10 Top Family Vacations in North Carolina on a Budget

As we wave goodbye to the winter weather, you might be starting to think about your family vacation this year. But there’s a catch – money!

We get it, we’re a family of four and have felt the financial pressures in the past, but it’s never stopped us from going on adventures. Although money is tight, we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to give up your vacations – you just need to adapt and compromise on a few things.

The biggest factor to consider when planning a budget vacation is where you go. If you’re looking for a cheap family vacation from Raleigh, your best bet is to probably stay in our home state.

There are many great places you can go for a family vacation in North Carolina if you’re on a budget – most of which are a few hour’s drive from Raleigh and can be great for a weekend or longer stay.

If you’re itching to get out of Raleigh and enjoy a vacation with your family, don’t let tightened purse strings hold you back. Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly places to go on vacation from the City of Oaks. Let’s start in the mountains!

Budget-friendly vacations in North Carolina

Asheville

• Distance from Raleigh: 3 hours, 45 minutes | 246 miles
• How many days: 2-5 days

Asheville would be our first choice for a vacation destination from Raleigh because it offers a diverse range of things to do. As one of the gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest, this area is all about the outdoors and scenic vistas. We love areas like this for family travel, as Mother Nature can entertain you with little to no cost.

If your family loves a hike in the forest or swimming in rivers, this is the area for you. As well as the abundance of nature to enjoy, Asheville itself boasts a vibrant scene.

It’s well known for having a thriving arts scene and a quirky downtown spirit, with many free galleries to explore and street performers to watch – you’ll never run out of things to do.

Budget-friendly things to do in Asheville

• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Newfound Gap Scenic Drive in the Smoky Mountains, stopping off at various lookout points and picnic areas.
• Stroll around the River Arts District and look out for art galleries and murals.
• Asheville Botanical Gardens is free to visit and is open all year round. During the Spring and Fall season, these gardens are awash in colors and are very beautiful. There are also activities for kids. You can get a free Investigation Passport from the visitor center, which is an activity that encourages kids to use their observation skills when exploring the gardens and completing activities such as crosswords and word searches. (For kids ages 4-10)
• Go hiking in Mount Mitchell State Park. There are several trails to choose from with varying degrees of difficulty. They are usually closed in the winter due to weather, but in the summer there are some wonderful family-friendly trails to enjoy. Check them out here.
• Go tubing with Green River Cove Tubing (seasonal). It’s only $10 for a 2.5 hour experience.
• Asheville Pinball Museum costs $17 per person, so it isn’t exactly cheap for a whole family, BUT you can stay as long as you like. If you’re going to spend a couple of hours playing on all the 40+ antique pinball machines, it could be worth it.
• Catch a live band. Asheville has a vibrant music scene and there’s usually a live band playing in the family-friendly pubs and breweries. It costs nothing to watch the band play, but you should get a drink.
• Disc golf at Highland Brewing Company. This family-friendly brewery has a free disc golf course that’s beginner to intermediate-friendly. It has 18 holes which get progressively more challenging. The brewery has some delicious craft beers and decent food too.
• Walk, or bike, the greenway from New Belgium Brewery to French Broad River Park. It’s a 14.3 km paved trail that follows the river from New Belgium Brewery in Asheville’s River Arts District to Hominy Creek River Park and back again. If you walk, it will take 2.5 hours each way, so pack your bikes if you have any.
• Look for a waterfall to swim in. Midnight Hole in the Smoky Mountains and Sunburst Swimming Hole are popular places to swim.
• Hike to Catawba Falls: We love the hike to Catawba Falls. It’s easy for kids and the falls are beautiful.
• Asheville Museum of Science is free for ages 2 and under and is only $10.50 per adult. We’re not big museum people, but it has some good STEAM-related exhibits for kids to enjoy. If you have a ASTC Passport Program (we had ours through Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh) then your entrance will be free with that!

Read more: 48 Hours in Downtown Asheville NC (Things To Do) and things to do in Asheville with kids.

Where to stay in Asheville

If you have kids who can sleep in their own beds, a suite at the 3-star SpringHill Suites hotel may suffice your needs. It has a separate bedroom with two queen-sized beds and a separate living area with a sofa bed. There’s also a kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, and a sink. While there is no oven or hob, there’s plenty of workspace to prepare sandwiches on. 

The resort itself has an indoor swimming pool and free bicycles for guests to use, plus parking and a restaurant with a lovely terrace with outdoor seating. Each morning, a continental, American, or buffet breakfast is included. Or consider splitting the cost of a large vacation rental with another family or friends.

