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Tent Camping near Burnsville, NC

16 campgrounds with availability next weekend

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    Pisgah National Forest provides multiple tent camping options near Burnsville, North Carolina, with dispersed sites scattered throughout the forest's 500,000 acres. Maple Camp Bald offers a secluded tent camping experience with walk-in sites accessible via a 6-mile hike on the Buncombe Horse Range Trail, featuring remarkable sunrise views of Mount Mitchell. Other established tent campgrounds include Briar Bottom Group Campground, which operates seasonally from April to October, and several private options like Bear Creek Mountain Campground and Waystone Camping Collective that offer primitive tent sites within 25 miles of Burnsville.

    Most walk-in tent sites at Maple Camp Bald require packing in essential supplies, as amenities are minimal. The camping area contains 3-4 established tent pads with fire rings, though no designated restrooms or potable water sources exist on site. One natural spring located 0.4 miles from the bald serves as the primary water source, which requires filtering before consumption. Campers planning extended stays should bring sufficient water for drinking and cooking, as accessing this spring requires additional hiking. Forest regulations generally permit campfires where established fire rings exist, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods.

    Tent campers seeking solitude will find the walk-in tent locations particularly rewarding, as the required hiking effort significantly reduces crowds compared to drive-in campgrounds. Sites positioned at higher elevations provide cooling breezes during summer months when lower elevations experience higher temperatures. The tent-specific campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy, with dispersed sites providing the most isolation. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "It's a 6 mile hike up Maple Camp Ridge on trail 191 starting from a small parking lot close to Carolina Hemlocks Campground. There are 3-4 areas to set up camp, two of them could accommodate multiple tents." During peak autumn foliage season (October), walk-in tent sites fill quickly, especially on weekends, making midweek visits or advance planning essential for securing prime locations.

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Burnsville (85)

      1. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

      4.3(13)11mi from BurnsvilleTents

      "Definitely some disrespectful neighbors but sites aren't closely packed. Get there early as possible as people can post up for a week there. Great launch pad for hiking and mountain biking."

      "It wasn't officially designated but it was used as a campsite. You'll need four wheel drive to get in and out of it though."

      2. Maple Camp Bald

      5.0(3)10mi from BurnsvilleTents

      "A little below where we set up camp, we found a natural spring for water and theres a decent amount of firewood around. We parked at the top of Mt."

      "It’s a 6 mile hike up Maple Camp Ridge on trail 191 (Buncombe Horse Range) starting from a small parking lot close to Carolina Hemlocks Campground."

      3. Rusty's Roost River Camp

      5.0(1)6mi from Burnsville1 siteTents, Glamping

      "We'd like to welcome your host, Rusty, to our platform. Each tent has lighting and electrical hookup. Glampers will have comfy linens and furnishings. Close access to the restrooms and hot showers."

      Available next weekend

      from $98 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Mila's Bunny Farm

      5.0(1)7mi from Burnsville3 sitesTents, Glamping

      "Mila's Bunny Farm has a secluded tent site for those looking for a nice escape to this beautiful area.  Check them out and share some pics from your stay!"

      from $40 - $75 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Bear Creek Mountain Campground

      5.0(2)11mi from Burnsville1 siteTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Just a beautiful place camped for a weekend with my son and we couldn't have been more happy with the set up. Thanks Michelle!"

      "I have a few cabins, one glamping tent, and a self-brought tent camping area."

      from $25 - $30 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Waystone Camping Collective

      5.0(1)10mi from Burnsville3 sitesTents

      "Waystone Camping has a great location and each site has access to all the great amenities.  Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!"

      from $35 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Briar Bottom Group Campground

      5.0(2)12mi from Burnsville6 sitesTents

      "Briar Bottom Campground is located in the heart of Pisgah National Forest, close to several hiking trails."

      "Bathrooms are shared with other group sites. Outdoor spicier at every site along with picnic tables under shelter and a campfire ring. Great spot to take the family. We went for 6 years straight."

