Bandits Roost

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.

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

7659 W. Highway 268

Nestled along the southern shores of W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, Warrior Creek Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover western North Carolina's natural playground. This waterfront haven offers 61 thoughtfully designed campsites, from secluded tent-only spots perfect for stargazing to full-service RV sites equipped with electrical and water hookups. Two spacious group sites welcome family reunions and outdoor clubs. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring winding mountain bike trails, or hiking through ancient forests, Warrior Creek serves as your basecamp for adventure. Modern bathhouses, a community amphitheater for evening programs, and a playground for young explorers ensure comfort meets wilderness in perfect harmony.

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

1534 S. RECREATION ROAD, WILKESBORO, NC, 28697, USA

Nestled along the pristine northern shores of W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, Fort Hamby Park beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the perfect blend of modern comfort and natural splendor. Here, children's laughter echoes from the sandy beach while parents relax under towering hardwoods, knowing that hot showers and clean facilities await after a day of adventure. Whether you're shooting hoops on the basketball court, exploring winding hiking trails, or simply watching the sunset paint the lake in golden hues, Fort Hamby creates memories that draw visitors back season after season.

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

Nestled right beside the dam at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, this ADA-accessible conference room offers the perfect blend of indoor comfort and outdoor adventure. With tables, seating, and convenient access to restrooms and a water fountain, you'll find everything you need for your gathering, while a fascinating museum, boat ramp, picnic shelters, and scenic trails wait just steps away.

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

Perched right beside the impressive W. Kerr Scott Dam, Fish Dam Creek Shelter welcomes visitors with sweeping views across 1,475 acres of shimmering reservoir waters. This well-appointed day-use area combines accessible picnic facilities, vault restrooms, and classic horseshoe pits with direct access to miles of multi-use trails and exceptional lake recreation—making it an ideal basecamp for adventure or a peaceful afternoon by the water.

1956 Rendezvous Mtn Rd, Purlear, North Carolina, 28665, United States

Discover the hidden gem of Rendezvous Mountain, where adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts find their perfect day-use escape. This captivating park invites you to explore its dramatic landscape of plunging ravines and thundering waterfalls, all connected by exceptional hiking trails that reveal breathtaking vistas at every turn. Whether you're seeking a challenging trek or a peaceful commune with nature, Rendezvous Mountain delivers an unforgettable outdoor experience.

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.

3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, North Carolina, 28668, United States

Nestled in the heart of the West District, this wilderness campground offers an authentic backcountry experience where adventurers can disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. The expansive open-space tent sites provide a true camping experience under star-filled skies, perfect for those seeking solitude and outdoor adventure.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Tucked away in the historic Basin Cove within Doughton Park, this primitive backcountry retreat offers eight secluded campsites accessible only by trails that wind 1,500 feet down from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, lantern post, and food storage box, inviting you to experience true wilderness camping year-round in a landscape steeped in Appalachian history.

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.

Milepost 239 Blue Ridge Parkway

Perched at milepost 239 along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, Doughton Park Campground offers a serene escape beneath a cathedral of towering trees. Each thoughtfully positioned campsite comes alive with the gentle flicker of lantern light and the warm glow of evening campfires, while modern amenities like flush toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort meets wilderness. For those seeking a more rustic experience, primitive camping beckons with the simple requirement of a free permit and the promise of unspoiled solitude.

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.

7659 W. Highway 268

1534 S. RECREATION ROAD, WILKESBORO, NC, 28697, USA

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

Milepost 239 Blue Ridge Parkway

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

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, North Carolina, 28668, United States

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

1956 Rendezvous Mtn Rd, Purlear, North Carolina, 28665, United States

Blue Ridge Parkway

National Forests in North Carolina

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

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.