Best Tent Camping near Columbus, NC
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Columbus? Find the best tent camping sites near Columbus. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Columbus, NC (42)
1. Jones Gap State Park Campground
Cedar Mountain, North Carolina16 Reviews•53 Photos•147 SavesCamping Information : Camping is allowed only on designated campsites. Camping in other than designated areas may result in a fine. No drive up campsites are available on the park. There are no water or electricity provided at the campsites. Camping Reservations : To make a backcountry trailside camping reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or make it online by clicking Park Reservations. Reservations requested less than one (1) day in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park. For example: If today is Friday and you are making a reservation checking in on today, Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly. Trailside Camping : The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers trailside backcountry camping at 18 primitive sites. Fourteen sites provide fire pits, while four allow no fires. Permits are required, and camping is allowed in designated areas only. Campers are asked to follow internationally recognized "leave no trace" camping practices. For more information on leave no trace practices, visit the official leave no trace ethics website. Campers are asked to check-in at least two hours before dark in order to safely reach their campsites. Costs are $8-20/site/night. Backcountry Group Camping: The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers one backcountry group campsite. The group site can be reserved for 10-20 people. Reservations for the group campsite must be made by calling the park directly. Costs are $4.40 - 5.50/person/night. Registration is required. PETS Pets : Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
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- Reservable
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2. Mount Mitchell State Park Campground
Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina21 Reviews•83 Photos•311 SavesMount Mitchell State Park Family camping (camping near Charlotte)
The nine-site family campground is open from May 1 to October 31 with full facilities. Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Restrooms for use during warm seasons are located nearby. Showers and hot water are not provided.
Pack-in camping
Campers may leave vehicles in the park overnight to backpack into the Pisgah National Forest. Visitors who leave their vehicles in the park must register on the forms provided at the trailheads near the parking area or at the park office. Leave the form on the dashboard of your car. Mount Mitchell offers a choice of trails from which to enjoy the nearby alpine woodlands.
Ready to Reserve
It's not uncommon to encounter black bears at Mount Mitchell State Park, particularly in warm weather months.
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- Reservable
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3. Wilderness Cove Campground
Saluda, North Carolina3 Reviews•18 Photos•52 SavesCome Stay & Play! We offer a variety of accommodations to serve either as the ultimate base camp for the awesome surrounding outdoor activities in the Green River Gamelands or as a comfortable getaway to escape the urban hustle and reconnect with nature. We offer comfortable glamping sites, tiny homes, cabins, primitive campsites and a single-family vacation rental. All sites have access to the broader amenities and features at Wilderness Cove Campground, including but not limited to water sport rentals, electric vehicle charging stations, Wi-Fi, private grills, on-site food truck (seasonal) and a fully stocked campstore. Please refer to campground site descriptions for further information regarding amenities.
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- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$35 - $299 / night
4. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
Barnardsville, North Carolina12 Reviews•29 Photos•512 SavesThe Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. It is also home of the first school of forestry in the United States, now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site, and boasts two of the first designated wilderness areas in the east. The Pisgah, Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts are scattered along the eastern edge of the mountains of western North Carolina and offer visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains. Camping and Day-use Information Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Pisgah National Forest can be found here Recreation Maps Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps Directions to Frequently Requested Places NC Arobretum and Bent Creek Area Blue Ridge Parkway South Blue Ridge Parkway North Pisgah Ranger District Cradle of Forestry Cradle of Forestry (Scenic Route) The Biltmore House Mt. Mitchell Be Safe The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility. Waterfall Safety for the Summer.
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5. The Bike Farm
Penrose, North Carolina6 Reviews•8 Photos•20 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$24 - $110 / night
6. Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Canton, North Carolina9 Reviews•13 Photos•51 SavesAbout Campground Come visit and enjoy our little piece of heaven....Cruso, NC. Camp along the cool, clear Pigeon River, watch the sun set behind Cold Mountain and enjoy our evening camp fire. Get to know some of the best people you will ever find...your fellow motorcyclists. Camp in Cabins There are 18 furnished and heated cabins in the campground. Some have 2 twins while others are queen beds. Please call for cabin reservations. Weekends are two-night minimum.
