Best Campgrounds near Bryson City, NC

Near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City has camping options ranging from developed sites to backcountry areas. Deep Creek Campground sits just a few miles from town with good facilities for families and several hiking trails that start right from the camping area. Many campers prefer Cosby Campground inside the park when they want fewer neighbors and a quieter night's sleep. Trees cover most campsites around Bryson City, which helps keep things cooler during hot summer months. You'll need to book ahead for many sites, particularly from May through October when the area gets busy. Always check current fire rules before your trip, as restrictions change based on conditions. Most roads to the campgrounds are in good shape, though some of the more remote areas might challenge cars with low clearance. Some campsites sit close together while others give you more space from other groups. If you're heading into the backcountry, you'll need the proper permits, and rangers enforce time limits on how long you can stay in one spot. Bryson City works well for both family camping trips and solo backpackers, with different sites matching different needs.

Best Camping Sites Near Bryson City, North Carolina (658)

    1. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    123 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $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."

    2. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    51 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    12 miles
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."

    "We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park."

    3. Deep Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    28 Reviews
    Bryson City, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 488-3184

    $50 / night

    "Campsite has easy access from Bryson City and is a short hike from several beautiful waterfalls! I stayed for two nights on a long weekend trip to the Great Smoky Mountains."

    "The Deep Creek Campground is located just minutes away from the charming Bryson City with its shops, breweries, little cafes an other attractions such as steam train rides on the"

    4. Cades Cove Campground

    97 Reviews
    Townsend, TN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 448-4103

    $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."

    5. Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA

    25 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9711

    "If I’m not mistaken, the one we were at this time was either the same cabin or one close to it.  It is perfectly situated beside the river.  "

    "But if you’re a tent camper, be aware that the tent sites are located near the road (I will never understand why campsites do this, since we are the ones with no soundproofing)."

    6. Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground

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

    "This campground is just outside Bryson City, NC. Bryson is a great little town, several nice restaurants, Nantahala Brewing Co. and 20 min from the NOC. Highly recommended."

    "Plus the nearby town of Bryson city is very nice. I highly recommend spending the extra money to get a riverfront site!!!"

    7. Greenbrier Campground

    70 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    22 miles
    Website

    $35 - $258 / night

    "The campground is surrounded by a little river so many sites have river views. Most are relatively spacious. There are also a few spots on the road side of the island.

    The amenities were spotless."

    "._

    Greenbriar is located near the Greenbriar entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, very near the arts and crafts district of Gatlinburg."

    8. Turkey Creek Campground

    14 Reviews
    Almond, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 307-3077

    $36 - $100 / night

    "Perfect place for rent camping with great bath facilities, plenty of firewood, and close to Fontana Lake, NOC, Bryson City, and GSMNP."

    "Conveniently located between NOC and Bryson City.

    Bathrooms were some of the best we have ever used in our years of camping."

    9. Kirkland Creek Campground and Cabins

    11 Reviews
    Bryson City, NC
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 488-6482

    $27 - $120 / night

    "It’s clean, well lit, appealing to the eye and in a perfect lockup the mountain just minutes from Bryson city. When I say clean I mean top of the line!"

    "Awesome little campground away from what seems like everything else, but still 30 mins or so from Bryson City. The staff was superb and extremely helpful."

    10. Indian Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-4361

    $26 - $37 / night

    "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 site was pretty large, level, and had unparalleled views and access to Bunches Creek."

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Recent Reviews near Bryson City, NC

3111 Reviews of 658 Bryson City Campgrounds



Guide to Bryson City

Camping near Bryson City, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many campers rave about the scenic hikes, like the Little River Trail, which offers breathtaking views. One visitor shared, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Cades Cove Campground have reported numerous wildlife sightings, with one camper noting, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the nearby rivers and streams. Campers at Davidson River Campground appreciate the fishing opportunities, with one reviewer stating, "Davidson River Campground is perfectly situated for outdoor activities, plenty of hiking, good fishing, mountain biking, and climbing available all within a stone's throw from camp."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Many campers love the stunning landscapes. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "The campground had great amenities, really awesome service from the staff, and was a quiet mountain getaway."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. One camper at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "Campground facilities are clean and very well kept."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Greenbrier Campground offer activities for kids, making it a great spot for families. A reviewer said, "Absolutely stunning campground! My young family of six were instantly impressed."

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "Most sites are close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Cosby Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor noted, "It was a clean and decent campground, but it’s a bit of a drive to the park."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Cosby Campground shared, "An assertive mother bear and her three cubs showed up at dinner time and would not leave."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. Campers at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed the playgrounds and activities available for children.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family at Davidson River Campground mentioned, "We scoped out both spots when we got there and decided 91 would be our base camp."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outdoor activities. A camper at Cades Cove Campground suggested, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone! Doing so just irritates the bears."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground advised, "If you have a big RV, it may be hard to get in and out of the park."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. One RV traveler at Lake Powhatan noted, "Dumpsters were within walking distance, which was nice."
  • Stay Connected: Be prepared for limited cell service. A visitor at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "We had very little cell service (Verizon)."

Camping near Bryson City, North Carolina, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bryson City, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bryson City, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 658 campgrounds and RV parks near Bryson City, NC and 61 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Bryson City, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bryson City, NC is Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 123 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bryson City, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 61 free dispersed camping spots near Bryson City, NC.

What parks are near Bryson City, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Bryson City, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.