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Tent camping only - No RV spaces. All campsites at Crowders Mountain State Park are hike-in and primitive. Campground is accessed via a 1 mile trail starting from the visitor center.
$10 - $30 / night
Family Owned and Operated, "Hiddenite Family Campground" is open for camping year round; with 37 full hookup sites, upgraded tent sites, and numerous primitive tent sites, nestled in peaceful wooded surroundings along the South Yadkin River. Come enjoy our animals, large pool and explore our 30+ acres of pure nature! Rates start at $25/nightly for primitive tent sites and $50/night for full hook up sites (Rates are for 2 adults. Children under 18 stay free)
$25 - $50 / night
Mortimer Campground is a small campground nestled within the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor south of Grandfather Mountain. Located at the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, the 17-site campground is surrounded by lush forests, gentle streams, and a large scenic river popular for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
Visitors to the campground can enjoy a variety of activities including fishing, swimming, day hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, picnicking, and scenic driving. Swimming holes along Thorps Creek provide wading opportunities on hot summer days. Nearby Wilson Creek, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 2000, is well known for its excellent trout fishing, swimming, kayaking, and rugged features. History buffs will enjoy exploring the remnants of the once booming timber town of Mortimer as well as an old CCC work center. Two Forest Service trails depart from the campground. The Thorps Creek trail provides a short (approx. 1/4 mile) hike to Thorps Creek Falls. The more strenuous Schoolhouse Ridge Trail connects to the campground via the .2 mile Bill Vines trail and provides a 3 mile ridgeline excursion with beautiful views before connecting to the Wilson Ridge Trail. Many other Forest Service trails are within a short drive of the Campground, including Hunt Fish Falls, North Harper Creek Falls, and Little Lost Cove Cliffs. The area also boasts a network of scenic mountain biking trails.
Located in a rich mountain hardwood forest at an elevation of 1,400 ft., Mortimer Campground provides a secluded streamside setting shaded by large hemlocks and pine trees. Thorps Creek runs along the east side of the campground before feeding into the Wild and Scenic Wilson Creek, a popular destination for a variety of activities. Hardwood forests cover the mountain peaks on either side of the valley and multiple mountain feeder creeks can be found nearby. The Mortimer area provides beautiful scenery year-round, from stunning fall foliage displays to abundant spring and summer wildflowers.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (828) 652-2144.
The Wilson Creek Visitor Center is 3.2 miles from the Mortimer Campground and provides information on the Wilson Creek area and has a photograph and artifact collection that tells the history of the area. The towns of Blowing Rock and Morganton are located within an hours drive of the campground, to the north and south respectively. Both towns offer a variety of restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and medical facilities. The Julian Price Memorial Park and Campground is located 24 miles north of Mortimer Campground and is a well-known destination for hiking, canoeing, fishing, and camping. Mortimer Campground is 21 miles away from Linville Falls, and the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. The Gorge offers breathtaking views and numerous hiking trails. The Campground is 17 miles from the popular Grandfather Mountain State Park, the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
$20 - $30 / night
$40 - $200 / night
This site is__not maintained but can still be used.__Campers must hike in to the developed areas, and all sites are primitive. No electric hook ups, no toilets, no running water available.
The Visitor Assistance Center conference room is located beside the dam at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in northwestern North Carolina.
The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Miles of multi-use trails, that allow hiking and mountain biking, surround the lake, including the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which can be accessed from the parking lot outside the Visitor Center. An additional 25 miles of trails can be found at the Warrior Creek and Dark Mountain areas.
The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.
$50 / night
$40 - $60 / night
Primitive camping by the creek currently has 2 very private camp sites. Fire pits and wood is provided at each site. Picnic tables are also available. We are currently open 7 days a week, 12 months of the year. Each site is primitive and private - We have one potable water spigot, and a outhouse with working toilet, which is shared between the two campsites. No electricity (generates are allowed). Each site has a max, of 6 to 8 persons. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash at all times.
Campers/small RV's/Vans are allowed, sites are level and drive through. Trash bins are provide at each site.
We are located less than a 1/2 mile from Interstate 85, at exit 104. There are gas stations (with showers), convenient stores and restaurants close by.
We are within 15 minutes drive to horse, bike, and hiking trails. Kings Mtn State Park, Kings Mtn National Park and Crowders Mtn State Park.
If you have any question contact David @ 864-761-6297.
