Best Tent Camping near Culberson, NC

Tent camping opportunities near Culberson, North Carolina include several established sites within the Cherokee National Forest and nearby areas along the Tennessee and Georgia borders. Lost Creek Campground, a dispersed camping area in the Cherokee National Forest, provides tent campsites with basic amenities including concrete picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Unique shelter options are also available in the North Carolina foothills for hikers along the Appalachian Trail.

Most tent campsites in the region feature natural terrain with minimally developed sites on dirt or forest floor. Walk-in tent locations vary in accessibility, with some requiring short hikes while others allow vehicles near the tent pad. Facilities are typically primitive - vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, but running water is rare. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during dry summer months. Visitors should note that many backcountry areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place. The Hiwassee River area offers tent-specific sites with picnic tables and fire rings, though amenities remain basic.

Tent campers frequently use these sites as bases for hiking along nearby trail networks, including portions of the Appalachian Trail. Creek access is a notable feature at several campgrounds, providing both scenic value and practical water sources (requiring filtration). The region's heavily forested terrain offers natural shade at most tent sites, creating comfortable camping even during warmer months. Sites located farther from main roads provide deeper seclusion and quieter camping experiences. A review from Lost Creek Campground mentioned that "All you hear is the river at night. No cell service and it's first come first served for a spot." Another visitor noted that "Some sites have direct access to the creek. Great hikes around and good place to fish."

Best Tent Sites Near Culberson, North Carolina (105)

    1. Camp Woodruff Boy Scout Summer Camp

    2 Reviews
    Culberson, GA
    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."

    2. Unique shelter in the NC foothills

    2 Reviews
    Culberson, NC
    1 mile
    Website

    "Just the structure built on top of a wood platform with screen mesh to help control bugs. There are nice, cushy mattresses to lay down on."

    3. Your Toccoa River Cove

    3 Reviews
    Mineral Bluff, GA
    10 miles
    Website

    $35 / night

    "With 12 acres of woodland and the freedom to pitch a tent anywhere (provided you honor LNT principals about where to set up camp!)"

    "Absolutely beautiful location! Directions were easy to follow. I followed my google maps until we got to hwy 60 and then used the given directions."

    4. Henson Cove Private Campground

    1 Review
    Culberson, NC
    4 miles
    +1 (219) 781-9653

    $52 / night

    5. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    9 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    21 miles
    Website

    "It's in the middle of nowhere (7 miles down a gravel forest road), surrounded by forest, with easy creek access (some sites are right beside the creek), and the Benton McKaye trail running directly beside"

    "We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived."

    6. Raven Cliff Falls

    28 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    29 miles
    Website

    "I’ve camped at this location multiple times and each time was better than the last. It feels like a very primitive spot with the ease of car camping."

    "Its on one one of the most scenic highways and s in a great location if you want to venture into Helen, Brasstown, Bald, or Hiawassee."

    7. Camp Reggae Getaway

    1 Review
    Turtletown, TN
    10 miles
    Website

    $25 - $100 / night

    8. Blood Mountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail

    8 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    22 miles
    Website

    "We didn't stay in the shelter and instead set up our tent near an overlook nearby. Perfect place for sunrise and sunset."

    "While most AT shelters have a bathroom nearby, this one doesn't. Also there isn't any water available."

    9. Hiwassee River Area

    3 Reviews
    Turtletown, TN
    18 miles

    "One large circle, mostly tent camping. No electric hookup. Water spigots throughout the campground but not directly at each site. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring."

    "This is a popular location for the regional university students so expect a bit of a hootenanny to surround and welcome you."

    10. The Glamp Shack

    1 Review
    Suches, GA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 383-9191

    $88 - $95 / night

    "We're happy to welcome this host to our platform. This site is private and heavily forested with a fully equipped kitchenette. Book them today and come back here to leave them some love."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Culberson, NC

1685 Reviews of 105 Culberson Campgrounds


  • T
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Cades Cove Campground

    Great campsite near Cades Cove loop

    We reserved our site online, this can be done a month in advance. We were impressed with the paved parking space, picnic table, fire pit and level tent pad. It looks like these are very new. Proximity to cades cove loop was great. The souvineer shop has great gifts and a good selection of snacks and some supplies. Prices are reasonable, better than we expected. Bathroom was not the best, not very clean. The dish washing sink behind the bathroom was handy. No showers, but this is true for any camp sites in the park. Ranger station nearby is helpful to get advice and current weather reports (no phone reception in the park). Bike rentals available near the gift/snack shop too, to bike the loop. Lots of trees on our site that we used to setup a tarp to stay dry.

