Unplug in Nature: Exploring the Best Western NC Campgrounds

Enjoying the many campgrounds in the mountains of North Carolina is one of our favorite ways to really immerse ourselves in the splendor of nature.

Yes, hiking trails are a terrific way to get outside and enjoy the Blue Ridge region's natural beauty. However, compared to day visits, camping overnight allows us to explore a certain location in much more detail.

Going camping is usually a rustic experience for my wife and me. We employ a traditional tent setup, totally disconnected from the modern world's distractions.

Best Western NC Campgrounds

We've compiled a list of some of the greatest campgrounds in North Carolina to assist you find the ideal location for top-notch camping in the NC mountains!

1. Davidson River Campground

The Davidson River Campground is a top location in the Pisgah National Forest, sprawling along the Davidson River and directly off the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. The way it remains crowded for a significant portion of the camping season tells!

Numerous top waterfalls close to Brevard, North Carolina, are easily accessible from the Davidson River Campground. Known as the "Land of Waterfalls," this region is home to Moore Cove Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Daniel Ridge Falls, and Sliding Rock.

Not too far away are the well-known Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah and popular hiking routes like the Pink Beds Trail and Looking Glass Rock Trail.

There are excellent places to go tubing, fishing, and swimming in the Davidson River. Only a short drive away is Brevard, a tiny college town.

The park features around 160 campsites and eight distinct loops. Complete RV hookup sites are offered, and every loop has restroom blocks with flush toilets and hot showers.

During camping season, reservations are required; however, throughout the winter, some sites are first-come, first-served.

READ ALSO: Best Shenandoah Campgrounds

2. The Linville Falls Campground

One of the most popular locations for hiking on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina is the Linville Falls Campground.

The magnificent two-tiered Linville Falls serves as the entrance to the 11,786-acre Linville Gorge Wilderness Area.

The Linville River is easily accessible from the campground, which is close to it. It takes only a short drive or stroll to reach the trailheads that lead to Upper and Lower Linville Falls.

Nearby lies the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, especially the western rim and the well-known Wiseman's View. Also close by is the privately run Linville Caverns.

There are 39 campsites available at Linville Falls campground, including non-electric RV sites, group camping, and tent-only sites.

For those looking to go camping on the spur of the moment, more than half of these sites are first-come, first-served, though some can be scheduled in advance.

3. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort Golden Valley

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Golden Valley offers a range of lodging options, such as fully furnished cabins and cottages, pull-through and back-in RV sites, lakeside glamping tents, treetop cabins, and even 16-person bungalows and lodges.

An unmatched array of recreational opportunities awaits campers: canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking and mountain biking trails, tennis and basketball courts, an activity pool featuring water slides, a water zipline, playgrounds, laser tag, or simply lounging on a lakeside swing and taking in the scenery.

In addition to a plethora of daily scheduled events and activities, the campground offers optional extras like golf cart rentals, hot tub delivery right to your tent, and even "bear visits" from Yogi himself!

Make sure to check Jellystone Park's website for information prior to making a reservation, since they offer a range of multi-night stay specials, military discounts, and pet-friendly accommodations (limited to certain cabins).

4. Deep Creek Campground

The Deep Creek Campground is nestled away beside the well-known creek, which is well-known for the fantastic Deep Creek Trail (which leads to three waterfalls). The campground is located just inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Deep Creek is an excellent location for wilderness fishing and tubing, which is popular in the summer.

Along its length are excellent hiking paths, one of which is a remarkably easy and breathtaking 3-waterfall hike.

Just outside the park lies Bryson City, a wonderful vacation destination. It has a wide selection of excellent restaurants, shops, and museums. From Bryson City, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad also leaves.

In our opinion, this is among the top campgrounds in the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, especially for families.

Although there is no electricity available at any of the campground's sites, tents and RVs are welcome.

5. Julian Price Campground

Julian Price Campground is an excellent destination for road trippers or locals searching for a pleasant staycation getaway. It is situated close to Boone, North Carolina, next to gorgeous Price Lake, which is one of the most photographed sites on the BRP.

The majority of the best hiking routes in the North Carolina High Country are found in Julian Price Memorial Park.

