Around 1750, Quaker immigrants from Pennsylvania arrived in the area that would become Greensboro. Several years later, more Quaker families arrived, and the settlement began to grow rapidly. It was eventually known as one of the most important Quaker establishments in the state. After the Revolutionary War ended, the Capefair settlement was renamed Greensboro to honor Nathanael Greene, a major general in the Continental Army. By 1821, Greensboro was home to 369 people. After railroads started running through the area, it became known as "Gate City'' because of its significance as a transportation hub. After the Civil War, the city's economic success and population continued to grow. Today, Greensboro has a population of almost 300,000 and is the third-most populous city in the state.
The Carolina Theatre of Greensboro is the state's only remaining historic theater. It cost more than $500,000 to build in 1927 and was one of the first commercial buildings with air conditioning in North Carolina. This 1,100-seat theater underwent renovations in 2018 and is now used as a performance space for many local arts groups. You can also catch astonishing shows, exhibits, and projects at the Community Theatre of Greensboro and the Greensboro Cultural Center.
The 17-acre Greensboro Arboretum has 12 permanent plant collections as well as special displays, a foundation, a gazebo, and viewing benches. Check out the Greensboro Coliseum Complex for regular events like sports games, fairs, conventions, and exhibits. For endless family fun, stop by the Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe to enjoy the 40 rides and attractions. It's known for having one of the country's largest wave pools.
The Greensboro Science Center offers year-round, family-friendly activities. The facility includes an aquarium, a museum, a theater, a zoo, a carousel, and a seasonal holiday lights display. For more mature excitement, you can grab tickets for the Woods of Terror, a haunted house theme park. Don't forget to head over to the 409-acre Hagan Stone Park. This family campground and wildlife refuge is located off U.S. Route 421. You're sure to enjoy the playgrounds, recreational lakes, picnicking areas, and camp shelters.
Oak Hollow Campground in High Run, a half-hour southwest of Greensboro, sits on the banks of Oak Hollow Lake. You'll find plenty of excellent fishing and boating opportunities at this city-run RV park. There's also a golf course, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a playground. The 107 back-in campsites come with full hookups and start around $30 a night.
The 20-acre Deep River Campground & RV Park in Asheboro, 35 minutes south of Greensboro, has a 5-acre lake that includes a historic dam from the 1800s. The campground's recreational amenities include two swimming pools, a game room, a driving range, billiards tables, and a three-hole golf course. Fly-fishing for crappie, bass, and bluegill is popular on the lake.
Dan River Campground in Stoneville is right off U.S. Route 220, 45 minutes north of Greensboro. Consider renting a kayak, tube, or canoe from Dan River Adventures. You can even take a pleasant stroll around the facility’s perimeter on the flat and easy walking trail. The landscape is quiet, peaceful, and perfectly manicured. Many of the 35 campsites are back-in and come with full hookups.
An hour northwest of Greensboro, Hanging Rock State Park features more than 20 miles of nature trails that wind around beautiful streams and waterfalls. The lake is open to fishing for catfish, sunfish, and bass all year. However, only rental boats are permitted on the water. Secure a climbing permit to scale Moore’s Wall or Cook’s Wall. These cliffs go up to 400 feet high and about two miles across. You're also welcome to swim in the 12-acre lake. You'll find a snack bar, lounge area, and bathhouse with showers and restrooms nearby.
Pilot Mountain State Park, 55 minutes northwest of Greensboro, is a great destination for family and group camping during the summer. Plan some time for paddling across the local section of the 165-mile Yadkin River Canoe Trail. The river banks provide the best fishing spots for catfish, spotted bass, and smallmouth bass. Rappelling and rock climbing are also popular here. Many of the rocky cliffs present a challenge for even experienced climbers. While you don't have to pay a fee for your permit, you still have to register to climb with the park.
An hour and 15 minutes southwest of Greensboro, the 4,742-acre Morrow Mountain State Park is home to the astonishing 935-foot Morrow Mountain, whose peak promises breathtaking vistas of the surrounding canyons, rivers, lakes, and countryside. You’re welcome to traverse the more than 15 miles of hiking trails. The short Mountain Loop Trail showcases remaining debris from a prehistoric quarry. Feel free to rent a boat, canoe or kayak to enjoy the peaceful waters of the Pee Dee River and Lake Tillery. The park's swimming facility is open from June to September and includes restrooms, a bathhouse, and a snack bar.
