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Tammy F.
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A sign on the gate says that the area has been closed "due to vandalism and unauthorized activity".
Camping near Almond, NC
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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 Campgrounds near Almond (742)
1. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability2. Cades Cove Campground
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability3. Deep Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability4. Turkey Creek Campground
"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"
"Such a beautiful location with access to many nearby attractions. Ramelle is so so sweet and took great care of us, as first time trailer campers and gave us the “best” location, right on the creek."
from $36 - $100 / night
Check Availability5. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability6. Tsali Campground
"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."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability7. Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground
"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
"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."
from $27 - $120 / night
Check Availability9. Greenbrier Campground
"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."
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Greenbriar is located near the Greenbriar entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, very near the arts and crafts district of Gatlinburg."
from $35 - $258 / night
Check Availability10. Grumpy Bear Campground
"Small campground situated on the Tuckasegee River bank. Great location for area activities. Owners Karen & Jerry friendly and helpful! We will be back."
"Located beside the Tuckaseegee River, this is a great family campground if you don’t require a swimming pool or recreation activities offered by some of the larger franchise campgrounds."
from $50 - $55 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 5 min from Asheville, NC
- 1 hr 58 min from Knoxville, TN
- 2 hrs 39 min from Morristown, TN
Recent Camping Photos near Almond, NC
1393 Photos of 742 Almond Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Turkey Creek CampgroundK
Sky Ridge YurtsM
Tsali CampgroundO
Tumbling Waters Campground and Trout Pond
Lost Mine Campground – CLOSEDL
Smoky Mountain Meadows CampgroundM
Double Island — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge & Resort
Site 65 — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Kirkland Creek Campground and Cabins
Grumpy Bear Campground
Recent Reviews near Almond, NC
3401 Reviews of 742 Almond Campgrounds
Adrian C.GuideNorth River Campground
Peaceful, low cost small campground with some creekside sites
This is one of several USFS campgrounds that are within a few miles of each other. The cost is only $8/night, first come first served. The sites are fairly large with about half of them on a wide, clear creek. There is no running water, but there are bear proof trash cans and vault toilets that were fairly clean, but didn't smell great.
There is free potable water and an RV dump station about a mile away at the North River Game Checking Station on River Road near the Spivey Cove campground..
The campsite was clean with picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern post. The fire ring was almost full of ashes and it appears that campers have to clean them out themselves.
The Green Cove Angler store is a couple miles away and has ice, firewood and other camper things.
Unfortunately, while we were there, it was bear hunting season and another camper had multiple barking and baying dogs that went on and on for hours.
- JJill M.
ScoutTallulah Gorge State Park Campground
Walk to trail sites, clean bathrooms, sites close together…water and electric at site. Sites are sloped gravel.
- AAnna R.Guide
Grapevine Campground
Very nice spot! I imagine it gets full in the summer and on weekends, but just two groups today. Wish we could stay longer. People left a lot of trash at the day use areas sadly but sites were clean. No T-Mobile service.
- MMalte S.
TravelerWinngray Family Campground
Great family run campground
This campground has a great location in maggie valley, close to Waynesville with plenty to do in close proximity. While it is a traditional campground, they have very competitive rates for weekly and monthly stays. For us its the perfect getaway destination for the summers and fall. The staff is super welcomming and friendly. You find a cute creek on the backside of of the campground with trout as some fisherman told me. The staff takes pride in all the flowers, landscaping and seasonal decorations. Also nice to know is you are not being looked down to with an older camper. As long as your rig is decent and functional you are admitted.
- NNPTraveler
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground
Busy but Nice
This worked well for us while we were visiting Dollywood in our trailer, but we wouldn't stay here if we had been in a different type of site. Cons: Unless you have a site up against the river or on patriot park, you are packed in VERY TIGHT with other people, sometimes with your sliders only a foot or two away from your neighbor's sliders. We were in a site that was "on patriot park", but the few first sites of that type are really just behind the trolley parking lot and pick up with a path behind you (including ours). People are on the other side of the fence walking about two feet behind you all day and pretty late in to the night. Pros: There are lot of trees and campground is very pretty. Super close to Dollywood and other Pigeon Forge points of interest.