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- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$15 - $50 / night
7. Paradise Ridge Permaculture
Swannanoa, North Carolina3 Reviews•31 Photos•59 SavesPlease feel free to look at my instagram account for many photos of the estate.
https://www.instagram.com/ambergf/
This is a private piece of property in a quiet area of Buncombe County, just outside of Asheville but just before Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Many things to do , hike, climb, cycle or motorbikes. A girlfriend of mine has about 30 horses and allows paid rides if you like. Too much to list for the area but would love to discuss it with anyone.
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- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Trash
$20 - $30 / night
8. Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping — Caesars Head State Park
Cedar Mountain, North Carolina2 Reviews•11 Photos•110 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$4 - $20 / night
9. Black Bear Campground
Marion, North Carolina5 Reviews•22 Photos•12 SavesAt Black Bear Campground, we believe in the power of nature to bring people together. Black Bear Campground offers a place where families and friends can disconnect from their busy lives and reconnect with each other and the natural world.
Black Bear campground boast 31 primitive campsites along with five primitive cabins. On top of this, Black Bear Campground has a day use area that features a picnic area, a fishing pier and various hiking trails including the Fonta Flora State Trail.
There's never a dull moment at Black Bear Campground! Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, or just relaxing by the campfire, there's something for everyone here. Check out our calendar of events to see what's happening during your stay.
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- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$21 - $36 / night
10. Asbury Hills Summer Camps
Cedar Mountain, North Carolina2 Reviews•6 Photos•18 SavesSince 1961, Asbury Hills has been serving all people for Christian birth, growth, and renewal by offering summer camp and retreat group experiences for all ages. The camp covers over 2000 acres of mountains and hills, creeks and waterfalls, and forests and lakes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asbury Hills offers age-specific programs for campers from 2nd grade through high school, family camps, and serves retreat groups from 8 to 280. Asbury Hills is a part of SC Camps and Retreat Ministries and a ministry of the South Carolina United Methodist Conference.
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Showing results 1-10 of 42 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews in Columbus
1300 Reviews of 42 Columbus Campgrounds
Jake S.
Guide
Mile Creek County Park
Nice Place to camp by the water
Each campsite has wonderful views of the water. there is a playground by the entrance and near the farthest campsites as well. we enjoyed our stay.
- TThe W.
Scout
Iron City Campground, Inc.
Very nice family friendly camp
The campground is well kept and clean. The owners are wonderful and all amenities are maintained in a like new state. They are constantly improving the campground and have family friendly activities for all. Halloween is a must see event in this camp with everyone decking out their sites.
We are well traveled and have visited many campgrounds in various states. This is among the best we have ever experienced.
Alexandra E.Guide
Devils Fork State Park Campground
Best swimming hole in the upstate
I love coming here to swim. Signal is very poor for Verizon. The sites are not super private but not too close to each other. The prices per night are ridiculous imo for a non full hookup campground but hey I still pay it just to swim in lake Joccassee.
- JJulia G.Guide
Devils Fork State Park Campground
Great spot for hammocks
Not too far from the water, which was great since we brought our own kayaks and kayaked to two water falls. Lots of trees to hang hammocks (we had 3) which is good because the only place to pitch a tent is on the pads which aren’t very large. They are basically concrete pads and we couldn’t steak the tent down well. Many dead limbs in the trees so be careful where you pitch your tent, or hang your hammock. Since the site is near the marina we could see/hear boats docking. Each site has a bear box which are roomy and were clean. The bathhouse was clean and well lit. The RV/camper sites are pretty close together with narrow roads. The park was beautiful and mostly clean. I found a tire in the water a few miles out on the way to the first waterfall and took it to a ranger the next day. He was happy to take it.
Wayne T.Guide
Toe River Campground
Best place on the river!
This is actually from 2 years ago I never realized I forgot to write my review. And unfortunately this is right after hurricane Helene now I'm scared the campground may not be there anymore. But if so this was such a nice little campground!! Everybody was nice and helpful still stayed the last weekend they were open that year since they were closing for the fall. End of October. I was able to get my site right on the river like literally feet from the river and even had a nice fire ring and they sold firewood. Coming during the fall leave change man was it beautiful there. Hope I get the chance to come again!! 🙏
Cindy S.
Ranger
Table Rock State Park Campground
Quite and peaceful
The site was big with lot of more plus private. The bathroom was clean and showers were hot.