  • Adam C.
    Aug. 1, 2023

    Turkey Creek Campground

    Cute off the beaten path, at a good price

    Smaller camp grounds, that best suited for smaller campers, or tent camping. The driveway coming into the campground is steep, so drive slow, and I would highly recommend showing up before dark, not an entrance I would want to make after dark. They have affordable firewood and ice on site, free coffee in the office, and Wi-Fi. Currently I’m using the Wi-Fi from my spot, since cellular service in this area isn’t reliable. Make sure you download a google map “offline mode” map of the area before coming, since service is limited for ATT and Verizon. If your doing tent camping, they made these elevated large squares out of crushed gravel to put your tent on, that are perfectly level, and with the gravel, should stay dry in event of rain. Some of the spots have “river” access, I would call it more of a small creek, but still nice. All the gravel roads seem to be in great condition. Washer and dryers are available, and showers and bathrooms are way better than average.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2018

    Mountain Crossings - Neel Gap m- AT Camp and Store

    Great location, but prepare to sleep on a slant...

    This location is kind of famous. You read about it in the AT books and the owner has actually written a book about all the hikers he's met that happen through his shop. Neels Gap is not only a place to throw down for some sleep (they have a campground and a hostel), but it's a total resupply stop. We stayed at Neels Gap Camp because it fit our mileage plans and it was convenient for the night and it was a great place to catch up with folks we met on the trail and meet some new ones.

    The hostel here is mainly for through hikers. They charge $20/night and that includes a shower and a bed. We stayed at the campground behind the building. There's nothing wrong with the campground, other than the fact that it's on such a slant (building camps on the sides of mountains and rocks does this...) that you are going to end up sleeping on top of your tent buddy if you don't aim your tent the right direction, and there are not many pads that allow the "right direction". You are truly best off in a hammock at this campground.

    There are plenty of hammock trees, and it's kind of cool that the AT goes right past the tent pads so in the morning, you can watch the hikers filter out and head north on their journey. Old faces and new faces greet you as you sip your coffee and eat your oatmeal.

    There is a fire ring, and since the fire ban ends on the other side of the highway (Neels sits on the highway), we were on the right side of the road to have a fire! A welcome addition to the chilly night air. There is a fire pit made of stone and everyone shares.

    There were not many good spots to hang bear bags that were away from the tents, but we found one that sufficed. They do not have a bear box (and claim that bears don't really come to this campground, but can you really tell them not to?). They do, however, have mice, and one little bugger ate into my pack and buried a peanut inside. So best to put your pack in your tent, if possible. They're cute, but not that cute.

    Portable pottys were located out front of the store, and there were about 5 that were fairly clean and maintained. There is a water faucet out front with drinkable water (yay!) that didn't need to be purified and picnic tables for cooking your food. A beautiful overlook while you ate was awesome too! There is a road/highway that passes by, so there is road noise, but not unbearable. Just kind of annoying if you are used to the sounds of the woods.

    The store has anything you could possibly need for re-supply, which makes it totally awesome! Gear (packs, sleeping bags, shoes, socks, etc), cooking supplies (food, stoves, fuel), books, water bottles, you name it! They also accept resupply boxes that you have mailed to yourself and a system to hand them out that seems to work really well.

    Overall, not a bad spot for camping. Everything you need in one spot.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Your Toccoa River Cove

    Beauty and Seclusion at Toccoa River Cove

    "Is there water to play in?" 

    This is a question my kids ask about almost every campground we go to. Before this trip I told them, "yes!" But once we got to the Toccoa River Cove, all of us realized that "yes" really meant, "this is a phenomenal wonderland we will never want to leave." 

