We'd like to camp the first weekend in August somewhere within about 4 hours of Raleigh NC. Due to likely being hot then we'd like somewhere on the water so we could at least swim twice a day and cool off. Car camping is OK. Any suggestions? Lakes and rivers preferred. Thanks for any ideas!

Are you wanting to backpack or just park and camp? If its a park and camp, there are several state parks near Raleigh and you wouldnt have to drive 4 hours. Plenty of swimming holes and modern amenities (drinking water, toilets, etc). If you want the mountains, look into National Forest campgrounds. You can park at your site and day hike from there. If your wanting to backpack, well thats a while nother can of worms. It just depends on what type of experience your looking for.

I think we've decided to car camp due to heat and the fact that we'll have 5 kids and 2 adults. We have camped around Raleigh, looking for somewhere new. Ideally we would be able to camp on a clear mountain stream or lake, all the water ways here in the piedmont are muddy due to all the clay in our soil.