Read more: How to enjoy a weekend in the Great Smoky Mountains from Raleigh

Black Mountain

• Distance from Raleigh: 3 hours, 30 minutes drive | 232 miles
• How many days: 3-5 days

Black Mountain is only 15-minutes away from Asheville and offers a more rural, mountain town vibe. Asheville is like the lively older sister, whereas Black Mountain is the quiet and more graceful younger sibling. It has a welcoming, friendly character and is perfect for those families who love the great outdoors. 

It was once dubbed the prettiest small town in North Carolina by TripAdvisor and is surrounded by pretty landscapes and hiking trails. 

It’s easy to access the Blue Ridge Parkway, and since it’s so close to Asheville, it wouldn’t be too difficult to do some of the attractions mentioned above.

Budget-friendly things to do in Black Mountain

• Take a walk around Lake Tomahawk or go for a swim on a hot day.
• Tour the Round Mountain Creamery and have an ice cream.
• Drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway and walk to the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center.
• Check out Catawba Falls.
• Hike one of the many hiking trails near Black Mountain.
• Learn about Cherokee and logging history at Davidson’s Fort Historic Park. It’s included in our Smoky Mountain road trip from Raleigh itinerary.

Where to stay

Most accommodation offerings in Black Mountain are vacation rentals, which can vary massively in price. They can also tend to be pricier than hotels, but they do come with a complete kitchen which can save you money on eating at restaurants.

If you do want to stay in a resort hotel, the Hampton Inn Black Mountain is centrally located in the town center, has queen rooms with two queen beds, and offers an excellent daily breakfast each day. It also has free parking, an outdoor saltwater pool, an indoor swimming pool, and a mini market.

Bryson City

• Distance from Raleigh: 4 hours, 45 minutes drive | 309 miles
• How many days: 3-7 days

Another gateway to the Smokies, Bryson City is a popular spot for families looking to hit the hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains. Although a popular destination, it still retains a charming mountain town vibe and has plenty of free or low-cost activities for families to enjoy. If you’re traveling during the holiday season, Bryson City is an NC town with Christmas charm!

Budget-friendly things to do in Bryson City

• Go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We loved the Deep Creek Falls hike which is quite close to town and passes by three waterfalls.
• Relax by the beautiful, double waterfall Soco Falls.
• Although not cheap, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is iconic and an unmissable thing to do here. There are often deals and packages available on the website, so it’s a good idea to check what special deals they have on offer before you go. See more here.
• Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground is more than just a campsite. You can go tubing, gemstone panning, swim in the rivers and waterfalls, or go hiking nearby.
• Go paddleboarding on Fontana Lake and Dam. You can rent a paddleboard for around $25 per hour and take it in turns.
• Drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

Read more: What It’s Like To Ride The Polar Express in Bryson City, North Carolina and things to do in Bryson City

Where to stay

Bryson City has a large quantity of vacation rentals to rent and mostly offers cabins with views over the Smoky Mountains. We had a great mountain cabin on our Fall trip to Bryson City – although it was quite a drive from the town and those winding mountain roads in the dark of night were a little unnerving.

These idyllic vacation rentals are reasonably priced for what they offer, but if you prefer something easier on the wallet, then the Stonebrook Lodge Bryson City would be a great choice. Savannah and I have stayed here before passing through on our road trip to Chattanooga and we loved it.

You can choose a queen room which comes with two queen-sized beds, and a small kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, and kettle. Rooms are small, but they come with a balcony overlooking the forest, and there is a lounge and outdoor seating area in the hotel complex where you can stretch your legs. 

It has an indoor swimming pool, a picnic area, free private parking, and a location close to the center. The only downside is breakfast is not included.

Boone

• Distance from Raleigh: 3 hours drive | 188 miles
• How many days: 3 days

If you’re not a fan of hot weather, you can escape the humidity and the heat by visiting the northern ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Although still warm, it’s much cooler here in the summer than in lower towns in the NC mountains such as Asheville and Bryson City because the elevation is higher. We also love that at three hours away, it’s closer to Raleigh than the other mountain towns.

Boone is a popular and beautiful mountain town that’s known for its myriad of outdoor activities and hikes you can do. It has a quaint downtown area, with many boutique stores, art galleries, and historic churches with old frescoes.

