Tent Camping near Bostic, NC

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Tent camping options near Bostic, North Carolina include several notable locations within South Mountains State Park, where backcountry campsites provide a secluded experience for tent campers. The Upper Falls Campsite and Little River Backcountry Campground offer primitive tent setups with varying access requirements. Crowders Mountain State Park, approximately 30 miles east, provides walk-in tent sites accessible via a one-mile hike from the Sparrow Springs access point.

Most primitive tent sites in the area require some hiking to access, with many backcountry locations situated 1-2 miles from parking areas. South Mountains State Park's Little River campsites necessitate a 1.5-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain. According to one visitor, "the hike up to the campground, though only 1.5 miles, is pretty steep from the Jacob Fork parking area." Fire rings are standard at established sites, while backcountry locations may have communal bear boxes for food storage. Vault toilets are available at most walk-in tent locations, but running water is rarely provided. Campers should pack in all water or bring filtration systems for nearby streams.

The tent camping areas in this region offer notable privacy between sites, particularly at South Mountains State Park. The backcountry campgrounds feature well-spaced sites where "campers were well-spaced so we did not see other campers," as one review noted. Many primitive tent campgrounds provide access to extensive trail networks, with South Mountains offering multiple interconnected paths that allow for creative loop hikes rather than simple out-and-back routes. Crowders Mountain's tent-only sites require a one-mile hike in but reward campers with a secluded experience away from day-use crowds. During peak seasons, particularly summer weekends, day-use parking lots at both parks fill quickly, so tent campers with reservations should arrive early or be prepared for potential parking challenges.

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Best Tent Campgrounds near Bostic (43)

Filters Tent only RV Dispersed Cabin Glamping Pets Equestrian

1. Upper Falls Campsite
5.0(1)16mi from BosticTents
"Site 3&4 are my favorites because they are close to water access (bring a good filter). Plenty of trees to choose from for a hammock setup."
from $15 / night
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2. Upper Falls Backcountry Campground — South Mountains State Park
5.0(1)19mi from Bostic5 sitesTents
from $17 / night
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3. Little River Backcountry Campground — South Mountains State Park
4.0(2)21mi from Bostic4 sitesTents
"Jacob Branch: Three sites arranged around a clearing. Two pit privies and a BEAR BOX! Woot!!"

"The hikes near the falls were quite busy on Memorial Day weekend, but the backcountry campsites were quiet and well-kept."
from $17 / night
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4. Primitive Camping By the Creek
5.0(4)24mi from Bostic2 sitesTents
"On the campsite there is a lot of firewood to use, in a shed to keep it dry. There are log seats around a nice campfire with a picnic table. Lots of room for multiple tents."

"It was very helpful and greatly appreciated after the 11hr drive. The campsite was spacious for us to set up camp and keep the jeep nearby."
from $30 / night

5. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground
4.5(15)32mi from Bostic20 sitesTents, Glamping
"This is a hike in campground so we were in a hurry. The campground had lockers with firewood and you could leave the money in the envelope at the trailhead."

"I visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt. My brother and I spent the day rock climbing."
from $17 - $47 / night
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6. Black Bear Campground
5.0(5)28mi from BosticTents, Cabins
"Excellent campground there’s ice and firewood so you don’t have to make special trips to the nearest convenience store. They charge it directly to your card. The host was wonderful."

"This is a brand new tent and cabin campground built by Duke Energy and run by McDowell county on Lake James."
from $21 - $36 / night
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7. Paddy's Creek — Lake James State Park
5.0(3)27mi from Bostic33 sitesTents
"I needed some lake time and it didn't disappoint! The campground is a 2-minute drive (6-minute bike ride) down to the beach and there is a huge swimming area there."

"We visited the Paddy Creek campground at Lake James last year. The campsite was impeccably maintained with the cleanest bath/shower house I have ever experienced camping."
from $27 / night
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8. Wilderness Cove Campground | Outdoor Adventure Retreats
4.0(3)27mi from BosticTents, Cabins
"Tents only, they do have some cabins for rent. Nice clean bath house. Was able to access wifi near the tubing office. Prices are extremely reasonable. Their website is very accurate. "

"The tent camping is not quite"roughing it": there's pretty reliable WiFi and the bath house is air conditioned and kept very clean."
from $35 - $299 / night
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9. Camp Attocoa
5.0(1)26mi from BosticTents
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10. Catawba River — Lake James State Park
5.0(1)26mi from Bostic20 sitesTents
"We stayed at the Catawba River campground which you can park and walk-in to your campsite. The sites were all so unique and cozy in a little circle path that takes you down by the water."
from $27 / night
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Drive Time

47 min from Spartanburg, SC
1 hr from Asheville, NC
1 hr 5 min from Greenville, SC

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bostic, NC

54 Photos of 43 Bostic Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Bostic, NC

992 Reviews of 43 Bostic Campgrounds

Dave V.
Legend
Aug. 29, 2017
Mount Mitchell State Park Campground
Lofty Blue Ridge Experience
Mount Mitchell State Park, highest peak east of the Mississippi...6,684ft elevation... is located on The Blue Ridge Parkway, but it is still a bit of a climb (for foot or vehicle traffic) to get to the summit. https://www.ncparks.gov/mount-mitchell-state-park

Getting here the day after the solar eclipse, it was still pretty busy...and if you are traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway...speed is only 45 mph, so do your calculations. There are only nine, yes, count them...nine tent camping sites. So reservations are a must if you want a site! The campground is open from May 1 to Oct 31...but if you walk-in to the sites, as in via the trails, you can rent a site amost all year.

Tent sites are small, but nice. You get a timber lined tent pad, a crushed limestone area with picnic table, wooden lantern post, and a fire ring with flip grate...and a bear secure food storage bin. There are flush toilets between sites 3 and 7... and two water spigots nearby.

If campsites are full and you desire to hike the trails, you can register your vehicle with office, leave it there in the parking lot and locate a place to make camp along the trails. There are also several free roadside sites marked with a brown plastic post with a small tent emblem on them. Ordinarily these are along a stream where you can gather water (filter it!)...but it is primitive (LNT!).

The park has a restaurant, a museum, gift shop and an observation tower at the summit. Pretty cool that the observation tower is ADA...but steep.

Check weather reports. These mountains make their own weather. And remember, for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, temperature decreases by 3 degrees (roughly...there is constant debate). So pack wisely. Surprisingly, though reports called for rain...we saw none.

Great hiking and long mountain views are one of the draws. The walk up the Observation trail is paved but steep, so give yourself some time if you are wanting to capture the sunset. If hiking, there are a myriad of sites that offer maps, levels of difficulty and recommendations. Did I mention that if you are planning to hike for the day...plan and pack for weather?

A worthwhile place to pitch your tent, but there are also several other campgrounds at lower elevations that also have great trails and more amenities.
Napunani
Legend
Jun. 23, 2022
Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
Shade, Shade and more Shade!
PROS

Discounted camp fee with senior pass

Reserved 169 days prior to arriving

Friendly and helpful gate attendant

Nearly 100% shade at each site

Excellent dark sky viewing

Private sites with large space along with vegetation between sites

Very quiet

Asphalt parking pad surrounded with bean size gravel

Concrete picnic table

Metal fire pit with cooking grate

2 hook lantern pole

Electric at water connection for heated water hose connection

Recycle bins in campground loop

Trash dumpsters immediately out of campground loop

Firewood for sale but gate attendant told us to buy at Ingles (grocery store) where it is $3 bundle cheaper and we did!

Next to North Carolina Arboretum

Close to Asheville Outlet Mall and Camping World

CONS

3 bear sitings a day prior to our arrival in campground, according to gate attendant

No overnight gate closure even tho RULES proved at check-in stated gates closed at 10pm, but no open hours in RULES

Lakeview site 38 not level

Up hill sewer connection at Lakeview site 38

Fire ring not cleared of ash upon our arrival

Non-moveable concrete picnic table and beyond camper awning

2 toilets and 2 showers for entire Lakeview Loop (21 campsites). There were lines!