    I want to say this is a "goldilocks" campground, but only because it has something for everyone, not because it falls into an average category. With 12 acres of woodland and the freedom to pitch a tent anywhere (provided you honor LNT principals about where to set up camp!), you can camp right next to the car, set up a camping hammock, or explore the forest and find a secluded area in the trees for a backpacking tent. There is a spring you can drink straight out of, and streams criss-crossing the entire area if you want the rugged feeling of purifying your own water. There's a large shelter stocked with a table, chairs, lanterns, and a two-burner camp stove for the glamping crowd, with plenty of floor space to throw down a sleeping bag for thru-hikers nostalgic for AT shelters. The campsite also has a huge fire ring (and a shelter with lots of cut wood), a picnic table, a bench, lots of bridges over the water, a few established trails, a privy that is obviously cleaned regularly, and most importantly, a total immersion in nature as only one group can book this site at a time. 

    Things to note for planning:

    -The driveway down to the shelter is very steep, and does not allow much space to turn around. RVs or larger trucks will not fit, and per the owner only one vehicle may park at the base of the driveway at a time--all others should park just past the gate once you first turn onto the driveway 

    -Water is available from two natural springs, but there is no filtered or piped water

    -There is no electricity at all at this site

    -The closest town is Copperhill/McCaysville on the TN/GA border. You can get provisions here, or use the campsite as a basecamp to explore the breweries and restaurants the town has to offer.

    -There is a community area a short drive from the campsite that offers swimming and fishing; access is included in your reservation

    I cannot see any tent campers this site would not be perfect for. While there are neighboring houses so loud parties are not permitted, this site allows up to 10 guests, with plenty of room to spare if you are looking to get out with friends. Single campers or couples will appreciate the privacy, and families will find the amenities that make camping with kids easier, accompanied with the space to allow kids freedom to explore.

    I feel like I am always on a quest to find a campsite that blends the ability to carry gear for every possible contingency, with the beauty and privacy of the backcountry. After staying here, I can say that quest is over. This is it.

  • Katie H.
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Raven Cliff Falls

    Underrated Camping Spot

    I’ve camped at this location multiple times and each time was better than the last. It feels like a very primitive spot with the ease of car camping. You have the choice to walk in further but it accommodates all campers. Be careful of the bears and always leave no trace.

  • D & Jess W.
    Sep. 29, 2023

    Tsali Campground

    Rooftop tent camping

    First come, first serve here. There were plenty spots available in late September. This campground is extremely well maintained. Fire ring with grate, picnic table, bbq grill, a bear pole and a lantern pole at each site. Heard coyotes on each side of us the night we were here. That was fun. Make sure you don’t park under a black walnut tree. Black walnuts fall constantly, and will add fashionable dents to your vehicle. Quiet hours are definitely not proactively enforced. Campsite spacing varies. Some sites have more privacy than others. Overall, a great place to stay. Based on the proximity to Fontana Lake, we would stay here again.

  • B+J S.
    Sep. 17, 2021

    Hearthstone Cabins and Camping

    Ever Evolving Wonderland

    Less than a mile from the heart of Helen, Georgia. This campground is a one woman show. Liz, the owner, has done it all and theres no sign of stopping her - to the cabins, the decor, and expanding campsites. 

    Cabins: 

    There are three cabins on this property that are fully set up(everything provided) and ready for you. Two cabins are nice couple cabins while the third is a beautiful three bedroom home with a full yard and outdoor space with room for an RV or tenting, perfect for a group or reunion. 

    RV spaces: 

    Five spaces are towards the front of the property and are all large. When we were there each space was filled with 30+’ trailers there for Oktoberfest. Each site has water and electric, picnic tables, fire rings and some have hammocks. 

    Further on the property are 5 more sites. Each with water, electric, and tables. The three furthest are a bit smaller, but are being expanded upon each day. We stayed in the smaller of the spaces in the back as we have a small trailer. The spot had a perfect mix of shade and sun for our solar panels to charge if we had needed them, but the electric was clean and ample. The wifi was strong and our T-Mobile service also worked. Since we are a small trailer, we do not have our own facilities, so we did have to walk to the bathroom. 

    Tent camping: 

    Think primitive. They’re dirt spots with fire rings. I can see in the future they’ll be expanded upon and significantly improved. The owner has really amazing ideas for these spots and I’ll be very interested in seeing them say a year from now. 