      Campground full next weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $125 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Celtic Camp

      5.0(2)13mi from BurnsvilleTents

      from $10 / night

      9. USA Raft Adventure Resort

      4.0(3)15mi from BurnsvilleTents, Cabins, Glamping

      10. Hot Springs Campground

      4.4(29)30mi from BurnsvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Situated along the beautiful French Broad River."

      "Beautiful campground with great campstore right at the entrance that sells everything. Large campsites with great privacy foliage, picnic tables, & fire rings."

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    Tent Camping Reviews near Burnsville, NC

    1578 Reviews of 85 Burnsville Campgrounds

    • Windy W.
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Beautiful Place, Ugly host, Oct 2026

      Let me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time.   With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price

    • a
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Lake Powhatan Glamping — National Forests In North Carolina

      This place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person shower rooms and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.

    • M
      Oct. 22, 2026

      Winngray Family Campground

      Great family run campground

      This campground has a great location in maggie valley, close to Waynesville with plenty to do in close proximity. While it is a traditional campground, they have very competitive rates for weekly and monthly stays. For us its the perfect getaway destination for the summers and fall. The staff is super welcomming and friendly. You find a cute creek on the backside of of the campground with trout as some fisherman told me. The staff takes pride in all the flowers, landscaping and seasonal decorations. Also nice to know is you are not being looked down to with an older camper. As long as your rig is decent and functional you are admitted.

    • Bonnie H.
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Kylie T & Andrew W. Review not accurate

      My husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.

      The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.

      Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.

      These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.

      I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Spacious Skies Bear Den

      Seems to be a well established campground in an off the beaten path location. Roads alternately paved and gravel. The campsite is gravel in a wooded setting. Fair amount of space between sites. The bathhouse is clean but dated.

    • Kyle T.
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Unprofessional hosts that ruins a place with good potential

      We brought our whole family out and rented almost every cabin on the property, plus the event center, for the weekend— we gave this place a lot of business. And honestly, the stay itself was great— nice place, no complaints about the cabins. The owner is the problem. He came flying in in his blue F-150 doing 20–30 mph where the posted speed limit is 5, and started screaming at us over something that could've been handled with a simple conversation. His exact words:"Where are your parents? This is a family establishment. I will not have hooligans running around here." Every single one of us is over 21 and family. All we were doing was playing hide and seek— which isn't against any of the property's rules— and there were no other guests to disturb, since we had the entire area rented. He still threatened to call the police, even though it wasn't even quiet hours. Before anyone could get a word in, he peeled out so fast the gravel sprayed up at us and our cars. Then on his way out he drove the wrong way down the property's one-way road, so apparently the rules only apply to guests. It's sad, because the property itself is great, and we were never anything but nice to the owners the whole weekend. To be treated in such an unprofessional manner— screamed at, threatened, and never given so much as an apology afterward— put a real dent in the weekend. We won't be back

    • A
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Beautiful place ruined by unprofessional ownership

      Our group of about 20 rented nearly every cabin at Doe River Landing for my friend's wedding weekend, with the reception held on site. The cabins were nice and well-equipped, and the only other guests were in a cabin half a mile away through the woods. Unfortunately, the hosts ruined the stay. One night, some of us were playing hide and seek in an area that wasn't blocked off or against any rule. The host's husband came speeding in at roughly 30 mph(the posted limit is 5), jumped out of his truck screaming that he"will not have child hooligans running around the campground," told us to"go back to the motel we crawled out of," and demanded to see our parents— despite all of us being adults in our twenties. He then peeled out so aggressively he sprayed gravel at us and our cars. It wasn't even quiet hours, and we weren't disturbing anyone. Afterward, the host called us again, passive-aggressive, and questioned our ages— even though you have to be 21 just to rent a cabin there. The property is lovely, but the hosts' behavior put a real damper on what should have been a joyful wedding celebration. It's a shame they treat people paying good money this way. We won't be back.

    • K W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 16, 2026

      Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off

      Pull off along well used access road

      Great spot to pull in last minute. There are multiple spots along this stretch of road. Would not recommend if you want to post up somewhere private, decent amount of traffic pulling through for a mountain road.