Low hanging tree branches over roadways and roadside tree branches over roadways so it was a maneuvering obstacle challenge to not scrape camper roof and sides Campground roads narrow with tight curves along with roadway asphalt dropped off to steep shoulders; could be challenging to novice rig drivers (as we witnessed that more than once)

Two-and- a-half-mile drive on a twisty hilly road through residential neighborhood to get to the campground

No WiFi

1 bar Verizon
Katrin M.
Legend
Aug. 14, 2023
Mount Mitchell State Park Campground
Absolutely stunning
First of all... it is very hard to reserve a campsite for the weekend. And I completely understand why. It is simply beautiful. The campground has just 9 walk in sites. We stayed at site number 1 which is the closest to the parking lot. It was very private ( I think the most private of all) but number 5 and 6 have the best views. All campsites come with a firepit, picnic table, and a lantern pole.
The bathhouse is very clean but had no showers or hot water. A very nice ranger sold us some firewood which was available in the parking lot. There are several ways to go up to the summit. You can hike 0.6 miles, which starts on top of the campground, or you drive up. On top of the mountain is a observation tower, a gift shop, a little museum, and a drink and snack bar. The fact I loved the most, was the the nice cool temperature. It was in the lower 70's during the day and about 50 at night. Be careful with the weather. It can change very quickly. A ranger came by and warned us about a coming thunderstorm. We found shelter on the porch of the bathhouse. It was very nice to watch the rain and the wind. We would camp here anytime again. It is really worth it.
J
Jodi B.
Traveler
Jul. 19, 2016
Black Forest Family Camping Resort
Cabins without the amenities
These cabins may not be for everyone. They are pretty bare bones. The cabins have electricity, but the water pump is outside and the bathrooms and showers are communal (but clean). There is a full size bed and two bunk beds in each one. Outside, there is a a picnic table and a fire ring for each cabin. I think the mattresses are hard, so I usually bring a sleeping bag to pad it. So it can be seen as a step up from tent camping for people who don't like that kind of roughing it.

There is a heated swimming pool and they do lots of things for kids like ice cream socials. They have a little shop in case you forget some necessities.

This campground is close to Dupont Forest, with lots of mountain biking, hiking, and waterfalls. For $50 a night, it's a pretty good deal.
S
Sam F.
Traveler
Aug. 28, 2018
Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina
Great, quiet campground with clean restrooms and hot showers
We took our 5 and 3 year old sons camping here this past weekend and had a great time.

Site: Our site was on the Hard Times loop which offered huge, flat gravel pads (our site was an RV site but also perfect for tent camping since it's pea gravel and not paved). If you have a 6-person or larger tent, opt for a gravel RV site, as you'll get tons more room than the "tent-only" sites which have the tent pad surrounded with railroad ties.

Facilities: Powhatan really takes care of their facilities. Restrooms were cleaned multiple times per day and the showers are clean and the water was actually hot - awesome after a day of hiking before jumping in the sleeping bag. Gate house sells ice and firewood too.

Activities: Tons of trails within Bent Creek but are mainly geared towards mountain bikers. Had to be on constant alert with my kids and dog, as the bikers absolutely bomb down these trails. Similar to hiking in Dupont but with a heavier concentration of mountain bikers. This was the only downside of camping here but there are some great hiking-only trails off the BRP just 30 min away. I wish the trail system worked its way through the campgrounds, as we had to walk a ways down the main paved road to access any trailheads.
C
Chris A.
Guide
Jun. 2, 2024
Crabtree Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Campground in the Forest
On the Blue Ridge Parkway, nestled in the trees and mountains of North Carolina, this campground is an older style NPS campground, but has been well maintained. Sites are back-in and pull through on the side of site. Most sites will allow for 30’ rigs. All sites have picnic table and built-in fire pits. There are no hookups. There are no showers in the trailer (RV) loop, but does include a couple comfort station with flush toilets. Campground Ranger was helpful and very friendly. Sites are split between first come first serve and reservations. Payment made with Ranger by cash or credit card. At $30 per site per day, the price is a little steep.
Ashley M.
Guide
Sep. 17, 2019
Table Rock Campsites (Linville Gorge Wilderness)
Linville Gorge is Gorgeous
We’ve primitive camped in the Linville Gorge Wilderness for many years and absolutely love it. It’s peaceful and secluded and the views are absolutely gorgeous. My photos are from the Linville Falls side of the old highway that goes past the falls parking lot. Spaces are first come, first served dispersed camping. Leave no trace! We clean up after folks every time we camp up here and it’s just too sad that people will leave their trash. This area used to be the best kept secret in the NC mountains but is quickly gaining popularity.
Melissa W.
Guide
May. 30, 2019
Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
BRP Mile Marker 316
Another lovely campground along the BRP, close to Linville Falls and gorge, picnic area and visitor center.

