Best Campgrounds near Lake Junaluska, NC

Camping near Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, like the Little River Trail, which offers stunning views and a chance to see local wildlife. One camper mentioned, “We did one of our hikes from our site— the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful.”
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bears and other wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground noted, “Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground.”
• Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the local rivers and lakes. A camper at Davidson River Campground shared, “Davidson River Campground is perfectly situated for outdoor activities, plenty of hiking, good fishing, mountain biking, and climbing available all within a stone's throw from camp.”

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Greenbrier Campground said, “The bathrooms were amazing.”
• Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer breathtaking views. A visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground remarked, “The views are awesome at this park.”
• Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds often have activities for kids. A family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed the “bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river with a swimming hole!”

What you should know:

• Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A camper at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, “Most sites are close together, and there is no brush to divide them.”
• Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many areas. A visitor at Lake Powhatan noted, “We had very little cell service (Verizon).”
• Bear Awareness: Some campgrounds are in bear country, so take precautions. A camper at Cosby Campground shared, “An assertive mother bear and her three cubs showed up at dinner time.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Bring Entertainment: With limited cell service, pack books or games. A camper at Cades Cove Campground suggested, “Have a good book, downloaded shows, crossword book, or what have you.”
• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A family at Greenbrier Campground loved the “activities for kids.”
• Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds don’t have stores nearby, so bring enough food. A camper at Davidson River Campground mentioned, “It was great to have the coffee truck 5 mins away outside the campground.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, “The roads in the campground are steep and hilly.”
• Use Online Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially in peak season. A camper at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground said, “It was completely sold out.”
• Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds have limited amenities. A visitor at Lake Powhatan mentioned, “There is no camp store for extra supplies.”

Camping around Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, provides a great mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone to enjoy!