2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent camping options around Cashiers, North Carolina range from primitive walk-in sites to established campgrounds within nearby national forests. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping, located in the Nantahala National Forest, offers several riverside tent sites with basic fire rings and lantern poles. Ammons Branch Campground near Highlands provides a more established camping experience with tent pads, picnic tables and fire rings, while Burrells Ford in the Sumter National Forest offers riverside camping about 15 miles from Cashiers.
Access to tent sites varies significantly throughout the region. Many campgrounds require walking short distances from parking areas to reach tent pads, particularly at more primitive locations. Most tent sites include a fire ring, and some established campgrounds provide picnic tables and lantern poles. Blue Valley features multiple drive-in sites along with walk-in options, though high-clearance vehicles may be needed on some forest roads. Toilet facilities are limited, with only certain campgrounds like Ammons Branch offering pit toilets. Campers should plan to pack in all water or filter from streams, as drinking water is rarely available at these primitive sites.
The tent camping experience around Cashiers offers exceptional access to rivers and wilderness areas. Most sites sit along creeks or rivers, providing both scenic views and natural white noise. A camper who stayed at Blue Valley noted, "We were very secluded and there was very little traffic on the dirt road. Love hearing all the wonderful sounds of nature and nothing else." Sites typically feature tree cover for shade and privacy, with many offering enough space for multiple tents. The nearby Chattooga River provides fishing opportunities, while numerous hiking trails connect to many campgrounds. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage—some sites provide bear boxes or hanging systems, but campers should be prepared with their own equipment when camping in more remote locations.
"Campground Review: In March 2017, our family of 6 went on our 1st overnight backpacking trip. A friend had recommended the Chattooga River Trail in South Carolina."
"Trail/Campground Review: The East Fork trail at the end of Burrells Ford is quite an easy trail! "
"Some have picnic tables but all have fire rings and lantern posts. There's only about 10-15 sites that you can actually drive up to but I'm sure there's more if you hike in."
"Location is actually about 1.5. Miles further than shown on map. Just keep going. Stayed for a week. About 7 campsites with fire rings. Great trails and people camping near were respectful."
"There are only four sites available, but there are tent pads, lantern poles, and fire rings."
"Tent sites in need of maintenance.."
"Drive in sites are spaced a really nice distance from one another. Challenging to fit a larger rv."
"You couldn’t see our site from the road, huge site, lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore, right beside a gorgeous large creek."
"This small primitive campsite is located near the NC side of Jocassee."
"My only complaint was that the grounds could have been cleaner but I’m sure part of the blame is on the poor weathers we have been having for the past few weeks."
"Drive through this area and check out the many swimming holes and campgrounds"
"Plan for no cell service and small wildlife encounters. More for experienced campers. It’s a wonderful place to go and disconnect from everything. Great trout fishing as well."
"** All you have to bring is yourself, your guests, food, drink, ice, firewood and charcoal! Everything else is there for your convenience! "
from $54 - $74 / night
"Packing up in the morning and a fisherman showed up to walk down the hill. Otherwise, saw no one. Very nice large area to spread out, if you have a group."
"Located in a great area as a jumping off point in the area.... if trout fishing is your thing best campground close to Hwy 28 area of the Chattooga Delayed Harvest Area.... nice bend of the West Fork with"
from $10 / night
TravelerBeautiful spot in the smoky mountains. State park style amenities, no showers. No hookups. Very busy very open campground. Nice that some trails are walking distance from campground. I would not camp here again as I prefer more separation and privacy. No cell service. STARLINK is usable but obstructed with tree canopy
ScoutWe stayed for a week in late October. Quiet and secluded but right outside of Franklin. Very. Nicely decorated. Has small campstore, very nice laundryroom, and a guest event center. Rick, the campsite host, helped me get backed in and asked if I needed any more help. Some pull-throughs. Some sites are a little tight but others really nice. We will definitely come back.
ScoutWhatever person or group of persons designed the campground were clueless as to how to develop a campground. Sites are packed in the most preposterous configuration to have tents, trailers motorhomes all jammed together nearly touching each other with zero privacy. Come for the hikes and views of the gorge but come with the lowest expectations for the campground and you’ll be fine
TravelerFantastic National Park! Elkmont is really nice but lacking in hookups and there are no showers. Hard to stay too long without power, water, sewer and showers. Still, an amazing site along the river!
TravelerMy son, daughter-in-law, and twin grandchildren, and I camped here to watch the full solar eclipse in 2017. We had a beautiful tent site. There was a little playground that the kids really enjoyed and abundant shade at the camping site. Bathrooms were clean, wood for campfires was available, and we had a wonderful time.
