12 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campsites near Arden, North Carolina range from established options to more primitive dispersed settings in Pisgah National Forest. Mills River Dispersed offers basic tent camping with sites situated along a cold flowing stream, while Paradise Ridge Permaculture provides a tent camping experience on a small, permaculture-focused property with farm animals and spring water access. Both locations offer different tent camping environments within reasonable driving distance from Arden.
Primitive tent sites at Mills River Dispersed feature well-maintained, level places to pitch a tent, though campers should note these are typically positioned immediately adjacent to the access road. A camper observed that "the dirt road to get there as well as the pull off for the campsite are rough and a bit dangerous for low/regular cars." Most tent camping areas lack amenities like running water or electrical hookups. The National Forest dispersed sites follow pack-in, pack-out principles for waste management, with no trash collection services available. As of April 2025, Mills River Dispersed camping areas are temporarily closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene.
The tent camping experience near Arden offers varied natural settings. Paradise Ridge Permaculture provides an off-grid tent camping option with solar lights, spring water access, and a composting toilet system that "doesn't smell." According to one visitor, the grounds are "conveniently located near the city of Asheville and hiking trails" with "a shared gazebo, cozy fire pit, and cold showers." Pisgah National Forest dispersed tent sites allow campers to experience more secluded natural settings, though without amenities like showers or designated picnic areas. Most walk-in tent locations throughout the region require campers to be self-sufficient, bringing their own water and supplies while adhering to Leave No Trace principles in these mountain forest environments.
"No generators allowed. But clean campsites and plenty of toilets. There's even a primitive hot shower. The people are very friendly both the campers and the people who operate the camp."
"If what you are looking for is a great place to get out in nature and get away from the crowds you’re in the right spot."
from $24 - $110 / night
"As other reviews have said, this campground is in a lovely location, right on a small creek/river. The grounds are well maintained and grass covered for the most part."
"Me and my party of 6 stumbled upon this Gem after we had made reservations at another site that was extremely sketchy on Labor Day weekend so we called around and heard BRMC had some space."
from $15 - $50 / night
"I have cleaned out about an acre for tent or hammock camping, another acre for shared areas, and the pasture has about an acre wide open for dogs, horses or other well mannered animals."
"She showed us around the grounds which has horses, pigs, chickens, a natural spring, and fruits/vegetables/mushrooms growing around the property."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $30 / night
"Happy to welcome this new listing to our platform. Check them out, and come back here to leave them some love!"
"Plenty of fire wood! I actually want to come back in the next month now that I’m seeing this again!"
from $120 - $35 / night
"Love the privacy of this spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area."
"Tent camping only. Nice, private walk-in sites. Creek runs through park. Definitely no call service. Only an emergency call box if anything goes on at night. It's a pack in pack out park."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when available"*this is just for the free campsites- there appears to be paid campsites and maybe RV hook ups very close by."
"Definitely some disrespectful neighbors but sites aren't closely packed. Get there early as possible as people can post up for a week there. Great launch pad for hiking and mountain biking."
"It wasn't officially designated but it was used as a campsite. You'll need four wheel drive to get in and out of it though."
"Tents only, they do have some cabins for rent. Nice clean bath house. Was able to access wifi near the tubing office. Prices are extremely reasonable. Their website is very accurate. "
"The tent camping is not quite"roughing it": there's pretty reliable WiFi and the bath house is air conditioned and kept very clean."
from $35 - $299 / night
"Cosby is a small town about a 45 minute easy drive from Gatlinburg. Heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping."
"Most of the sites are better suited to tent campers, though a few of them are designated RV sites offering a back-in parking pad."
from $50 / night
"Situated along the beautiful French Broad River."
"Beautiful campground with great campstore right at the entrance that sells everything. Large campsites with great privacy foliage, picnic tables, & fire rings."
TravelerMy son, daughter-in-law, and twin grandchildren, and I camped here to watch the full solar eclipse in 2017. We had a beautiful tent site. There was a little playground that the kids really enjoyed and abundant shade at the camping site. Bathrooms were clean, wood for campfires was available, and we had a wonderful time.
TravelerThis place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person shower rooms and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.
TravelerThis 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.
ScoutLovely spot on the river. Freeway was loud but not too bad.
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.
ScoutGreat spot to pull in last minute. There are multiple spots along this stretch of road. Would not recommend if you want to post up somewhere private, decent amount of traffic pulling through for a mountain road.
TravelerNice spot right on the river..Camp store & staff seem friendly & helpful-especially Sonny & Joshua.
