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Camping near Banner Elk, North Carolina spans a wide range, from full-service RV parks with hookups to primitive backcountry sites deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grandfather Campground, located directly in Banner Elk, provides streamside sites with mountain views and proximity to Grandfather Mountain. The Blue Ridge Parkway corridor offers several established campgrounds including Julian Price Park and Linville Falls, both managed by the National Park Service and operating seasonally from April through October. Dispersed camping opportunities exist in nearby Linville Gorge Wilderness and along forest service roads, while private campgrounds like Spacious Skies Bear Den and Honey Bear offer amenities including full hookups, cabins, and glamping options for those seeking more comfort.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the Banner Elk region, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during peak leaf season in October when facilities reach capacity quickly. "The campground is very close to Grandfather Mountain entrance. Perfect driving distance to Boone, Valle Crucis, and Banner Elk," notes one visitor to Grandfather Campground. Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those along Highway 105 where, according to one camper, "trucks traveling throughout the day are downshifting to lower gears. The noise can be heard throughout the campground." Cell service is spotty throughout the area, especially at higher elevations and in gorges, making advance planning essential.
Mountain creeks and streams feature prominently in many camping experiences near Banner Elk. Several visitors highlight waterfront sites as preferred locations, with one camper noting they "always enjoyed staying at one of the campsites right by the river" at Grandfather Mountain Campground. The region's campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions including Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, and the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock. Site terrain varies considerably, with some campgrounds featuring sloping sites that can be challenging to level. Weather conditions change rapidly in the mountains, with cool temperatures possible even in summer months and occasional strong storms. Campground hosts throughout the region receive consistently positive reviews for their helpfulness and local knowledge.
"Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."
"This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Fire pits you had to walk up to but were away from tents, which I liked. Bathhouse was clean, well lit, pretty warm showers. Campground was very clean and has a lot of amenities."
"Great tent pads with running water located right next to every pad. Plenty of hiking and biking to do. Pool and playground for the kids to enjoy, a great place for easy camping."
"We were next to the stream near the entrance. The facilities were very nice and you can hike right around the campground.
The campground is very close to Grandfather Mountain entrance."
"If you love the Banner Elk, Grandfather mountain area, then I recommend this campground! You are surrounded by beautiful views of the mountains."
from $35 - $42 / night
Check Availability"The campground is tucked away outside of Boone, but not so far that if you really need something you cant get it."
"Check-in was easy at the office at the entrance of the campground."
"Located directly off Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 324.8 Spruce Pine N.C. Site are level well shaded with a little separation from neighboring sites."
"Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."
from $24 - $999 / night
Check Availability"It's not deep forest or fabulous views but has access to the river. There is water and some buggy bathrooms (if that bothers you) but no showers."
"Another lovely campground along the BRP, close to Linville Falls and gorge, picnic area and visitor center."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability"This is a wonderful family campground with amazing people running the campground close to Boone and Banner Elk. There is a beautiful creek that runs through the property. Campsites are level."
"When I checked in, the host was very nice, and when I returned later to look at the camp store, another host was behind the desk, and he was friendly. "
from $31 - $63 / night
Check Availability"Check your tour cd to verify it works before driving away from the gate. It is helpful as you drive through and not all function correctly."
"This is the most beautiful hiking trails in the world! A lot of climbing rock slopes and ladders with scenic views from 6000 ft plus elevation."
from $17 - $37 / night
Check Availability"It offers RV, drive in and hike in tent sites and also teepee camping."
"There is a place to wash dishes outside as well. Fantastic walking trails - some parts quite steep but we got a good workout through the woods on the property."
from $25 - $136 / night
Check Availability"Situated on a peninsula, Cardens Bluff has great views and access to the lake for the outer campsites."
"Booked site 13 online for the last weekend before the season ended in October 2021, but the hosts caught us at check-in and moved us to site 32, which was right next to the water."
from $12 / night
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ScoutWe arrived and easily got to our spot. There’s a river just behind our spot and only a handful of RVs and cabins. Our GPS wanted us to pass the turn to the campground, we had to make a U turn to get in…. Of course, on the second approach we saw the entrance signs (my bad). It looks like it is best to approach from the west (Hampton?), it was a sharp turn entering from the east (Roan Mountain). We settled in and got to relaxing quickly.
GuideIt was a long day of travel for me anyways. I arrived around 17:15 and the ranger was nowhere to be seen. Honor system was full out the form and pay cash before you go find your site.
This place is better for tent campers and those with rigs 20ft and under. Our 30ft bumper-pull was no match for the narrow sites due to trees. Most sites were not level either. As advertised, no sewer hook-up, and bring at least a 50ft hose for water…better yet, bring a 100ft hose and an additional splitter. The birds were nice to hear. It was quiet throughout the night also, mainly because there were only about 10 campers in the whole park (it holds about 78).
The bathhouses were clean and bright; but only shower curtains for doors on the toilets—reminded me of my deployment to Afghanistan.
Fuel…the hill to get in and out of the park is very steep! And if you spend time trying to fit your rig into any site you might think you can fit into but can’t, you’re going to need enough fuel to make it to the next gas station! If your rig is longer than 30ft and it’s not a 5th wheel, look elsewhere.