GuideA sign on the gate says that the area has been closed "due to vandalism and unauthorized activity".
TravelerThis 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.
ScoutWalk to trail sites, clean bathrooms, sites close together…water and electric at site. Sites are sloped gravel.
TravelerThis 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.
Primitive camping sites near Cashiers, North Carolina range from 1,800 to 3,500 feet in elevation throughout the Nantahala and Sumter National Forests. The region's temperate climate allows for year-round camping opportunities with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. Winter camping remains popular among experienced outdoors enthusiasts, with temperatures occasionally dropping below 20°F.
Trout fishing in Chattooga River: Access prime fishing spots at Burrells Ford where the river is regularly stocked with trout. "Good amount of camping with a short hike in. Sites are right on the Chatooga River. This river is stocked with trout. Fishing license is required but both SC and GA are acceptable as the river is the state line," notes Jason D.
Waterfall hiking trails: Several waterfalls accessible from tent camping areas, including King Creek Falls near Burrells Ford. "The trail to the waterfall is over a half mile (my estimation), and you have to cross a log footbridge. There was a huge downed tree that you also have to cross, but you have to be careful since the log was slimy," according to Myron C.
Swimming in natural pools: Ammons Branch Campground offers access to swimming holes along the Chattooga. "Campgrounds were easy to access on gravel and paved roads. Quiet and secluded but other campers are around. Sites are close to a few trails and close to a nice iron bridge crossing the Chattooga River," reports Justin S.
River proximity: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at most tent sites. "Beautiful, large, private sites. You couldn't see our site from the road, huge site, lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore, right beside a gorgeous large creek," mentions Kristin S. about Blue Valley Dispersed Camping.
Seclusion and privacy: Sites at Blue Valley Camp are well-spaced for privacy. "We have camped at 3 sites at this campground and have loved all of them. We were very secluded and there was very little traffic on the dirt road. Love hearing all the wonderful sounds of nature and nothing else," writes Kelli about her experience.
Camping amenities: Some sites offer unexpected conveniences despite remote locations. At Ammons Branch Campground, "there are tent pads, lantern poles, and fire rings. I was also pleasantly surprised that there is a pit toilet at the campground, which is unusual for a dispersed camping area," reports Myron C.
Access challenges: Many roads leading to campsites require appropriate vehicles. At Blue Valley Camp, "the pavement will end in a half mile. Just stay on the main path for just little over 3 or so miles. Once arrive in the campground (information kiosk) turn left for the majority of the sites," advises Garnet B.
Weather preparation: Temperature variations can be extreme, especially in winter. "I do not recommend staying there in the winter unless you are ready for cold nights. Fortunately, a down sleeping bag is my best friend when camping in the winter," cautions Myron C.
Tent pad limitations: Some established campsites have small tent pads. "The only fault I have with the campsites are that the tent pads are very small. We had an 8' x 10' tent, and it could not completely fit onto the tent pad," notes Myron C. about his camping experience.
Plan for hike-in logistics: Families should prepare for short walks to reach tent sites. At Burrells Ford, "it is a bit of a walk down a rode to get here and saw a Father and son taking there stuff down with a hand truck which is a very good idea. So you can either backpack it in or take a wagon to take your stuff in," suggests Donnie S.
Choose sites with water features: Children enjoy exploring creek areas at Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area. "There are so many campsite available through Jocassee. Currently my favorite campsites lie off of the Canebrake Trail and connect with the Foothills Trail," recommends Maggie J.
Watch for wildlife encounters: Bear activity requires proper precautions with food storage. "This place is in bear country. The thing I did not like was the gravel pad. It is a good thing I had a freestanding tent that didn't require tent stakes," shares Myron C.
Size limitations: Most tent camping sites near Cashiers cannot accommodate large RVs. At West Fork Campground, the limited space makes it "located in a great area as a jumping off point in the area.... if trout fishing is your thing best campground close to Hwy 28 area of the Chattooga Delayed Harvest Area," according to Steven M.
Road condition awareness: Unpaved access roads may present challenges for RVs and trailers. "You cannot drive to this site with a low clearance sedan. It is almost impossible without scraping the bottom of your car. Fortunately, I had a 4-Runner, and I was using 4WD," warns Myron C.
Consider smaller rigs: Small camper vans and pop-ups work better than large motorhomes. Sites are "very much so a dispersed site, I would be a bit concerned with larger rigs on the small road but small RVs or tents are great," advises Crystal C.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cashiers, NC is Burrells Ford with a 4.2-star rating from 18 reviews.
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