The Boone Fork Trail goes to Hebron Falls, the Price Lake Trail encircles the lake, and the Cascades Trail is a simple one-mile loop that leads to a stunning cascade. These are two of the greatest waterfalls close to Boone.

In addition, Price Lake offers fishing and the opportunity to rent kayaks and canoes. Blowing Rock, a popular tourist destination, is just 20 minutes away from Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, which is only a few miles distant.

Approximately 200 campsites are available at this large (and well-liked) campground, with 75 of them reserved and the remaining 115 being first-come, first-served.

There are non-electric, tent-only RV sites on the property with all the amenities of camping, including showers.

6. Doughton Park Campground

The 7,000-acre Doughton Park, the largest leisure area on the Blue Ridge Parkway, includes the Doughton Park Campground, which is getting close to the boundary between North Carolina and Virginia.

There are almost thirty miles of excellent hiking routes in Doughton Park. Two of the best are the vista-rich Bluff Mountain Trail and the cascade-filled Basin Creek Trail, which both lead to the Caudill Cabin.

This is one of two historic cabins in the park; the other is the Brinegar Cabin, which is easily accessible at milepost 239 as a BRP attraction.

In addition, Doughton Park boasts a wonderful picnic space and the newly renovated Bluffs Restaurant.

New River State Park is situated 20 miles to the west, and Stone Mountain State Park is located 20 miles east.

There are about 100 first-come, first-served campsites at the campground in addition to 24 reserved spots. Although there are choices for both tent camping and RVs, all sites are non-electric.

All the typical camping amenities are available, such as picnic tables, water, fire rings, and shared restrooms, however hot showers are not.

7. Foothills Family Campground

Rentable full-hookup RV sites, cabins, and tents are available at the family-run Foothills Family Campground. Take a dip in the pool, fish in the pond, go gem mining, or take a leisurely hike on one of the many paths.

All year long, family-friendly events are organized to keep visitors (particularly children!) engaged, and pets are always welcome.

The campground is conveniently close to both exciting activities like Forest City Owls baseball games and museums like KidSenses and the Bennett Classic Car Museum, as it is situated just south of Forest City.

As a Passport America campground, Foothills Family Campground offers exclusive prices for online reservations.

READ ALSO: North Georgia Campgrounds

8. Lake Powhatan Campground

Situated within the Lake Powhatan Campground in the Pisgah National Forest, this opulent campground is only ten miles from Biltmore and downtown Asheville.

Every fully furnished campsite comes with a spacious, standing-room-only waterproof tent, a queen-sized bed, a cot, a picnic table, and a fire pit.

Twelve glamping sites, beach and fishing pier access, bed linens, towels, wood, ice, coffee maker, electric hookups, and a nearby bathhouse are all included.

9. Rutherford Mountain Campground and RV Resort

Situated not far from Lake Lure is the serene rural hideaway of Rutherford Mountain Campground & RV Resort.

Rutherford Mountain offers a peaceful setting with a private bathroom, on-site laundry, a saltwater pool and patio area, and expansive views of the surrounding mountains because it feels that a campground should be a peaceful place.

RV sites with full hookups, water, and electricity are available to campers, as well as simple tent sites.

The campground is pet-friendly, open all year, and conveniently close to several attractions, including Sliding Rock, Green River tubing, local horse stables, French Broad rafting, and even snow tubing on Moonshine Mountain.

Check their website prior to making a reservation as they provide discounts to first responders and members of the armed forces.

10. Apple Valley Farm Motorcoach Resort

All of the facilities at Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure, including the beach, pools, tennis courts, golf courses, boat and kayak rentals, spa, and salon, are available to RV park guests at Apple Valley Farm Motorcoach Resort.

There are rental options available, and you can even select the lot you want! RVs must be at least 32 feet long Class A motorcoaches, as specified by the manufacturer.

With Rumbling Bald's extra facilities and pet-friendliness, Apple Valley Farm is the ideal location to live like an RV!

11. Camping on Grandfather Mountain

To be clear, there isn't a campground at Grandfather Mountain State Park. Nonetheless, this untamed North Carolina state park has thirteen primitive campsites scattered throughout its vast and demanding route network.

For those who don't mind roughing it a little, this is an excellent option for wilderness camping, however it may not be for everyone. Some locations forbid even having campfires due to the strong winds in the vicinity.

