Grandfather Mountain State Park

8516 HIGHWAY 80 SOUTH, BURNSVILLE, NC 28714, USA

Nestled deep within the enchanting Pisgah National Forest, Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area offers an intimate escape where ancient hemlock groves meet the rushing waters of the South Toe River. This cherished campground welcomes small to medium-sized groups seeking authentic mountain adventures, from lazy afternoons floating in natural swimming holes to exhilarating hikes through pristine wilderness. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, setting up camp beneath towering evergreens, or spreading a picnic blanket in dappled sunlight, Carolina Hemlocks promises the kind of serene forest experience that creates lifelong memories.

Milepost 339.5 Blue Ridge Parkway

Tucked away in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Crabtree Falls Campground emerges as a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the modern world. This tranquil retreat beckons with its perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion, where reserved sites guarantee your spot in paradise while walk-up options welcome spontaneous adventurers. Just steps from your campsite, the renowned Crabtree Falls trail promises cascading water and mountain vistas. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with fire rings for evening gatherings, sturdy picnic tables for outdoor meals, and the convenience of flush toilets—ensuring comfort doesn't take a backseat to adventure.

Milepost 316.3 Blue Ridge Parkway

Nestled along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls Campground offers families the perfect basecamp for mountain adventures. Whether you're setting up a tent under towering pines or parking your RV with panoramic views, you'll find yourself just a short hike away from the thundering Linville Falls and the dramatic depths of Linville Gorge. This beloved campground combines the comfort of modern amenities with immediate access to some of North Carolina's most breathtaking natural wonders.

8410 Edgemont Rd, Collettsville, NC, 28611, USA

Tucked away in the heart of the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor, Mortimer Campground offers an intimate escape where history meets wilderness. This charming small campground occupies the grounds of a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp, where echoes of the past blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of North Carolina's pristine backcountry.

National Forests in North Carolina

Tucked into the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor just south of Grandfather Mountain, Mortimer Campground offers 17 intimate sites where history whispers through the trees. This former Civilian Conservation Corps camp now serves as your gateway to a forested paradise along Thorps Creek, where towering hemlocks shade your path to swimming holes, fishing spots, and miles of scenic exploration.

National Forests in North Carolina

Tucked away from the trailhead, Boone Fork Campground offers adventurous souls a true backcountry experience. This primitive, unmaintained camping area rewards those willing to hike in with secluded sites surrounded by nature in its rawest form—no hookups, no facilities, just you and the wilderness.

Milepost 297 Blue Ridge Parkway

Nestled along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, Julian Price Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness charm. This sprawling mountain retreat offers 190 campsites split between 75 reservable spots and 115 first-come-first-served sites, accommodating both tent campers and RV travelers. The jewel of the campground is its proximity to the serene Price Lake, where morning mist dances across the water and countless trails wind through the surrounding forest, creating endless opportunities for wildlife encounters and mountain adventures.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Escape into true backcountry solitude at Old John's River Road, where two primitive campsites await along the legendary Mountains to Sea Trail near Blowing Rock, NC. Accessible via the scenic Boone Fork Trail or directly from Old John's River Road between mileposts 296-297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, each site accommodates up to 6 campers for a maximum of 3 nights and features a fire ring for evening gatherings under the stars.

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, TN, 37692, USA

Tucked away in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Dennis Cove Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where Laurel Fork Creek whispers through a canopy of ancient trees. At 2,650 feet elevation, this rustic hideaway provides a natural air-conditioned escape from summer's heat, where campers wake to misty mornings and fall asleep to the symphony of rushing water and rustling leaves.

4400 Unicoi Drive

Perched on a scenic peninsula that juts into the pristine waters of Watauga Lake, Cardens Bluff Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape in the heart of Cherokee National Forest. This thoughtfully designed campground features 43 intimate sites crafted specifically for tent camping enthusiasts who crave a genuine connection with nature. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural environment, including clean flush toilets, a well-maintained bathhouse with hot showers, and fresh potable water throughout the grounds. True to its back-to-nature ethos, the campground intentionally forgoes electrical hookups, encouraging visitors to unplug and immerse themselves in the tranquil mountain setting.

