37 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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. Campgrounds near Banner Elk include streamside tent sites, seasonal National Park Service campgrounds, and private resorts with cabins and glamping — making it one of the more varied camping destinations in the North Carolina High Country. 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
"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
"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
"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."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $45 / night
"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 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."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $37 / night
"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
"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!"
from $20 - $45 / night
GuideMother nature is amazing and helps relieve stress from the ones who never deserved to be around you to take and cover it up. So I'll run to God's beauty, and enjoy my fire at the same time. Come on baby light my fire! ;)
ScoutNobody was here on Sat. Had gard time finding site. Site reserved did not have 30 amp and could not reach staff. Moved to other site hoping it would not be a problem. We were able to finally reach staff on Mon. Also no pcknick tables or fire rings.
ScoutNice camp and staff friendly. We drive the Blue Ridge Pkwy which was a bit of drive but the ride up to Mt Mitchell was beautiful. Only negative was the laundry rooms were small for a large camp like this but I made it work. Probably a bit more challenging during busy season but all that said this is a nice campground
ScoutGreat camping spot! Road isn’t horrible going up but there are some rougher areas toward the end of the road. Gorgeous sunset and sunrise spot! Fire rings seemed fairly abundant at the pull offs.
TravelerAbsolutely one of the most beautiful campgrounds that we have visited, and super clean. Such a great location for hiking and viewing the Blue Ridge Pkwy!
ScoutLet me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
Traveler3 stars only because it says water hookups but they are far and few between communal. No spigot at individual sites. Need long hose(s)to reach the connection. Good T-Mobile 5G but too wooded for StarLink. Quiet, shady, somewhat level sites were available. $20/night.
TravelerThe road was very bumpy but I got up on my 2WD Honda Odyssey. A couple people came during the day to take photos, but the night was peaceful. A couple campsites on the drive up, less secluded though. View was gorgeous and the sunset was amazing. Amazing spot for stargazing.
ScoutMy husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.
The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.
Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.
These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.
I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"
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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