Budget-friendly things to do in Boone

• Learn about 17th-century life at the Hickory Ridge History Museum.
• Go hiking in the High Country mountains. See hiking trails here.
• Watch a race at Mountain View Speedway. General admission is just $10 for adults and $2 for children. See race schedules here.
• See incredible vistas on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Hike to Grandfather Mountain and Linville Falls
• Take the kids to the Children’s Playhouse, a children’s museum and play area with activities and educational toys. It’s $8.50 per person.
• Go New River Tubing with Wahoo’s Adventures. It costs $25 per person but it’s an all-day activity.
• Go find The Curio Machine, a unique vending machine that offers artwork instead of chocolates and snacks! Shh, you can find it here.
• Go mountain biking at the 185-acre Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park. Bring your own bikes with you, as bike rentals can be costly in Boone. You can rent bikes from Magic Cycles in downtown.

Read more: Unmissable Things To Do In Boone, North Carolina

Where to stay

Rhode’s Motor Lodge is a fun, family-friendly motel that’s sleek and modern. It has an onsite restaurant with a terrace that’s family-friendly and serves local cuisine. It also has a lounge area, a games room, and sometimes has live music.

A standard double room comes with two double beds, A/C, a balcony overlooking the mountains, and a bathroom with a bathtub. There’s also a fridge and desk area where you can keep snacks and breakfast items. See other vacation rentals.

Blowing Rock

• Distance from Raleigh: 3 hours, 15 minutes drive | 195 miles
• How many days: 3 days

While Boone is becoming increasingly popular and in the summer is saturated with tourists, Blowing Rock is only a 30-minute drive away and has retained its small-town charm. Blowing Rock is smaller and has fewer crowds, but has the same level of natural beauty.

You can combine a visit to Boone with a trip to Blowing Rock or just choose Blowing Rock for a quieter getaway. As well as the attractions mentioned above, you can also find the following things to do…

Budget-friendly things to do in Blowing Rock

• Take the children to Mystery Hill, a roadside amusement park with an arcade, bull ride machine, axe throwing, and more.
• Hike to see the famous Blowing Rock cliff. Great spot for family photos!
• Go hiking on one of the myriad of hiking trails nearby. One not to miss is the Glen Burney Falls Trail, which begins in the town.
• The Tweetsie Railroad is an iconic attraction in Blowing Rock – a theme park based around a historic locomotive. It’s quite pricey though, so you decide if it’s worth it for you and your family. Our girls really enjoyed it.
• Explore the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum.
• Drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Visit the classic American roadside attraction, Doc’s Rocks! Gem Mine & Amusements. You can shop for gemstones, play laser tag, or have a game of dinosaur-themed mini golf.
• Check out Johns River Gorge.

Where to stay

The Getaway in Blowing Rock has everything you would want and more for accommodation for families. It offers family suites that are around 500 square feet and come with a living space with a fireplace, a private bathroom, a kitchenette with a refrigerator, a microwave, a dishwasher, and kitchenware. 

There’s also a washing machine and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Units come with two beds in separate rooms, so mom and dad get some privacy. The best part – go check the price tag!

Kerr Lake

• Distance from Raleigh: 1 hour, 20 minutes drive | 75 miles
• How many days: 2-3 days

Kerr Lake straddles the border between North Carolina and Virginia and is known as the largest lake in Virginia. It’s all about camping and reconnecting with nature here, so the best thing you can do is unravel a tent and simply enjoy the ambiance and water.

With peaceful waters and over 800 miles of shoreline to explore, you could easily spend a weekend here or longer, enjoying free outdoor activities like swimming and fishing.

Also, since it’s a lake, the waters are calm and there are designated swimming areas, so it’s safe for families with kids to swim in. It’s our favorite camping getaway spot from Raleigh.

Budget-friendly things to do in Kerr Lake

• Go fishing, swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or just enjoy being by the water.
• Camp under the stars.
• Rent a pontoon boat from Steele Creek Marina – not cheap at $250 per day + fuel costs, but it’s a whole day activity and a memorable experience. Or, like us, find a friend with a pontoon boat!!
• Hike the nature trails in Kerr Lake State Recreation Area.

Read our complete guide on camping at Kerr Lake here.

Where to stay

The best accommodation for Kerr Lake would be a tent and an idyllic campsite. We stayed at two of the eight campsites on Kerr Lake; Nutbush and J.C. Cooper campground at Satterwhite Point.

Most campsites have a picnic table, fire pit, grill, tent pad, and plenty of space so you don’t feel like you’re sleeping on top of your neighbors.

If you don’t want to camp, the nearest place to stay would be Henderson, about a 15-minute drive from Satterwhite Marina on Kerr Lake. This 3-star hotel has free parking, a continental buffet breakfast each day, and a seasonal outdoor pool.

