Looking for a decent campground near the NC Zoo. Planning a day at the zoo, and a night in the tent. Primitive is fine, so is water/elec. Not wanting to spend much money. I have done some online research and the only thing I have really found out so far is to stay away from Deep River campground. Wooded lots with a lake to swim in would be nice, and a firering would be awesome.
Try this: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/by_activity/main.php Think about this though, try Riverbanks Zoo in SC. It is 10 times better than the NC Zoo to me. Animals are much closer to where the little ones can ACTUALLY see them. http://www.riverbanks.org/
Hey cool, and I can use my zoo membership to get in as they are AZA. I will have to check that out sometime. I esp liked this part Have you ever been to the zoo in Norfolk? It's a family tradition, but it's so ghetto. Where else can you see a deer behind chain-link fence, and hear bass booming in the background? lol
Most of these are only 20 - 25 miles away. http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/southern/uwhcmp.htm You may also want to check - http://www.hollybluffcampground.com/
Has anybody stayed at Holly Bluff? I have read the online reviews, but would like to get feedback from folks that I "know".
Nope, can't say I have. I had never been to a Zoo until Hubby took me to the Riverbanks when kiddo was a wee baby. I loved it! Then we took kiddo to the NC Zoo and I was quite disappointed for two reasons... We barely saw any animals and then had to walk a zillion miles only to see landscape. :x Riverbanks also has a SUPER cool Christmas show we saw a few years back. The seals dance to the lights. I'm just partial I guess.:mrgreen: Is the AZA worth the money? It's nationwide right?
Definitely worth the money. I paid 49.00. I would have to pay almost that amount just to get everybody in the door for one trip. With the membership, it's free and AZA accredited zoos, aquariums, nature/conservation places are either free or discounted. I know Fort Fisher is a free aquarium on the list. Check out this thread for details and a list of AZA participants. http://www.4042.com/4042forums/showthread.php?t=24558
Gosh...I wish I could remember the name of the one I've stayed at. It's right on I-40, and it was terrible for that one reason. We heard the traffic all night. If you've ever gone that far west on I-40, you've seen it, it is RIGHT on the road. Sorry I wasn't more help, but if you ever find them on a map, and you see one right on the main drag, stay away!
Sweet! That's a little bit cheaper than where I was looking and to be honest I wasn't sure which category I would fall under with the AZA website. :lol: http://www.aza.org/Membership/MemberCategories/index.html Your site is more user friendly.
I checked out the campgrounds in the Uwharrie area (first link above, Forest Service campgrounds) near Badin Lake awhile back. Looked like fun, but think I read somewhere that you can swim in Badin Lake due to pollution. I have heard good things about Holly Bluff. Never stayed there, but the website looks neato!
Went to Riverbanks for the first time this spring. I actually prefer the NC Zoo. It took us only about 1.5 hours to see everything at Riverbanks. It was VERY crowded and with all the exhibits being so close ... it felt crowded. Yes it is nice the animals up close but there is nothing to really watch them do. At the NC Zoo there is so much space for visitors and you get to observe the animals in more natural habitat. You also get some good exercise
I love the NC Zoo, have been there probably 6-8 times and never get tired of it. We've started going to the African side first, and if we can't finish it, that's the best side to see IMO. Yes, it is a lot of walking, but that's part of the experience, and you get exercise! Its a great day out for the kids too...I've never been to another zoo here in NC, are there any decent petting zoos around for the summer I can take my kids to? What is this Noah's Ark I keep seeing advertised around?
