15 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campsites around Blowing Rock, North Carolina range from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites across the Blue Ridge Mountains. Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers tent-specific sites with varying levels of privacy, while Mortimer Campground in the National Forests of North Carolina provides walk-in tent sites that offer more seclusion. Several primitive tent camping options exist within a 30-minute drive, including dispersed sites in nearby national forest land.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities with fire rings and designated tent pads, though facilities vary significantly between established and primitive sites. Campers should bring water filtration systems when staying at backcountry tent sites, as potable water is limited outside of developed campgrounds. According to one visitor, "The sites have NO vehicle access at all, you have to hike a mile into the campsite. The hike in is excellent, as it follows the river along the way." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing some of the more remote tent camping areas, particularly after rain when forest roads become muddy and rutted.
Areas farther from town provide deeper seclusion and less noise pollution for tent campers seeking a more authentic backcountry experience. The primitive tent sites near water sources are particularly popular, offering both practical benefits and scenic camping locations. A review mentioned that "most of campsites are large, very shaded, along a beautiful treelined road, and surrounded by mountains." Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for day hikes on nearby trail networks, including sections of the Appalachian Trail. During peak summer weekends, established tent campgrounds fill quickly, while dispersed backcountry tent sites typically offer more availability. Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities from tent sites positioned on ridgelines or near mountain gaps.
"It offers RV, drive in and hike in tent sites and also teepee camping."
"We had a neighbor nice enough to give us his site because he was leaving early and I would have stayed another night there. It was C3 backed into the woods on level ground. It made for a cozy morning."
from $25 - $136 / night
"The 5 upfront are walk in, and more private. The about to be 12 in the back are pull in and much closer together. Two shower houses, one on both ends, no hookups."
"Had some friends stay next to us in a class b. A small trailer would fit, nothing big. No W/E/S but great place. Come early to reserve. You must set up camp immediately. No reservations."
from $20 - $30 / night
"There is a 5 mile long trail that goes through the campground called Boone Fork Trail. This trail leads to Hebron falls where you can explore giant boulders and have a picnic."
"The terrain is also flat and easy to hike through, making it a good long trail for beginners or children."
"Excellent parking spot with plenty of room to set up a 3-person tent. Also, delivery of homemade pizza. I recommend the Jalapeno & Cheese."
"Very attentive and has some great stories to share. The property is well kept and the provided toilet & shower were a very welcome after a couple days in the tent."
from $20 - $45 / night
"Big space and only 3 camping families tops. We had only one other - Yes please! Creek was so clear. BYO water and food. Fished, grilled, relaxed, kids went full feral for 24 hours."
from $59 - $129 / night
"Walk up and down the creek through the neighbor's properties on both sides (which is legal), what amazing land! EB JEFFRESS is like 15 minutes away for hiking and a waterfall."
from $25 - $79 / night
"Primitive camping and a perfect uphill 1.9 mile hike to the top of the world! If you're going in the winter I recommend hiking poles for hiking in the snow."
"This park is just north of Boone, NC near the Tennessee state line. Great primitive sites at the bottom of the 5,520 ft mountain."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $47 / night
"We're happy to have this property on our platform. Check them out and come back here to leave your review!"
from $65 / night
"I have stayed at all the free campsites around and left my review for each. This is by far the quietest, nicest, cleanest , site yet !"
"There’s a nice big spot at the end of the trail where you could rooftop tent/car camp, but the actual site is about 100’ away."
"It’s a bit of a drive out there with little to no cell service but wifi is available over the whole site! Definitely worth it with amazing views all around."
from $29 - $69 / night
GuideMother nature is amazing and helps relieve stress from the ones who never deserved to be around you to take and cover it up. So I'll run to God's beauty, and enjoy my fire at the same time. Come on baby light my fire! ;)
ScoutLet me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
ScoutMy husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.
The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.
Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.
These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.
I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"
GuideSeems to be a well established campground in an off the beaten path location. Roads alternately paved and gravel. The campsite is gravel in a wooded setting. Fair amount of space between sites. The bathhouse is clean but dated.
ScoutWe brought our whole family out and rented almost every cabin on the property, plus the event center, for the weekend— we gave this place a lot of business. And honestly, the stay itself was great— nice place, no complaints about the cabins. The owner is the problem. He came flying in in his blue F-150 doing 20–30 mph where the posted speed limit is 5, and started screaming at us over something that could've been handled with a simple conversation. His exact words:"Where are your parents? This is a family establishment. I will not have hooligans running around here." Every single one of us is over 21 and family. All we were doing was playing hide and seek— which isn't against any of the property's rules— and there were no other guests to disturb, since we had the entire area rented. He still threatened to call the police, even though it wasn't even quiet hours. Before anyone could get a word in, he peeled out so fast the gravel sprayed up at us and our cars. Then on his way out he drove the wrong way down the property's one-way road, so apparently the rules only apply to guests. It's sad, because the property itself is great, and we were never anything but nice to the owners the whole weekend. To be treated in such an unprofessional manner— screamed at, threatened, and never given so much as an apology afterward— put a real dent in the weekend. We won't be back
ScoutOur group of about 20 rented nearly every cabin at Doe River Landing for my friend's wedding weekend, with the reception held on site. The cabins were nice and well-equipped, and the only other guests were in a cabin half a mile away through the woods. Unfortunately, the hosts ruined the stay. One night, some of us were playing hide and seek in an area that wasn't blocked off or against any rule. The host's husband came speeding in at roughly 30 mph(the posted limit is 5), jumped out of his truck screaming that he"will not have child hooligans running around the campground," told us to"go back to the motel we crawled out of," and demanded to see our parents— despite all of us being adults in our twenties. He then peeled out so aggressively he sprayed gravel at us and our cars. It wasn't even quiet hours, and we weren't disturbing anyone. Afterward, the host called us again, passive-aggressive, and questioned our ages— even though you have to be 21 just to rent a cabin there. The property is lovely, but the hosts' behavior put a real damper on what should have been a joyful wedding celebration. It's a shame they treat people paying good money this way. We won't be back.
