Best Campgrounds near Almond, NC

The mountain town of Almond, North Carolina serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences in the western part of the state. Turkey Creek Campground, located directly in Almond, provides 40 sites with full hookups for both tent and RV campers from March through November. Within a short drive, campers can access multiple Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds including Smokemont and Deep Creek, which offer more primitive experiences. The North Carolina side of the Smokies tends to be less crowded than the Tennessee side, with Tsali Recreation Area providing additional camping options near Fontana Lake. Family-owned campgrounds and RV parks supplement the federal sites, creating a range of price points and amenity levels throughout the region.

Most campgrounds in the Almond area operate seasonally from spring through fall, with the primary season running April through October. As one camper noted, "The North Carolina part has a slightly different feel. Less of a circus and more laid back." Advance reservations are strongly recommended for national park campgrounds, which fill quickly during summer weekends and fall color season. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage at all sites. Cell service varies significantly, with many campgrounds having limited or no connectivity. Higher elevation campgrounds like those along the Blue Ridge Parkway offer cooler temperatures during summer months, with temperatures often 10-15 degrees lower than valley locations.

Creekside camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the area. Many campgrounds feature water access, with streams running alongside or through camping areas. "The sound of the creek at night melts all your worries away," reported one camper at a nearby site. Facilities range from primitive (vault toilets, no showers) in national park campgrounds to full-service private campgrounds with bathhouses, camp stores, and recreation facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with bear sightings common in the national park campgrounds. The region's campgrounds serve as excellent basecamps for exploring waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic drives including the nearby section of Highway 129 known as "The Dragon," popular with motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts for its numerous curves and switchbacks.

Best Camping Sites Near Almond, North Carolina (699)

    1. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    124 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "Right outside of Gatlinburg so plenty to do and see if you feel like exploring outside of the park."

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    2. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "There’s a river that runs a long the outside of the campground. Good swimming holes. A store that sells food (the best ice cream), firewood & camping supplies."

    "The sites were pretty close to each other but the store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop. Far drive from all of the other hikes and adventures we did."

    3. Deep Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    29 Reviews
    Bryson City, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 488-3184

    $50 / night

    "The Deep Creek Campground is located just minutes away from the charming Bryson City with its shops, breweries, little cafes an other attractions such as steam train rides on the"

    "Quiet with plenty of space between the RV sites, surrounded by hiking trails and waterfalls. Tent sites are next to the river and in close proximity to one another."

    4. Turkey Creek Campground

    14 Reviews
    Almond, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (828) 307-3077

    $36 - $100 / night

    "The owner’s at Turkey Creek are very kind and inviting... water and electric at nearly every campsite, very clean bath facilities... small creek runs through the campground offering sweet sounds to fall"

    "The location? Magical. Nestled in a quiet valley surrounded by mountains and trees in the Nantahala National Forest, just south of the Smokies."

    5. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    53 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    19 miles
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."

    "We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park."

    6. Tsali Campground

    13 Reviews
    Almond, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Sites are first come, first serve, most sites are in the open with a few more private sites around the edge."

    "Great for accessing the mountain bike trails at Tsali. The entire campground is first come first serve, never had a problem finding a spot, but does fill up by the weekend."

    7. Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground

    14 Reviews
    Bryson City, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 488-6055

    "Located close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is a private campground and has several types of camping opportunities. "

    "Campground review: Located in Bryson City, N.C. on Deep Creek, this campground has around 50 sites with full hookups."

    8. Kirkland Creek Campground and Cabins

    11 Reviews
    Bryson City, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 488-6482

    $27 - $120 / night

    "My daughter and I were looking for a campground in or near Bryson City to reserve last week. Very nice and peaceful campsite for RV or Tent camping. We thoroughly enjoyed our night there."

    "Great spot away from some of the more touristy campgrounds. Nice stream running next to park. Cool little trout pond, quails, chickens and ducks Limited sites."

    9. Greenbrier Campground

    70 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    27 miles
    Website

    $35 - $258 / night

    "The campground is surrounded by a little river so many sites have river views. Most are relatively spacious. There are also a few spots on the road side of the island. The amenities were spotless."

    "_

    Greenbriar is located near the Greenbriar entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, very near the arts and crafts district of Gatlinburg."

    10. Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    7 Reviews
    Bryson City, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 488-3672

    "We had the farthest northwest field camp spot next to the babbling brook, our site did not have water or electric, and was a short walk to the bathhouse that is clean with hot showers. "

    "Very easy check in, drive right to our site and hooked up our full hookups. We faced the babbling brook and had a small 2 person cabin directly across the creek."