Carol J.Guide
Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park
Disappointing
I recently stayed for 3 nights with my popup in site#10. The site is a good size for a tent or small camper only. Overall we were surprised by the campground based on other reviews . In my opinion The sites are close together, poorly maintained, and most are very small. The Trading Post is nicely stocked, and open all day. The bathrooms near my site were the best part…it was modern, clean and the showers were hot with good pressure. But other than the bathrooms everything felt like it hadn’t been maintained at all. Won’t be coming back.
- Jay H.Scout
Camp Attocoa
True outdoorsman’s find
I found Camp Attocoa accidentally. I felt like a pirate that found treasure. Private owned, water and wood on site. The owner will have you park and will haul you and your gear in and out. Sites are few and far between. Peace and quiet…… this is the spot for you.
Kevin A.
Legend
Buck Creek
Great campground…Right on the creek
Peaceful, calm, excellent folks, and very relaxing. I camped here for more than two weeks in August. Site #4, site 19, and site #47. The campground is clean, quiet, and well-maintained. The owners and staff were great and super helpful. Site #4 is on the creek. It was short for my 32-foot RV but manageable. It had full hookups. Site #4 was level and semi-shaded. The WiFi signal was great, and speeds were reasonable. I used the bathhouse showers and laundry. Both were clean. I moved to site 19, which is not on the creek but on the edge of the field. It was very level as well, and all hookups worked fine. The WiFi at site 19 was considerably worse, but the sky was clear, and I could fully use my Starlink service. The central field area is mowed and set up as an RC flying field. A few campers flew their model airplanes. It was fun to watch. I even jumped into the RC hobby, buying a trainer plane at a local Hobby Shop, and began flying. I moved to site 47, which was the best of all three. It’s a good-sized site right on the creek and just up from swimming hole#2. There were two swimming holes along the creek, which were a ton of fun. I swam in both. The water is very clear and refreshing. The campground is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway(about 10 miles). I rode my motorcycle up Route 80 to the Blue Ridge. Route 80 is a great winding road. The campground is very close to downtown Marion and some shops, groceries, and restaurants. Overall, this is a great campground with a great staff, location, and is very relaxing.
- JJackie S.
Traveler
South Mountains State Park Campground
Beautiful
I took my horses and grandson to camp in the equestrian campsite. The bathrooms are very clean with AC. There a beautiful creek you can ride your horses in or just play if you want.
- mmike R.Traveler
Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
Stunning
It's beautiful up there although there's not many campsites. I stayed at the second one up the dirt road. 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. The road is long but you'll see a bunch of cool waterfalls and at the end of the road there is a great hiking trail with a beautiful waterfall. The dirt road goes on for a long time but it's in good condition so keep driving and you'll find a spot. There's really only 4 viable spots on that road but man is it gorgeous. Go to ranger road and keep going up. Do not follow google maps it will take you to a private driveway where there's a sign saying "no camping, your app is wrong, turn around now".
Ken K.Scout
Spacious Skies Bear Den
Beautiful sites and quiet
Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens. Great hiking right from the campground.
- Betsy W.Guide
Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1
Clean
Clean and large. Creek below
- MMichael W.Scout
Steele Creek
Great for tent camping
Maybe I missed this in the reviews, but all but 1 site were best for tents. I drove in to camp in my car and there was only 1 spot, which is by the creek crossing, and it was already taken. There’s a nice big spot at the end of the trail where you could rooftop tent/car camp, but the actual site is about 100’ away. Road wasn’t too bad, only a spot or 2 on the switchback that were probably best for a 4 wheel drive vehicle, but I’m sure most cars would be fine.
Craig W.Scout
Spacious Skies Hidden Creek
Quick Stay in Class C RV
Arrived early evening. Staff were friendly and accommodating. Place was fairly full but organized and efficient. Pool and waterslide are a bonus but also attract families and kids. Site needed some leveling but spacious. Facilities were clean and easily available. Would return for sure.
Frank P.Scout
Broken Oak Organics
Great Host, numerous nearby mountain hike trails
Secure, tidy, private, stream side and cozy spot with on site grown fresh vegetables. Nearby locally owned eateries. Plentiful asphalt plus off road bicycling. 2024 shower and bathroom.
