Climate officials say NC had its driest June in more than 125 years
Almost the entire state is considered abnormally dry or under drought conditions, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council.
The state Department of Environmental Quality has placed nine North Carolina counties in the extreme drought category, also known as D3.
In western North Carolina, many backcountry campsites — meaning areas a little off the beaten path and with fewer amenities — are closed or have restrictions