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Recent Reviews near Almond, NC

3215 Reviews of 699 Almond Campgrounds


  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Pisgah Campground

    October camping experience

    Well I checked when peak leaf season was supposed to occur and what to expect from temperatures. I also appreciate information from those that camped here. We were in site B26 interior of the loop. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get outside loop from the showers to the end. Interior from the showers to site 21 were okay. Ours on the other hand was one of the worst we’ve had. You had a steep 7 step down to picknick table and firepit. It was also in a low sumac shrub area that had a distinct smell. Campground was clean and facilities were well maintained. NPS staff were present despite the current shutdown in Washington! Limited cell service at the site. Best just up the parkway to the Mt. Pisgah picnic area parking lot.

    While we did hit peak color, I didn’t think that the cold front would be as intense. Temperature dropped below freezing and during the night it felt like gale force winds buffeting the GO. Definitely will pick a lower elevation for camping if it’s in October!

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed

    Okay spot

    Avery Road was closed so we ended up here. Not a whole lot of sites in the forest here. This site was fine, nothing special, but nothing bad. There’s a shallow creek that runs next to this spot.

  • SunnyLake
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Lakeside RV Resort & Marina

    Great Place with Great People

    Under new ownership, this little campground is wonderful.  Easy access and close to the activities on Douglas Lake or a quick drive into Sevierville, Pigeon Forge - Dollywood, and the Great Smoky Mountains.  The views from the lake are amazing and the campground hosts are so helpful and available.  Clean and fun!  Love it here!

  • Laur H.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Clabough's Campground

    Good for families

    Our stay was good. It was our first time camping in Pigeon Forge, we usually stay closer to Nashville in state parks. The campsites are extremely close together - everyone is packed in like sardines. We knew it would be tight from when we looked at the map when booking but whew - if you don’t know your neighbors, you will! This seems par for the course in the area. The location here compared to attractions in PF was so convenient it made it worth it.

    We really appreciated the amenities - the bath house was super clean and the laundry room was nice. We loved that the campground picks up trash daily. There was an issue with the sewer in the area where we were and the campground was quick to resolve it. We also appreciated having campground staff escort us to our site so we did not have to wander with a map.

    The playground is big and nice, and my nephew loved the bouncy pillow. The pool and lazy river looked really neat but we didn’t have swim gear with us since it’s fall, although we saw some people swimming so maybe it is heated?

    On the other hand - The staff does not answer any email inquiries, apparently. The cancellation policy is really awfully strict. We didn’t necessarily feel super welcomed at check in.

    There seem to be a LOT of long-term/permanent residents here. That always makes me uncomfortable since I feel like I’m in other peoples space, but no one was unfriendly. It did seem like the rules (which I read carefully prior to arrival) are selectively applied.

    Overall it was a good trip and we wouldn’t be opposed to staying here again, but this definitely isn’t our preferred type of campground.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Grumpy Bear Campground

    Nice but small

    The attraction here is the river. It is absolutely gorgeous. Riverside are small and close together.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    Lake view but live in campers

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Two seperate areas

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Trash..

    This area was easy to find with Apple Maps and T-Mobile and Verizon had signal. When we drove in it was around 9pm in a Saturday night and all sites was taken with what looked like people living there. And the road dead ends. All along the water. Tents and tarps everywhere. We found one spot not on the water and set up. Fire rings and picnic tables are at every spot. But when I woke up and it wasn't pitch black my heart broke. There was bags of trash and litter everywhere around us and tossed in the forest around us. The forest had a lot of thorns but I was able to get three large kitchen bags of trash out. From propane tanks to over twenty cans of food. Just tossed into the woods. We camp all over the United States, and this is our first place close to home and it broke my heart to see how our state treats these beautiful places. Please don't come if you don't appreciate nature enough to not use it as your trash can.

    So on Dyrt there's two sites with this name and same gps but you can follow around the lake and find the other one. Both areas are a lot alike. But definitely more fit for tent camping on the water. Park by the road and walk down sites so none fit for us since we camp in the truck. The sites all looked like the other areas around here where people very much lived there and never left, so not one site at either camping area was open.

  • s
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Creekwood Farm RV Park

    Great RV Park

    This park is conveniently located between Maggie Valley and Waynesville with access to lots of western NC attractions. The staff is excellent and cares about the campers' experience here.


Guide to Almond

Nestled within the Nantahala National Forest, camping near Almond, North Carolina offers elevations ranging from 1,800 to 5,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the camping season. The region sits at the convergence of the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers, providing water-based recreation opportunities from spring through fall. Many sites in this area remain 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands even during summer heat.