Erwin’s View Trail: Moderate Linville Gorge Trail: Strenuous {amazing view of falls}

Get a map at the visitor’s center.. redundant: the gorge is rather crowded on the weekends.

Check online for road closures when visiting the parkway.

$20 per night

There are 70 sites, some reservable sites and walk ins -and an RV loop {dump station} All sites non electric, generators permitted before quiet hours.

Lovely rangers and camp host that I found to be pleasant and helpful.

Open field sites, with decent sized pads, fire pits & picnic tables. Some of the sites are more secluded, the ones nearest to the parkway road.

Dog friendly for leashed puppers 🐾 Kid Friendly

There are bear lockers, keep food and supplies in the locker and in car at night.

Alcohol is prohibited

No showers but access to clean water and flush toilets.

You may collect dead wood or bring in HEAT TREATED firewood that is certified with a federal seal.

Local stores that sell wood and/or other supplies: Linville Falls Visitor Center/Park store Linville Falls General Store {8896 NC-183, Linville Falls, NC 28647- trinkets, camp supplies, cold drinks, non perishable food, Hunt Brothers Pizza etc} Walmart Supercenter, Spruce Pine, Ingles Food Store, Newland

Nearby Attractions

Linville Falls Linville Gorge “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians”

Falls Trail - 1.6 mi RT/easy The Gorge Trail - 1.4 mi RT/ strenuous. The Plunge Basin Trail- 1mi RT/ moderate. Leashed dogs permitted 🐾

BRP Linville Canverns Crabtree Falls, Burnsville Grassy Creek Falls NC Gem Museum

The campground is laid out well, spacious, clean and located near awesome trails, falls, look outs and shops and restaurants.
Glacia C.
Guide
Jul. 16, 2023
Little River Backcountry Campground — South Mountains State Park
South Mountains NCSP: Jacob Branch Backcountry Sites
Jacob Branch: Three sites arranged around a clearing. Two pit privies and a BEAR BOX! Woot!! The sites are a bit difficult to pitch on, due to the abundance of roots, hardpan earth, and slope, but you’ll find a spot. I didn’t hang, but there are certainly spots that would be suitable. Water is just down the hill. It’s ample and clear, as of May 2023. There are several ways to hike in, as many of the South Mountains SP trails intersect and wander around a bunch giving a bunch of options for how to get in and out. The variety makes for a nice loop instead of just an in-and-out. Get inventive. Trails are broad and veeeeeery hilly in places. If your knees complain, bring the trekking poles. You’ll thank me.

Shinny Creek: Perfect trip if you have kids…or just want something close by. It’s only a bit over a mile to these four sites (see video tour) nestled by a stream. Clear, flat sites. Bear box. Critter-proof trash bin. Pit privy. Water access from every site within ten paces, so water and entertainment are always available. The trail here is easy peasy rolling hills that follows the river past Bear Falls all the way up to the sites.

Guide to Bostic

Tent camping near Bostic, North Carolina provides access to South Mountains State Park, which features elevation gains of 600-2,000 feet across its 20,000 acres. The region transitions between Piedmont and mountain ecosystems, creating diverse wildlife habitats and varied camping terrain. Most primitive tent sites in this area require significant preparation for weather changes, as temperatures can fluctuate 15-20 degrees between day and night.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: The Upper Falls Campsite in South Mountains State Park positions hikers near impressive cascades. One camper shares that "you are about to hike up a LOT of sleep stairs" to reach this area, but the payoff is worth it with "Site 3&4 [being] my favorites because they are close to water access."