Personally, I won’t be stopping here again. The overall park was nice; but for $20/night, it wasn’t worth the stress.
GuideDoe River Landing is a small, delightful RV and cabin camping park that sits on the banks of the Doe River in the Roan Mountain valley of TN. We enjoyed our stay enough that we extended a few extra days. Five shaded, landscaped RV sites offering water/electric are located about 20 yards from the river’s edge. An additional site offers a fully-outfitted rental RV. Sites are pea gravel and mostly level. Luxury rental cabins(5) are available along with a truly awesome rental pavilion outfitted for larger group gatherings. The friendly hosts live in a home nearby and were around daily during our stay.
For a small family campground the amenities are super nice. The top-notch children’s playground and toy shed obviously delighted guest’s children. Wi-Fi signal is strong enough for streaming. Nice, clean bathhouse. Public grills are available. Hiking trails meander along the river and up through their woods.
There are few places we enjoy more than the Roan Mountain area for camping. The location is fantastic and even peak summer temperatures are usually comfortable. Roan Mountain State Park is minutes away for hiking and a slew of activities, while the top of Roan Mountain houses the famous wild Rhododendron Gardens. The AT and multiple hiking trails run along the top of the mountain.
There were only a few considerations with this venue.
The sites are mostly level although we needed two OxBlocks in each of the sites we stayed in. One needed leveling front-to-back, the other side-to-side. When Hurricane Helene scoured the area it likely left some dips in the parking pads.
The bathhouse contains one toilet and shower, both housed in the same room which can tie them up for long periods.
3) There may be some day and night traffic noise as large trucks involved in repairs from Hurricane Helene are still active.
The approach is rather challenging. New lighted signage helps identify where their single-lane entrance road takes a HARD fork off US-19E. Be sure to check the Directions tab on their website. If you are arriving from the north (through Elizabethton) you will be able to pull directly onto Bob Ray Rd.(entrance to the right of the little Bible church). Approaching from the south on US-19E is more difficult. Bob Ray Rd basically runs parallel to US-19E which requires essentially a U-turn across 2-3 lanes to accomplish. The host suggests turning through the closed fruit stand parking lot(on the left within sight of the entrance) but we weren’t sure about it given on-coming traffic. We elected to drive~ 2 miles further down 19E and U-turn across the left shoulder.
Bob Ray Rd is a single-lane road. Based on timing for check-in/check-out you are unlikely to meet another RV coming at you(thankfully!)
Multiple choices for food in the area. The Whiteway Grill– less than 5 minutes away- offers fabulous breakfasts. Smoky Mountain Bakers is beyond awesome! Wood-fired pizza for dinner and breakfast plates from simple sandwiches to breakfast burritos, pancakes and French toast. We find excuses to eat here during the week. Every meal we’ve had at Puerto Escondido Mexican restaurant was huge(as in leftovers) and tasty.
TravelerThe lake is so beautiful if you catch it at the right time of day it’s like l looking into a mirror dimension because it’s so clear.
TravelerI camped on Forest Road 982. There were quite a few people camping along this road, but I found a really good spot by the large creek. The campsites are pretty far from each other so the privacy is good. I stayed one night. Will definitely go back.
ScoutThe owner was super nice and gave us all the info we needed! Very close to the falls to swim at and hike to (wear hiking shoes to get to the falls) over all great quiet little campground!
ScoutThis campground is not 420 friendly! It’s Tn where MJ is illegal. We have RX but we were harassed non stop. One day the owner said to smoke by River, next day somewhere else! Owner also would snoop around my camper to upset my Belgian Mal. We spent a miserable summer here May-Nov. Never again! All was ok until we set up!
LegendThis small campground is low stress on the banks of a very nice river!
ScoutThis is a beautiful park but be aware there is only ONE toilet for a loop of at least 23 tent sites!!! If it's a busy weekend, you'll be miserable.
The Banner Elk area sits at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 5,500 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating distinct camping experiences at different altitudes. Summer temperatures typically average 10-15 degrees cooler than lower elevations, with nighttime temperatures often dropping into the 50s even in July. Tent campers should pack warm sleeping gear regardless of season due to the significant temperature variations between day and night.
Fishing at mountain ponds and streams: At Roan Mountain State Park Campground, campers can access both the Doe River and various ponds. "Lovely camp, Doe River runs through so fly fishing is available. Husband did catch a rainbow trout near group tent sites. Several small brookies near the history center," reports Tracy D.
Hiking to waterfalls: Several campgrounds offer waterfall access, including those near Linville Gorge. "One of the hiking trails leads to a waterfall," notes Emily B. about Spacious Skies Bear Den. The campground is "surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains" and offers "hiking trails, small fishing lake, playgrounds, an arcade room, and camp store."
Water recreation on mountain lakes: Julian Price Park Campground offers kayaking opportunities on its adjacent lake. "This park is right on a gorgeous lake. There is a spot within the park to rent kayaks which was great. There is a hiking trail that goes around the lake," explains Danielle L. The trail also "leads to Hebron Rock Colony which is an incredible hiking trail."
