Bear Creek, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Bear Creek is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Bear Creek, NC. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$30 / night
"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."
$30 / night
"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."
"Each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents (a few can accommodate more if you’re ambitious), and lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe)."
"There are nine lakeside campsites along a smooth gravel road off of NC-143. Each of the campsites have fire rings and some had picnic tables."
$36 - $100 / night
"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."
$10 - $20 / night
"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."
"It's an absolutely beautiful lake in the forest. The trees are turning and the sky is blue. Only drawback is the Pine Ridge Rd dispersed camping is along the roadside. Not really private."
"There are a handful of Lots located right along the lake with a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance."
$26 - $100 / night
"The entrance to this park is right across the street to an entrance to the Appalachian Trail. A beautiful trout stream runs through the park, close to all the campsites."
"Our site was about 30 feet away from the Nantahala river. The bathrooms and showers were spotless. Keep in mind that it’s far from any store or restaurant so bring food along. No cell service."
"Nice lakeside side with good lake views. Park next to site. Toilet facility available, site next to marina on north side. Cellphone service with Verizon ok 1or 2 bars."
"Campsite L8 was one of 30 something dispersed primitive sites scattered around Lake Santeetlah, and it was an amazing place to spend 4 nights."
"There was also a large field next to the camping area that could be used for various activities. The facilities (covered picnic area, bathrooms) were great."
"It's in a beautiful location, very close to the mountains and the Nantahala river. Definitely worth it!"
$18 - $32 / night
"HOT nice shower, close to town and the Dragon! Cabins have heat and air and some have bathrooms. Glad I brought my own grate for campfire cooking. Did not take a lot of pictures."
ScoutNew owners, management, and campground hosts have made many improvements and it is a lovely visit! Easy family atmosphere and great access to Douglas Lake and loved their Otters Cove Bar & Grill!
GuideThis is a great little place right on the Callusaja River. There's some traffic noise during the day as Highlands Road is right on the other side of the river. But at night there's very little traffic and the river sound drowns it out. This is a small private park with about 4 campsites that are meticulously maintained. We were able to get our 33' coach in there after unhitching our jeep, but I doubt anything much bigger would fit. Max length was listed at 45' at the time I posted this review. But 45' is total rig length. A 45' trailer or 5th wheel is not getting in and out of there without tearing the place up.
Andy, the owner, has had the place in his family since the 1980's. So he knows the area really well. Him and his wife are very pleasant people. We really enjoyed the stay.
ScoutStart with, campground has great views of the smokes. Getting to it can be tricky as TN-68 has steep grades and decent curves but is doable for all but the absolute longest if rigs. That said, I was looking for a campground that would be well suited to a motorcyclist and the sites are fairly loose gravel and roads are fairly compacted but still gravel. With the steep grade to get to the lower sites, not the best suited for being on 2 wheels, but it is passable. Because sites are loose gravel, leveling can be a challenge is your rig does not auto level. Cell service with T-Mobile not existent. They have WiFi but not very fast.
TravelerWe stayed in the parking lot in our small rig. (Under 26 ft) we had our super quiet generator running and had no issues. Stayed overnight and then went on the 5 mile hike to see the different water falls. Definitely a cool spot. Have to pay $5 per day. Grab a slip and fill it out. No phone service otherwise you could pay using the app.
GuideWe've been boondocking a lot lately and just needed a dump site. But after seeing the place we decided to come back and stay the next time we needed to dump. The laundry facilities were nice. Spots are nice and level. The place is well maintained, and the staff is friendly. We were going to stay just one night to do laundry, but ended up staying for 3.
Traveler8 or so beautiful sites, many with direct lake views/access. We showed up late and got the furthest site on the road. Important to note that many of the sites do not allow drive in. We camped in a RTT on the pulloff across from the site, saw a few other vans doing the same. Good fishing.
TravelerWhat a great campground this was. Private with beautiful sunsets. The wildlife was amazing and we saw two bald eagles. The just was very laid back made us feel totally comfortable. We will certainly go back
ScoutReally enjoyed the peace and quite of the campground, kids loved playing in the creek that the owners have stocked regularly with trout, nice playground and pool for the kids, site has a soccer field also and Cornhole boards, owners are very friendly and have put lots of their time and energy to make this a very enjoyable family campsite!
GuideThis place is gorgeous. All the sites are arranged for phenomenal views of the surrounding mountains. I love the cuts in the tree lines so you can have a vista view from your picnic table.
The showers were hot. The toilets were clean. The water was pristine and easily accessed.
I sleep off the ground, so a lot of campgrounds are understandably not equipped for a couple of easily accessed trees to hold up a hammock. After calling and asking for a good site that would fit, I arrived to find that not only the site I was given (#16) was perfect, but many other tent sites looked easily accommodating for hammocks as well.
The sunset alone was more than worth it. I didn't see any elk, but did fall asleep listening to some owls call to each other, and caught sight of three young bears crossing the road as I left camp.
The only real question left is "When can I go back?" The visit was simply too short.
Camping near Bear Creek, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Bear Creek, North Carolina, has something for everyone. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Bear Creek, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 797 campgrounds and RV parks near Bear Creek, NC and 68 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bear Creek, NC is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 97 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 68 free dispersed camping spots near Bear Creek, NC.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Bear Creek, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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