Rooms come with two double beds, and cots are free to guests on request but are subject to availability. See prices and availability here.

Badin and the Uwharrie National Forest

• Distance from Raleigh: 2 hours drive | 114 miles
• How many days: 2-3 days

Badin provides a quick weekend getaway from Raleigh based around outdoor fun. It’s not the first place people think of for a vacation, which makes it an ideal choice for families on a budget who want to escape the crowds.

Badin is a peaceful place set on the banks of Lake Badin. Like Kerr Lake, you could easily spend a few days just camping next to the lake and enjoying being on the water, or you can escape to the nearby Uwharrie National Forest for hiking and off-road adventures.

Badin is a place for families who love outdoor adventures, and its small-town charm is perfect for helping mom and dad ease some of the stresses of daily life.

Budget-friendly things to do in Badin NC

• Go swimming on Badin Lake, or cast a line from Badin Lake Day Use Rec Area.
• Go fishing in the Uwharrie River Public Fishing Area.
• Hike up Sugarloaf Mountain.
• Go hiking in Morrow Mountain State Park.
• Go off-road driving in Uwharrie National Forest, the only off-road trail in the Piedmont region. Rent a 4×4 vehicle or ATV from Uwharrie ATV Rentals.

Where to stay

A charming country inn with family rooms is the 1913 Badin Inn. Each room comes with air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and charming country house decor. Choose the suite for two bedrooms (3 beds) and a bathroom with a bath.

The inn also has a sun terrace and offers breakfast each day. It doesn’t have much in the way of entertainment, but there is a lot of green space outside to play on and its location in the town center means you’re not far from entertainment. See prices and availability here.

Outer Banks

• Distance from Raleigh: 3 hours 25 minutes drive | 205 miles
• How many days: 5-7 days

The Outer Banks is not the first place people think of when thinking of a budget-friendly vacation, but hear me out. 

What makes the Outer Banks a budget-friendly destination for families is that most of the attractions are free. It costs nothing to go to the beach or play in the sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

When it comes to choosing an area to base yourself in, I would recommend the Nags Head, Kill Devil Hill, or Kitty Hawk area as it’s central and closer to access from Raleigh. And let’s face it, the Outer Banks is one of the most beautiful destinations in North Carolina – hard for families to resist that!

Budget-friendly things to do in the Outer Banks

• Cast a line from Jennette’s Pier.
• Rent a surfboard, SUP, or boogie board and hit the waves. You can rent equipment for a daily rate from Kitty Hawk Kites.
• See the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
• See the wild horses on Corolla Beach.
• Go bird watching in Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge or along the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (We loved doing this at the Alligator River!)
• Play on the OBX beaches!
• Relax at Cape Hatteras National Seashore
• Walk the boardwalk at Duck.
• Learn about America’s first settlers at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island
• Fly a kite or sand surf the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park – OR if you can find room in your budget, we loved the unique hang gliding experience here.

Read more: Top Things To Do In OBX (Outer Banks)

Where to stay

When picking accommodation in Outer Banks, it’s a good idea to check out vacation rentals first as this makes up the majority of accommodation offerings in the area. 

If you don’t want to stay in a vacation rental, the Hilton Vacation Club Beachwoods Kitty Hawk is a budget-friendly 3-star hotel right by the beach and 700-acre Kitty Hawk Wood Coastal Reserve – you can even go fishing on-site.

It also boasts a tennis court and on-site family water park, so you’ll never have to hear your kids complaining about having nothing to do!

Choose a one-bedroom suite and you can have a private bedroom for mom and dad, and a sofa bed for the kids, plus have a full kitchen equipped with a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and kitchenware. See prices and availability here.

Read more: Stunning Vacation Rentals In Outer Banks and Delicious Outer Banks Restaurants To Satisfy Your Cravings

Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington

• Distance from Raleigh: 2 hours drive | 131 miles
• How many days: 3-5 days

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a one-night stay, then Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington are our favorite quick getaway destinations from Raleigh. They are only a 10-15 minute drive from each other, so can easily be explored in one trip.

Wilmington is a historic town with many Victorian-esque mansions and history to explore, whereas Wrightsville Beach is all about nature and being out on the water.

They are the perfect mix of coastal charm and history and offer tons of low-cost activities for families looking for an affordable vacation. 

