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Brandi M.
Scout
ScoutThree Peaks RV Resort
Absolutely one of the most beautiful campgrounds that we have visited, and super clean. Such a great location for hiking and viewing the Blue Ridge Pkwy!
Camping near Valdese, NC
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The mountainous terrain surrounding Valdese, North Carolina supports multiple camping styles across state parks and private campgrounds. South Mountains State Park, located south of Valdese, serves as a primary camping destination with family campgrounds offering tent and RV sites alongside backcountry options. Several developed campgrounds like Spacious Skies Bear Den and Thousand Trails Green Mountain provide amenities for RV camping with full hookups, while dispersed camping opportunities exist along Old NC 105. The Blue Ridge Parkway's Julian Price Park and Linville Falls campgrounds lie within driving distance, offering additional camping areas for visitors seeking proximity to mountain trails and scenic overlooks.
Camping accessibility varies significantly by location and season throughout the Valdese region. South Mountains State Park enforces strict entrance gate closures at night, limiting late arrivals, while many private campgrounds maintain year-round operation. The mountain landscape creates challenging terrain for larger RVs, with some campgrounds noting steep entrance grades. The highest elevation campgrounds typically operate seasonally from April through October due to winter weather conditions. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at several sites, particularly within South Mountains State Park where visitors note "no cell phone service, and gates to the park are locked up at 9pm so there's no getting in or out late at night."
Campground experiences differ substantially between developed and primitive sites in the region. Family campgrounds at South Mountains State Park receive consistent praise for clean facilities and streamside sites, with one visitor noting the "campground is quiet and well maintained with sites right along the river." Water features prominently in camping experiences near Valdese, with creeks and rivers providing recreation opportunities for swimmers and anglers. While some private campgrounds like Indian Springs offer seclusion and river access, others focus on providing full hookups for extended stays. The proximity to hiking trails, particularly to notable features like the 80-foot High Shoals Falls in South Mountains State Park, makes these camping areas popular bases for day hiking, often requiring weekend reservations months in advance.
Best Campgrounds near Valdese (251)
1. South Mountains State Park Family Campground
"The family campground is a short distance further inside the park on the left side(approx 2 miles) marked by a small brown sign...and is situated at 1400 ft elevation. "
"This campground is one way and exits into a trailhead parking area. There was one site that was in the parking area, would not be my first choice. Shaded sites with picnic tables and fire rings."
from $27 - $32 / night
Check Availability2. Thousand Trails Green Mountain
"We had a deck at our site which was a but problematic due to our steps folding out, it took some finagling and leveling to get it to where we could close our door."
"This is our first time ever camping and this place feels like home away from home and everyone here is very friendly."
3. Spacious Skies Bear Den
"Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."
"Bear den was a perfect location for the Blue ridge parkway. We stayed at a two cabin lot that had a hot tub. Bear den has everything from RV camp sites to a game room."
from $24 - $999 / night
Check Availability4. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping
"This was our first stop on our first trip to North Carolina and now we don’t want to leave!"
"The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am)."
5. Steele Creek Park & Campground
"The close proximity to Linville Falls, Blowing Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway was perfect. We will definitely be back to explore the area more."
"Friends of my went and paddled the Wilson Gorge close by. Tubed down the river, just plenty to do for a weekend trip."
6. Indian Springs Campground
"We were looking for someplace to stay near Hickory and we stumbled upon Indian Springs. "
"This place is tucked away near a river, plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, plus a nice laundromat. One of the quietest RV parks I've ever been to!"
7. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
"Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."
"This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."
from $30 / night
Check Availability8. Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC
"Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road."
"Big space, right next to the creek. All I heard was the water and some faint crickets hanging on in November. Best part, No highway sound! A couple hunters drove by, no one else was there."
9. Brown Mountain Roadside Campsites
"We stayed here for 12 days in the very first spot on the right , it was the most secluded and we had a bar of service near/ at the picnic table. We enjoyed our stay."
"One caveat: there is a relatively narrow turn near the top of the lot, past the camping sites, that would be difficult for larger RVs."
10. Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
"Another lovely campground along the BRP, close to Linville Falls and gorge, picnic area and visitor center."