Cherokee National Forest

Discover a peaceful lakeside retreat at Watauga Point Recreation Area, where grassy parklands meet the sparkling waters of Tennessee's highest reservoir. This day-use gem offers shaded picnic spots, an electric-equipped pavilion, and a scenic gravel trail winding through nearby forest, all perched at over 1,900 feet elevation along Watauga Lake's southern shore.

5564 Meat Camp Road, Todd, North Carolina, 28684, United States

Perched high in the North Carolina mountains at 4,000 feet, Elk Knob State Park's remote backcountry campsite offers adventurous souls a true wilderness experience. This primitive group camping area beckons those seeking solitude and simplicity, where modern conveniences give way to essential amenities—a centrally located pit privy and a sturdy bear box to protect your provisions from curious wildlife. Here, camping returns to its roots, offering an authentic connection with the natural world far from the crowds and comforts of traditional campgrounds.

1481 Mt. Jefferson State Park Rd, West Jefferson, North Carolina, 28694, United States

Perched high in the North Carolina mountains, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area beckons adventurers with its breathtaking vistas and pristine wilderness. This hidden gem welcomes visitors free of charge, offering a perfect blend of accessibility and untamed beauty. Well-appointed picnic shelters and grills dot the landscape, providing comfortable spots to savor a meal while soaking in the spectacular mountain views. Miles of winding trails lead through ancient forests, revealing scenic overlooks that will leave you breathless.

358 New River State Park Road, Laurel Springs, NC 28644

Escape to New River State Park, where time seems to slow alongside one of North America's most ancient waterways. Whether you're seeking solitude at a primitive walk-in site tucked among wildflower meadows, settling into an RV spot with modern conveniences, or gathering with friends at spacious group camping areas, this park offers the perfect basecamp for your mountain river adventure. Here, rugged Appalachian hills cradle pastoral valleys in a landscape that has captivated visitors for generations.

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, TN, 37692, USA

5564 Meat Camp Road, Todd, North Carolina, 28684, United States

Milepost 297 Blue Ridge Parkway

Milepost 316.3 Blue Ridge Parkway

4400 Unicoi Drive

8410 Edgemont Rd, Collettsville, NC, 28611, USA

Blue Ridge Parkway

National Forests in North Carolina

National Forests in North Carolina

Cherokee National Forest

National Forests in North Carolina

Escape to Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive Campground, where the rhythm of hoofbeats and the whisper of forest trails create an authentic backcountry experience. This rustic retreat beckons equestrians and adventurers alike with its network of winding trails, well-appointed horse stalls, and essential amenities including fire rings and vault toilets. Whether you arrive on horseback or hiking boots, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where outdoor traditions thrive and hunters pursue both big and small game through the surrounding wilderness.

176 Millpond Road, Gatesville, North Carolina, 27938, United States

Tucked away in northeastern North Carolina's pristine wilderness, Merchants Millpond State Park Family Campground beckons those seeking refuge from the everyday hustle. This hidden gem wraps visitors in a cocoon of towering trees and tranquil solitude, where wooded campsites offer generous privacy and the outside world fades to a whisper. Seasoned campers consistently praise the park's ability to deliver that elusive combination of seclusion and serenity, making it a cherished secret among those who've discovered its charms.

OFF FOREST DEVELOPMENT RD 67, FRANKLIN, NC, 28734, USA

Nestled deep within the Nantahala National Forest, Standing Indian Campground beckons adventurers with its four distinct camping loops that wind through ancient mountain terrain. Whether you arrive with an RV or pitch a tent beneath towering evergreens, you'll find yourself immersed in a world where modern comforts meet wilderness wonder. Each site comes thoughtfully appointed with campfire rings for evening storytelling, grills for mountaintop meals, and lantern posts that cast a warm glow as dusk settles over the peaks. Fresh mountain water flows from spigots throughout the grounds, while clean flush toilets and hot showers ensure comfort after days spent exploring miles of hiking trails, playing in the crystal-clear Nantahala River, or pursuing game through misty hollows.

