Old Forge Campground

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Escape to the tranquil wilderness of Big Creek Campground, a hidden gem tucked away in the remote reaches of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This intimate tent-only retreat offers 12 peaceful walk-in sites, each just a short stroll from the parking area and perfectly positioned alongside the melodic waters of Big Creek. While embracing a back-to-nature experience without showers or hookups, the campground thoughtfully provides modern conveniences including flush toilets, fresh drinking water, and secure food storage lockers to protect your provisions from the local wildlife.

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, TN, 37821

Escape to Big Creek Campground, where the authentic tent camping experience brings you closer to the heart of the Smoky Mountains. This peaceful retreat welcomes those seeking simplicity and connection with nature, offering essential comforts like flush toilets, fresh drinking water, and fire rings for evening gatherings under the stars. While you won't find RV hookups, camp stores, or shower facilities here, what you will discover is something far more valuable – an unspoiled gateway to mountain wilderness where the only sounds at night are crackling campfires and the gentle rush of Big Creek.

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, Tennessee, 37821

Where the rushing waters of Big Creek meet the ancient Appalachian Mountains, Big Creek Group Camp offers an intimate wilderness experience right at the Tennessee-North Carolina border. This secluded retreat within Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes groups of up to 25 adventurers beneath a cathedral of old-growth forest canopy. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural environment, featuring flush toilets, fresh drinking water, and thoughtfully placed tent pads that let you sleep under towering hardwoods while Big Creek's gentle symphony plays through the night. Miles of hiking and horseback trails begin right from your campsite, inviting exploration into one of America's most biodiverse landscapes.

2388 State Hwy 128, Burnsville, North Carolina, 28714, United States

Perched atop the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell State Park invites adventurers to camp among the clouds. Nine intimate walk-in tent sites nestle within an enchanting forest of fragrant balsam firs, where soft carpets of emerald moss cushion your footsteps. This isn't just camping—it's an escape to a cooler, quieter world above the everyday.

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, Tennessee, 37821

Nestled deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Big Creek Horse Camp offers an extraordinary escape where riders and their equine companions can explore some of the most breathtaking mountain trails in the eastern United States. As the park's only horse camp equipped with potable water and flush toilets, this specialized equestrian haven combines rustic mountain charm with essential modern conveniences. Here, the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on trail meets the whisper of mountain streams, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your horseback adventure. Remember, this exclusive retreat requires you to bring your own horse – it's a place where the bond between rider and mount deepens with every mile of scenic trail.

632 Manor RD, Mars Hill, NC 28754, USA

Hidden beneath a canopy of ancient hardwoods in the heart of Pisgah National Forest, Harmon Den Horse Campground beckons to those seeking adventure on horseback or the simple pleasure of sleeping under starlit skies. This remote sanctuary caters to equestrian enthusiasts with thoughtfully designed amenities, including spacious stalls, convenient mangers, and direct access to miles of scenic riding trails that wind through the Appalachian wilderness. Whether you arrive with your four-legged companion or simply with a tent and a spirit of adventure, you'll find yourself immersed in the tranquil rhythms of forest life.

Cherokee National Forest

Tucked away in the heart of Cherokee National Forest, Round Mountain Campground offers a refreshing escape into Tennessee's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis, rewarding those who venture off the beaten path with secluded camping spots among towering trees and babbling streams. Simply arrive, select your perfect site, and settle into the tranquility of the forest.

2145 NC-209, HOT SPRINGS, NC, 28743

Tucked away in the lush forests near Hot Springs, North Carolina, Rocky Bluff Campground beckons those seeking a true escape from the modern world. This rustic woodland retreat invites you to disconnect and rediscover the simple pleasures of outdoor living. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite comes equipped with the essentials for memorable nights under the stars: sturdy picnic tables for gathering, level tent pads for restful sleep, traditional lantern posts that cast a warm glow, and stone-ringed fire pits complete with grills for campfire cooking. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with porta-johns serving as facilities, this only adds to the authentic wilderness experience. The melodic sounds of nearby Spring Creek and easy access to winding forest trails create an atmosphere of tranquil seclusion that's increasingly rare to find.

Cherokee National Forest

Perched at 1,800 feet along the scenic curves of Tennessee Highway 107, Houston Valley Recreation Area serves as your gateway to the best of Cherokee National Forest. This welcoming day-use area blends open meadows with the shade of ancient hardwoods, offering the perfect basecamp for exploring nearby Paint Creek and Weaver Bend while enjoying picnic facilities, trail access, and some of the region's most spectacular autumn displays.

1965 Lower Paint Creek Rd

Tucked away in a secluded mountain cove along the babbling waters of Paint Creek, this enchanting campground offers a true escape into nature at 1,760 feet elevation in Greene County, Tennessee. Here, generously spaced campsites provide an intimate connection with the wilderness, where towering hemlocks and ancient rhododendrons create natural privacy screens between sites. The melodic sounds of Paint Creek accompany campers throughout their stay, while mountain laurels paint the landscape with delicate blooms, creating a photographer's paradise and a nature lover's dream retreat.

2897 Horse Creek Park Road, Greeneville, TN 37641

Tucked away in a pristine hardwood forest, Horse Creek Recreation Area offers an authentic back-to-nature experience with 14 tent-only campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The gentle murmur of Horse Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your stay, while modern comforts await in the well-maintained bathhouse featuring hot showers and flush toilets. This hidden gem attracts those seeking a peaceful retreat where the forest canopy filters golden sunlight and the air carries the fresh scent of mountain streams.

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Nestled beneath towering old-growth forests, Rock Creek Recreation Area offers an enchanting escape where nature's canopy provides natural air conditioning. Choose from traditional tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, spacious double sites for group camping, or secluded walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more intimate wilderness experience. Modern bathhouses ensure comfort while you explore miles of hiking and biking trails, take refreshing dips in the historic swimming area, or gather around evening campfires during ranger-led programs that bring the forest's stories to life.

4900 Asheville Highway, Greeneville, TN, 37743, USA

Nestled alongside the gentle babbling of Rock Creek, this enchanting recreation area invites families into a world where time slows down. Picture yourself cooling off in a pristine, creek-fed swimming pond while admiring the craftsmanship of 1930s-era bathhouses that still stand sentinel over this peaceful retreat. Wander through a network of winding trails that beckon explorers of all ages, then return to your spacious, private campsite tucked beneath the protective canopy of Cherokee National Forest. Here, the only sounds breaking the tranquil silence are birdsong and the whisper of wind through ancient trees.

Cherokee National Forest

Nestled in the heart of Cherokee National Forest, Katy Branch offers a unique piece of conservation history transformed into your perfect group gathering spot. This former Youth Conservation Corps camp now serves as a well-appointed private pavilion, featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces connected by a scenic half-mile gravel road that builds anticipation as you arrive.

Cherokee National Forest

1965 Lower Paint Creek Rd

Cherokee National Forest

2897 Horse Creek Park Road, Greeneville, TN 37641

2145 NC-209, HOT SPRINGS, NC, 28743

4900 Asheville Highway, Greeneville, TN, 37743, USA

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest