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Tent Camping near Banner Elk, NC

16 campgrounds with availability this weekend

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    Tent campsites around Banner Elk, North Carolina range from wooded tent-specific sites to more remote backcountry options, with free primitive camping available approximately 30 miles southwest at Steele Creek. Mortimer Campground in the National Forests of North Carolina provides tent-specific camping in a wooded setting, while Blue Bear Mountain Camp offers both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with more amenities. Some primitive tent camping can also be found at Steele Creek, which offers dispersed camping opportunities approximately 30 miles southwest of Banner Elk.

    The terrain at tent campgrounds near Banner Elk varies considerably depending on location. Mortimer Campground features tent sites situated along Thorps Creek with access to hiking trails and a small waterfall within a half-mile walk from camp. Limited amenities are available at most backcountry tent camping areas, with Steele Creek offering free camping but no facilities beyond drinking water. According to one visitor, "Mortimer Campground does not disappoint! Hiking, fishing, swimming, and waterfall splashing abound on, and around, this campground." Campers should note that some areas, particularly at Mortimer, require traveling several miles on dirt roads, making advance provisioning important.

    In early fall, many tent campsites near Banner Elk offer crisp mountain air and fewer crowds compared to summer months. Blue Bear Mountain Camp provides spacious tent camping areas with well-spaced sites to enhance privacy. One camper noted that "the sites are well spaced so you don't feel on top of other campers. Remote sites provide that extra sense of privacy." Most tent-only camping areas in the region offer good proximity to hiking trails, with many sites positioned near water features like creeks that provide both scenery and ambient sound. For backcountry tent camping at Blue Bear, campers have the option of hiking in their gear or arranging for staff to transport equipment to more remote tent sites. The area's combination of mountain views, creek access, and forest cover makes Banner Elk tent camping particularly suited to traditional, immersive outdoor stays.

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Banner Elk (77)

      1. Blue Bear Mountain Camp

      4.8(27)15mi from Banner Elk4 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It offers RV, drive in and hike in tent sites and also teepee camping."

      "We had a neighbor nice enough to give us his site because he was leaving early and I would have stayed another night there. It was C3 backed into the woods on level ground. It made for a cozy morning."

      from $25 - $136 / night

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      2. Dark Ridge HideOut (Adults Only)

      5.0(6)6mi from Banner Elk14 sitesTents

      "Excellent parking spot with plenty of room to set up a 3-person tent. Also, delivery of homemade pizza. I recommend the Jalapeno & Cheese."

      "Very attentive and has some great stories to share. The property is well kept and the provided toilet & shower were a very welcome after a couple days in the tent."

      from $20 - $45 / night

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      3. Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina

      4.3(10)13mi from Banner Elk17 sitesTents

      "The 5 upfront are walk in, and more private. The about to be 12 in the back are pull in and much closer together. Two shower houses, one on both ends, no hookups."

      "Had some friends stay next to us in a class b. A small trailer would fit, nothing big. No W/E/S but great place. Come early to reserve. You must set up camp immediately. No reservations."

      from $20 - $30 / night

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      4. Camper Mountain on Roaring Creek

      5.0(2)11mi from Banner Elk5 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It’s a bit of a drive out there with little to no cell service but wifi is available over the whole site! Definitely worth it with amazing views all around."

      from $29 - $69 / night

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      5. Plumtree Campground & Retreat

      5.0(1)11mi from Banner Elk2 sitesRVs, Tents

      Available this weekend

      from $30 / night

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      6. Elk Knob State Park Campground

      5.0(3)16mi from Banner Elk7 sitesTents

      "Primitive camping and a perfect uphill 1.9 mile hike to the top of the world! If you're going in the winter I recommend hiking poles for hiking in the snow."

      "This park is just north of Boone, NC near the Tennessee state line. Great primitive sites at the bottom of the 5,520 ft mountain."

      Campground full this weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $17 - $47 / night

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      7. Steele Creek

      4.5(4)17mi from Banner ElkTents

      "I have stayed at all the free campsites around and left my review for each. This is by far the quietest, nicest, cleanest , site yet !"

      "There’s a nice big spot at the end of the trail where you could rooftop tent/car camp, but the actual site is about 100’ away."

      8. Boone Fork Campground

      3.8(4)17mi from Banner ElkTents

      "There is a 5 mile long trail that goes through the campground called Boone Fork Trail. This trail leads to Hebron falls where you can explore giant boulders and have a picnic."

      "The terrain is also flat and easy to hike through, making it a good long trail for beginners or children."

      9. Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area

      3.3(3)16mi from Banner ElkTents

      "Stayed a night out here while traveling, scary narrow rocky trails, but beautiful streams and mountains"

      10. River Livin'

      5.0(1)16mi from Banner Elk1 siteTents

      "We're happy to have this property on our platform. Check them out and come back here to leave your review!"

      from $65 / night

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    Tent Camping Reviews near Banner Elk, NC

    1333 Reviews of 77 Banner Elk Campgrounds

    • Windy W.
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Beautiful Place, Ugly host, Oct 2026

      Let 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

    • Bonnie H.
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Kylie T & Andrew W. Review not accurate

      My 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?"

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Spacious Skies Bear Den

      Seems 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.

    • Kyle T.
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Unprofessional hosts that ruins a place with good potential

      We brought our whole family out and rented almost every cabin on the property, plus the event center, for the weekend— we gave this place a lot of business. And honestly, the stay itself was great— nice place, no complaints about the cabins. The owner is the problem. He came flying in in his blue F-150 doing 20–30 mph where the posted speed limit is 5, and started screaming at us over something that could've been handled with a simple conversation. His exact words:"Where are your parents? This is a family establishment. I will not have hooligans running around here." Every single one of us is over 21 and family. All we were doing was playing hide and seek— which isn't against any of the property's rules— and there were no other guests to disturb, since we had the entire area rented. He still threatened to call the police, even though it wasn't even quiet hours. Before anyone could get a word in, he peeled out so fast the gravel sprayed up at us and our cars. Then on his way out he drove the wrong way down the property's one-way road, so apparently the rules only apply to guests. It's sad, because the property itself is great, and we were never anything but nice to the owners the whole weekend. To be treated in such an unprofessional manner— screamed at, threatened, and never given so much as an apology afterward— put a real dent in the weekend. We won't be back

    • A
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Beautiful place ruined by unprofessional ownership

      Our group of about 20 rented nearly every cabin at Doe River Landing for my friend's wedding weekend, with the reception held on site. The cabins were nice and well-equipped, and the only other guests were in a cabin half a mile away through the woods. Unfortunately, the hosts ruined the stay. One night, some of us were playing hide and seek in an area that wasn't blocked off or against any rule. The host's husband came speeding in at roughly 30 mph(the posted limit is 5), jumped out of his truck screaming that he"will not have child hooligans running around the campground," told us to"go back to the motel we crawled out of," and demanded to see our parents— despite all of us being adults in our twenties. He then peeled out so aggressively he sprayed gravel at us and our cars. It wasn't even quiet hours, and we weren't disturbing anyone. Afterward, the host called us again, passive-aggressive, and questioned our ages— even though you have to be 21 just to rent a cabin there. The property is lovely, but the hosts' behavior put a real damper on what should have been a joyful wedding celebration. It's a shame they treat people paying good money this way. We won't be back.

    • Juliana J.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 14, 2026

      Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

      Epic Spot Near Iron Mountain and Rush Trails

      I wandered a bit and took a left up a gravel road near where the sites indicated were located and just drove for a few miles. Found an awesome spot with a fire pit and lush surroundings. The road was unpaved (but as are all to the best spots) and there were definitely some large rocks and potholes to navigate. Would suggest higher raised vehicle. Saw nobody else and felt like I had my own slice of paradise.

    • April V.
      Oct. 11, 2026

      Lakeview RV Resort

      Nice little campground

      Clean nice little campground for the weekend.

    • Lisa & Patrick R.
      Oct. 11, 2026

      Buck Creek

      Buck Creek Campground review

      Nice spot right on the river..Camp store & staff seem friendly & helpful-especially Sonny & Joshua.

    • CThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 27, 2026

      Raccoon Branch Campground

      Great Off-Grid Camping

      This is a small campground but the sites are very spacious. Our site (6) backed up to the creek and trail. There is no power or water on this side of the campground, but there is a water spigot by the bathrooms. There is also a water hose for filling tanks by the dump station and trash dumpster. *Word of caution, bring your own water because it was yellow/brown while we were there. The bathrooms were clean, but on our last day there one of the toilets and the sink was clogged in the ladies room. There are two bathroom buildings at this site.

    Guide to Banner Elk

    Tent camping opportunities near Banner Elk, North Carolina extend throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations averaging 3,700 feet, creating mild summer temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. The region sits within day-trip distance of Grandfather Mountain and Linville Gorge, with most camping areas featuring deciduous forest cover that provides natural shade during summer months but opens up for mountain views during leaf-off seasons.

    What to do

    Swimming in mountain creeks: At Steele Creek, numerous campsites position you along the water. According to Kylie B., "The creek is a great spot to swim... there is a walking trail at the end of the road about 100 feet from our site, that had the best swimming hole at the end of it, where you can jump in. It has a couple small waterfalls to add to the ambience."

    Mountain summit hiking: From Elk Knob State Park Campground, take the Summit Trail to the peak at 5,520 feet. "Take Summit Trail to the top and enjoy great views of the surrounding area 2 miles one way," notes Fain H. The trail climbs approximately 1,000 feet in elevation from the primitive camping area.

    Fishing mountain waters: Local waterways offer trout fishing opportunities within walking distance of campsites. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, the fishing pond proves productive. Kristen J. reports, "The hike to the pond was a little more strenuous than we anticipated but once you get there, there is a nice creek and we caught a trout in the pond right away."

    Winter recreation: Several camping areas remain accessible year-round, making them suitable bases for cold-weather activities. Fain H. comments about Elk Knob, "This trip was in fall and the leaves were beautiful, but this park stays open year round and I would love to go back in the winter."

    What campers like

    Cool temperatures: The high elevation provides relief from summer heat at Blue Bear Mountain Camp. Mandy R. confirms, "Not only is the weather so much cooler in the summer there (70-80 in July!), it's just a wonderful, down to earth place to be." This temperature difference can be 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowland areas.

    Site spacing: Many campers appreciate the distance between sites at certain campgrounds. Scott D. noted at Blue Bear Mountain Camp, "After a string of rough camps and brutal temps this mountain spot was so welcome." Similarly, Raven B. mentioned, "The mountain views are breathtaking. The campsites are small and close together. We were lucky to only be sharing the property with 1 other group."

    Proximity to water: Sites with creek access rank highest among tent campers in the area. At Steele Creek, Kenny L. simply states, "Great camping spot with access to the creek for swimming." The sound of flowing water is mentioned repeatedly in camper reviews as a natural sleep aid.

    Primitive camping options: For tent campers seeking more remote experiences, several campgrounds offer walk-in sites. James C. says about Dark Ridge HideOut, "The primitive sites are great. Hike in/out if you want or they can haul you stuff down. Either way it's beautiful."

    What you should know

    Road conditions: Access to some of the best tent camping near Banner Elk requires driving on unpaved roads. Michael W. notes about Steele Creek: "Road wasn't too bad, only a spot or 2 on the switchback that were probably best for a 4 wheel drive vehicle, but I'm sure most cars would be fine."

    Limited facilities: Many primitive sites have minimal amenities. Brenna M. warns about insects at Steele Creek: "I did get eaten alive by mosquitos and I found a tick on my chair so be on the lookout." Bring insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin for summer camping.

    Space limitations: Several campgrounds have restrictions on vehicle size or type. Michael W. advises, "Maybe I missed this in the reviews, but all but 1 site were best for tents. I drove in to camp in my car and there was only 1 spot, which is by the creek crossing, and it was already taken."

    Seasonal popularity: Securing sites during peak seasons requires advanced planning. At Mortimer Campground, Cody B. advises, "Come early to reserve. You must set up camp immediately. No reservations." Weekends from June-October typically fill fastest.

    Tips for camping with families

    Bathroom access: When camping with children, campgrounds with toilets reduce challenges. Danielle H. notes about Mortimer Campground, "Definitely a backcountry campground, only two other campers there when I visited." Clementine K. adds, "Two shower houses, one on both ends, no hookups."

    Trail difficulty considerations: Look for campgrounds with gentle trails for younger hikers. Caroline G. comments on Boone Fork Campground: "The terrain is also flat and easy to hike through, making it a good long trail for beginners or children."

    Swimming access: Safe water play areas rank high for family camping. Kylie B. describes Steele Creek's swimming holes as having "a couple small waterfalls to add to the ambience." Families with children should prioritize sites near gentle water entry points.

    Supply planning: Remote locations require careful provision planning. Clementine K. warns about Mortimer Campground, "9 miles, minimum, of dirt roads getting in, so pack accordingly. Quick trips don't happen." Create a detailed packing list specific to remote camping needs.

    Tips from RVers

    Limited RV sites: The mountainous terrain restricts RV camping options. At Camper Mountain on Roaring Creek, Clover C. advises, "It's a bit of a drive out there with little to no cell service but wifi is available over the whole site!"

    Water fill stations: Most campgrounds lack water hookups. Mandy R. explains about Blue Bear Mountain Camp: "They do not have water hookups- you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups. They have a dump station where you can empty your tanks on your way out."

    Access challenges: Mountain roads present navigation issues for larger rigs. Kristen J. warns about Blue Bear Mountain Camp, "The state maintained gravel road used to access campground was narrow and would be difficult to get a large camper up there, although there were lots of large ones there."

    Electrical availability: Power options vary significantly between campgrounds. At Dark Ridge HideOut, Steve H. reports, "Curtis is the most gracious of hosts and is genuinely dedicated to providing a relaxing and enjoyable experience." Check with campground hosts about generator policies where hookups aren't available.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the best campgrounds near Banner Elk for tent camping?

    Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway is highly recommended, requiring a reservation and permit from the ranger station. While you'll need to hike about a mile to reach the sites, the effort rewards you with tent pads, picnic tables, fire pits, pit toilets, and a water pump (seasonal availability). For groups, Briar Bottom Group Campground in Pisgah National Forest offers spacious sites that can accommodate families or friends, with some located close to the river. Both provide a peaceful experience away from crowds with excellent access to hiking trails.

    Where can I find tent camping in Banner Elk, NC?

    Banner Elk offers diverse tent camping options within a short drive. For a scenic experience, Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites provides multiple dispersed camping areas along Bear Creek near the NC/TN/VA borders. For something unique, Self Sufficient Holler offers suspended tree tents surrounded by fireflies for a magical experience. Other nearby options include Plumtree Campground & Retreat, Camper Mountain on Roaring Creek, and Elk Knob State Park which all accommodate tent campers with varying amenities and access options.

    When is the best season for tent camping in Banner Elk?

    Late spring through early fall offers the most pleasant tent camping weather in Banner Elk, with summer (June-August) providing warm days and cool nights perfect for outdoor activities. For spectacular foliage, September through mid-October transforms the area with vibrant colors. Little River Backcountry Campground is particularly beautiful during these seasons with opportunities for rock hopping and swimming. Winter camping is possible but challenging—Mountaineer Campground remains accessible in milder winter periods but prepare for cold temperatures if camping during this season. Always check seasonal closures before planning your trip.