    Guide to Burnsville

    Tent camping around Burnsville, North Carolina offers diverse backcountry experiences at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 6,000 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Camping options include both established campgrounds with amenities and primitive dispersed sites throughout Pisgah National Forest, with seasonal fire restrictions common from October through April.

    What to do

    Fishing access points: Several Burnsville area campgrounds offer direct river access for fishing enthusiasts. Hot Springs Campground sits directly on the French Broad River where campers report "beautiful sites on the river" and being able to "play on the French broad river and then take a soak in the hot mineral tubs!"

    Natural springs exploration: Beyond the developed campgrounds, natural springs provide unique experiences. USA Raft Adventure Resort combines camping with river activities as one camper noted: "Great sites right by the river for tents, various unique styles of 'cabin camping' along the river and off the river, great staff (brings wood to you!)"

    Appalachian Trail hiking: Multiple tent camping areas near Burnsville provide access to the Appalachian Trail. One visitor to the area mentioned that "The AT meanders along the River and is easily accessible from the campground," making it ideal for day hikers wanting to experience sections of this famous long-distance trail.

    What campers like

    Mountain summit views: Campers consistently mention the elevated perspectives from higher campgrounds. At Maple Camp Bald, one reviewer described it as having "a phenomenal view to the East of Mount Mitchell" and being "an amazing spot to admire sunrises if the weather cooperates."

    Water sources: Natural springs near camping areas provide essential resources. One camper at Maple Camp Bald mentioned, "0.4 miles from the bald is a nice water source" while another noted they "found a natural spring for water" a little below their campsite, making extended stays possible.

    Privacy between sites: Pisgah National Forest Dispersed camping receives praise for site separation. One camper explained that "sites aren't closely packed" and another noted there are "several dispersed camping sites where you can easily park a vehicle" along specific forest roads.

    What you should know

    Road closures after weather events: Be aware that forest road access can change quickly. A recent visitor to Pisgah noted the area was "Closed due to flood reconstruction" when they attempted to visit in June, highlighting the importance of checking current conditions.

    Seasonal camping windows: Briar Bottom Group Campground operates only from April through October. Its proximity to multiple trails makes it popular as "The famous Mount Mitchell trail starts a short walking distance from the campground."

    Wildlife precautions: Black bears frequent the area, requiring proper food storage. A camper at Briar Bottom warned: "Make sure to lock up all your food the black bears will come take it if not."

    Water filtration requirements: Natural water sources require treatment. At higher elevation sites, campers report finding springs but advise "packing in enough water for your stay because there is not a water source at the site."

    Tips for camping with families

    Group site benefits: Family groups should consider dedicated group areas. At Briar Bottom Group Campground, one camper described it as "Great place for group camping" with "outdoor spicier at every site along with picnic tables under shelter and a campfire ring."

    Stream access for children: Bear Creek Mountain Campground provides natural water features safe for kids. A visitor described it as "a beautiful place" where they "camped for a weekend with my son and we couldn't have been more happy with the setup."

    Educational opportunities: Multiple campgrounds near Burnsville feature interpretive nature trails. One camper mentioned "plenty of water access" and "family friendly paths" that allow children to learn about Appalachian ecosystems.

    Tips from RVers

    Limited hookup availability: RVers should note that full hookups are scarce near Burnsville. At Hot Springs Campground, campers report "only 3 fifty amp full hook up sites" but "lots of 30 amp" options are available.

    Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully as not all campgrounds offer dump stations. A reviewer noted that Hot Springs has a sanitary dump station on site, making it convenient for short stays without having to relocate.

    Level site scarcity: Prepare for uneven terrain throughout the region. One camper mentioned selecting a site that "was pretty level," but warned about not "paying attention to where the runoff was" which resulted in "a small stream running through my camp" after rainfall.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Burnsville, NC is Pisgah National Forest Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 85 tent camping locations near Burnsville, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.