Johns River Road Backcountry Camping

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PO Box 9, Linville, North Carolina, 28646, United States

Deep within the rugged wilderness of Grandfather Mountain State Park, thirteen secluded backcountry campsites await the adventurous soul. These primitive havens, accessible only by foot along challenging mountain trails, are scattered across dramatic elevations from 3,800 to nearly 6,000 feet, offering an authentic escape into North Carolina's most breathtaking high country.

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.

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.

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.

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.

4400 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, TN, 37692, USA

Milepost 297 Blue Ridge Parkway

PO Box 9, Linville, North Carolina, 28646, United States

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

Milepost 316.3 Blue Ridge Parkway

4400 Unicoi Drive

National Forests in North Carolina

National Forests in North Carolina

8410 Edgemont Rd, Collettsville, NC, 28611, USA

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

Cherokee National Forest

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