Round Mountain Campground

375 Wesley Branch Road, Asheville, NC 28806, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Lake Powhatan beckons outdoor enthusiasts with an array of camping experiences that suit every comfort level. Whether you're seeking the luxury of a glamping tent, the convenience of full RV hookups, or the authentic simplicity of traditional tent camping, this heavily wooded sanctuary delivers. Just a stone's throw from vibrant Asheville, the campground serves as your gateway to adventure—from morning hikes on mountain trails to afternoon fishing expeditions, all crowned by breathtaking drives along the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway.

375 WESLEY BRANCH RD.

Nestled in the serene Hardtimes Loop, Lake Powhatan Glamping invites you to experience the magic of outdoor living without sacrificing comfort. Twelve thoughtfully furnished canvas tents await, each offering a private sanctuary beneath a canopy of shade trees. Just a leisurely stroll from the shimmering waters of Lake Powhatan, your glamping haven comes complete with everything you need for the perfect escape—from crackling campfire rings where stories come alive to modern charging stations that keep you connected. With flush toilets, picnic tables, and the gentle sounds of nature as your soundtrack, this is where adventure meets relaxation in perfect harmony.

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Tow String Horse Camp, where the ancient trails of the Great Smoky Mountains await you and your equine companion. This exclusive equestrian haven offers riders the rare opportunity to explore the park's legendary backcountry from horseback, just as early settlers once did. Remember, this unique campground requires you to bring your horse – it's not just encouraged, it's essential! Here, traditional woods camping meets the romance of the open trail, creating an authentic wilderness experience that connects you to centuries of mountain heritage.

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Nestled along the banks of the Oconaluftee River in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Smokemont Campground serves as your gateway to Appalachian adventure. Here, morning mist rises from the river as hikers set off on nearby trails, anglers cast lines into crystal-clear mountain streams, and families gather around evening campfires sharing stories of black bear sightings and waterfall discoveries. Just minutes from the vibrant town of Cherokee, this beloved basecamp perfectly balances wilderness immersion with convenient access to cultural attractions and the rich heritage of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Smokemont Group Camp invites adventurers to gather where ancient forests meet rushing mountain streams. This scenic retreat welcomes groups of up to 20 guests per site, offering well-appointed tent pads, cooking grills, and crackling fire rings perfect for evening storytelling. With direct access to winding trails and babbling creeks, plus fascinating cultural landmarks just steps away, Smokemont transforms ordinary camping trips into unforgettable mountain experiences.

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Nestled deep within the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Smokemont Group Campground beckons adventurers with 142 thoughtfully placed campsites that welcome both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. This mountain sanctuary serves as your gateway to some of the park's most treasured experiences—from the historic water-powered Mingus Mill to the breathtaking views atop Clingmans Dome. Just minutes from the culturally rich town of Cherokee, North Carolina, Smokemont has earned its reputation as a beloved basecamp where modern explorers gather to share stories under starlit skies.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Perched high in the clouds at 5,310 feet, Balsam Mountain Campground offers an intimate escape into the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This hidden gem features 42 pristine tent-only sites where the only sounds breaking the mountain silence are rustling leaves and distant bird calls. Here, summer never truly arrives—even in July, you'll reach for your fleece as evening temperatures dance in the crisp 50s, making this the perfect refuge from sweltering lowland heat.

253 Smokemont Campground Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Perched high in the clouds at 5,310 feet, Balsam Mountain Campground offers an intimate escape into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers seeking respite from summer heat and crowds, where morning mist dances through ancient forests and the only sounds are birdsong and rustling leaves. While modern amenities are limited to flush toilets and fresh mountain water, the trade-off is pure mountain magic—pristine facilities, refreshingly cool temperatures, and the kind of peaceful solitude that restores the soul.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA

Saddle up for an unforgettable adventure at Round Bottom Horse Camp, where the ancient peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains become your personal riding playground. Perched at an elevation of 3,060 feet, this specialized equestrian retreat connects riders with miles of scenic mountain trails that wind through pristine wilderness. Here, the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on mountain paths mingles with the babbling of crystal-clear streams, creating a symphony that speaks to every horse lover's soul.