$30 / night
Scout
I have going to this site BEFORE it was a state park. They developed it has a tent camping and put in two outhouses (pit toilets). It was easy to go camp without reservations anytime. The they installed the nice bathrooms and two RV sites. Good Luck making a reservation. It stays booked. The campground has a creek running beside it. It is stocked with trout a few times each year. You MUST have all of your NC Licenses. Be sure to pay attention to what season it is and what bait you can use. Hiking is great. Beautiful waterfall. NO PHONE reception. My wife loves it. There are 16 tent sites with no power and two RV sites with power. We love it.
Ranger
Primitive tent camp site. Water but no electric. Nice grassy area around the gravel tent pad. We had one tree for shade. Fire ring and table. Clean showers and bathrooms. We stayed here specifically for the sliding rock at widow creek falls. But we did hike Stone Mountain falls trail. There are 432 steps going up to the parking area from the bottom of the falls. Beautiful shaded trail. Mountain to sea trail runs through for a little bit. Dogs welcome leashes. Fairly busy trail.
TravelerThe tent sites are built into a hill that provides an abundance of trees to hang hammocks and to keep well protected from the sun. The RV spots are located out in the open area and one loop sits right on a creek. The RV spots are sunnier with limited trees to shade from the sun during the summer months. For a NC state park, the bathroom and shower amenities are clean, warm and well stocked with toilet paper. The tent spots are a perfect place to hang hammocks and the tent pads are pretty sizable!
I am giving this review a 5 based on 2 different elements: 1) cleanliness of the camp site was beyond expectation. Not all campground hosts clean out the fire pit on a daily basis. When arriving, there was no trace of the former camper at all. No micro trash, no left over spikes and the campsite was freshly raked and all coals/ash were swept out of the fire ring. 2) welcoming personalities of the camp ground host and and employees. The campground host stopped to ask if we needed anything and to remind us the program that was taking place the next morning.
For tent camping, choose the following sites if you need to park 2 cars at the campsite: #7, #9, #14 and #18. The other campsites have enough space for one car at each site.
Scout
I showed up after hours on a motorcycle looking for an overnight tent site. They didn't have tent sites available in the after hours check in. Luckily, John, who works maintenance, was near by. He opened up the office, checked me into a tent site and figured out how to give me a military discount even though that is not his job. John saved my night! The tent site was clean, level, grass and water and electric worked great. There was some noise from the interstate but expected in a tent. Restroom and shower facilities were clean and functional. My only staff interaction was with John and he was outstanding in customer service and going over the top to take care of getting me set up. Thank you!
ScoutI lived under mellow mushroom and know for a fact that there is no tent camping here. There are paid parking lots on king and queen street, and have seen campers be able to stay there. But NO tent camping here in downtown Boone. Be better off trying to camp at local park or greenway I think, but there’s so much to offer around, find a nice tucked away spot like trash can falls less than 15 away from there.
Traveler
Stayed 1 night at a tent site. Had a hot shower and facilities were nice. Each site has a ring for fire/grill/ picnic table.
Only has 3 tent sites. I don' think tent campers can stay at the others. I didn't see the tent pad that they had at my site and just pitched the tent on the ground.
FYI you have to call up to make reservations. I arrived late and they gave me the code to the bathrooms over the phone and the wifi password.
you could hear road noise at night but didn't bother me.
Traveler
Friendly host, close to lake and well shaded, clean bathrooms, large enough tent sites, great for families.
Guide
Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway this campground is a great out of the way destination. Offers full hookup as well as tent camping. Quiet and very clean. Highly recommended !
Scout
Beautiful nature preserve with large 50+ site campground. Tent sites around $28. Within 6 miles of stores and amenities. Helpful camp hosts know which sites may be best for certain equipment.
Scout
It's a very nice campground with very friendly people and nice trails around. The only issue which wasn't big for me due to tent camping, the sites looked washed out and very unlevel so depending on camper or RV might take some work getting level!
Guide
We have tent camped here many times and it is always a great time.
Nothing beats falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the creek. Small playground isn’t much to look at but my kids (10 and under) always use the heck out of it. They love riding their bikes along the gravel road and grassy hillside. If you’re tent camping the best spot is the far end, I believe number one and two. So secluded and private.
There’s a small beach area that you get kids can use as access to swim and rock throwing.
This campground is only a few miles from Stone Mountain state park. Lots of great hiking. In the summer you have to check out Widows Creek. Sliding rocks and waterfalls and a swimming hole only .2 miles off the road.
We love camping at this clean, simple campground.
Scout
Byrd’s Branch is a newer campground with very clean facilities. Nice tent sites along a creek surrounded by mature trees. The nearby waterfalls are awesome and just a short hike from the campsite. Glad I stayed here.