TravelerThe view is worth it and is as advertised! We were in the first spot as you enter the park. We were concerned with noise, but it was not even an issue.
Our spot was right on the ridge and was stunning. I don’t think I closed the blinds on that side of the trailer.
Loss of star because of the road in/out. It’s one lane gravel and windy. It’s ok as long as you don’t meet anyone on the road. Dryer took 2 cycles to dry 2 towels and a few tshirts.
ScoutBathrooms are small and few. Interstate is close. Setting is beautiful and KOA is clean with friendly staff. Will stay again.
Tent camping near Arden, North Carolina offers backcountry experiences in the southern Appalachian mountains at elevations between 2,000-3,500 feet. The area receives around 45 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions ideal for camping from late spring through early fall. Night temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees below daytime highs, even during summer months, requiring campers to pack accordingly.
Hiking trails access: The The Bike Farm provides direct access to multiple trail systems. "The trail system is awesome. It's super nice being able to bike straight from your camp and go ride," notes Cory A., who also appreciates the "bad ass outdoor showers" after a day on the trails.
Mineral soaks: Tent campers near Arden can combine outdoor adventure with relaxation at Hot Springs Campground, located 60 miles north. "Walk to spa for soak in hot tub!" shares Roxanne R. The campground offers "amazing views open air hot tubs" according to Tra C., perfect for muscle recovery after hiking.
River access: Many tent sites offer water features for summer cooling. Wilderness Cove Campground sits directly on the Green River, providing easy water access. Dave reports, "Moving to the cottage was meant to be easier on my kid, but I didn't expect all the amenities: refrigerator, screened in porch, and very comfy beds."
Privacy between sites: Jones Gap State Park Campground offers secluded tent camping with significant space between campsites. "Each spot is about a quarter mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself," explains Emily S., who has camped at multiple sites within the park.
Natural soundscapes: Tent campers frequently mention the calming effect of water sounds. Kevin G. notes that at Jones Gap, "The river is a great soundtrack for a night's sleep," while Joe G. from Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground appreciates that "the only thing you could hear was the river. Great sleeping conditions."
Wildlife viewing: Pisgah National Forest Dispersed camping areas provide opportunities to experience native animals in their habitat. Jeff F. describes it as the "Greatest Place on Earth" where "the only noises you'll hear are the numerous creeks that flow off the mountain or a car driving up or down the gravel road."
Vehicle considerations: Access roads to dispersed camping can challenge standard vehicles. At Mills River Dispersed, Tavi C. warns that "the dirt road to get there as well as the pull off for the campsite are rough and a bit dangerous for low/regular cars. It's doable but you should go very slow and watch for giant holes and ridges."
Pack-in requirements: Most tent camping sites around Arden require self-sufficiency. Rick from The Bike Farm notes, "No garbage cans so pack in and pack out. No generators allowed. But clean campsites and plenty of toilets."
Off-season conditions: The camping season varies by location. Cosby Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park operates "mid April - mid October," according to their listing, while others may close during winter or after weather events.
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Cosby Campground offers accessible hiking for families with children. "The hike to Hen Wallows is nice with some rugged patches, but worth it in the end," recommends Janine B., adding that "On Fridays they have special Ranger programs."
Safety planning: Establish emergency protocols before tent camping with children. Frank M. shares a cautionary tale from Pisgah: "My mistake was not paying attention to where the runoff was. This morning I had a small stream running through my camp."
Permaculture experience: Paradise Ridge Permaculture offers educational opportunities for children with its working farm. Joseph S. found it "peaceful and serene" with "friendly animals," making it suitable for families wanting to combine tent camping near Arden with agricultural learning.
Tent/RV mixed camping: Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground accommodates both tent and RV campers. Sonya A. reports it has "nice clean gated park. Nice big spots. Only 3 fifty amp full hook up sites. Lots of 30 amp and tent camping. Right on the river."
Road approach challenges: Dave from Wilderness Cove notes, "The drive down the mountain is a little nerve-wracking for a city boy, and my car's low clearance had me scraping my underside on some rocky bumps inside the property," indicating tent campers with RVs should evaluate access roads carefully.
Seasonal availability: Jack M. advises checking facilities before arrival: "Food is available on Friday and Saturday's, limited options, but available. On the subject of food, that is probably the biggest drawback about this campground. Plan on a 15 mile +/- ride to eat."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Arden, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Arden, NC is The Bike Farm with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 89 tent camping locations near Arden, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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