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Best Campgrounds near Cashiers, NC

2,856 Reviews

Camping areas near Cashiers, North Carolina include a variety of options across the Nantahala National Forest and surrounding state parks. Gorges State Park Campground in Sapphire provides tent and RV sites as well as cabins and glamping opportunities, while Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area offers free dispersed camping with primitive facilities. Devils Fork, Oconee, and Black Rock Mountain State Parks feature developed campgrounds within driving distance. The region includes both drive-in sites with hookups and remote hike-in areas for those seeking solitude.

Access to campgrounds varies by location, with many forest service roads requiring careful navigation. The Panthertown Valley trails demand good wayfinding skills and proper bear safety protocols, as numerous reviews indicate active bear populations in the area. Ralph J. Andrews Campground on Lake Glenville provides waterfront camping with basic amenities, while primitive sites in Ammons Branch Campground offer a more remote experience on forest service land. Weather conditions shift dramatically with elevation, and summer thunderstorms are common in the mountains. A review noted: "This is a beautiful area with tons of dispersed camping. You will really need to pack a bear safe food container and absolutely store food using a bear line well away from camp as there are most certainly bears out and about."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at Lake Glenville where sites provide direct water access. Panthertown Valley is known for its waterfalls and backcountry camping, though several campers emphasize the importance of carrying proper maps due to confusing trail networks. The small Ammons Branch Campground provides tent and RV sites with fire rings and tent pads, though spaces are limited. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, bear encounters are common enough in Panthertown Valley that campers should prepare accordingly with proper food storage. Most campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operations, with some higher elevation sites closing during winter months. Nearby attractions include numerous waterfalls, particularly High Falls, which is frequently mentioned in reviews as a must-visit destination.

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Best Camping Sites Near Cashiers, North Carolina (586)

    1. Devils Fork State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 944-2639

    "We had reserved a walk-in tent sight and absoulty loved it."

    "This hidden gem is a few miles off a major highway but well worth the journey. I would consider it among my top ten 'near a lake' spots in the entire US."

    2. Oconee State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-5353

    "There are primitive, walk-in sites that had the benefit of added privacy, but with 3 little kids, bathroom proximity was a higher priority this time around. "

    "There are multiple cabins scattered around the lake but they are a good distance apart from each other so you won't be disturbed by your neighbors."

    3. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."

    "We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."

    4. Burrells Ford

    18 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    10 miles
    Website

    "Our plan was to start on the north end of River trail and hike for a few days camping in between. The Ranger there sold us a map of the trail since the ones online were not so great."

    "Arrived to parking lot with bathroom (outhouse) with about a mile walk to campsites and river. We found semi secluded campsite beside the river equipped with firepit lantern post."

    5. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Rabun Gap, GA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 746-2141

    $20 - $255 / night

    "We chatted about travel and places to go not just her in Georgia but also around the United States."

    "We stayed in one of the tent-only, walk-in sites. This was our first (and so far, only) walk-in tent camping experience as a family. I gotta say - there were challenges. "

    6. Van Hook Glade

    12 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 526-5918

    $24 - $40 / night

    "There are many sites to visit nearby. Western North Carolina is hard to beat for natural beauty."

    "Great, small campground near Highlands, NC. Private sites, nice hosts, and clean bathrooms."

    7. Table Rock State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 878-9813

    "The alternatives #5 and #6 were close to the entrance and therefore exposed to the road, and #49 was next to the restrooms, but similar to #60, so stayed with #60."

    "One drawback is that from the campground there is no easy access to the lake- you can either drive and park (and hope to find parking) or walk on a busy road . "

    8. Gorges State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lake Toxaway, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 966-9099

    $27 - $75 / night

    "This is one of North Carolina’s best waterfall parks. Rainbow Falls, Turtel Back Falls and Bust your Ass Falls."

    "There are six designated backpack sites along the Foothills Trail near the southern boundary of the park."

    9. Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    25 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 868-2605

    $7 - $26 / night

    "There are 3 trailside primitive campsites that are on a peninsula overlooking Lake Keowee."

