Best Campgrounds near Culberson, NC

Nestled in the southern Appalachian Mountains, Culberson, North Carolina serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences spanning multiple states. The area features established campgrounds like Persimmon Creek RV Park, which provides both tent and RV accommodations along scenic creeks. Within an hour's drive, campers can access multiple recreation areas in the Nantahala National Forest, as well as facilities in neighboring Georgia and Tennessee. The tri-state region includes lakeside options at Lake Chatuge and Lake Blue Ridge, mountain settings with forest cover, and riverside camping along the Ocoee and Nantahala Rivers.

Camping permits and reservation requirements vary significantly across the region, with some sites operating year-round while others close seasonally. As one camper noted about Persimmon Creek, "This is a beautiful secluded site just off Highway 64/74 not too far from the Tennessee border with wonderful amenities for both RV and tent campers." Many campgrounds in the mountains have limited or no cell service, particularly in gorges and remote areas. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage and awareness. The winding mountain roads can be challenging for larger vehicles, especially when accessing more remote camping areas or during winter months when ice and snow may affect travel.

Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area. Lakeside sites at Morganton Point and Gibson Cove campgrounds offer water access for paddling and fishing. Several campers mention the peaceful sounds of creeks and streams as highlights of their experience. "If you are like me and prefer tent camping, I would recommend staying at one of the sites near the entrance as they have an almost magical feel," wrote one visitor about Persimmon Creek. The region's campgrounds provide varying levels of privacy, with some offering secluded sites while others feature more open layouts. Many campgrounds serve as excellent basecamps for outdoor recreation, providing access to hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and paddling opportunities on nearby waterways.

Best Camping Sites Near Culberson, North Carolina (605)

    1. Vogel State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-2628

    $30 - $290 / night

    "Vogel State Park was perfectly situated along Hwy 19 in the north Georgia mountains for an easy spot for the night."

    "This was a great stop close to the water. Between Blood Mountain and Neels Gap, we camped for two nights at different sites. Both were primitive, non-shelter sites."

    2. Morganton Point Campground

    17 Reviews
    Morganton, GA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 374-1645

    $26 - $50 / night

    "Camped on lot 14 which was quite spacious with easy access to the water. Tent was located away from the fire pit and picnic table and the restrooms were close by."

    "We were right next to the camp host, which was pretty nice – we didn’t have to go far to ask for wood or ice!  Plus, there were trails leading right to the lake. "

    3. Persimmon Creek RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Culberson, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 644-5800

    $55 - $900 / night

    "This is a beautiful secluded site just off of Highway 64/74 not too far from the Tennessee border. The campground is very well kept and has wonderful amenities for both RV and tent campers."

    "I don't have a huge point of reference, but I can give you details on everything that was smooth

    • Location - Just off a 4 lane highway.  Convenient with easy access to your site. "

    4. Trackrock Campground & Cabins

    22 Reviews
    Blairsville, GA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-2420

    "Good sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground."

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW As I was walking around the campground the word roughstic came to mInd. The road in was rough, the campsite was nice enough but somewhat minimal and the decor rustic."

    5. Thunder Rock Campground

    20 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $12 - $20 / night

    "Campsites are close to one another. If you camp at a site near the water, it is really nice, but everyone will walk by your campsite so they can go down the path to the river."

    "Easy access off Hwy 64, so close to stores for food and firewood. Well maintained campsite with clean bathrooms and very clean, nice showers. Alcohol prohibited as think county is dry."

    6. Cooper Creek

    14 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 695-6736

    "The camping spots are spacious and everyone has easy access to the creeks."

    "For the record they do have a decent distance between them but the young adults there showed up late and stayed up late."

    7. Murphy/Peace Valley KOA

    8 Reviews
    Murphy, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 837-6223

    "They have worked hard to upgrade the campground which is surrounded by a river. There is a large dog run area, playground, pool in season and close proximity to the town of Murphy. Beautiful area."

    "This is a great family site and it is fairly quiet, so if you are like me and you camp to GET AWAY from noise and drama, then this is the place!!"

    8. Rivers Edge Mountain RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Culberson, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 361-4517

    9. Camp Woodruff Boy Scout Summer Camp

    2 Reviews
    Culberson, NC
    5 miles
    Website

    $10 - $25 / night

    "As an Eagle Scout from around this area, this was our go-to place for summer camp and occasional other camping trips as well."

    10. Foxfire of Murphy RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Culberson, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 407-0818

    "Small family owned campground located in the NC foothills.   Sites are spacious and meticulously groomed.   If you're looking for peaceful and cozy, this is the place!"

    "Conveniently located in Murphy, NC, it's also close to TN and GA."

