything you’d want in a camping trip. Is there an avid fisherman among you? Got it covered. How about a “paddler,” that loves to canoe or kayak? Got that covered too. But maybe the most popular attraction and activity at this well-known spot for Camping in North Carolina is swimming in the Civilian Conservation Corps pool. This cement pond surrounded by an amazing forest has been an attraction for decades and will remain one for more.

Distance from Belmont Lake Preserve: 167.3 miles, 2 hours, 52 minutes

It’s All About the Water for Camping in North Carolina at These Sites

Camping goes hand in hand with many things. The outdoor activities we all grew up with and loved certainly play into the overall love and good feelings enjoyed on a family camping trip, or one with friends for that matter. On top of the added beauty to a sunset or sunrise that reflects off the water, just think back to that stuff we all loved. Fishing, swimming, canoeing, you name it, and they go hand in hand with an incredible and memorable camping experience. The next two spots for Camping in North Carolina are going to put you in a perfect spot to enjoy all these things and get as wet as you like.

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, Henderson

Ok, if it’s water you want, then it’s water you will get. At Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, it is all about water. This great spot for Camping in North Carolina features five separate campgrounds on the 50,000-acre lake. All of the sites provide direct access to the lake and two of the five (Nutbush and Satterwhite Point) are even open year-round.

One of those “year-round” campgrounds, Satterwhite Point is the main swimming beach at Kerr Lake, however, there are plenty of fine swimming spots all along the lake’s shoreline. This may be the most ideal of any area for Camping In North Carolina for the fisherman though. Striped bass, largemouth bass, white perch, catfish, crappie, basically take the bass boat out and you have tons of chances once you cast out. While you can say this for many reasons, but also, if sailing is your thing, too, Kerr Lake is the spot to be

Distance from Belmont Lake Preserve: 56.1 miles, 1 hour, 11 minutes

New River State Park, Laurel Springs

Well, I guess it’s only fair if our first Camping in North Carolina destination with a focus on water is a lake, then the second would be a river Located in the northern mountains, New River State Park is a linear park that shadow one of the oldest rivers in NC. 

Amazing fishing remains a theme at our second Camping in North Carolina stop on the water. Prepare for the rainbow and brown trout that you will find in the river’s tributaries. Rockfish. muskellunge and shad are also catchable at points along the waterway. Even more than fishing at New River, the designation of this as a National Wild and Scenic Reiver has made canoeing and kayaking a very popular part of the camoing experience here.

Distance from Belmont Lake Preserve: 248 miles, 4 hours, 3 minutes

Carolina Beach State Park, Carolina Beach

We’ve been all over the place Camping in North Carolina. We have “headed to the mountains.” Likewise, we have “went to the water.” Heck, we’ve been pretty deep in the wilderness and forests looking back at our list. But now, let’s head to the beach. Carolina B\each State Park to be exact.

You may be thinking a state park at a beach is a unique camping destination. Well, you’re right, but, as we forewarned, when Camping in North Carolina you’re options are almost endless. At this site, you can hike a 60-foot dune that was once used in the Civil War as a lookout post. However, we do warn you to be careful as you pass through the terrain which is highly populated with the rarely seen “meat-eating” plant, the Venus flytrap. Oh yeah and don’t forget, you are at the beach! So camping or not, you are steps from the ocean, the sand, and all the things that make Carolina Beach so incredible.

Distance from Belmont Lake Preserve: 162,2 miles, 2 hours 43 minutes

Stone Mountain State Park, Roaring Gap

When we labeled the final two entries on our Camping in North Carolina list as “classics,” one afternoon of camping at Stone Mountain and you’ll know why. Everything that makes a great day in the outdoors is within reach when Camping in North Carolina at this site.

To start, let’s talk about over 18 miles of scenic trails perfect for hiking, biking, or just walking and looking. Would you rather “drop a line?” Well, you’re in the right place, at Stone Mountaimnyou can fish on 20 miles of designated trout streams. Climbing? Got you there too, with their 600 foot high, granite dome. What about horseback riding? Yep, that’s is going on here as well. Heck, you can even travel back in time when Camping in North Carolina at Stone Mountain. Well, not exactly, but the Hutchinson Homestead is on-site at the park and is a restored mid-1800’s farm that was abandoned long ago.

Distance from Belmont Lake Preserve:  223.3 miles, 3 hours, 29 minutes

Camping in North Carolina: Wherever You May Roam

This concludes our two-part series on Camping in North Carolina. Honestly, we listed a total of nine spots, giving you a look at NC camping near the mountains, water, beaches, and more. It goes without saying there are literally hundreds more camping spots across the state that provide that peace and access to the outdoors that makes camping so fun and so special. However, with these all ranging in reasonable driving distance from your new home at BLP, these are surely ones we feel would not disappoint.

For more information on the Belmont Lake Preserve new home community, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.

