Best Tent Camping near Forest City, NC

Tent campsites near Forest City, North Carolina provide access to the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with several options for primitive camping experiences. South Mountains State Park offers multiple backcountry tent camping areas including Upper Falls Campsite and Little River Backcountry Campground, both requiring short hikes to reach the designated sites. Primitive Camping By the Creek provides a more accessible option with drive-in tent sites located in neighboring South Carolina.

Many backcountry tent sites in the area require moderate hikes with elevation changes to access. At South Mountains State Park, the Little River sites involve a 1.5-mile hike with approximately 600 feet of elevation gain. Tent pads can be challenging at some locations due to roots, hardpan earth, and sloped terrain. Most backcountry sites include fire rings and pit toilets, but campers should bring water filtration equipment as the nearest water sources may be up to half a mile from some campsites. Bear boxes are available at select backcountry locations, particularly at Jacob Branch and Shinny Creek areas.

Backcountry tent camping in this region offers seclusion and natural experiences not available at developed campgrounds. Sites at Upper Falls provide excellent hammock camping options with plenty of suitable trees for setup, while locations like Jacob Branch feature three tent sites arranged around a clearing. Water access varies by location—some sites offer immediate creek access while others require short hikes to reach filterable water. One camper noted that "the sites are well-laid out" at Upper Falls, though they cautioned that campers should "get ready for a LOT of steep stairs" to reach the campsite. Several reviews mention the presence of bear boxes at backcountry sites, highlighting the importance of proper food storage when tent camping in this region.

Best Tent Sites Near Forest City, North Carolina (44)

    1. Upper Falls Campsite

    1 Review
    Casar, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 433-4772

    $15 / night

    "Site 3&4 are my favorites because they are close to water access (bring a good filter). Plenty of trees to choose from for a hammock setup."

    2. Primitive Camping By the Creek

    4 Reviews
    Grover, NC
    25 miles
    +1 (864) 761-6297

    $30 / night

    "On the campsite there is a lot of firewood to use, in a shed to keep it dry. There are log seats around a nice campfire with a picnic table. Lots of room for multiple tents."

    "It was very helpful and greatly appreciated after the 11hr drive. The campsite was spacious for us to set up camp and keep the jeep nearby."

    3. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bessemer City, NC
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 853-5429

    $17 - $47 / night

    "This is a hike in campground so we were in a hurry. The campground had lockers with firewood and you could leave the money in the envelope at the trailhead."

    "I visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt. My brother and I spent the day rock climbing."

    5. Wilderness Cove Campground | Outdoor Adventure Retreats

    3 Reviews
    Saluda, NC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 341-2344

    $35 - $299 / night

    "Tents only, they do have some cabins for rent.  Nice clean bath house.  Was able to access wifi near the tubing office.  Prices are extremely reasonable.  Their website is very accurate. "

    "The tent camping is not quite"roughing it": there's pretty reliable WiFi and the bath house is air conditioned and kept very clean."

    6. Little River Backcountry Campground — South Mountains State Park

    2 Reviews
    Casar, NC
    24 miles
    +1 (828) 433-4772

    $17 / night

    "Jacob Branch: Three sites arranged around a clearing. Two pit privies and a BEAR BOX! Woot!!"

    "The hikes near the falls were quite busy on Memorial Day weekend, but the backcountry campsites were quiet and well-kept."

    7. Black Bear Campground

    5 Reviews
    Marion, NC
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 803-5819

    $21 - $36 / night

    "Excellent campground there’s ice and firewood so you don’t have to make special trips to the nearest convenience store. They charge it directly to your card. The host was wonderful."

    "This is a brand new tent and cabin campground built by Duke Energy and run by McDowell county on Lake James."

    8. Jones Gap State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, NC
    42 miles
    Website

    "Love the privacy of this spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area."

    "Tent camping only. Nice, private walk-in sites. Creek runs through park. Definitely no call service. Only an emergency call box if anything goes on at night. It's a pack in pack out park."