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Recent Reviews near Culberson, NC

1952 Reviews of 605 Culberson Campgrounds


  • Liz  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Little Gassaway Creek

    1 Campsite off 4 x 4 Road

    Found this site on the way to another. Only one campsite and requires either off-road tires or 4 x 4

  • 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!)

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

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Two seperate areas

    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!)

  • George M.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Mulky Campground

    Great location for fishing

    A lot of the campsites are right on the water, so it's super easy to fish. But if you want something more private, there are also some secluded spots up the road.

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

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Trash..

    This area was easy to find with Apple Maps and T-Mobile and Verizon had signal. When we drove in it was around 9pm in a Saturday night and all sites was taken with what looked like people living there. And the road dead ends. All along the water. Tents and tarps everywhere. We found one spot not on the water and set up. Fire rings and picnic tables are at every spot. But when I woke up and it wasn't pitch black my heart broke. There was bags of trash and litter everywhere around us and tossed in the forest around us. The forest had a lot of thorns but I was able to get three large kitchen bags of trash out. From propane tanks to over twenty cans of food. Just tossed into the woods. We camp all over the United States, and this is our first place close to home and it broke my heart to see how our state treats these beautiful places. Please don't come if you don't appreciate nature enough to not use it as your trash can.

    So on Dyrt there's two sites with this name and same gps but you can follow around the lake and find the other one. Both areas are a lot alike. But definitely more fit for tent camping on the water. Park by the road and walk down sites so none fit for us since we camp in the truck. The sites all looked like the other areas around here where people very much lived there and never left, so not one site at either camping area was open.

  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.

  • Ney N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Slice of heaven cost: $10

    My partner always said he loved going here as a kid, so we went. $10 a night was a bargain and I did not expect much. The site we picked was near the restrooms, which were very well kept. It was quiet, beautiful, and an absolute slice of heaven. We went swimming and exploring. It did not feel overcrowded or busy. We walked down the peninsula at night to stargaze surrounded by water. I didn't want to leave and go back to the real world.

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

  • austin C.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Great camping as of September 2025

    Very nice area to camp saw multiple sites throughout the road. Weather got a little cooler at night but the stars were a beauty to see. managed to fit 3 tents and 2 hammocks at the campsite near 34°50'26.3"N 83°40'44.6"W Wood was a little wet as it had rained 2 days prior so might be worth bringing your own.

    Also worth it if you're into astrophotography as all of tray mountain sits within the few dark areas within north Georgia.

    Did not see any signs of large predators but did see lots of spent 12GA shells and other casings.


Guide to Culberson

Camping near Culberson, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, perfect for all skill levels. One camper mentioned, "The park has a very nice and well-stocked visitor center. The area is very beautiful and a hiker's paradise. Several trails and waterfalls, for example, the AT, are nearby." This makes places like Vogel State Park Campground a great choice for hiking enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy fishing or boating, Moccasin Creek State Park Campground is right on Lake Burton. A visitor noted, "The dock and the fishing were very nice and great areas to go boating close by."
  • Exploring Waterfalls: Many campers love visiting nearby waterfalls. One review highlighted, "You can walk around the lake and visit a waterfall," which is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A review from Fort Mountain State Park Campground stated, "The bathhouses were clean and well-maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Indian Boundary said, "The staff are super friendly at the camp store."
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Doll Mountain Campground offer stunning views. A camper shared, "Great views overlooking the lake."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Chilhowee Recreation Area mentioned, "Service isn't available within the campgrounds."
  • Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. One camper warned, "The roads are steep and a little narrow, so take your time," especially when heading to Vogel State Park Campground.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A review for Gee Creek Campground noted, "Quiet park except on weekends - lots of day-use patrons."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family-friendly trails. One camper at Gee Creek Campground said, "The kids loved the playground, and the fairytale story walk."
  • Plan for Rain: Be prepared for changing weather. A family camping at Amicalola Falls State Park mentioned, "It was well kept, very quiet, perfect place to camp."
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games or activities for downtime. A camper at Unicoi State Park suggested, "We would camp here anytime again," indicating a positive family experience.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A review for Fort Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "There are really nice bathhouses located in each loop."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. One RV camper at Chilhowee Recreation Area noted, "Electric is available at some sites, but not others."
  • Be Mindful of Bears: Some areas have bear activity. A camper at Fort Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "Bears were active in the area."

Camping near Culberson, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it's a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Culberson, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Culberson, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 605 campgrounds and RV parks near Culberson, NC and 59 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Culberson, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Culberson, NC is Vogel State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 67 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Culberson, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 59 free dispersed camping spots near Culberson, NC.

What parks are near Culberson, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Culberson, NC that allow camping, notably Tusquitee National Forest and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.