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 (687)

    1. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    123 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

    97 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. Cades Cove Group Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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

    $50 - $94 / night

    "There is a camp store with firewood (you are required to buy it from an authorized location!). Nice roomy campsites, but not as much plant cover as at Elkmont in my experience."

    "I wanted to see if there was a difference in the camping experience at the two locations."

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Showing results 1-10 of 687 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Almond, NC

3182 Reviews of 687 Almond Campgrounds



Guide to Almond

Camping near Almond, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One camper mentioned, “We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful.”
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground shared, “Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground.”
  • Tubing and Swimming: Enjoy the nearby rivers for tubing and swimming. A review from Greenbrier Campground noted, “The river ran close enough to our site that we didn't feel like we needed a premium spot. Plenty of spots for swimming or tubing if you drop in upstream.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground said, “The bathrooms were amazing. The site had okay Verizon cell service with 2 bars around 30-40mbps.”
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many enjoy the welcoming vibe at the campgrounds. One reviewer at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, “The staff was awesome and it's a great facility.”
  • Beautiful Settings: Campers love the natural beauty surrounding the campgrounds. A review for Cosby Campground highlighted, “It provides access to popular hikes like the Hen Wallow Falls and Mount Cammerer.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Privacy: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Elkmont Campground noted, “All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them.”
  • No Showers at Some Sites: Be prepared for some campgrounds without shower facilities. A visitor at Cosby Campground mentioned, “It’s a clean and decent campground.”
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area, so campers should store food properly. A review from Cades Cove Campground warned, “Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just irritates the bears.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed, “Bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, a gagaball court, volleyball court, basketball court, game room.”
  • Plan for Wildlife: Teach kids about local wildlife and safety. One camper at Cataloochee Campground shared, “We saw elk and turkeys during our stay. A young bull even ran through our campsite!”
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games for downtime. A visitor at Deep Creek Campground mentioned, “There is a path down to the creek for swimming, fishing, or getting out of your tube for lunch.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground advised, “A bigger RV may not be able to make the trip. Research the roads if you have a large camper.”
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A camper at Deep Creek Campground noted, “The campground has a dump station and water as you exit the park.”
  • Plan for Limited Cell Service: Be ready for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Smokemont Campground mentioned, “No cell or TV service here. 2 bay dump station which was nice and clean with water for the RV.”

Camping near Almond, North Carolina, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Almond, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Almond, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 687 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 123 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 Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.