Glamping close to Bostic, North Carolina offers diverse lodging options in the foothills region where elevations range from 900-1,500 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows around 30°F. Several campgrounds in this region are situated along small creeks or near water features, providing natural sound barriers between campsites.
What to do
Dog-friendly adventures: Four Paws Kingdom Campground offers multiple specialized dog areas including agility parks, a ball park, and a swimming pond designed specifically for dogs. "There are options as to how you want to camp. This year I had one site with a fence all the way around and most recently my site had a small fenced in yard for the dogs to use," notes Shelly S., who also mentioned nearby hiking opportunities.
Tube the Green River: Silver Creek Campground provides tubing experiences on the Green River with both RV and primitive camping options. "This camp ground offers tubing on the green river and a couple places to camp. One has a pool and is in the hills and the other is primitive and has a bar and food. Both nice," shares Ronnie N.
Gold mining activities: Try your hand at prospecting at Lucky Strike Campground where campers can search for gold and gems. "We love it here at the Lucky Strike Gold & Gem Mine! It is quiet & peaceful mixed with prospecting for gold & gems. The river runs along some of the sites," explains Kim S., adding that during normal seasons there's "music night on Tues, potluck dinner on Thurs, and Bingo on Fri."
What campers like
Private fenced yards: Many campsites at Four Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat feature individual fenced areas for dogs. "This site is very dog friendly (obviously), with many sites having their own fenced in yards. We opted for a site without a fence, which we regretted once we got there," shares Kelly R., who also noted the campground's proximity to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.
Modern facilities: Emberglow Outdoor Resort maintains clean, updated amenities for glampers. "The shower handle falls off in the small yurt," noted one camper in a detailed review, while another mentioned: "Sites are spacious and fairly level. There are options for folks who don't have an RV: yurts, tiny houses, vintage trailers, and small cabins."
Well-maintained bathhouses: Spacious Skies Bear Den provides clean bathroom facilities. "I was impressed with how clean the cabins and bathrooms were," writes Timothy H., who stayed in a Cozy Cabin with his teenage boys. Another camper noted, "Very clean, great place for families, close to many lookouts, waterfalls, and hikes."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Green Willow Farm Camping and similar small farm stays in the area offer limited camping spots that book quickly during summer months. With only 4 sites available, advance reservations are essential.
Terrain considerations: Many campgrounds in the area have hilly terrain. At Foothills Family Campground, "the roads in the campground are dirt, rutted, and steep. I am glad we unhooked our Jeep before navigating our RV to the site. The RV rocked and rolled quite a bit," reports Kevin A.
Site spacing varies: Campground layouts differ significantly across the area. Some reviewers note close quarters at certain locations while others mention spacious settings. "Campsites are close together but we didn't mind. The staff was great, they helped us find our site and even helped us back our camper in," mentioned a camper at Four Paws Kingdom.
Tips for camping with families
Supervised water activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Golden Valley offers water-based recreation with varying levels of supervision. "The kids enjoyed the water park, putt putt, gem mining, fishing, crafts and tie dying shirts. There were several activities we didn't get a chance to do this trip (kayak, laser tag and the playground)," writes Kimberly H.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. "My two teenage boys and I stayed in a 'Cozy Cabin'. They are bigger than they look in the picture. There is a countertop next to the front door and plenty of room for all of our gear," writes Timothy H. about his stay at Spacious Skies Bear Den.
Plan for limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly in the region's valleys. As one camper at Foothills Family Campground noted, "I would wish it was a little cheaper and it would be nice if cell phone service was better as there is pretty much one bar everywhere you go in the camp ground for Verizon."
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: Foothills Family Campground offers varying site quality across their property. "The site was level, clean with full hook-ups. The price was very reasonable. Most campers were seasonal or long-term campers," notes Kevin A.
Navigation challenges: Access roads to many campgrounds can be challenging. For Spacious Skies Bear Den, one experienced camper advises: "Hint here 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."
Rental options: For those without RVs who want to experience glamping close to Bostic, North Carolina, several campgrounds offer rental units. "Every cabin or RV rental has its own private gated yard with your own firepit," notes Ash D. about Four Paws Kingdom, making it convenient for first-time visitors to the area.