    "The trail was relatively short, but the hills were bigger than expected. However, the payoff at the trailside campground is incredible. The sites are out on a point on Lake Keowee."

    10. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

    7 Reviews
    Sapphire, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 269-4453

    "A good distance from cashiers."

    "The first campsite we stayed at was on the Green Valley Trail, the second one was on the Panthertown Valley Trail right near the Schoolhouse Falls Trail, and the third was on Mac's Gap right past the Granny"

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Recent Camping Photos near Cashiers, NC

1323 Photos of 586 Cashiers Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cashiers, NC

2856 Reviews of 586 Cashiers Campgrounds

  • j
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Unicoi State Park & Lodge

    Great central location.

    I camp at Unicoi State Park several times a year for a number of different reasons. First, it is right in the middle of what I call waterfall country. There are more beautiful waterfalls within an hour than I can count. Second, there are spectacularly beautiful trails everywhere. You’re only about 20 minutes from the Appalachian Trail at Hog Pen Gap and 30 minutes from Blood Mountain and the Blood Mountain wilderness. Third, there are numerous picturesque and friendly little towns nearby. The park is about 3 miles from the town of Helen, which is a pseudo Bavarian village. A little touristy but still fun. There are some great German restaurants there. As to the park itself, I tent camp, and the campsites are excellent. Nice bathroom and shower facilities close by and regardless of the time of year it has never been crowded. Definitely worth $25 a night and I get a discount because I’m a senior (Remember you have to ask for the discount. They won’t tell you). If you are camping in the tent area, I can almost guarantee you’ll see a bear because they come out almost every night. Keep all of your food in the bear boxes. Since it is somewhat of a resort park, there are cabins, RV hook ups and even a motel/conference center. There are lots of activities like swimming, boating, archery, zip lining, etc. The Smith Creek pub is a nice little restaurant for a quick meal or a drink.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Fern Cove — Black Rock Mountain State Park

    Beautiful park but steep slope up

    Black Rock is beautiful but hard on some transmissions. There is a long steep slope up the mountain and it is common for transmissions to over heat. So much so that there is an auto shop at the base of the mountain. The road up is narrow and twisty. I have seen some larger rigs up here but most are smaller. If u can make it, it is worth the journey. Lots of hiking trails for different levels. Clean facilities, friendly hosts. WiFi is available at the trading post. Nice place to sit and rock.incredible views. Have visited in April, may, June, and October. Usually stay on site 6. Later spring into summer had more poison ivy on trails.

  • Alexander C.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Riley Moore Falls Campsite

    Best night sleep

    Such a great place to spend the night. I took my hammock and spent the night listening to the waterfall and nature. Sky was clear and bright with stars. I risked it and chose no fly tonight just to take in the view. Perfect weather. Met alot of interesting and hopefully new friends.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Pisgah Campground

    October camping experience

    Well I checked when peak leaf season was supposed to occur and what to expect from temperatures. I also appreciate information from those that camped here. We were in site B26 interior of the loop. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get outside loop from the showers to the end. Interior from the showers to site 21 were okay. Ours on the other hand was one of the worst we’ve had. You had a steep 7 step down to picknick table and firepit. It was also in a low sumac shrub area that had a distinct smell. Campground was clean and facilities were well maintained. NPS staff were present despite the current shutdown in Washington! Limited cell service at the site. Best just up the parkway to the Mt. Pisgah picnic area parking lot.

    While we did hit peak color, I didn’t think that the cold front would be as intense. Temperature dropped below freezing and during the night it felt like gale force winds buffeting the GO. Definitely will pick a lower elevation for camping if it’s in October!

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed

    Okay spot

    Avery Road was closed so we ended up here. Not a whole lot of sites in the forest here. This site was fine, nothing special, but nothing bad. There’s a shallow creek that runs next to this spot.