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Let The Best Campsites in NC Take You Away

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At times, keeping you up to speed with all the amazing outdoor attractions and just the incredible natural beauty that is accessible in North Carolina can be challenging. With so many great parks, beaches, trails, mountains, and more, it can be hard to fit all the great attractions and sights in. One area that we have not featured since you’ve settled into your new home in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve is actually one of the most peaceful and therapeutic outdoor “getaways” of all. That area would be one of the greatest ways to connect with your gorgeous surroundings, camping. Below, we will list some of the Best Campsites in NC that can be enjoyed by all levels of experienced campers.

Now, we realize that there are some folks who when you say “camping” are thinking a bit more hardcore. Now, that’s fine, to each their own, however, our suggestions here will showcase the most primitive, to the simplest areas to camp. We will take you in this first of two posts on the Best Campsites in NC through some of the simpler sites, and those located near higher elevations and the NC mountains.

Find Your “Inner-Explorer” at the Best Campsites in NC

These days there are so many different ways and methods referred to as “camping” that early settlers or explorers from long ago may not even recognize it as the same activity. Don’t get us wrong, we are all for the modern evolution and comforts that can be had on a camping trip. However, the first two of our Best Campsites in NC will take you back to nature and connect you more with the outdoors.

Eno River State Park, Durham

Let out the true “backcountry explorer” in yourself at Eno River State Park in Durham. The classic backcountry campsites here are as close as a quarter-mile and no further than two miles from your car. This short distance from parking is especially ideal for families with young children along for the trip. 

At this first of our Best Campsites in NC, we actually have three primitive sites to choose from. Two of these are at the Fews Ford Access and one at the Cole Mill Access. Regardless of which area you choose, this is the perfect, peaceful way to enjoy the natural beauty of North Carolina. Literally, unplug from the non-stop world of technology and even any electronics for the ultimate urban get-a-way and a unique slice of wilderness in the Triangle area.

Distance from BLP: 90.9 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes

Merchants Millpond State Park, Gatesville

The second entry among our Best Campsites in NC continues with our “explorer” type destinations. With the popularity of kayaking and canoeing in recent years however, Merchants Millpond State Park has seen a boost in visitors no doubt.  

There are canoes for rent on site at this destination, that literally makes it feel you’ve walked back in time. Located in Gatesville on the Great Dismal Swamp, you can paddle to three canoe campsites in a 4.5 mile stretch or less. If you are a “paddler,” and like the above entry, just feel the need to get out on the water and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of every day, your canoe is waiting at Merchants Millpond

Distance from BLP: 79.7 miles, 1 hour 34 minutes

Climbing through the Cities Towards the Best Campsites in NC

From the sounds of it, camping in the mountains sounds incredible. Doesn’t it? Well, it can be amazing, but it can also be unpredictable. The uncertainty of the weather, driving challenges in getting there, can be worrisome without question. However, when we talk about the Best Campsites in NC, and more specifically, those in the mountains, luckily for you the mountains in this state are nearby its population centers and several cities in the central region of the state. 

Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury

Ok, so when people think Mountains, this may not be the highest of high. However the next on our Best Campsites in NC does peak at 2,579 feet, which can certainly make for some incredible views. Likewise, whether you think it’s “high enough” or not, the park’s 12-acre lake is obviously elevated enough to give swimmers a bracing jolt, even on a hot day. 

This gorgeous, elevated park has so much to offer, from rock climbing and waterfall viewing to kayaking and canoeing. All in all, the elevation adds to the natural beauty of this 73-site campground. Likewise, this is truly a great stop for groups large and small and of any camping experience level.

Distance from BLP: 182.6 miles, 3 hours

Pilot Mountain State Park, Pinnacle

Whereas Hanging Rock is the anchor of the eastern end of the Sauratown Mountain chain, at the far end to anchor the west some 25 miles away is Pilot Mountain, State Park. This is the most popular climbing destination in all of North Carolina’s Piedmont region, with routes pitched at levels that can be handled by all wanting to climb.

You truthfully get “a little bit of everything” at this member of our Best Campsites in NC. Take the challenging hike up to the 2,420 foot Big Pinnacle on the 3-mile long Grindstone Trail. Go fishing on the Yadkin River. Or hike the 6-plus miles and make your way around the base of the mountain. The views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Pilot Mountain are truly breathtaking and really must be seen to be appreciated.

Distance from BLP: 183.7 miles, 2 hours, 48 minutes

The Best Campsites in NC: We’re Just Getting Going!

So just to get the “tens and firewood,” we made it through our first four suggestions for the Best Campsites in NC. With so many amazing sites, across the “Tar Heel State,” there is no way we could limit our picks to just four. Thus, in our next post, we will continue with the Best Campsites in NC as we will head to some iconic mountains and “back to the beach.”

For any information regarding your new home neighborhood in Rocky Mount, Belmont Lake Preserve, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.

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