Best Glamping near Bear Creek, NC

Pala Chino Yurt and Kickstand Lodge represent the premier glamping experiences near Bear Creek, North Carolina, with distinctive accommodations that blend comfort with natural surroundings. At Pala Chino, visitors stay in authentic yurts featuring comfortable beds, electricity, and rustic charm while maintaining modern conveniences. Kickstand Lodge provides glamping options with access to a full kitchen for guests, clean shower facilities, and a welcoming firepit gathering area. Both locations maintain proximity to hiking trails and water activities while offering cleanliness and comfort not found in traditional camping. One guest remarked, "This place is right down the road from Nantahala wedding venue, which made it very convenient for the wedding we were attending! It was comfortable, clean, cozy and unique!"

The Nantahala National Forest provides a stunning backdrop for these eco-friendly glamping destinations, with Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge & Resort adding luxury glamping options featuring clean bathhouses, WiFi access, and evening gatherings around communal firepits. Murphy/Peace Valley KOA houses family-friendly glamping accommodations alongside Valley River where guests enjoy tubing, swimming, and wildlife observation. The proximity to Nantahala River offers whitewater rafting adventures, while nearby mountain trails provide hiking and biking opportunities through scenic terrain. According to a camper, "The bathhouse was sparkling clean. The site was beautiful." Seasonal availability varies by location, with most glamping sites operating from early spring through late fall, though some like Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge remain open year-round.

Best Glamping Sites Near Bear Creek, North Carolina (107)

    1. Cades Cove Campground

    98 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $30 / night

    "We were impressed with the paved parking space, picnic table, fire pit and level tent pad. It looks like these are very new. Proximity to cades cove loop was great."

    "The one lane, one way, circular drive around Cades Cover is scenic but can get very crowded and cars will stop for any wildlife, go early..."

    2. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    124 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "The only bad part was the non quiet hours- so It was loud at night. But the campsites are far apart, easy walking distance to bathrooms."

    "There are no hook ups for electric and sewer here, nor are their showers."

    3. Indian Boundary

    28 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-8400

    $20 / night

    "The grounds themselves are immaculate, the bathroom and showers are so clean they don't even smell like bathrooms."

    "Beautiful lake. Well maintained.  Easy access to hiking/biking trail. Clean bathrooms. Well stocked camp store."

    4. Jackrabbit Mountain

    14 Reviews
    Hayesville, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 837-5152

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Located on Lake Chatuge in both North Carolina and Georgia, you can ride right to the biking trails or launch your paddleboard right from your lakeside site.  "

    "Not only was the drive there a beautiful place to see, the campgrounds were amazing as well. There were plenty of amenities, bathrooms and showers included."

    5. Kickstand Lodge

    2 Reviews
    Almond, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6069

    "We chose a site close to the barn and the stream that runs through.  A nice site but was a bit muddy in certain locations. There is a pavilion with a cooking area. "

    6. Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground

    14 Reviews
    Bryson City, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 488-6055

    "Campground review: Located in Bryson City, N.C. on Deep Creek, this campground has around 50 sites with full hookups."

    "We tent camped at an electric site and it was awesome. There’s shelters to camp under, a fire ring, and a picnic table. We were close to the bath house which was welcomed in the middle of the night."

    7. Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge & Resort

    2 Reviews
    Almond, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-3864

    "The staff are super friendly, the bathhouse is clean (well, the women’s, can’t speak for the men’s) and there’s a laundry room on site if you need it."

    "Perfect location for many rides. Good food, fire pit, bathroom/showers, etc. Find this place & stay!"

    8. Backside Campground at Nantahala

    2 Reviews
    Nantahala National Forest, NC
    6 miles
    +1 (478) 955-1649

    $25 - $75 / night

    "The picnic table was perfect for holding our camping stove and cooking up the breakfast bacon. "

    9. Murphy/Peace Valley KOA

    8 Reviews
    Murphy, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 837-6223

    "There is an awesome gold-bearing creek alongside the camp which is too cool. The place is pet friendly, the owner is awesome, the price is reasonable."

    "Upon arrival, we loved how cute and quaint it was. It is a small park, with all sites very close together."