Pam R.Guide
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Golden Valley
Kid Paradise
We took the grandkids to the Bostic, NC Jellystone in mid-July. They had a fabulous time. The RV site we had was #408. It was perfectly level and roomy with trees behind us. The bathrooms/showers are modern and spotless. We could only get a two night reservation, but that was enough. The kids (10 and 11) played so hard they were exhausted. It's a huge park with a system of golf cart trails that connect everything. The kids thought that was as exciting as the water park and the swimming pond. After having been there - I'd say a golf cart rental is a requirement. Despite the nearly 100 degree temps, the staff and other campers were cheerful and friendly. The kids made several friends. We didn't have time to do the crafts, but they looked fun. They loved the rollercoaster and minigolf. It's a good idea to bring your own food, as the options there aren't well-rated and expensive, but the ice cream was great. The only disappointment was that we couldn't stay longer.
- Maria E.Guide
Davidson River Campground
Nice Spot
We were in Laurel loop in a double site. It was perfect for 2 tents and our 17’ camper. Nice woodsy site, although you can hear a bit of road noise. No cell signal but we were able to set up our star link with a patch of open sun behind the site. We actually forgot to bring coffee so it was great to have the coffee truck 5 mins away outside the campground. Hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles wore out the dogs perfectly!
L&A C.Legend
Tellurian Campground
Love this Rustic & Quaint Family owned CG
FHU, picnic table and fire ring, gravel sites, firewood available, for purchase, all with amazing views! Bathhouse being built now, but. Shower & stall usable. Used our Starlink, but did get 1 bar with reception, on T-Mobile. Owners very friendly and responsive with any questions. Must use the directions, on their website, to get to the campground, as GPS is incorrect.
Jon W.ScoutBroken Oak Organics
Great family getaway
Easy access to the site and the beautiful river. Nice level site with a Mountain View. My family enjoyed the huge lawn for yard games, and the river was beautiful! Shallow enough for the kids play, with some nice spots to catch
Brown and rainbow trout. Bathroom and shower was really nice and clean. Fire pit was steps away overlooking the river. Fair price for all the amenities. Kayak rentals were even available.
Adam B.TravelerPisgah National Forest Dispersed
Love Big Ivy
Easy access to water. Not a lot of theft. People with aggressive dogs do come here and think it's okay to have them off a leash. But that's everywhere anymore. The area is beautiful and one of the better places I've stayed.
- DDoreen P.Scout
Silver Creek Campground
Peace and Quiet
I stayed October 2022. My first time at this site. At that time, it wasn't under new ownership yet. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. There was some renovations being done. But, all in all, I found it to be clean and stocked. Looking forward to my next visit.
- JJoel S.Scout
Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off
Wash Creek, NC
Beautiful, quiet campsites
- JJoel S.Scout
Avery Creek Roadside Camping
No access in June 2024
No access to road itself or to its campsites due to recent storm damage according to NFS sign at northern terminus of Avery Cr Rd.
Raul G.GuideDevils Fork State Park Campground
July in Devils Fork
First time at this State Campground. Fairly easy to find and navigate within the community. Ranger staff was supper friendly. For being early July it’s in the mid to high 80’s. The humidity is low. The nights dipped down in the low 70’s. The nights are bearable; the abundance of trees drives down the summer heat. You have to walk to your tent site. It’s not that long of a trek but if you have a large entourage, or if you’re of the mindset of bring with you all the amenities from home; there will be a lot of back n forth to your vehicle. It’s quiet at night time for there being lots of people onsite. The camp sites are far enough apart and have enough trees coverage/ shading to give you some privacy. Make sure you bring a good headband light or strong flashlight with you to walk back n forth to your vehicle & bathroom at night. We brought a camp style portable potty. The bathroom is just too far for us to walk in the middle of the night especially with a 4yr old. Highly recommend campsite. The lake beach access was nice. Water was cool and refreshing. My one complaint of the beach access was; there were far too many people with carelessness leaving trash, abandoned clothes, diapers, water toys, and all sorts of debris littering the beach rocks, etc. We had a wonderful time. Highly recommend experience with the family.
- JJohn L.Scout
Black Bear Campground
Great place
Great place a little bit tight but not bad at all. The layouts are nice, there is a table, fire pit and most places can squeeze 2 tents. They have clean bathrooms and individual showers. It does get quite warm in the summer.
- Terri W.Scout
Camp Driftwood Asheville
Upcoming return visit
This place is fantastic if you'd want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is the first time I've gone here but for the price of the cabins it's cheaper than staying local in a tent site
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Columbus, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Columbus, NC is Jones Gap State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Columbus, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 42 tent camping locations near Columbus, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.