Looking for an adventure where you can explore Forest City and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best information on tent camping near Forest City, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Forest City campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Mount Mitchell State Park Family camping (camping near Charlotte) The nine-site family campground is open from May 1 to October 31 with full facilities. Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Restrooms for use during warm seasons are located nearby. Showers and hot water are not provided. Pack-in camping Campers may leave vehicles in the park overnight to backpack into the Pisgah National Forest. Visitors who leave their vehicles in the park must register on the forms provided at the trailheads near the parking area or at the park office. Leave the form on the dashboard of your car. Mount Mitchell offers a choice of trails from which to enjoy the nearby alpine woodlands. Ready to Reserve It's not uncommon to encounter black bears at Mount Mitchell State Park, particularly in warm weather months.
Tent camping only - No RV spaces. All campsites at Crowders Mountain State Park are hike-in and primitive. Campground is accessed via a 1 mile trail starting from the visitor center.
Camping Information : Camping is allowed only on designated campsites. Camping in other than designated areas may result in a fine. No drive up campsites are available on the park. There are no water or electricity provided at the campsites. Camping Reservations : To make a backcountry trailside camping reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or make it online by clicking Park Reservations. Reservations requested less than one (1) day in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park. For example: If today is Friday and you are making a reservation checking in on today, Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly. Trailside Camping : The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers trailside backcountry camping at 18 primitive sites. Fourteen sites provide fire pits, while four allow no fires. Permits are required, and camping is allowed in designated areas only. Campers are asked to follow internationally recognized "leave no trace" camping practices. For more information on leave no trace practices, visit the official leave no trace ethics website. Campers are asked to check-in at least two hours before dark in order to safely reach their campsites. Costs are $8-20/site/night. Backcountry Group Camping: The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers one backcountry group campsite. The group site can be reserved for 10-20 people. Reservations for the group campsite must be made by calling the park directly. Costs are $4.40 - 5.50/person/night. Registration is required. PETS Pets : Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
Primitive camping by the creek currently has 4 very private camp sites. Fire pits and wood is provided at each site. Picnic tables are also available. We are currently open 7 days a week, 12 months of the year. Each site is primitive and private - no potable water, no toilet system, no electricity (generates are allowed). Each site has a max, of 6 to 8 persons. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. Campers/small RV's/Vans are allowed, sites are level and drive through. Trash bins are provide at each site. We are located less than a 1/2 mile from Interstate 85, at exit 104. There are gas stations (with showers), convenient stores and restaurants close by. We are within 15 minutes drive to horse, bike, and hiking trails. Kings Mtn State Park, Kings Mtn National Park and Crowders Mtn State Park. If you have any question contact David @ 864-761-6297.
$30 / night
At Black Bear Campground, we believe in the power of nature to bring people together. Black Bear Campground offers a place where families and friends can disconnect from their busy lives and reconnect with each other and the natural world.
Black Bear campground boast 31 primitive campsites along with five primitive cabins. On top of this, Black Bear Campground has a day use area that features a picnic area, a fishing pier and various hiking trails including the Fonta Flora State Trail.
There's never a dull moment at Black Bear Campground! Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, or just relaxing by the campfire, there's something for everyone here. Check out our calendar of events to see what's happening during your stay.
$21 - $36 / night
The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. It is also home of the first school of forestry in the United States, now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site, and boasts two of the first designated wilderness areas in the east. The Pisgah, Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts are scattered along the eastern edge of the mountains of western North Carolina and offer visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains. Camping and Day-use Information Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Pisgah National Forest can be found here Recreation Maps Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps Directions to Frequently Requested Places NC Arobretum and Bent Creek Area Blue Ridge Parkway South Blue Ridge Parkway North Pisgah Ranger District Cradle of Forestry Cradle of Forestry (Scenic Route) The Biltmore House Mt. Mitchell Be Safe The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility. Waterfall Safety for the Summer.