    10. Pala Chino Yurt

    1 Review
    Nantahala National Forest, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (772) 475-5788

    $120 - $200 / night

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Glamping Reviews near Bear Creek, NC

1199 Reviews of 107 Bear Creek Campgrounds


  • Angela B.
    Sep. 4, 2020

    Olde English Farm

    Glamping Campsites

    Family friendly Glamping campsites with solar shower, queen bed, memory foam mattress, night stands, all the essential cookware, campfire and grill, bathroom facilities, extra 4 person tent. A secluded, quiet and peaceful Private campground with fishing in their 3 acre pond and Miles of hiking Trails. Perfect getaway!

  • M
    Sep. 30, 2018

    North Sungate Farms Treehouse Glamping

    Peaceful, private Creekside gem...

    Fun and relaxing creekside Glamping treehouse, there's plenty of space for a few tents as well. The creek is cool and refreshing to enjoy rock hunting. Large fire pit and grill to make our dinner. We stargazed on one if the clear nights, looked like the planetarium! When we went to sleep we we're comfortable in the Air-conditioned beautifully decorated treehouse. Lots of fun places to go within 20 minutes in any direction... really centrally located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains!

  • Ashley M.
    Sep. 17, 2019

    Moonshine Creek Campground

    Beautiful Campground

    My husband and I stayed here for my birthday in one of the camping cabins. We will definitely be back now that we have our A-frame camper. The campground is beautiful with a mountain stream flowing through the entire campground. Immaculate bathhouses and wonderful owners. Great store onsite and lots to do in the surrounding area.

  • Nate H.
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort

    Vintage campers!

    Camp Leconte Luxury Resort is located in Gatlinburg near the Greenbriar area of the Smokies. It’s a fairly small campground right on the Parkway. It’s close to town, but far enough away to avoid traffic. The campground has nice, paved spots for rv’s. It has glamping tent cabins, as well as vintage campers. There is a camp store, but the campground is not far from a grocery store and liquor store. There’s a trolley stop nearby also, so if you’d like To go to the strip, you can take the trolley and not worry about parking. There’s a nice pool and playground. Very clean campground.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2022

    Jenny's Creek Family Campground

    Great Family Campground!

    We stayed here over July 4th weekend and it was a really great experience! The campground is nice and well kept. The bathrooms were so clean and so nice! They are air conditioned with three stall and three showers. They also have a nice playground on site as well as a air conditioned club house they provides a nice break from the heat. They also have firewood and I’ve on site which is really convenient. The owners are super nice and come by each morning to pick up your trash. We enjoyed fishing in the pond and trekking through the creek. We would highly recommend for anyone camping in the Cleveland/Helen area.

  • J
    Mar. 4, 2021

    Two Wheels of Suchess

    Love TWoS!!!

    I have stayed here 3 or 4 times. The owner takes great great pride in his ownership. He was able to buy it from a family whom let the place go down hill then rebuilt it himself with family and friends. The cabins are warm at night without the need for a heat source. The shower house is also climate controlled. There are no designated places for tents therefore you don't necessarily have to stay in the first spot you picked. Another thing I love about the ownership is your bill is on the honor system. They will not hound you about what you owe. You can pay as you go or wait for the total as you leave. You are far enough in the sticks but also close to whatever you need from down the road. He placed 2 or 3 (can't remember) posts for electricity and never complained about me stinging my 100' extension cord through the creek so we could enjoy the fire pits as well as the electricity for phones and tent heaters. Their food is very good too sadly, only on the weekends from Friday evening to Sunday morning.

  • S
    Oct. 16, 2016

    Moonshine Creek Campground

    Moonshine Creek Campground

    Owners are very friendly. Our tent campsite was very secluded, included a fire pit, picnic table, over looking deck, running water and electric. Loved hearing the running creek from our tent site. Very clean bathrooms. Highly recommended!

  • Erin D.
    Aug. 8, 2019

    Indian Creek Campground

    Creekside Camping

    Indian Creek offers the most relaxing creekside camping in North Carolina.

    Every campsite is lush with greenery, private and well maintained after each occupancy. The bathhouse is the cleanest I have found and the campsite store carries all of your forgotten necessities, and more!

    My husband and I love coming back to this campground, because how of well we and our kids sleep! The sound of the creek at night melts all of your worries away and takes you off to peaceful slumber.

    This campground is always in rotation for a visit.