Budget-friendly things to do in Wrightsville Beach/Wilmington

• Relax on Wrightsville Beach.
• Cast a line at Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier.
• Visit Masonboro Island.
• Explore the stunning Wilmington Riverwalk.
• Relax in Airlie Gardens – I love the stunning 400 year old Airlie Oak and the Bottle Chapel. (See it in our Best of Wilmington guide)
• Look for carnivorous plants in the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden.
• Tour the Battleship USS North Carolina, which is only $14 for adults and free for kids under 5 ($6 for ages 6-11).
• Walk the boardwalk in the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.
• Splash around in the Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. If you choose to visit Friday – Sunday from 4:00pm – 6:00pm, the entrance fee is cheaper.

Where to stay

Where you choose to stay largely depends on what you are most excited to do. I recommend staying in Wrightsville Beach in either a hotel or vacation rental because Wrightsville is smaller, quieter, and right by the beach. 

However, Wilmington tends to have more accommodation options and is only a 10-minute drive away, so if you can’t find a place to stay on the beach then don’t worry, it’s not far from Wilmington.

The Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach is a good option for families because it has direct beach access, three pools, and two on-site restaurants. There’s also an onsite playground for younger kids and all rooms come with a microwave and a refrigerator. 

Read more: A Beachfront Retreat at the Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach [Review], and Wrightsville can also be enjoyed on a day trip as well.

Fayetteville

• Distance from Raleigh: 1 hour drive | 64 miles
• How many days: 3-5 days

Lastly, we have Fayetteville, a hidden gem for families seeking an affordable and enriching vacation destination. Fayetteville has a mix of historic landmarks, nature sites, and family-friendly attractions, which makes it a wonderful place to visit on a day trip or longer.

Most of the attractions are free or at a minimal cost, and with budget-friendly hotels and family-owned, local diners offering a laid-back vibe, Fayetteville is the perfect place for families to get away from Raleigh and slip into vacation mode without stretching their wallets.

Surprisingly, Fayetteville made our list of NC towns that look like Europe – for it’s English feeling market square.

Budget-friendly things to do in Fayetteville

• Relax in Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
• See snakes and turtles at Clark Park Nature Center.
• Drive through Aloha Safari Park and feed the giraffes.
• See the vintage cars and other retro memorabilia at the Fayetteville History Museum.
• Attend a festival or event at Festival Park. See the events calendar here.
• Let the kids play at a medieval-themed playground at Camelot Playground.
• Throw a ball around at Lake Rim Park.

Where to stay

In Fayetteville, most of the family-friendly accommodation is actually located a 5-10 minute drive outside the center, so bear this in mind when choosing a place to stay.

We recommend the Residence Inn by Marriott Fayetteville Cross Creek, which is only 10 km from the center. 

It has family rooms with private bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens, plus there’s an indoor swimming pool, terrace, and lounge to relax in after a day of exploring. It has a picnic area and free parking, plus a buffet breakfast is served daily.

What makes these destinations budget-friendly?

These destinations are budget-friendly as they have plenty of free attractions to do, plus have a wide variety of amenities that cater to families and budget travelers such as family-friendly restaurants and playgrounds.

Whenever we’re picking an accommodation for families, we look for the following criteria:

1. Parking – is essential when you are driving from your home in Raleigh to your destination.
2. A pool – for that much-needed downtime when the kids can play and you can relax with a book.
3. A restaurant – sometimes you’re just too tired to go out and look for somewhere to eat, and that’s ok.
4. Kitchen facilities in the room – having access to a fridge, microwave, and bowls and plates, is a convenient feature that allows you to make your own breakfasts and prepare lunches, so you can save money on eating out. 
5. Location near attractions – save money on fuel by staying nearby. In fact, even being able to leave the car at the accommodation and bike or walk to places is ideal. It’s why we love Wrightsville Beach and Ocracoke Island.
6. Entertainment for kids – we look for accommodation that has a playground nearby or has things like a games room, arcade, TVs in the room, or grassy areas where they can kick a ball around.
7. Interconnecting rooms – depending on the ages of your kids, you may want to have two separate rooms that can be attached by opening a door.
8. Floor space – not many people think of this as a necessity when traveling as a family, but having enough floor space is key, especially with toddlers. You can put their toys out and make it more of a home.
9. Review score of 8+ – we always vet properties by carefully reading reviews and seeing what other travelers have to say. If there are only a handful of reviews, we also look on other platforms such as TripAdvisor or Google for more reviews.
10. Affordable nightly price – we try to pick properties that have a nightly price of less than $200 for a family of four ($50 per head). 

All of the accommodations listed above tick off a minimum of 8 out of 10 items on this criteria list.