Scout
Great family campground, with enough separation from other tent sites. Camp here every year with the family and always have a great time. Never have issues with neighbors, bath house is new, and close to plenty of hiking/recreation activities.
TravelerI carefully scouted online and got a great site for our tent camping (wouldn’t have been great for RVs) but there were definitely some awful sites to be had. Restrooms were clean and well stocked. Nicely stocked store. Living history farm was disappointing - not much to look at and not enough signs.
Travelerthe campsites area nice. well maintained. proximity to the road is close. constantly hearing cars go by. the tent campsites away from the RV site is nice at night. Listen to the frogs.
Scout
It’s not a campground really. it has places for rv’s maybe a tent site. but it is basically by the interstate and just a place to stay. cabins are nice but again they are just beside the rv’s. no scenery at all. the employees are real nice also
ScoutThe sites are very close together. The tent sites have a sand base to the site and sand gets everywhere! We were across from the bath house and the bath house was nice and clean but kinda small. Friendly atmosphere and it appears that most people are long term campers.
ScoutI would give the short term side of this campground 3 stars. the sites are adequate. Trash is collected daily. They have a decent pool, a small mini golf area and small playground. Out of 2 bath houses only one is open, the other is closed for repairs indefinitely. They did close the large tent area and open a few premium tent sites.
Guide
Very close to my home. I hike in to the remote campsite on the lake. Lots of fishermen and trash since the scum can’t seem to pick up after themselves. The cabins here are also great. Clean and nice location. I would suggest the overlook cabin. I generally tent camp and the Point, not many know of this location as it’s a decent hike in. Great place.
ScoutNice campground for hiking, historic buildings nearby and a great camp store. Lots of regulars it seems. Sites are close but not a negative. Lots of loud neighbors the weekend that we were there. Beautiful water areas, great places to take photographs lots of friendly people. Our site was private and not too far from the tent camping area. Bathrooms were nice and kept well.
ScoutThis campground is just minutes from Charlotte, but secluded from the city noise. Nice open spaces with shade. No views to speak of but several short trails and nice areas around Lake Wylie. Clean facilities and secured gate with easy access after hours for paid campers. Spaces have offerings and picnic tables. RV and tent sites with water and electric.
Traveler
We were not able to make our reservation check-in time at another campground. We called Grandview and the gentleman was very friendly and told us there was a drop box for the money for a tent site. He explained how to get to the tent area and we had no trouble finding it. To me it seemed like a fairly new campground and it felt very welcoming. Would definitely stay here again.
Guide
It has free tent campsites and it is right next to Linville Gorge. This allows plenty of adventurous trails ranging in difficulty. But the best view is on top of Table Rock Mountain, which I highly recommend for sunrise and sunset. However, there is no electric or bathrooms.
Scout
We live close so this is usually our summer go to for an over night. we like to swim and fish. Ithas a nice playground for kids. it is pet friendly. I prefer to stay on the wooded side. We tent camp and like that every site has electric and water. The camp store doesn’t really have much so we bring everything with us. there is a nice gas station less than a mile away we get coffee from there in the mornings.
GuideQuiet campground despite the number of sites. We enjoyed our stay, and even had deer wander near our site a few times. Our tent site was in Loop B but near the bathroom/showers in Loop D. Really liked how the toilet and shower were together in the same individual bathrooms.
Campground is conveniently located near Blowing Rock and other sights on the Parkway, like Cone Manor and Linn Cove Viaduct. Nice area.
LegendMy wife is new to camping, so I took her tent camping here to see how well she would adapt to being outside and away from her blow dryer. She did amazing and this trip kicked off our adventure of moving on to a tear drop trailer and then to a class c motorhome. As I do, she loves camping and we are having the time of our lives. Thank you to this great campground, the trails, kayaking, and the waterfalls. Wonderful campground. I highly recommend you give it a try.
Guide
The campground is beautiful. My wife and I biked/ ran the trails nearby. Our dogs loved walking around the campground. Some nice wooded tent sites that a very large areas. Our spot was a two level site. The upper level was where we parked the trailer and the picnic table and fire ring were down the stairs under a great big oak tree. There was a short path the a little semi-private beach area. Overall it was a great place. Very reasonable price.
Tent camping near Catawba, North Carolina, offers a variety of scenic spots and unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From peaceful retreats to family-friendly environments, there’s something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Catawba, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Catawba, NC is Crowders Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Catawba, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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