    9. Catawba River — Lake James State Park

    1 Review
    Linville, NC
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 544-6800

    $27 / night

    "We stayed at the Catawba River campground which you can park and walk-in to your campsite. The sites were all so unique and cozy in a little circle path that takes you down by the water."

    10. Camp Attocoa

    1 Review
    Glen Alpine, NC
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 413-4973
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Tent Camping Reviews near Forest City, NC

1154 Reviews of 44 Forest City Campgrounds


  • Dave V.
    Aug. 29, 2017

    Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    Lofty Blue Ridge Experience

    Mount Mitchell State Park, highest peak east of the Mississippi...6,684ft elevation... is located on The Blue Ridge Parkway, but it is still a bit of a climb (for foot or vehicle traffic) to get to the summit. https://www.ncparks.gov/mount-mitchell-state-park

    Getting here the day after the solar eclipse, it was still pretty busy...and if you are traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway...speed is only 45 mph, so do your calculations. There are only nine, yes, count them...nine tent camping sites. So reservations are a must if you want a site! The campground is open from May 1 to Oct 31...but if you walk-in to the sites, as in via the trails, you can rent a site amost all year.

    Tent sites are small, but nice. You get a timber lined tent pad, a crushed limestone area with picnic table, wooden lantern post, and a fire ring with flip grate...and a bear secure food storage bin. There are flush toilets between sites 3 and 7... and two water spigots nearby.

    If campsites are full and you desire to hike the trails, you can register your vehicle with office, leave it there in the parking lot and locate a place to make camp along the trails. There are also several free roadside sites marked with a brown plastic post with a small tent emblem on them. Ordinarily these are along a stream where you can gather water (filter it!)...but it is primitive (LNT!).

    The park has a restaurant, a museum, gift shop and an observation tower at the summit. Pretty cool that the observation tower is ADA...but steep.

    Check weather reports. These mountains make their own weather. And remember, for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, temperature decreases by 3 degrees (roughly...there is constant debate). So pack wisely. Surprisingly, though reports called for rain...we saw none.

    Great hiking and long mountain views are one of the draws. The walk up the Observation trail is paved but steep, so give yourself some time if you are wanting to capture the sunset. If hiking, there are a myriad of sites that offer maps, levels of difficulty and recommendations. Did I mention that if you are planning to hike for the day...plan and pack for weather?

    A worthwhile place to pitch your tent, but there are also several other campgrounds at lower elevations that also have great trails and more amenities.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 23, 2022

    Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    Shade, Shade and more Shade!

    PROS 

    Discounted camp fee with senior pass 

    Reserved 169 days prior to arriving 

    Friendly and helpful gate attendant 

    Nearly 100% shade at each site 

    Excellent dark sky viewing 

    Private sites with large space along with vegetation between sites 

    Very quiet 

    Asphalt parking pad surrounded with bean size gravel 

    Concrete picnic table 

    Metal fire pit with cooking grate 

    2 hook lantern pole 

    Electric at water connection for heated water hose connection 

    Recycle bins in campground loop 

    Trash dumpsters immediately out of campground loop 

    Firewood for sale but gate attendant told us to buy at Ingles (grocery store) where it is $3 bundle cheaper and we did! 

    Next to North Carolina Arboretum 

    Close to Asheville Outlet Mall and Camping World 

    CONS 

    3 bear sitings a day prior to our arrival in campground, according to gate attendant 

    No overnight gate closure even tho RULES proved at check-in stated gates closed at 10pm, but no open hours in RULES

     Lakeview site 38 not level 

    Up hill sewer connection at Lakeview site 38 

    Fire ring not cleared of ash upon our arrival 

    Non-moveable concrete picnic table and beyond camper awning 

    2 toilets and 2 showers for entire Lakeview Loop (21 campsites). There were lines! 

    Low hanging tree branches over roadways and roadside tree branches over roadways so it was a maneuvering obstacle challenge to not scrape camper roof and sides Campground roads narrow with tight curves along with roadway asphalt dropped off to steep shoulders; could be challenging to novice rig drivers (as we witnessed that more than once) 

    Two-and- a-half-mile drive on a twisty hilly road through residential neighborhood to get to the campground 

    No WiFi 

    1 bar Verizon

  • Katrin M.
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    Absolutely stunning

    First of all... it is very hard to reserve a campsite for the weekend. And I completely understand why. It is simply beautiful. The campground has just 9 walk in sites. We stayed at site number 1 which is the closest to the parking lot. It was very private ( I think the most private of all) but number 5 and 6 have the best views. All campsites come with a firepit, picnic table, and a lantern pole.
    The bathhouse is very clean but had no showers or hot water. A very nice ranger sold us some firewood which was available in the parking lot. There are several ways to go up to the summit. You can hike 0.6 miles, which starts on top of the campground, or you drive up. On top of the mountain is a observation tower, a gift shop, a little museum, and a drink and snack bar. The fact I loved the most, was the the nice cool temperature. It was in the lower 70's during the day and about 50 at night. Be careful with the weather. It can change very quickly. A ranger came by and warned us about a coming thunderstorm. We found shelter on the porch of the bathhouse. It was very nice to watch the rain and the wind. We would camp here anytime again. It is really worth it.

  • J
    Jul. 19, 2016

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Cabins without the amenities

    These cabins may not be for everyone. They are pretty bare bones. The cabins have electricity, but the water pump is outside and the bathrooms and showers are communal (but clean). There is a full size bed and two bunk beds in each one. Outside, there is a a picnic table and a fire ring for each cabin. I think the mattresses are hard, so I usually bring a sleeping bag to pad it. So it can be seen as a step up from tent camping for people who don't like that kind of roughing it.

    There is a heated swimming pool and they do lots of things for kids like ice cream socials. They have a little shop in case you forget some necessities.

    This campground is close to Dupont Forest, with lots of mountain biking, hiking, and waterfalls. For $50 a night, it's a pretty good deal.

  • S
    Aug. 28, 2018

    Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    Great, quiet campground with clean restrooms and hot showers

    We took our 5 and 3 year old sons camping here this past weekend and had a great time.

    Site: Our site was on the Hard Times loop which offered huge, flat gravel pads (our site was an RV site but also perfect for tent camping since it's pea gravel and not paved). If you have a 6-person or larger tent, opt for a gravel RV site, as you'll get tons more room than the "tent-only" sites which have the tent pad surrounded with railroad ties.

    Facilities: Powhatan really takes care of their facilities. Restrooms were cleaned multiple times per day and the showers are clean and the water was actually hot - awesome after a day of hiking before jumping in the sleeping bag. Gate house sells ice and firewood too.

    Activities: Tons of trails within Bent Creek but are mainly geared towards mountain bikers. Had to be on constant alert with my kids and dog, as the bikers absolutely bomb down these trails. Similar to hiking in Dupont but with a heavier concentration of mountain bikers. This was the only downside of camping here but there are some great hiking-only trails off the BRP just 30 min away. I wish the trail system worked its way through the campgrounds, as we had to walk a ways down the main paved road to access any trailheads.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Crabtree Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Campground in the Forest

    On the Blue Ridge Parkway, nestled in the trees and mountains of North Carolina, this campground is an older style NPS campground, but has been well maintained. Sites are back-in and pull through on the side of site. Most sites will allow for 30’ rigs. All sites have picnic table and built-in fire pits. There are no hookups. There are no showers in the trailer (RV) loop, but does include a couple comfort station with flush toilets. Campground Ranger was helpful and very friendly. Sites are split between first come first serve and reservations. Payment made with Ranger by cash or credit card. At $30 per site per day, the price is a little steep.

  • Ashley M.
    Sep. 17, 2019

    Table Rock Campsites (Linville Gorge Wilderness)

    Linville Gorge is Gorgeous

    We’ve primitive camped in the Linville Gorge Wilderness for many years and absolutely love it. It’s peaceful and secluded and the views are absolutely gorgeous. My photos are from the Linville Falls side of the old highway that goes past the falls parking lot. Spaces are first come, first served dispersed camping. Leave no trace! We clean up after folks every time we camp up here and it’s just too sad that people will leave their trash. This area used to be the best kept secret in the NC mountains but is quickly gaining popularity.