RangerI wandered a bit and took a left up a gravel road near where the sites indicated were located and just drove for a few miles. Found an awesome spot with a fire pit and lush surroundings. The road was unpaved (but as are all to the best spots) and there were definitely some large rocks and potholes to navigate. Would suggest higher raised vehicle. Saw nobody else and felt like I had my own slice of paradise.
GuideClean nice little campground for the weekend.
TravelerNice spot right on the river..Camp store & staff seem friendly & helpful-especially Sonny & Joshua.
Tent camping near Blowing Rock, North Carolina sits at elevations between 3,500-5,500 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. During summer months, overnight temperatures can drop into the 50s even when daytime highs reach the 80s. The region receives significant rainfall, averaging 55 inches annually, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months.
Waterfall hiking trails: Several tent camping areas provide access to waterfall hikes less than a mile from camp. At Mortimer Campground, "There is a 5 mile long trail that goes through the campground called Boone Fork Trail. This trail leads to Hebron falls where you can explore giant boulders and have a picnic," according to one camper.
Creek swimming holes: Many tent sites in the Blowing Rock region sit near swimming spots. "There is also an area just 1.5 miles from the Boone Fork Trail parking lot where you can go swimming and sliding off rocks," notes a visitor to Mortimer Campground. At Steele Creek, campers enjoy "a great spot to swim" with "a couple small waterfalls to add to the ambience."
Fishing opportunities: Trout fishing is available in streams throughout the area. One Blue Bear Mountain Camp visitor mentioned, "Once you get there, there is a nice creek and we caught a trout in the pond right away." Some camping areas stock ponds while others have natural stream fishing.
Cooler mountain temperatures: The higher elevations provide relief from summer heat common in lower elevations. According to a Blue Bear Mountain Camp visitor, "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat" with temperatures "70-80 in July!"
Secluded tent sites: Many campers appreciate privacy between sites at certain campgrounds. "The sites are close enough together that we didn't have much privacy. It would be great for a family who likes lots of company," notes one Mortimer Campground visitor, helping campers choose appropriate locations based on their preferences.
Low bug pressure: Unlike many camping areas in the Southeast, some Blowing Rock area campgrounds have fewer insects. A Blue Bear visitor appreciated "The constant light breeze and lack of mosquitoes is a treat," though campers should still bring insect protection as conditions vary by location and season.
Road conditions: Many tent camping areas require travel on unpaved roads. At Steele Creek, "The road is pretty well maintained other than a few spots that you have to crawl through on the corners specifically. I drive a Toyota Camry that sits fairly low and I made it fine." Always check recent road conditions before departing.
Water access: Plan ahead for water needs at primitive sites. One camper notes that Blue Bear Mountain Camp "do not have water hookups- you fill your camper tank with water at the office area." Most primitive tent sites require water filtration equipment or hauling water from developed areas.
Limited cell coverage: Most camping areas have minimal to no cell service. At Camper Mountain on Roaring Creek, "It's a bit of a drive out there with little to no cell service but wifi is available over the whole site!" Download maps and information before leaving reliable coverage areas.
Look for accessible waterfall hikes: Families with children appreciate shorter trails with big rewards. A visitor to Mortimer Campground shared, "There are trails and even a waterfall within half a mile from camp," making it ideal for families with young children who might struggle with longer hikes.
Check for playground amenities: Some campgrounds offer recreational structures while others don't. A Blue Bear Mountain Camp visitor noted, "I wish there was a playground for the kids but overall it was very nice," indicating families might want to bring extra activities for children at this location.
Consider site spacing: For family camping, evaluate how close sites are to one another. "The campsites are very spaced out," reported one Blue Bear visitor, which can be beneficial for families concerned about noise carrying to neighboring sites.
Water filling logistics: For tent campers with small water containers, understanding fill station locations matters. At Plumtree Campground & Retreat, water hookups are available, while one Blue Bear Mountain Camp visitor noted their system: "They do not have water hookups- you fill your camper tank with water at the office area."
Road clearance requirements: Access roads to tent camping areas often present challenges. Mortimer Campground is "down a pretty long gravel road, so it's best to have what you need when you arrive. No quick trips to Wally World for resupply here." Planning provisions carefully prevents lengthy drives on difficult roads.
Site leveling needs: Tent campers should bring leveling equipment. "Some of the sites can be a little muddy after wet weather," notes one Mortimer Campground visitor, suggesting campers bring tarps and select tent locations carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Blowing Rock, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Blowing Rock, NC is Blue Bear Mountain Camp with a 4.8-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Blowing Rock, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 74 tent camping locations near Blowing Rock, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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