  • Katie K.
    Sep. 11, 2020

    Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

    Perfect spot outside the smoky mountain national park

    My family and I have been camping at this campground for over 25 years now. When we first started going here it was a small family owned business and it has certainly changed since KOA took over but I think they’re all positive, just less of the charm. The sites along the river are by far the best, and the cost is reflective of that. They upgraded the bathhouse to be climate controlled recently... the best upgrade!!! The location is superb, right outside cades cove and a five min drive from put in for tubing down the river and one of the few places you can simply tune to without having to pay a service to shuttle you one way or the other. The staff is amazing. Definitely a must stop!


Guide to Bear Creek

Camping options near Bear Creek, North Carolina range from full-service campgrounds to primitive tent sites. The area sits within the Nantahala National Forest at elevations between 1,800 and 3,500 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures that typically stay below 85°F even during July and August. Most campgrounds experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months, with creek and river levels rising quickly after heavy rainfall.

What to do

Mountain biking at Jackrabbit Mountain: The 15-mile trail system accommodates riders of various skill levels with well-maintained routes. "The 15 miles of mountain bike trails are absolutely amazing for all skill levels," notes Katrin S. at Jackrabbit Mountain.

Fishing at Valley River: Multiple access points along the river provide spots for trout fishing from March through November. "The campground has a wonderful area and the history of the place is amazing," says Amy P. from Elkmont Campground.

Tubing on Deep Creek: Rent tubes on-site for $5-10 per day and float the gentle current for 15-20 minutes within the campground or take a longer 2-3 hour float. "You can put in your tube at one side of campground and float to end of tent sites to get out (15-20 minutes total float) or drive up the road a bit to Smoky Mountain Deep Creek entrance for a longer run of about 2-3 hours and end up back in camp," explains Christy C. from Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground.

What campers like

Creek-side campsites: Fall asleep to the sound of flowing water at sites positioned directly along streams and rivers. "We camped along the river and it was amazing. Great hiking opportunities and close to Gatlinburg if you run out of supplies," shares Charlotte B. about her experience at Elkmont.

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-serviced bathhouses with hot showers and modern amenities. "Bathrooms are clean but no showers. Traffic was a beast but there were good hiking trails from campground," reports Kim L. at Cades Cove Campground.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and evening hours provide the best chances to spot black bears, deer, and wild turkeys. "I have never seen more black bear. It was a very safe distance we watched them about a football field away across a field pretty amazing experience," remarks Ashley Y. about her visit to Cades Cove.

What you should know

Bear precautions required: All food must be stored in vehicles or approved containers when not in use. "Very strict rules regarding food storage and park has managed to control bears and raccoons," notes Kim L. about her stay at Elkmont Campground.

Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have minimal or no cellular coverage, with the nearest reliable service often 10+ miles away. "No cell service for Verizon and none for many miles on the drive to the site," warns Carol B. from Cades Cove.

Reservation requirements: Most popular sites fill 2-3 months in advance, particularly for summer weekends and fall color season. At Indian Boundary, Jason J. advises, "Make your reservations far in advance this is a destination!"

Tips for camping with families

Swimming areas: Look for designated beach areas with gradual entry points suitable for younger children. "There's a lake with a sandy area, and a beautiful mountain range to enjoy. It's my favorite camping spot!" recommends Alison B. about Indian Boundary.

Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment and open fields for recreation. "There was a little play ground, swings, cornhole, some balls for her to throw, a pool (small but since it was not busy we really enjoyed it), a game room, and a store with essentials," shares Nicole B. about Murphy/Peace Valley KOA.

Educational opportunities: Look for campgrounds with ranger programs and historic sites during summer months. "Go on the car tour loop and make sure to stop and look at the cabins and church. History at its finest," suggests Buck R. about Cades Cove.

Tips from RVers

Generator-free zones: Seek out campgrounds with designated quiet areas for better sleep quality. "I was on a loop that allowed generators but very few were in use," mentions Kim L. about her stay at Elkmont.

Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds require additional leveling blocks on sloped pads. "All driveways shaded, paved, and level. Very pleasant place," notes Kim L. describing Cades Cove sites.

Dump station availability: Plan ahead as many campgrounds have limited or seasonal facilities. "Dump station on site," confirms Kim L. about Elkmont, while at Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground, you'll find "sites with full hookups" according to Brett B., who adds that the campground is "just one mile from the Great Smokey Mountains Park, where you can hike, fish and tube."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Bear Creek, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Bear Creek, NC is Cades Cove Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 98 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Bear Creek, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 107 glamping camping locations near Bear Creek, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.