Map showing campground location near Murphy, North Carolina

Camper submitted image from John C. Campbell Folk School Campground

John C. Campbell Folk School Campground

The John C. Campbell Folk School operates this campground exclusively for students and instructors attending classes at the educational facility. Sites run parallel along the outside of the main wooded loop road, with RV spaces accommodating units up to 34 feet, though hookup placement near the front of sites requires longer cords and hoses. All RV sites include water, sewer, and electric connections, while tent sites remain tight and lack hookups.

The campground sits a five-minute walk from Keith House and the dining hall via an illuminated path. A central bathroom facility serves the loop, along with a covered pavilion and community fire pit, since individual sites lack fire rings. WiFi reaches most areas with decent strength. For additional camping options in the region, visitors can explore campgrounds just outside Murphy. Note that advance enrollment in folk school classes is required for campground access.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Atlantic Coast Highway Road Trip

Atlantic Coast Road Trip Segment: Wilmington, NC to Savannah

Wilmington to Savannah: 3 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsJohn C. Campbell Folk School Campground is located in North Carolina near Murphy

Private Campground

Coordinates

35.039176429279365 N
83.96715169210563 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 3/10/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 3/10/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Reservations

+18288372775

Drive Time

1 hr 15 min from Cleveland, TN
1 hr 32 min from Gainesville, GA
1 hr 38 min from Chattanooga, TN
2 hrs 8 min from Knoxville, TN

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews1 Camper Review - John C. Campbell Folk School Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.0

out of 5

1 Review

Erin S.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 27, 2019

Simple campground for John C. Campbell Folk School students

Note: This campground is for students and instructors only.

My family and I stayed here for a week while I attended a class at the Folk School. The concept of the folk school is community and simplicity. Both are evident in the campground. The sites are simple spaces running near parallel along the outside of the main road. Some are deep enough to accommodate RVs up to 34 feet long, others would only fit the smallest of RVs. All RV sites have water, sewer, and electric hook-ups but they are located near the front of the site, so make sure you have enough length in your cords and hoses. Because they are located on the outside of a wooded loop, all sites are shaded. The bathroom is located in the center of the loop and is decently clean and of good size. There is also a covered pavilion and a community fire pit (individual sites do not have fire pits). The wifi signal is of decent strength and speed. The campground is located a 5-minute walk away from Keith House and dining hall ( a lot closer than some of the other housing). The path is illuminated at night, though the stairs are in need of a little TLC. The tent sites are a little tight and do not have hook-ups.

Since the campground is here for the folk school, I think it fits the bill. It's not a resort, just a place to relax and rest your head when you aren't in class. The 3/5 stars is in comparison to other campgrounds, the size of the RV spaces, the configuration of the utilities, and the repair work some of the stairs need. Overall, I was grateful this campground was here to support me attending class.

SiteRV 12

Month of VisitJune

(15) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at John C Campbell Folk School Campground?

The John C Campbell Folk School Campground offers simple camping sites designed for students and instructors. The sites are arranged parallel to each other with basic amenities supporting the school's philosophy of community and simplicity. This campground is exclusively reserved for individuals attending or teaching classes at the folk school, not for general public use. The straightforward setup provides necessary accommodations while maintaining the educational focus of the environment.

How can I make a reservation at John C Campbell Folk School Campground?

To reserve a spot at the John C Campbell Folk School Campground, you must first enroll in a class at the Folk School, as the campground is exclusively for students and instructors. Contact the school's registration office directly to book both your class and campsite simultaneously. Registration can typically be completed through the Folk School's official website or by calling their main office. Be sure to mention your camping needs when registering for your course.

What do visitor reviews say about staying at the John C Campbell Folk School Campground?

Visitors to the John C Campbell Folk School Campground describe it as a simple, community-focused space that aligns with the school's philosophy. The parallel arrangement of campsites creates an atmosphere conducive to the educational experience. Campers appreciate the relaxed environment that provides a welcome break from academic routines and stress. The campground receives positive feedback for its role in supporting the immersive learning experience, with many finding it an ideal place to unwind after intensive class sessions.

What activities and classes can campers access at the John C Campbell Folk School?

The John C Campbell Folk School offers a diverse range of traditional craft and cultural classes that campers can access while staying on the grounds. Students can immerse themselves in various folk arts and crafts, typically participating in week-long intensive courses. The school emphasizes hands-on learning in a community setting, allowing students to fully engage with their chosen discipline. The campground's proximity to classrooms makes it convenient for attendees to maximize their educational experience. The school environment is designed to provide a complete break from everyday routines, allowing for total focus on creative pursuits.

Keep Exploring