"There are cabins, RV spots and tent sites all with access to newly renovated restrooms and coin operated laundry."
from $30 - $45 / night
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Drive Time
- 52 min from Asheville, NC
- 1 hr 3 min from Charlotte, NC
- 1 hr 25 min from Spartanburg, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Valdese, NC
547 Photos of 251 Valdese Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
The River CampJ
Little River Backcountry Campground — South Mountains State Park
South Mountains State Park Family Campground
Brown Mountain Roadside Campsites
Rose Creek RetreatT
Rose Creek Family CampgroundR
Thousand Trails Green Mountain
Steele Creek Park & Campground
Upper Falls Campsite
Paddy's Creek — Lake James State Park
Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NCR
Boone Fork Campground
Recent Reviews near Valdese, NC
1305 Reviews of 251 Valdese Campgrounds
Windy W.ScoutDoe River Landing
Beautiful Place, Ugly host, Oct 2026
Let me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
Bonnie H.ScoutDoe River Landing
Kylie T & Andrew W. Review not accurate
My husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.
The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.
Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.
These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.
I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"
- S
Sherri B.
GuideSpacious Skies Bear Den
Seems to be a well established campground in an off the beaten path location. Roads alternately paved and gravel. The campsite is gravel in a wooded setting. Fair amount of space between sites. The bathhouse is clean but dated.
Kyle T.ScoutDoe River Landing
Unprofessional hosts that ruins a place with good potential
We brought our whole family out and rented almost every cabin on the property, plus the event center, for the weekend— we gave this place a lot of business. And honestly, the stay itself was great— nice place, no complaints about the cabins. The owner is the problem. He came flying in in his blue F-150 doing 20–30 mph where the posted speed limit is 5, and started screaming at us over something that could've been handled with a simple conversation. His exact words:"Where are your parents? This is a family establishment. I will not have hooligans running around here." Every single one of us is over 21 and family. All we were doing was playing hide and seek— which isn't against any of the property's rules— and there were no other guests to disturb, since we had the entire area rented. He still threatened to call the police, even though it wasn't even quiet hours. Before anyone could get a word in, he peeled out so fast the gravel sprayed up at us and our cars. Then on his way out he drove the wrong way down the property's one-way road, so apparently the rules only apply to guests. It's sad, because the property itself is great, and we were never anything but nice to the owners the whole weekend. To be treated in such an unprofessional manner— screamed at, threatened, and never given so much as an apology afterward— put a real dent in the weekend. We won't be back
- AAndrew W.Scout
Doe River Landing
Beautiful place ruined by unprofessional ownership
Our group of about 20 rented nearly every cabin at Doe River Landing for my friend's wedding weekend, with the reception held on site. The cabins were nice and well-equipped, and the only other guests were in a cabin half a mile away through the woods. Unfortunately, the hosts ruined the stay. One night, some of us were playing hide and seek in an area that wasn't blocked off or against any rule. The host's husband came speeding in at roughly 30 mph(the posted limit is 5), jumped out of his truck screaming that he"will not have child hooligans running around the campground," told us to"go back to the motel we crawled out of," and demanded to see our parents— despite all of us being adults in our twenties. He then peeled out so aggressively he sprayed gravel at us and our cars. It wasn't even quiet hours, and we weren't disturbing anyone. Afterward, the host called us again, passive-aggressive, and questioned our ages— even though you have to be 21 just to rent a cabin there. The property is lovely, but the hosts' behavior put a real damper on what should have been a joyful wedding celebration. It's a shame they treat people paying good money this way. We won't be back.
- MMissie M.
TravelerJohn H. Moss Lake Campground
It’s a small, clean campground but we are next to a busy road (site 28) and also the entrance to the public access of Moss Lake. It’s a tight squeeze for us as a 33’ fifth wheel.
Lisa & Patrick R.TravelerBuck Creek
Buck Creek Campground review
Nice spot right on the river..Camp store & staff seem friendly & helpful-especially Sonny & Joshua.
Selina G.ScoutBroad River Campground
Beware!
If you ever plan on visiting Shelby / Broad River KOA Holiday Campground and have women or kids in your party, and y'all rent a unit from them, I'd rethink it or keep the door locked at all times. Our visit was wonderful up until the point a maintenance worker walks straight up in here on us.
Guide to Valdese
Camping sites around Valdese, North Carolina range from primitive tent spots to full-hookup RV accommodations, with elevations varying from 1,200 to 3,500 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically reaching 85°F while winter nights can drop below freezing at higher elevations. Most dispersed camping options require vehicles with adequate clearance due to the unpaved forest service roads that access these areas.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: 2-5 miles round-trip from South Mountains State Park Family Campground: The park features multiple trail options leading to an 80-foot waterfall. "We searched 'best waterfalls in NC' and this park did not disappoint. We stayed for 3 nights- family campsite was used as basecamp. Great trails. Great views," reports Sarah W.