What to do

Mountain biking at Tsali Recreation Area: Located 2 miles from Almond, Tsali Campground maintains 4 loop trails specifically designed for mountain bikers with designated days for bike use. "I've been going here for the last 25 years and enjoying the intermediate Mountain trails. As a flatlander I love to come to tsali to get my legs into shape for the mountains," reports one regular visitor.

Tubing adventures: Deep Creek Tube Center provides easy access to tubing opportunities just outside Bryson City. "You can rent a tube and take it into the national park, which is about a mile down the road. If you don't like crowds, I suggest that you go...a few weeks BEFORE Memorial Day," advises a camper who stayed at Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground.

Fishing at trout ponds: Some campgrounds maintain stocked fishing ponds on site. "Trout fishing pond on the property if you're hungry for a fresh caught meal," notes a visitor to Kirkland Creek Campground. These ponds typically require no license for onsite fishing, making them convenient for beginners.

Historic exploration: The Smoky Mountains contain numerous preserved historic structures. "Go on the car tour loop and make sure to stop and look at the cabins and church. History at its finest," suggests a camper from Cades Cove Group Campground.

What campers like

Creekside camping options: Many campgrounds feature tent sites directly adjacent to flowing water. At Turkey Creek Campground, "water and electric at nearly every campsite, very clean bath facilities... small creek runs through the campground offering sweet sounds to fall asleep too," according to a frequent visitor.

Clean facilities: The privately-owned campgrounds near Almond often maintain exceptionally clean restrooms. "Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen at a campground. This was my second time here and I will go back when I am in the area," reports a camper about Turkey Creek Campground.

Proximity to activities: The central location provides easy access to multiple outdoor recreation areas. "Minutes away from NOC, Tsali, and Fontana Lake," notes a visitor describing the convenience of staying near Almond.

Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently report wildlife sightings, especially in the national park campgrounds. At Smokemont Campground, one visitor mentioned, "We even had elk walk through one morning." Black bear sightings are also common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage.

What you should know

Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds near Almond operate from March/April through October/November. "Tsali is always well-maintained. All the spots have dedicated tent area, picnic tables and fire rings. Only downside is it closes mid October until April," explains a camper from Tsali Recreation Area.

Reservation requirements: During peak season (June-October), campgrounds fill quickly. For Smokemont Campground, "I reserved noon on day of check in and there were only two spots left," reports one last-minute camper.

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "Currently I'm using the Wi-Fi from my spot, since cellular service in this area isn't reliable. Make sure you download a google map 'offline mode' map of the area before coming, since service is limited for ATT and Verizon," advises a Turkey Creek camper.

Campground access challenges: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The driveway coming into the campground is steep, so drive slow, and I would highly recommend showing up before dark, not an entrance I would want to make after dark," warns a visitor about Turkey Creek Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer onsite recreation for children. At Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground, "Plenty for the kids to do, including gem mining, feeding goats and several playgrounds. Plus you can rent tubes and drive a short distance into the national park for some fun tubing," explains a family camper.

Ideal family campsites: Request specific sites when traveling with children. "We were tent camping in the off-season and had plenty of sites to choose from—Rick let us drive around to pick our favorite. We landed on Site 18 (highly recommend!) but sites 22, 8, and 9 also stood out," notes a family visiting Turkey Creek.

Wildlife education opportunities: The visitor centers provide excellent learning opportunities. "The campground is close to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and we had the luck of seeing a heard of Elk in the field at the center on our way in!" shares a camper from Smokemont Campground.

Laundry facilities: Several campgrounds offer onsite washing machines. "Washer and dryers are available, and showers and bathrooms are way better than average," mentions a Turkey Creek camper, which is particularly helpful during extended family trips.

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: RVers should carefully evaluate site dimensions before booking. At Deep Creek Campground, "Although sites say they are for tents or RVs, some are very odd and only have parking space for an RV on the road, and your table and other areas are above or below. So if you live close enough, it's important to check out the sites ahead of time."

Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at certain campgrounds. "And bring levelers; you will need them!" advises an RVer about Deep Creek Campground sites.

RV size limitations: Larger rigs face access challenges at some campgrounds. "We had a 30ft camper and site 18 was the only one i would attempt to get in. Its great for smaller campers and tenters," notes a visitor to Tsali Recreation Area, highlighting the importance of researching site specifications before arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Almond, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Almond, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 699 campgrounds and RV parks near Almond, NC and 55 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Almond, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Almond, NC is Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 124 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Almond, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 55 free dispersed camping spots near Almond, NC.

What parks are near Almond, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Almond, NC that allow camping, notably Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.