River activities: At Primitive Camping By the Creek, visitors enjoy water-based recreation. "The creek is right beside the camp. Nice and secluded," notes one reviewer, while another mentions the "pretty creek and forest" that provides natural entertainment.

Winter exploration: South Mountains State Park remains accessible during colder months. At Upper Falls Backcountry Campground, one camper notes that it's "amazing during winter," offering solitude and different perspectives of the landscape when deciduous trees have shed their leaves.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: At Black Bear Campground, campers appreciate the thoughtful layout. "The campsites are spacious and spaced fairly evenly apart," notes one visitor, while another mentions that "many of the sites are a short walk from the car which affords privacy."

Water proximity: Lake James State Park's Catawba River campground offers waterfront tent sites. A camper describes the area as having "sites down by the water [that] are awesome" and notes the campground has "so many nice little places to hang a hammock and relax" along a "little circle path that takes you down by the water."

Hammock-friendly terrain: Upper Falls Campsite provides excellent hammock camping options with one camper noting there are "plenty of trees to choose from for a hammock setup," while good filtering equipment is recommended since sites 3 and 4 are "close to water access (bring a good filter)."

What you should know

Parking limitations: During peak times at Crowders Mountain, parking can be challenging. One experienced visitor recommends accessing "the Sparrow Springs access" rather than the main entrance, noting "some folks may not be aware that there are actually several entrances to the park."

Fire regulations: Camp Attocoa provides firewood on site, and the private owner "will haul you and your gear in and out" to remote sites. A visitor describes it as a place where "I felt like a pirate that found treasure" due to its secluded nature.

Bathroom facilities: Facilities vary significantly between sites. Black Bear Campground has "restrooms in immaculate condition" according to one camper, while Little River Backcountry Campground features "a pit toilet but no running water, bathrooms, or trash cans."

Tips for camping with families

Shorter hikes: For families with children, Crowders Mountain offers accessible options. One camper suggests, "This is a good place for a family or solo hike. There is a trail for everyone so you will find something that fits just right for you."

Cottage alternatives: Wilderness Cove Campground offers both tent sites and cottages for families wanting more amenities. A parent traveling with a 12-year-old noted, "Moving to the cottage was meant to be easier on my kid, but I didn't expect all the amenities: refrigerator, screened in porch, and very comfy beds."

Water play areas: South Mountains State Park provides safe water recreation spots with "Lots of places to play on the river, rock hopping or swimming around the Jacob Fork Parking area" according to visitor reviews, though families should note that "day-use parking lots fill quickly" during summer weekends.

Tips from RVers

Access challenges: Most campgrounds near Bostic cater primarily to tent campers, with limited RV access. At Wilderness Cove, one visitor cautions that "the drive down the mountain is a little nerve-wracking for a city boy, and my car's low clearance had me scraping my underside on some rocky bumps inside the property."

Alternative options: RVers seeking camping near Bostic should consider Primitive Camping By the Creek, where one camper notes they "decided to camp at the last minute" and found it "close to the interstate but still very secluded" with "plenty of firewood and next to a creek."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bostic, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bostic, NC is Upper Falls Campsite with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bostic, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 43 tent camping locations near Bostic, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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Tent Camping near Bostic, NC

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Best Tent Campgrounds near Bostic (43)

1. Upper Falls Campsite

2. Upper Falls Backcountry Campground — South Mountains State Park

3. Little River Backcountry Campground — South Mountains State Park

4. Primitive Camping By the Creek

5. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

6. Black Bear Campground

7. Paddy's Creek — Lake James State Park

8. Wilderness Cove Campground | Outdoor Adventure Retreats

9. Camp Attocoa

10. Catawba River — Lake James State Park

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Drive Time

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bostic, NC

54 Photos of 43 Bostic Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Bostic, NC

992 Reviews of 43 Bostic Campgrounds

Lofty Blue Ridge Experience

Shade, Shade and more Shade!

Absolutely stunning

Cabins without the amenities

Great, quiet campground with clean restrooms and hot showers

Campground in the Forest

Linville Gorge is Gorgeous

BRP Mile Marker 316

South Mountains NCSP: Jacob Branch Backcountry Sites