The Booker T. Washington National Monument in Franklin County, Virginia, an hour and 50 minutes north of Greensboro, honors the birthplace of civil rights leader Booker Taliaferro Washington. He was born into slavery in 1856 before going on to become an influential businessman and politician. Washington was always a vocal advocate for African American education in the United States. Visitors are welcome to tour what remains of the plantation and reconstructed farm buildings. Consider traversing the Plantation Trail after leaving the visitor center to learn more about the lives of plantation owners and enslaved people.
Near Brookneal, Virginia, two hours northeast of Greensboro, is the Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial. This is where Patrick Henry, an American attorney and the first post-Colonial governor of Virginia, lived at the end of his life. Find out more about Colonial life and his role in leading the state of Virginia. His home has been carefully restored and is now operated as a museum. Take your time touring the law office, slave quarters, tobacco-curing barn, and Colonial kitchen.
Virginia is also home to the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, which is about two hours and 15 minutes northeast of Greensboro. This 19th-century village became a national historic park in 1935. One of the most significant sites is the McLean House where Robert E. Lee surrendered, effectively ending the American Civil War in 1865. The 1,800-acre park also has a jail, tavern, courthouse, and general store. The mostly flat, 21-mile High Bridge Trail is well-liked by families who want to take part in myriad entertaining activities.
Eastern Tennessee is home to the 655,598-acre Cherokee National Forest. It runs along nearly the entire eastern border of the state as well as the northwestern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This forest, which is approximately four hours west of Greensboro, contains the Ocoee River, Big Frog Mountain, and a portion of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. You'll find 43 species of mammals here as well as 262 bird species. You're welcome to fish, camp, boat, picnic, stargaze, geocache, and hike.
Four and a half hours north of Greensboro, Monongahela National Forest encompasses 919,000 acres across 10 counties in West Virginia. The significant difference in elevations and precipitation allows for an impressive diversity in the local flora and fauna. The lowest elevation is around 1,000 feet while Spruce Knob is 4,863 feet high. On clear nights, you can see hundreds more stars than you would in a city affected by light pollution. Some of the local wildlife includes white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, rabbits, and woodcocks.
Croatan National Forest was once the home of a collection of Native American groups known as the Croatans. This 159,885-acre coastal wooded area, three and a half hours southeast of Greensboro, is surrounded by water on three sides. The nutrient-rich swampland supports a variety of oysters, fish, crabs, shrimp, and eels. You'll find exceptional fishing opportunities off the coast and along the river banks. Don't miss the chance to observe and identify exotic flora and fauna. If you're interested in setting up a new geocache, you must apply for a permit.
New River Gorge National Park is approximately three hours and 20 minutes northwest of Greensboro in West Virginia. Its namesake New River has been carving its way through the park's gorge for eons. Spanning 70,000 acres of countryside, this national park is popular with climbers, hikers, and campers. Plan a visit during the warm weather to enjoy the endless whitewater rafting opportunities. Dogs are permitted on many of the trails as long as they're kept leashed and under control. While there are no campgrounds in the park, you'll find several camping options at nearby private facilities and state parks.
Congaree National Park in South Carolina has some of the tallest trees on the East Coast. About three hours and 15 minutes southwest of Greensboro, this national park is often crowded in the spring by visitors taking advantage of the cooler weather. The accessible Boardwalk Loop Trail is popular with those interested in viewing various tree species. You can also hike, fish, kayak, canoe, or stargaze. Take part in the evening Owl Prowl to spot nocturnal animals around the park. The Audubon Society also holds bird-watching events once a month.
Shenandoah National Park is in Virginia, three hours northeast of Greensboro. It includes 300 square miles of the state's Blue Ridge Mountains. You're sure to love the gorgeous waterfalls, lush forests, and rugged peaks reaching 4,000 feet into the sky. Along with hiking, climbing, and camping, you can also watch for local birds and wildlife, stargaze, bike, and picnic. The mountains are bisected by the 105-mile Skyline Drive, a route that guarantees astonishing views you won’t find anywhere else. If you want to stay here during the summer or around a major holiday, be sure to call ahead to reserve a campsite.
When renting an RV in Greensboro, NC, you can expect to pay around $225 a night for motorhomes and about $120 a night for travel trailers.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Greensboro, NC RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers Up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Greensboro, NC RV rental?Check your RV listing and ask the owner about what is included with your RV rental. Every rental may not have the same inclusions.
Can I have my Greensboro, NC RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery. They will drop the RV off and some will even set it up for you at the campsite. Check the listing or ask the owner to see if this service will be offered and its associated cost.