With a height of almost 6,000 feet, Grandfather Mountain is the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains' eastern escarpment. The park has twelve miles of trails, most of which are suitable for strenuous hiking.

Numerous activities are available in the vicinity of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, such as visiting the renowned mile-high swinging bridge, a nature museum, and a wildlife sanctuary.

In addition, there are plenty of excellent dining options and activities in Banner Elk, North Carolina, just outside the park.

Keep in mind that there are no restrooms or running water at these extremely basic campgrounds.

Fresh drinking water can be found at springheads in the park, and because black bears are present, food should always be hung far from tent sites.

Nevertheless, the campgrounds are in incredible locations where very few people would ever stay the night. It is necessary to make reservations.

12. Mount Pisgah Campground

Mount Pisgah Campground, another favorite along the Blue Ridge Parkway, is arguably the greatest campground in Asheville, North Carolina, or at least the best campground close to Asheville. It provides easy access to some of the area's most popular destinations.

Excellent hiking is available close to the campground, one of which ascends to the 5,721-foot summit of Mt. Pisgah.

The Pisgah Inn, a historic hotel with a lovely restaurant offering breathtaking views of North Carolina fall foliage, a coffee shop, a souvenir shop, and a store filled with camping and hiking supplies, is located just across the Parkway.

The Cradle of Forestry in the Pisgah National Forest and some of the greatest waterfalls close to Asheville, North Carolina, including Graveyard Fields, are both located just down the road.

The vast Mount Pisgah Campground has more than 70 first-come, first-served campsites and more than 50 sites that are available for reservations.

Showers are accessible on Loops B and C, however all campers have access to bear lockers (a must in this region), flush toilets, and drinking water.

13. Crabtree Falls Campground

One of our favorite campgrounds in the mountains of North Carolina is Crabtree Falls Campground, which has a fantastic location along a gorgeous stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is near several other attractions and has a great attraction of its own.

The major attraction is Crabtree Falls, a 70-foot waterfall that is a favorite with hikers and photographers along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.

A short distance to the north is the quaint little village of Little Switzerland, North Carolina, as well as the Emerald Village attraction, which offers visitors an eclectic assortment of historical relics.

The trailhead to the peak of Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain east of the Mississippi, is roughly 15 miles away, and Linville Falls is only 20 miles down the Parkway.

14. Lake Powhatan Recreation Area

The Lake Powhatan Recreation Area, a fantastic portion of the Pisgah National Forest and a popular camping destination in Asheville, is a true gem on the map of campgrounds in North Carolina.

Situated about ten minutes away from Asheville, the park features 75 campsites spread throughout four loops, including 12 glamping spots on Hardtimes Loop and many RV electricity hookups.

Every camper gets access to flush toilets and hot showers, and each site features a basic fire ring, picnic table, lantern post, and tent pads.

Trout fishermen with a current North Carolina fishing license are welcome to fish the 13-acre lake, which has a sandy swimming beach.

On the lake, boating is allowed, but only with a rental. For the sake of the lake's unique riparian habitat, personal watercraft are not allowed here.

Mountain bikers adore this part of Pisgah, the 6000-acre Bent Creek Experimental Forest, and there are miles and miles of fantastic hiking routes to explore.

15. Thermal City Gold Mine

Camping at Thermal City Gold Mine is a great option for history fans and anyone who has ever wanted to live out a dream of becoming a gold miner.

In this genuine and historic gold mine, take pleasure in the ultimate camping and mining experience. All ages can engage in recreational gem mining, gold panning, sluicing, dredging, and detecting.

Campers at Thermal City Gold Mine, a hub for gold miners in the Southeast, can find gems and minerals like emeralds, rubies, moonstone, and rose quartz. The mine's covered flumes allow for rainy or sunny mining excursions.

Free inspections and identifications are provided for stones. Cabins can be reserved in advance, and primitive or full hookup campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The campground welcomes pets, is open from mid-March to late October, and features wonderful vendors, local crafts, and real prospectors during seasonal "Gold Digs." This is a "golden" chance for an unforgettable camping adventure!

16. Orchard Park Campground and RV Park

Orchard Park Campground and RV Park is the ideal location if you're searching for a tranquil setting away from the beaten route. Engage in a game of basketball, volleyball, knocker ball, horseshoes, or bocce ball.