  • Melissa  W.
    May. 30, 2019

    Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    BRP Mile Marker 316

    Another lovely campground along the BRP, close to Linville Falls and gorge, picnic area and visitor center.

    Erwin’s View Trail: Moderate Linville Gorge Trail: Strenuous {amazing view of falls}

    Get a map at the visitor’s center.. redundant: the gorge is rather crowded on the weekends.

    Check online for road closures when visiting the parkway.

    $20 per night

    There are 70 sites, some reservable sites and walk ins -and an RV loop {dump station} All sites non electric, generators permitted before quiet hours.

    Lovely rangers and camp host that I found to be pleasant and helpful.

    Open field sites, with decent sized pads, fire pits & picnic tables. Some of the sites are more secluded, the ones nearest to the parkway road.

    Dog friendly for leashed puppers 🐾 Kid Friendly

    There are bear lockers, keep food and supplies in the locker and in car at night.

    Alcohol is prohibited

    No showers but access to clean water and flush toilets.

    You may collect dead wood or bring in HEAT TREATED firewood that is certified with a federal seal.

    Local stores that sell wood and/or other supplies: Linville Falls Visitor Center/Park store Linville Falls General Store {8896 NC-183, Linville Falls, NC 28647- trinkets, camp supplies, cold drinks, non perishable food, Hunt Brothers Pizza etc} Walmart Supercenter, Spruce Pine, Ingles Food Store, Newland

    Nearby Attractions

    Linville Falls Linville Gorge “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians”

    Falls Trail - 1.6 mi RT/easy The Gorge Trail - 1.4 mi RT/ strenuous. The Plunge Basin Trail- 1mi RT/ moderate. Leashed dogs permitted 🐾

    BRP Linville Canverns Crabtree Falls, Burnsville Grassy Creek Falls NC Gem Museum

    The campground is laid out well, spacious, clean and located near awesome trails, falls, look outs and shops and restaurants.

  • Glacia C.
    Jul. 16, 2023

    Little River Backcountry Campground — South Mountains State Park

    South Mountains NCSP: Jacob Branch Backcountry Sites

    Jacob Branch: Three sites arranged around a clearing. Two pit privies and a BEAR BOX! Woot!! The sites are a bit difficult to pitch on, due to the abundance of roots, hardpan earth, and slope, but you’ll find a spot. I didn’t hang, but there are certainly spots that would be suitable. Water is just down the hill. It’s ample and clear, as of May 2023. There are several ways to hike in, as many of the South Mountains SP trails intersect and wander around a bunch giving a bunch of options for how to get in and out. The variety makes for a nice loop instead of just an in-and-out. Get inventive. Trails are broad and veeeeeery hilly in places. If your knees complain, bring the trekking poles. You’ll thank me.

    Shinny Creek: Perfect trip if you have kids…or just want something close by. It’s only a bit over a mile to these four sites (see video tour) nestled by a stream. Clear, flat sites. Bear box. Critter-proof trash bin. Pit privy. Water access from every site within ten paces, so water and entertainment are always available. The trail here is easy peasy rolling hills that follows the river past Bear Falls all the way up to the sites.


Guide to Forest City

Tent campsites near Forest City, North Carolina offer diverse terrain from riverside settings to mountain backpacking sites, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet. Primitive camping options typically see summer temperatures reaching 85-90°F, while spring and fall camping provides more moderate 60-75°F temperatures. Many sites feature distinct habitats along creeks and rivers that support local wildlife including white-tailed deer and numerous bird species.

What to do

**Riverside exploration: Water access varies significantly between sites, with Primitive Camping By the Creek offering immediate creek frontage. "The creek is right beside the camp. Nice and secluded. Firewood was provided," notes Tim W., highlighting the convenience of water proximity for both recreation and practical needs.