Elevation-based temperature relief: The higher elevation campgrounds provide significant cooling in summer. "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat," notes Kristen J. about Blue Bear Mountain Camp. The campground features "very spaced out" sites and a "nice and clean" bathhouse.
Creek-side camping options: Multiple campgrounds feature water-adjacent sites. "We camped in site 62. Our loop was very private and shaded. The only negative point was the street light right across from us. It was pretty bright at night. Our campsite had a picnic table, a fire pit, a water spigot and electricity. There is also a little creek nearby, which was perfect for the dogs," shares Katrin M. about Roan Mountain State Park.
Mountain wildlife viewing: Grandfather Mountain State Park offers wildlife viewing opportunities alongside challenging hiking. "The visitor center could be a zoo. It is full of educational information and animals. The hikes are second to none with gorgeous views," states Elizabeth V. about Grandfather Mountain State Park.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites in the area require leveling equipment. "The site was quite un-level side to side, and we couldn't get our trailer completely level side to side. The site was a bit tough to maneuver into (doable, though!)," notes Tracy H. about Grandfather Campground.
Seasonal closure schedules: Most campgrounds close during winter months, with a few exceptions. Julian Price Park operates "from April through October," while Linville Falls Campground runs "from April 1 to October 28." Roan Mountain State Park is among the few open "all year."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance planning during peak times. "They are family oriented and camp kids are everywhere," reports Amy P. about Honey Bear Campground, adding, "The staff does a great job making sure the quiet hours are really quiet and no craziness happens."
All-ages campground activities: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly entertainment. "Rootbeer float nights, outdoor movies with marshmellow pits, crerks to splash in. Full bathhouses, laundry & eben a gameroom. My kids loved the tire swings & animals!" shares Karyn H. about Honey Bear Campground.
Playgrounds and recreation areas: Recreation facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The campground has all the amenities you could want. It has a small lake on property to fish or swim. Has a pretty good market for the things you might have forgot. They have firewood and ice to purchase. The campsites are good size. Playground on site for the kids," explains Chris Y. about Spacious Skies Bear Den.
Educational opportunities: Some campsites offer nature learning experiences. "The CD given to you at the gate is something we listen to often," mentions Elizabeth V. about Grandfather Mountain State Park, which includes interpretive materials explaining the mountain ecology and history.
Road access considerations: Several campgrounds have challenging access roads. For Spacious Skies Bear Den, one reviewer advises: "If pulling a camper, don't follow the Bearden sign, go to Linville to get on the parkway and go left. This way you will avoid the steep curvy road going up a mountain."
Highway noise factors: Road noise affects some campgrounds more than others. "There was some noise from Hwy 105. However, that did not bother me that much since I was so close to the sounds of the creek, and since I was staying in a camper," notes Myron C. about Flintlock Campground, adding that the "bath house is modern with tile floors and hot water."
Site selection strategy: When booking, review site-specific details carefully. "There are sites for tents, popups, travel trailers, and RVs. Even though mine was a teardrop camper, I stayed in the popup section with water and electricity. I feel fortunate to have gotten site 23, which is at the end of the lane and next to the creek where it forks," explains Myron C. about Flintlock Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RV camping available in Banner Elk, North Carolina?
Yes, RV camping is readily available in the Banner Elk area with several well-equipped options. Grandfather Campground offers full hookup sites for RVs up to 34 feet and is conveniently located on Highway 105 between Boone and Linville, with grocery stores and restaurants just a 5-minute drive away. The campground features stream-side sites and proximity to Grandfather Mountain and Grandfather Winery. Spacious Skies Bear Den is another excellent option located off Blue Ridge Parkway, offering level sites with full hookups including sewer, clean facilities, and shaded spots that provide a comfortable base for exploring the region. Most RV campgrounds in the area are open from spring through fall, with some limiting operations during winter months.
Where are the best campgrounds near Banner Elk, NC?
The Banner Elk area boasts several outstanding campgrounds catering to different camping preferences. Flintlock Campground stands out as a family-friendly option with level sites, a beautiful creek running through the property, and convenient access to both Boone and Banner Elk. For those seeking a pristine natural setting, Julian Price Park Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway offers scenic beauty and tranquility. Backcountry enthusiasts will appreciate dispersed camping opportunities at higher elevations, while families and those wanting more amenities might prefer established campgrounds with facilities. The area's campgrounds typically provide easy access to regional attractions like Grandfather Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and numerous hiking trails, making Banner Elk an ideal base for exploring the North Carolina High Country.
What is the best time of year to go camping in Banner Elk?
Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the best camping weather in Banner Elk, with summer providing warm days and cooler mountain nights. June through September is particularly pleasant, with wildflowers blooming and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. Linville Falls Campground provides access to beautiful hiking and river activities during this peak season. For those seeking fall colors, September through mid-October transforms the area with spectacular foliage, making Grassy Ridge Bald an excellent backcountry option at 6,000 feet for panoramic autumn views. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to potential snow and ice, especially at higher elevations, while spring brings wildflowers but can be unpredictably wet.
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