3576 Ranger Station Road, Waynesville, NC 37876, USA

Nestled deep within the tranquil Cataloochee Valley, this hidden gem offers equestrian enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience the Great Smoky Mountains as early settlers once did—on horseback. Cataloochee Horse Camp provides a rustic retreat where riders and their trusted companions can rest beneath ancient hardwoods after days spent exploring miles of scenic mountain trails. With dedicated horse stalls and primitive camping facilities, this secluded sanctuary perfectly balances wilderness adventure with essential amenities for both horse and rider.

3576 Ranger Station Rd

Tucked away in the enchanting Cataloochee Valley, this hidden gem of Great Smoky Mountains National Park beckons those seeking solitude and authentic mountain experiences. Here, where pristine streams whisper through ancient forests and majestic elk roam freely across meadows, Cataloochee Campground offers an intimate connection with the wild heart of Appalachia. Morning mists reveal breathtaking mountain vistas, while evenings bring the haunting bugle of bull elk echoing through the valley. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear streams, exploring scenic hiking trails, or simply savoring the profound quiet of this secluded paradise, Cataloochee promises an unforgettable escape from the modern world.

3576 Ranger Station Road

Tucked away in the remote Cataloochee Valley, this primitive group campground offers an authentic backcountry experience where time seems to slow down. Beneath towering mountain peaks and within dense, shaded forests, campers discover a gateway to some of the park's finest hiking trails and pristine fishing streams. Historic log structures dot the landscape nearby, whispering stories of the mountain families who once called this rugged valley home.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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.

127 Cosby Park Road, Cosby, TN, 37722, USA

Nestled beneath a cathedral of ancient hardwoods, Cosby Group Camp offers an intimate escape where the gentle murmur of Cosby Creek provides nature's soundtrack. This hidden gem in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park combines the serenity of backcountry camping with the convenience of modern amenities, including flush toilets and fresh drinking water. Perfect for groups seeking authentic tent camping experiences, the campground invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the timeless rhythms of the mountains.

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.

127 Cosby Park Road

Escape into the peaceful embrace of Cosby Campground, where traditional camping meets the untamed beauty of the Smokies. Each thoughtfully designed tent site offers a 16x16 ft pad nestled among towering trees, complete with your own fire ring for evening storytelling, a grill for memorable outdoor meals, and a picnic table for gathering under the canopy. While you'll find modern conveniences like flush toilets and fresh drinking water throughout the grounds, the campground maintains its authentic wilderness character without showers or electric hookups—perfect for those seeking a genuine back-to-nature experience. RV campers will find limited spaces available, making this primarily a haven for tent enthusiasts.

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.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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.

Cherokee National Forest

Escape into the untamed wilderness at this secluded campground nestled deep within Cherokee National Forest. Far from the crowds and connected only by winding forest roads, this remote sanctuary offers an authentic backcountry experience where the only sounds you'll hear are rustling leaves and distant bird calls. Perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and a genuine connection with nature.

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 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.

1965 Lower Paint Creek Rd

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, TN, 37821

c/o Oconaluftee Ranger Station, 60 Enloe-Floyd Bottoms Road, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA

632 Manor RD, Mars Hill, NC 28754, USA

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, Tennessee, 37821

127 Cosby Park Road

236 Big Creek Park Road, Newport, Tennessee, 37821

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

127 Cosby Park Road, Cosby, TN, 37722, USA

2145 NC-209, HOT SPRINGS, NC, 28743

3576 Ranger Station Road

3576 Ranger Station Rd

3576 Ranger Station Road, Waynesville, NC 37876, USA

253 Smokemont Campground Road, Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

Great Smoky Mountains National Park