In Hollands Creek, which is on the property and is rumored to be still holding gold, pan for gold. It's a great way to kill time. Tents, 43-foot travel trailers, and RVs up to 43 feet can all be accommodated at the park.

Pick between tent and camper sites with power, water, and sewer hookups, or 20' by 20' primitive sites.

Major local attractions including Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Tryon Equestrian Center, and the Blue Ridge Parkway are nearby, and full camper and RV hookups are available. Wi-fi is also included.

17. River Creek Campground

The only campground in the area with river tubing available on-site is River Creek Campground, which is situated along the banks of the Broad River ten miles east of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock.

In addition to cottages that can accommodate up to six people, the campsite has tent and RV sites available. A playground, fishing access, an arcade, and a fully supplied camp store are among the facilities.

River Creek welcomes pets and is a great place to base yourself while on vacation because of its close proximity to Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, golf courses, hunting, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.

18. Stone Mountain Campground

This monument in North Carolina, not to be confused with Stone Mountain in North Georgia, features a 600-foot granite rock face devoid of any Confederate carvings.

The North Carolina State Park offers excellent, year-round camping that is conveniently located. We would even contend that this is one of the best campgrounds in the mountains of North Carolina.

At Stone Mountain State Park, there are lots of things to do. Experienced rock climbers will find a playground and breathtaking views of the North Carolina Piedmont at the 2,305-foot top of the mountain with the same name.

There are 28 miles of paths, some of which are suitable for equestrian use. In addition, trout fishermen can enjoy more than 20 miles of streams, with the park's tallest waterfall, Stone Mountain Falls, reaching a height of 200 feet.

The Hutchinson Homestead, at the foot of the mountain, is a great place for lovers of Appalachian history to get together. It has three spacious shelters and 75 picnic areas.

There are two washhouses, 90 campsites, and hot showers at Stone Mountain Campground. Some sites allow RVs to hook up for water and electricity, and tent campers are also welcome.

19. Hanging Rock State Park Campground

Ten rented cabins, tent sites, and RV sites (without hookups) are available in the fantastic NC state park campground at Hanging Rock, which is situated in the Sauratown Mountain Range.

The park's most well-known features are the Park Lake, which includes a swimming beach and waters suitable for boating and fishing, and the Hanging Rock, a precarious protrusion that hikers can scale.

The park's northern boundary is crossed by the Dan River, which offers kayaking and trout fishing opportunities for tourists.

In addition to several areas for rock climbing and five significant waterfalls, the park boasts approximately 20 miles of excellent hiking trails in North Carolina. Horseback riding and mountain biking are also permitted on some of the paths.

There are 73 campsites, two restrooms, and perhaps a dozen freshwater spigots at the park. The Moore's Wall Loop Trail leads directly to the lake, only a short stroll away.

20. Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground

Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground offers guests a serene haven by the soothing sounds of the Rocky Broad River, with picturesque vistas of Hickory Nut Falls and less than a mile to the entrance of Chimney Rock State Park.

There are covered deck sites for tents, RVs, or pop-ups, as well as tent sites beside the river or in forested regions. Cabins and tiny home cabins are available for rent for individuals who would like have a few extra creature amenities.

There are countless opportunities for outdoor family enjoyment at Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground, which welcomes pets, is open April through November, and is only five minutes from Chimney Rock State Park.

21. Paddy’s Creek Campground

Lake James, which is roughly 50 miles east of Asheville, is a well-liked family camping destination among North Carolina state parks.

The Long Arm Peninsula of the park features multiple paddle-in campsites at Paddy's Creek Campground and Catawba Campground.

Swimming, canoeing, and fishing are all permitted in the lake. The only swimming beach on the lake is at Paddy's Creek, and it's available from May to September.

There are almost 25 miles of hiking trails at Lake James State Park, with 22 of those trails located near Paddy's Creek, and there are 14 miles of bike trails in the same area.

The historic Overmountain Victory Trail, the Fonta Flora State Trail, and the Holly Discovery Trail—which is ideal for young hikers—are among the well-liked hiking routes.

There are 33 campsites at Paddy's Creek Campground, each with a 20-foot road and a tent pad. The campground features potable water, bathhouses with hot showers, and picnic tables for each site.

