Creek access and fishing opportunities draw outdoor enthusiasts to Moonshine Creek Campground, where a mountain stream flows directly through the property. Located minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Sylva, this private campground operates from April through November with full hookup RV sites and tent camping options.
The creek creates a constant backdrop of flowing water audible from most sites. Nate C. notes "The creek runs right through the middle of the campground and can be heard from any site you are on." Sites vary considerably in privacy and layout, with some positioned directly creekside while others sit on elevated areas overlooking the water. The campground maintains a mix of seasonal RVers and weekend visitors, creating a balance between established community and turnover.
Tent campers access sites by crossing the creek from parking areas, with some sites featuring shelters over tent pads. The Sanctuary area offers a quiet zone limited to adults without pets or children, featuring four tent sites with water and electric hookups plus private bathhouse facilities. RV sites accommodate various sizes, though the narrow campground road can make maneuvering larger rigs challenging. A volleyball court, small camp store, and laundry facilities serve all guests.
Cell service reaches 1-3 bars for most carriers despite the mountain location and tree cover. The campground stays within easy reach of Sylva for supplies and dining, while the Blue Ridge Parkway provides access to hiking trails and scenic overlooks. Rebecca describes the bathhouse facilities as "completely private" with "outlets and sinks in all four." Reservations help secure preferred sites during peak season, particularly those closest to the creek.
Description
Cool, secluded, traditional camping is the style here. The peace and quiet of the outdoors is enhanced by the tranquil sounds of the stream behind your campsite, deck, or weather shelter. We offer a variety of campsites and rental cabins to accommodate all types of campers, from the rustic adventurers to the relaxing escapists. Our campground offers a great deal of amenities such as immaculate restrooms, a country store, and cable TV to make your stay more comfortable. Enjoy activities such as relaxing in the cool and crisp climate, seasonal wildflower & bird watching, lawn games, cookouts, sitting around the campfire roasting marshmallows, and stream fishing. As well as hiking trails and waterfalls. We are an excellent base camp to see all the local attractions the "Smokies" have to offer. Nearby find river rafting, tubing, gem mining, golf, trout fishing, and antique and craft shopping. We are an easy drive to Asheville, Cherokee, Franklin, or Maggie Valley and are only 2 1/2 miles to the entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway!
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMoonshine Creek Campground is located in North Carolina near Balsam
Directions
IMPORTANT! DO NOT USE GPS, Google Maps, MapQuest, etc. they will bring you down an old logging road not the asphalt entrance. Please use the directions below from either Waynesville or Sylva. The Campground is just 7 miles south of Waynesville and 8 miles north of Sylva, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Jackson County, North Carolina. From Waynesville: Stay on US 23S/ US 74W Go Past Exit 98 Go Past Rest Area on the Right (3.3 miles past Exit 98) Go Past Entrance to Blue Ridge Parkway on the Right (4.5 miles past Exit 98) IMMEDIATELY GET IN THE LEFT LANE! .5 Miles Go Left on Candlestick Lane (Just past Mile Marker 93.7) Take the first Right only 322 ft. on to Old Balsam Depot Road at the Moonshine Creek Bill Board Go up a hill, over the RR tracks, pass the Post Office on the Left, Follow the RR tracks .3 miles AT THE FORK IN THE ROAD STAY TO THE RIGHT! Cross the RR tracks a 2nd time on to Old Balsam Depot Road The Balsam Mountain Inn will be on your Left Stay on this Road 1.5 miles it will turn into Dark Ridge Road, the Campground will be on the left. From Sylva: Note: If coming 441 from Franklin when you get to Dillsboro stay straight. Do not go right and through Dillsboro to get to Sylva. Go straight through the light and up the hill, follow the signs for US 23N/ US 74E Stay on US 23N/ US 74E Go approximately 8.5 miles (Just past Mile Marker 93) Look for Green Balsam Highway sign on the right. Take the next right on to Candlestick Lane Take the first Right only 322 ft. on to Old Balsam Depot Road at the Moonshine Creek Bill Board Go up a hill, over the RR Tracks, pass the Post Office on the Left, Follow the RR tracks .3 miles AT THE FORK IN THE ROAD STAY TO THE RIGHT! Cross the RR tracks a 2nd time on to Old Balsam Depot Road The Balsam Mountain Inn will be on your Left Stay on this Road 1.5 miles it will turn into Dark Ridge Road, the Campground will be on the left. From Blue Ridge Parkway: Just Past Mile Marker #443 get off Parkway at Balsam or at US 23/ US 74 Go Right on US 23/US 74 and immediately get into the left hand lane. .5 Miles Go Left on Candlestick Lane (Just past Mile Marker 93.7) Follow Directions from above from Candlestick Lane. Physical Address: 2486 Dark Ridge Road Sylva,NC 28779
Address
2486 Dark Ridge Road
Sylva, NC 28779
Coordinates
35.43013398 N
83.084935 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/16/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/15/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/16/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 32 min from Asheville, NC
- 55 min from Burlington, NC
- 1 hr 30 min from Greenville, SC
- 2 hrs 9 min from Morristown, TN
- 3 hrs 1 min from Greensboro, NC
- 3 hrs 43 min from Durham, NC
- 4 hrs 22 min from Fayetteville, NC












