Kayaking: Seasonal rentals available at Julian Price Park Campground: The lake offers kayak rentals during summer months. "This park is right on a gorgeous lake. There is a spot within the park to rent kayaks which was great. There is a hiking trail that goes around the lake," shares Danielle L.
Creek swimming: Multiple access points at smaller campgrounds with shallow, kid-friendly water features. "A16 was the camp spot. We stayed two extra days and enjoyed the relaxing waters here," notes Mike R. about his experience at Steele Creek Park & Campground.
What campers like
Cell service breaks: Intentional disconnection at Thousand Trails Green Mountain: Many campers appreciate the limited connectivity. "We spent 14 nights here Oct 2020. Not one day where we disappointed. Beautiful park with full hook ups. Super close to town to go get dinner and supplies," explains Larry M.
Creek-side sites: Natural white noise for sleeping. "We camped at site 6 and it was on the river and the kids loved it! Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen!!" Jessica L. mentions about South Mountains State Park Family Campground.
Ridge-top views: Sunrise and sunset spots at Table Rock Campsites: These sites offer panoramic vistas. "We had the last drive up site towards the top of the mountain facing Morganton, which was gorgeous. Not very secluded and not much flat ground but a great view," Tyler O. shares about the higher elevation camping options.
What you should know
Gate closures: Strict enforcement at several parks: Many campgrounds lock their entrance gates at specific times. "The no-alcohol policy at the park is STRICTLY enforced, so be careful! Nice easy trails lead to the campground, and the State Park is full of great things to see and do," Jenni P. warns about South Mountains.
Free dispersed camping options: Limited facilities on Old NC 105: This forest road offers primitive sites. "If you take your time and they are available there are a few spots on both sides of the road with wonderful views...biggest con for me is I use a pump filter to fill up water, no camp sight that I could find had access to the river that runs along this road so make sure to bring plenty of bottled water," advises David P.
Road conditions: 4WD recommended for certain campgrounds: Access to some sites requires navigating unpaved roads. "I've read a lot about the road leading into this campground/trailhead area. There are two different ways to access it from what I can tell. I came in from the north... Approximately 5 miles of that is compacted gravel/dirt road," explains Kevin G. about Table Rock.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites across from play areas at Spacious Skies Bear Den: "We camped at C13 which was right across from the large playground in November. No noise issues, but it was dark by 6:30pm. My daughter had a blast and we could keep an eye on her while we worked/played at the site," Charles S. recommends.
Family-friendly bathrooms: Check facility quality when booking: "Even though we only stayed one night, we had a blast! Restrooms were very clean and well maintained. The tent pad was large enough to setup our 8 man tent and 2 man tent," shares Erica F. about South Mountains State Park.
Park gate security: Understand overnight access rules: "This state park is relatively close for us in Charlotte and we have camped here on a few occasions. What I like most about this park is they do close the gates at night which definitely cuts down on random traffic," notes Rushell R.
Tips for RVers
Approach directions: Avoid steep grades by planning route: "Hint here if pulling a camper, don't follow the Bearden sign, go to Linville to get on the parkway and go left. This way you will avoid the steep curvy road going up a mountain," suggests a visitor to Bear Den.
Site selection: Study reservation map to find level spots: "I'm not going to lie, Indian Springs is not easy to get to. The road to the campground is easy to get to from I40, it's the turn onto Whitener Drive off of Costner Road that is not easy," explains Corby M. about Indian Springs Campground.
Winter camping: Limited options during cold months: "The highest elevation campgrounds typically operate seasonally from April through October due to winter weather conditions," with one reviewer noting about Thousand Trails Green Mountain that "We found this campground on our way through Lenoir, NC. It was very pricey ($82 for one night - 30 amp, water, & sewer)."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Valdese, NC?
What camping is available near Valdese, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Valdese, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 251 campgrounds and RV parks near Valdese, NC and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Valdese, NC?
Which is the most popular campground near Valdese, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Valdese, NC is South Mountains State Park Family Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Valdese, NC?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Valdese, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Valdese, NC.
What parks are near Valdese, NC?
What parks are near Valdese, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 parks near Valdese, NC that allow camping, notably W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir and Pisgah National Forest.
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