465 JACKRABBIT ROAD

Perched on a scenic peninsula where forest meets water, Jackrabbit Mountain campground invites adventurers to experience the best of the Nantahala National Forest. Here, morning mist rises from Lake Chatuge as campers wake to the calls of woodland birds, ready for days filled with hiking mountain trails, casting fishing lines into pristine waters, or exploring the shoreline by kayak. The campground's three distinct loops offer flexibility for your stay - Loop A welcomes visitors from May through September, while Loops B and C extend the season into October's spectacular autumn colors.

5564 Meat Camp Road, Todd, North Carolina, 28684, United States

Perched high in the North Carolina mountains at 4,000 feet, Elk Knob State Park's remote backcountry campsite offers adventurous souls a true wilderness experience. This primitive group camping area beckons those seeking solitude and simplicity, where modern conveniences give way to essential amenities—a centrally located pit privy and a sturdy bear box to protect your provisions from curious wildlife. Here, camping returns to its roots, offering an authentic connection with the natural world far from the crowds and comforts of traditional campgrounds.

1070 Massey Branch Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771

Nestled within the renowned Tsali Recreation Area, this 42-site forested haven beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its seamless blend of comfort and adventure. Mountain bikers and equestrians find their paradise here, with direct access to an extensive four-loop trail system that winds through the Appalachian wilderness. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath the canopy or settling in with a small RV, you'll enjoy thoughtful amenities including fresh drinking water, modern flush toilets, and revitalizing hot showers after a day on the trails.

5289 N. MILLS RIVER ROAD

Nestled deep within the enchanting Pisgah National Forest, North Mills River Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of mountain tranquility and adventure. This rustic hideaway invites you to wake up to the gentle sounds of the Mills River, spend your days exploring endless trails by foot or bike, and cast a line for native trout in crystal-clear mountain waters. Two thoughtfully designed camping loops offer shaded sites beneath a canopy of ancient hardwoods, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for those memorable evening gatherings. Modern comforts haven't been forgotten—clean restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets ensure you can refresh after a day of mountain exploration.

50 Black Mountain Campground Road, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA

Nestled along the crystal-clear waters of the South Toe River, Black Mountain Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of North Carolina's high country. Whether you prefer the simplicity of primitive camping or the convenience of electric hookups, this beloved basecamp puts you at the doorstep of Mount Mitchell—the crown jewel of the eastern United States. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line for native trout in the rushing river, explore mountain trails that lead to breathtaking vistas, or simply lose yourself in the winding scenic drives that reveal the Appalachians' ancient secrets.

976 Grassy Ridge RD, Sapphire, North Carolina, 28774, United States

Nestled in North Carolina's rugged mountain wilderness, Gorges State Park welcomes adventurers with pristine camping facilities that blend modern comfort with untamed nature. Choose from traditional tent sites beneath towering hardwoods, fully-equipped RV sites with all the amenities, or cozy rental cabins perfect for those seeking a rustic retreat. The park's crown jewels—the thundering Rainbow Falls and the mesmerizing Turtleback Falls—await discovery along meticulously maintained trails that wind through this spectacular landscape.

131 Charles Street

Escape to the remote paradise of Long Point Cabin Camp, where ten charming wooden duplex cabins stand as your gateway to unspoiled coastal wilderness on North Core Banks. Each rustic retreat comes equipped with electricity and can accommodate either six guests in a half-duplex or twelve in a full unit, perfect for families or fishing buddies seeking adventure. Accessible only by boat, this hidden gem within Cape Lookout National Seashore has drawn generations of anglers and beach lovers who cherish its pristine isolation and world-class fishing opportunities.