    Bathroom facilities: 

    There is a portapotty and an outhouse- no flushing toilets. In the bathhouse, there are two shower stalls with very high pressure hot showers. While the facilities left a bit to be desired, they did the job and remember, this is a one woman show renovating the entire property! If you have your own facilities in your RV or trailer this isn’t an issue.

     The property overall: 

    The property overall is fun to explore! Theres a natural spring that runs down the hill to a little pond where you can swim or fish from your own sandy beach. We were there after one of the last storms really destroyed the GA, SC, and NC general area so the pond was a bit cloudy and a lot of timber/branches have fallen around the property. There are tons of hang out spaces with hammocks and hammock chairs, so if you’re into reading, theres a spot for you. 

    One of the most interesting things about this property is the“Makers Space”, an arts and crafts area where you can paint, create, and share what you’ve made. Hidden throughout the property are amazing little details. From a mini fairy village to faces in the trees, and beautifully painted rocks hidden in nooks and crannies. 

    You can see the creativity and love Liz has put into making this place her vision. Remember to leave no trace, lend a helping hand, and to stay and chat for a while.

  • A
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Andrew's Cove Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    Nice primitive camping

    This is a primitive campground with a picnic table, lantern pole and a firepit with a grate. It is pack in-pack out as there are no trashcans or dumpsters. Water is available via a hand water pump across from site#8 and the toilets are vault toilets but were well kept and did not smell horrible. The stream is gorgeous stream and loud enough to drown out most road noise. There are some hazardous trees and one 6inch tree did fall while we were there this weekend during a thunderstorm. At the back of the campground is a~2 mile trail that connects to the AT. Most sites have a tent pad that will accommodate a 10’x10’ tent. Sites 2, 4, and 8 driveways can really only accommodate 1 car and there are no extra parking spots. Driveways for sites 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 can accommodate 2 cars. Site 1 is adjacent to the road and is going to be impacted by road noise. There is no campground host so be prepared to either scavenge wood or buy it in town, same goes for ice.

  • M
    Sep. 10, 2016

    Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    Memorial Day Weekend was Awesome..

    We spent Memorial Day weekend at Fort Mountain and it was awesome. We camped in a Pioneer campsite #2 which is a 3 sided pavilion that would easily sleep 8-10 people if you were only using bed rolls and sleeping bags. Pioneer camping has its challenges, but each site has an outhouse and a picnic table and prebuilt fire ring. There is an original fire tower on top of the mountain at the end of the trail. A Great Lake for kayaks and fishing with Jon boats, paddle boats, and canoes avaialble for rentals. Lots of cool lake side tent sites and trailer sites are also avaialble. We have camped several times with our scout troop. Lots of cool trails surround the park. There were fireworks in neighboring towns a short,15 min drive both nights. The towns near by have stores and food if your not I the mood to cook. The history is well documented on displays all around the park. And the there is a station that broadcasts at the end of one of the public service roads.


Guide to Culberson

Culberson, North Carolina, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation in nature.

Tips for tent camping near Culberson

  • For a serene experience, consider camping at Lost Creek - Cherokee NF, where you can enjoy the peaceful sounds of the creek and the beauty of the surrounding forest.
  • If you're looking for a more social atmosphere, Two Wheels of Suchess is a popular spot among motorcyclists, providing a friendly community vibe and easy access to scenic roads.
  • Be prepared for primitive conditions at Creekside Camp, which offers flat campsites next to a lovely creek but lacks amenities like picnic tables and toilets.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $15

  • Camping at Blood Mountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail is free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers seeking stunning views.
  • Hiwassee River Area offers well-reviewed sites with amenities for around $15, perfect for those wanting a mix of comfort and nature.
  • For a unique experience, Your Toccoa River Cove provides a private camping experience with a spring and creek for about $15, ideal for families and groups.

Tent campers should check out Hiwassee River Area

  • The Hiwassee River Area features spacious sites with river views, making it a fantastic spot for fishing and kayaking.
  • For those who enjoy hiking, Woody Gap Campground - Appalachian Trail offers access to some of the best trails in the region, perfect for a day of exploration.
  • If you're seeking a more rustic experience, Hickory Flatts Cemetery provides a quiet, open area for tent camping, surrounded by nature and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Culberson, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Culberson, NC is Camp Woodruff Boy Scout Summer Camp with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Culberson, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 105 tent camping locations near Culberson, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.