**Day hiking: Trails connect many backcountry sites to waterfalls and viewpoints. At Crowders Mountain State Park Campground, Lisa L. reports, "We really enjoyed all of the different hikes and the lake as well as the hike to the top of the mountain. The hike to the top was a little strenuous for smaller kids." Most trails range from 1-5 miles with moderate to steep sections.

**Rock climbing: Several locations offer natural climbing features with varying difficulty levels. "My brother and I spent the day rock climbing. It was his first time climbing, and we were able to set up some beginner-friendly routes," shares Les R., pointing out the accessibility for novice climbers at Crowders Mountain.

What campers like

**Privacy between sites: Many backcountry locations provide substantial separation between campers. At Jones Gap State Park Campground, Emily S. explains, "Unlike other state park campgrounds, each spot is about a quart mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself." Most sites require at least short walks from parking areas.

**Natural soundscapes: Creek and river sounds enhance the camping experience at numerous locations. "The river is a great soundtrack for a nights sleep," reports Kevin G. about Jones Gap's site #10. Water features provide both ambient noise and recreational opportunities.

**Hammock options: Trees at most sites support hammock camping setups. At Catawba River, Todd S. observed, "So many nice little places to hang a hammock and relax. The sites down by the water are awesome." Tree spacing typically ranges from 10-20 feet apart at mature sites.

What you should know

**Water source distances: Filterable water may require significant hiking from your campsite. At Little River Backcountry Campground — South Mountains State Park, Danielle T. notes, "From the Little River campground, the closest water source is a creek 0.6 miles (1.2 miles round trip) away - filter it - the walk back to camp is a steep uphill." Plan accordingly for water needs.

**Tent pad challenges: Many sites feature difficult ground conditions for tent setup. "The sites are a bit difficult to pitch on, due to the abundance of roots, hardpan earth, and slope, but you'll find a spot," explains Glacia C. about Jacob Branch sites. Most tent pads measure approximately 10x10 feet.

**Food storage requirements: Bear activity necessitates proper storage precautions. "Bear box! Woot!!" exclaims Glacia C. about Jacob Branch Backcountry Sites, indicating the importance of this amenity. Sites without bear boxes require food hanging at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from tree trunks.

Tips for camping with families

**Choose accessible sites: Some locations offer easier approaches for families with children. "This is a brand new tent and cabin campground built by Duke Energy and run by McDowell county on Lake James... Many of the sites are a short walk from the car which affords privacy," explains Robin B. about Black Bear Campground.

**Stream proximity: Water features provide natural entertainment for children. "The campsite has a pretty creek and forest. On the campsite there is a lot of firewood to use, in a shed to keep it dry," notes Reid about Primitive Camping By the Creek, highlighting the dual benefits of water access and amenities.

**Select kid-appropriate hikes: Trail difficulty varies significantly across the region. "Shinny Creek: Perfect trip if you have kids... It's only a bit over a mile to these four sites nestled by a stream. Clear, flat sites," recommends Glacia C., pointing out the gentler terrain suitable for younger hikers.

Tips for RVers

**Limited RV options: Most primitive sites in the region cannot accommodate RVs. "This is a brand new tent and cabin campground... All sites have tent pads and 2 parking spots," explains Robin B. about Black Bear Campground, highlighting the tent-focused nature of most facilities.

**Consider alternative bases: Some locations offer cabin options alongside tent sites. "Camped at Wilderness Cove in August 2020 for 2 nights. Very clean, small, quiet campground. Tents only, they do have some cabins for rent," reports Tammie S. about Wilderness Cove Campground | Outdoor Adventure Retreats, noting the accommodation limitations.

**Parking constraints: Vehicle size restrictions apply at most primitive camping areas. "The sites are large and have varying degrees of privacy," notes Sara M. about Jones Gap, though most parking areas limit vehicle length to under 20 feet, making larger RVs impractical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Forest City, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Forest City, NC is Upper Falls Campsite with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 44 tent camping locations near Forest City, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.