Tent campsites near Beech Mountain, North Carolina benefit from cooler summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees lower than surrounding lowland areas. Even in July, overnight temperatures can drop into the 50s, requiring campers to pack warmer sleeping gear than they might expect for summer camping. The high elevation camping options range from 3,500 to 5,500 feet above sea level, creating distinct microclimates.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Plumtree Campground & Retreat offers access to creek fishing, and nearby at Blue Bear Mountain Camp, one camper noted "we caught a trout in the pond right away" after hiking to their on-site pond.
Swimming in mountain creeks: Steele Creek provides several swimming options along its waterway. "This is definitely the creek, it 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," reports one camper.
Waterfall hiking: The camping area near Mortimer Campground connects to accessible waterfall trails. "There are trails and even a waterfall within half a mile from camp," shares a visitor. Another mentions, "Two trailheads are on the campground, one of which is a beautiful and easy hike to a small waterfall."
What campers like
Natural cooling: The higher elevations maintain comfortable temperatures throughout summer. At Dark Ridge HideOut, campers enjoy "a serene mountain experience" with cooler temperatures. A camper at Elk Knob State Park Campground noted it sits at "5,520 ft mountain" elevation, making it significantly cooler than surrounding areas.
Secluded camping spots: Mortimer Campground offers varied privacy levels. "The 5 upfront are walk in, and more private. The about to be 12 in the back are pull in and much closer together," explains one camper. For those seeking true seclusion, the campground connects to "9 miles, minimum, of dirt roads getting in, so pack accordingly."
Creek sounds: Many sites feature creek-side camping with natural white noise. At Steele Creek, a camper mentions, "There are plenty of sites to pick from all along the creek... The site is very clean other than some glass that I've been picking up." Mortimer Campground has "many of the campsites situated along Thorps Creek, so the sound of the creek can lull you to sleep."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to several campgrounds requires navigating unpaved roads. For Steele Creek, a camper warns "the road was narrow and windy so be careful driving but not awful." Another notes, "The road is pretty well maintained other than a few spots that you have to crawl through on the corners specifically. I drive a Toyota Camry that sits fairly low and I made it fine."
Insect preparation: Bring insect repellent for mosquitoes and check for ticks. One camper at Steele Creek reported, "I did get eaten alive by mosquitos and I found a tick on my chair so be on the lookout." At Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area, visitors warned of "lots of poison ivy" in some camping areas.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas lack basic amenities. At Mortimer Campground, a camper notes "no hookups but great place. No W/E/S but great place." Another mentions "there are water spigots to fill up your jug" but no other water access points.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Several campgrounds feature safe swimming options for children. Steele Creek offers "access to the creek for swimming" with multiple entry points of varying depths. One camper noted it's their "favorite spot in the pisgah national forest" specifically because of the family-friendly water access.
Playground consideration: Some families note the lack of dedicated play areas. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, one camper mentioned, "I wish there was a playground for the kids but overall it was very nice. Close to Boone." Families should bring their own recreational equipment.
Space between sites: Elk Knob State Park Campground offers "primitive sites at the bottom of the 5,520 ft mountain" with enough spacing for family privacy. Mortimer Campground has mixed reviews on site spacing, with one visitor noting "the sites were close enough together that we didn't have much privacy. It would be great for a family who likes lots of company."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most camping areas near Beech Mountain accommodate only smaller RVs and trailers. At Mortimer Campground, a camper advised, "We stayed in a tent. Had some friends stay next to us in a class b. A small trailer would fit, nothing big." Another noted most sites are "best for tents" with limited level parking for larger vehicles.
Road access challenges: The mountain roads leading to campgrounds can be challenging. One Blue Bear Mountain Camp visitor warned, "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."
Water and hookup planning: Most sites require self-contained camping. At Mortimer Campground, campers note "No W/E/S" (water, electric, sewer), while at 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."