  • paul Z.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sadlers Creek State Park Campground

    Nice lake campground

    Awesome views over lake Hartwell. Nice sized sites, could be a little more level. Needed to slightly block up rear of out class A to get level. Stairs down to the water right next to our site so easy access to our canoe. We will camp here again. 50A power and water at site. Dump station near the exit. ATT phones worked well. Greenville TV stations OTA easily received. Awesome sunrises and sunsets

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Grumpy Bear Campground

    Nice but small

    The attraction here is the river. It is absolutely gorgeous. Riverside are small and close together.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    Lake view but live in campers

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

Guide to Cashiers

Camping near Cashiers, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful scenery 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 stunning trails around the area. Many campers rave about the nearby hiking options, like the Art Loeb Trail, which offers beautiful views. One reviewer mentioned, “Davidson River Campground is perfectly situated for outdoor activities, plenty of hiking... all within a stone's throw from camp.”
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the local rivers and lakes. Campers have noted that the fishing spots are great, with one saying, “The lake was beautiful! So many fun things to explore... We got to see and climb up the waterfalls.”
  • Swimming: Take a dip in the refreshing waters. A visitor at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground shared, “The water was cool and refreshing,” making it a perfect spot for families.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One camper at Lake Powhatan said, “The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen,” which is always a plus when camping.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, “Despite being at full capacity for Labor Day weekend, the park did not feel overly crowded.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. One visitor at Oconee State Park Campground noted, “The staff is so kind, and the garbage pick up twice a day is great!”

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Smokemont Campground mentioned, “No cell or TV service here,” so plan accordingly.
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at Cataloochee Campground said, “The sites are pretty close together, not a lot of privacy,” which is something to consider if you prefer more space.
  • Bear Encounters: Wildlife is abundant, including bears. One camper at Lake Powhatan shared, “I did have a bear encounter on my way to the bathroom during the night,” so be cautious and store food properly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and trails. A parent at Devils Fork State Park Campground said, “The lake was a short walk and absolutely stunning! Crystal clear water allowed us to look at the schools of fish swimming with us.”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own firewood and food supplies, as some campgrounds don’t have stores nearby. A camper at Table Rock State Park Campground noted, “Make sure to bring your own firewood and there isn’t much laying around to pick up.”
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. One reviewer at Cataloochee Campground mentioned, “The river that flows near several of the sites is a highlight,” but it’s important to supervise children closely.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground advised, “A bigger RV may not be able to make the trip. Research the roads if you have a large camper.”
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with convenient dump stations. A camper at Lake Powhatan appreciated, “Dumpsters were within walking distance,” making cleanup easier.
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Bring appropriate gear for changing weather conditions. A reviewer at Mount Pisgah Campground mentioned, “Temperatures were cool in the evenings, so we didn't need any A/C,” highlighting the need for layers.

Camping near Cashiers, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique aspects of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Cashiers, NC?

The Cashiers area offers several excellent camping options. Indian Creek Campground is highly recommended for its lush, private creekside sites, clean bathhouse, and well-maintained facilities. For those seeking backcountry adventure, Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area provides a more primitive experience within reasonable distance from Cashiers. Both locations offer the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural beauty of western North Carolina. Nearby Gorges State Park also features campsites for those wanting to experience one of North Carolina's newest state parks with access to beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails.

What is the best time of year for camping in Cashiers, NC?

The ideal camping season in Cashiers runs from late spring through early fall (May-October), with each period offering unique experiences. Summer (June-August) provides warm days perfect for water activities, though this is also peak season. Early fall (September-October) offers spectacular color displays with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds at locations like Smokemont Campground, which serves as an excellent base for exploring the region. Late spring (May-early June) brings wildflower blooms and pleasant temperatures at campgrounds such as Lake Powhatan, where spacious sites and numerous hiking trails are available. Winter camping is possible but facilities are limited and weather can be challenging.

What RV parks and facilities are available near Cashiers, NC?

The Great Outdoors RV Resort offers well-groomed grounds with good amenities and friendly staff in a central location in the North Carolina mountains. For lakeside camping, Gibson Cove Campground on Lake Chatuge provides paved roads, gravel campsites, and hookups including water and electric service. The bathhouse is older but exceptionally clean and well-maintained. For RVers seeking additional options, Jackrabbit Mountain offers beautiful lakeside sites, though hookups are limited. Most RV parks in the region are open seasonally, typically closing during winter months when freezing temperatures are common.

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