Mark 'Tony' Z.TravelerPoteete Creek Campground
Friendly host, crowded camp
Water was very low and poor quality. Host was friendly but don’t buy his wood - it doesn’t burn well. County water tasted funny, probably minimal treatment. We had quite a hike to the restroom, which wasn’t regularly cleaned.
Alicia B.ScoutTurkey Creek Campground
NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY
Beautiful Campground, but Absolutely NOT Family-Friendly! I rarely leave negative reviews this strongly, but our experience at Turkey Creek Campground was so disappointing that I feel compelled to warn other families. First, I’ll give credit where it’s due. The campground is beautifully maintained, and the creekside sites are incredibly peaceful and serene. It’s a lovely setting, and during the day, the owner is friendly enough and seemingly hospitable. Unfortunately, the hospitality comes to a screeching halt the moment the clock strikes 10 PM.
We were two families camping together with six well-behaved kids who absolutely love the outdoors. We understand and respect campground quiet hours. We weren’t looking to throw parties, blast music, or disturb anyone. But apparently, at Turkey Creek,“quiet hours” doesn’t mean keeping noise to a respectful minimum. It means absolute silence, complete darkness, and seemingly no normal human activity whatsoever.
I’m not exaggerating.
* We were told to turn off ALL our lights at 10 PM.
* We were confronted for opening our vehicle’s trunk because it made a brief beeping sound.
* Our children were startled by a large spider near the bathhouse, and the owner actually yelled at them to be quiet.
* One evening around 11 PM, we were talking quietly INSIDE OUR OWN TENT, barely above a whisper, when the owner approached our tent door to reprimand us for talking.
* On another occasion, he approached us to complain that our children had left TWO STICKS on the ground near the bathrooms. Two sticks! At a campground surrounded by woods, where the kids had just walked down a wooded trail to reach the bathhouse!
And don’t even think about enjoying a little background music while sitting around your campsite. Music of any kind played through a speaker is prohibited, regardless of volume. Apparently, even a little John Denver played quietly while enjoying the mountains is too much to ask. I fully appreciate that some people camp specifically for peace and quiet. We respect that, too. But there is a massive difference between enforcing reasonable quiet hours and making paying guests feel like they’re constantly being watched, monitored, and reprimanded for simply existing. The owner’s enforcement of these rules felt excessive, confrontational, and completely out of proportion to what was actually happening.
Instead of relaxing and enjoying our family vacation, we found ourselves walking on eggshells, worried that the smallest sound, light, or ordinary childhood behavior would result in another confrontation. What makes this particularly frustrating is that our kids were doing exactly what we’d hope children would do on a camping trip: spending time outside, exploring nature, enjoying each other’s company, and making memories away from screens. Yet somehow, even that seemed unwelcome. If we hadn’t already paid for five nights, we would have packed up and left after the very first night. That’s how uncomfortable the experience became.
If you are someone who wants a meticulously maintained campground where everyone retires to complete silence and darkness by 10 PM, Turkey Creek might be perfect for you. But if you’re a family hoping to enjoy a campfire, share some laughs, quietly socialize in the evening, and let your children experience the simple joys of camping, I cannot recommend this place strongly enough AGAINST it.
There are so many beautiful campgrounds in this area, and I cannot imagine choosing to return somewhere that made our families feel so unwelcome. Beautiful property. Extremely disappointing hospitality. Absolutely terrible experience for families. We will never return.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Two Rivers Landing RV Resort
Premium Campground
This is a really nice place, my only issue is that I think $110 with Good Sam is too expensive. I needed a place to stay, so I did. They have laundry and restrooms but I didn't use them.
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?
What camping is available near Almond, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Almond, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 742 campgrounds and RV parks near Almond, NC and 61 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Almond, NC?
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 127 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Almond, NC?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Almond, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 61 free dispersed camping spots near Almond, NC.
What parks are 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.
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