22. Smokemont Campground

The Smokemont Campground, located near the Bradley Fork River in Cherokee, North Carolina, has spacious campsites for official Great Smoky Mountains National Park camping.

The campground is close to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, which is connected to an excellent historical farm museum. From there, you can access a few trailheads that take you straight into the heart of the stunning Smoky Mountains.

A few miles away lies the ancient Mingus Mill, which houses a working water wheel. The town of Cherokee is home to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual.

The highest peak in the United States National Park, Clingman's Dome, is only 20 miles distant by car.

The campground can accommodate both tents and RVs and has about 110 spaces. Potable water, flush toilets, and handy dishwashing facilities are provided for every campsite. The camping grounds have vending machines, ice, and firewood accessible.

23. Hitching Post Campground

Hitching Post Campground is a must-visit location for everyone looking for a camping paradise. This campsite, which is close to Lake Lure and the Broad River, provides seasonal and yearly lease sites in addition to tent and RV camping.

The forty-four acres of property are covered with nature trails with waterfalls and native plants, a fishing pond, a playground, picnic spaces, a camp store, and a bathhouse.

This is the place to go if you're searching for a camping retreat site because it's pet-friendly, only a few miles away from the amazing attractions and activities of Lake Lure, Chimney Rock Village, Bat Cave, and Green River, and it gives nonprofit groups discounts. Combine that with the magnificent Hickory Nut Gorge setting of this campground.

24. Pilot Mountain Campground

The most well-known summit in the Sauratown Mountains, Pilot Mountain, is also the most well-known landmark in Stoke and Surry counties (to the north of Winston-Salem).

The main, expansive campground is easily accessible by foot from the Visitor Center and may be reached two miles up the Grindstone Trail from Pilot Mountain's peak.

The Yadkin River part and the mountain area make up the two main sections of the state park.

The mountain portion includes Pilot Mountain, which offers a bridle track for horseback riders and multiple rockfaces for climbers to enjoy.

There are two entry points (Bean Shoals and Ivy Bluff) and paddle-in camping locations along the Yadkin River portion. The river is a popular place for kayaking and fishing, and this stretch also has a bridle trail.

There are 42 campsites in Pilot Mountain Campground. RV camping is possible without hookups in this state park, as it is at many others in North Carolina. A bathhouse with flush toilets and drinking water are also available.

25. 4 Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat

4 Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat is a wonderland for furry family members and their adult human companions. It is renowned as the first dog-dedicated campground in the nation.

There are several off-leash playgrounds and agility parks, grooming stations, a canine bath, 12 acres of natural hiking paths, and a swimming pond that is completely walled in.

They include regular, premium, deluxe, and super deluxe RV sites in addition to cabins, yurts, rental trailers, and even a yome. Weekly weekend activities are available for both dog owners and humans (don't miss Barktoberfest!).

Campsite amenities for humans include a fully stocked camp store, a state-of-the-art bathhouse, and access to all the fun, including the swimming and fishing ponds at 4-Paws.

For dogs of all ages and their adult companions, this campground's central location and amenities that welcome barkers make it the perfect getaway for bonding.

26. Cheoah Point Campground

The Cheoah Point Campground is located in the 1.3 million-acre Nantahala National Forest and is perched on cliffs above Lake Santeetlah. It seems incredibly isolated.

However, it's a fantastic location for taking leisurely drives, exploring the forest, and enjoying the lake.

Because it is adjacent to Cheoah Point Beach, which has a designated swimming area and a lovely picnic shelter, this campground in the NC mountains is unique.

There's a boat ramp leading to the lake just past that. One of the last remaining stands of old-growth forest on the East Coast, the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, is located less than ten miles away, circling the northern lakefront.

There are twenty-three campsites in the campground; sixteen are first-come, first-served. Numerous RV spots with electricity hookups. There are also hot showers, flush toilets, and drinking water accessible.

Bottom Line

North Carolina is a stunning destination, particularly for those who enjoy the outdoors.

The state offers a plethora of national parks, national forests, national seashores, and state parks to explore in addition to its very varied terrain, which includes the beaches to the east and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west.

With so many alternatives, there is something for everyone when it comes to tent camping in the Tarheel state. These options include backpacking, dispersed camping, glamping, and even private campgrounds.

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