Camping - Primitive and require a hike in of 1.5 miles Please note that fees and permits are required for all overnight stays, including backcountry camping. Backcountry campers must make a reservation online or by calling 1-877-722-6762 before setting up at a campsite. Campers can make same-day reservations up until 9:00pm the day of your arrival. Upon arrival, use the self-check-in through the Reserve America Camping App. Site ATTENTION BACKCOUNTRY CAMPERS Please be advised that these sites will ONLY accomodate a maximum of 6 people. If your group has more than 6 people, additional sites will need to be reserved. Sink gratefully into your sleeping bag after a day of hiking at South Mountains and fall asleep in the stillness of the forest. Twenty-four backpack camping sites are offered in seven areas of the park. Permit and fees are required to camp overnight. Please visit the visitor center prior to hiking to your campsite to fill out the permit and pay the fees. A kiosk outside the visitor center allows campers to register and pay the fees if they arrive when the visitor center is closed. These sites are designated on the park map, and hiking distances to each backpack camping site vary. Each camping area has a pit toilet located nearby. All supplies, including water, must be packed to the sites. To drink water from nearby creeks and streams, use a filtration device or boil the water for at least five minutes. Below is a listing of the backpack campsites and the distance between the campsites and the Jacob Fork parking area: Upper Falls – 1.4 miles 1.5 MILE HIKE TO CAMPSITES Maximum group size of 6 people per site. At the park office, back country campers must record the tag numbers of all vehicles left overnight. Water can be found most of the year in a nearby stream. Water must be filtered prior to use. Fires only in fire ring. A North Carolina State fishing license (basic) and the special trout fishing license are required to fish. Licenses are not sold at the park. Please arrive a minimum of 1 hour prior to sunset to allow time to get to the camping area before dark. North Carolina State park rules and regulations are posted in each park and enforced by rangers. Violating these rules and regulations is a misdemeanor and may result in a fine and revocation of permit. Alcoholic beverages, firearms (including fireworks) and other weapons are prohibited. Campers with a proper permit may possess a concealed handgun in permitted areas. Park Hours: November -- 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM; December through February -- 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM; March, April and October -- 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM; May through September 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Pets are allowed except in park buildings. They must be on a leash no longer than six feet and cannot be left unattended. Posted quiet hours are enforced. Building fires in undesignated areas is prohibited. Unlicensed vehicles and motorcycles, golf carts, ATVs and mini-bikes are prohibited with the exception of mobility-aid devices used by a mobility-impaired person. All vehicles are prohibited from walkways, trails and other areas not designated for such purposes. State vehicle and traffic laws are enforced, and the speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. North Carolina State parks are wildlife sanctuaries. No hunting is allowed and collecting plants, minerals and artifacts is prohibited. State fishing regulations are enforced. ** Arrival dates earlier than the online-reservation-window may also be available at the campground.
$15 / night
Come Stay & Play! We offer a variety of accommodations to serve either as the ultimate base camp for the awesome surrounding outdoor activities in the Green River Gamelands or as a comfortable getaway to escape the urban hustle and reconnect with nature. We offer comfortable glamping sites, tiny homes, cabins, primitive campsites and a single-family vacation rental. All sites have access to the broader amenities and features at Wilderness Cove Campground, including but not limited to water sport rentals, electric vehicle charging stations, Wi-Fi, private grills, on-site food truck (seasonal) and a fully stocked campstore. Please refer to campground site descriptions for further information regarding amenities.
$35 - $299 / night
The Paddy's Creek access has 33 drive-in sites that are perfect with families with lots of camping gear. These sites are open to a maximum of 6 people per campsite.
Each campsite has parking for two vehicles adjacent to the camping pad. Each site's driveway is 20 feet long.
The campsite has a fire pit and picnic table. The tent pad measures 12 feet by 12 feet.
Potable faucets are located throughout the camping area. There is a centrally located bathhouse with toilets and hot showers that is open 24/7.
Sites 13 and 14 are accessible for people with limited mobility or disabilities. Please do not reserve an accessible site if no one in your group needs it, unless it is the only site left available when you are making your reservation.
$26 / night
Guide
I recently stayed for 3 nights with my popup in site#10. The site is a good size for a tent or small camper only. Overall we were surprised by the campground based on other reviews . In my opinion The sites are close together, poorly maintained, and most are very small. The Trading Post is nicely stocked, and open all day. The bathrooms near my site were the best part…it was modern, clean and the showers were hot with good pressure. But other than the bathrooms everything felt like it hadn’t been maintained at all. Won’t be coming back.
Scout
I found Camp Attocoa accidentally. I felt like a pirate that found treasure. Private owned, water and wood on site. The owner will have you park and will haul you and your gear in and out. Sites are few and far between. Peace and quiet…… this is the spot for you.
Legend
Peaceful, calm, excellent folks, and very relaxing. I camped here for more than two weeks in August. Site #4, site 19, and site #47. The campground is clean, quiet, and well-maintained. The owners and staff were great and super helpful. Site #4 is on the creek. It was short for my 32-foot RV but manageable. It had full hookups. Site #4 was level and semi-shaded. The WiFi signal was great, and speeds were reasonable. I used the bathhouse showers and laundry. Both were clean. I moved to site 19, which is not on the creek but on the edge of the field. It was very level as well, and all hookups worked fine. The WiFi at site 19 was considerably worse, but the sky was clear, and I could fully use my Starlink service. The central field area is mowed and set up as an RC flying field. A few campers flew their model airplanes. It was fun to watch. I even jumped into the RC hobby, buying a trainer plane at a local Hobby Shop, and began flying. I moved to site 47, which was the best of all three. It’s a good-sized site right on the creek and just up from swimming hole#2. There were two swimming holes along the creek, which were a ton of fun. I swam in both. The water is very clear and refreshing. The campground is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway(about 10 miles). I rode my motorcycle up Route 80 to the Blue Ridge. Route 80 is a great winding road. The campground is very close to downtown Marion and some shops, groceries, and restaurants. Overall, this is a great campground with a great staff, location, and is very relaxing.
Scout
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! The owners are nice and the grounds are well kept. Only reason it's not 5/5 is they currently lack a bathhouse.
Traveler
I took my horses and grandson to camp in the equestrian campsite. The bathrooms are very clean with AC. There a beautiful creek you can ride your horses in or just play if you want.
Traveler
It's beautiful up there although there's not many campsites. I stayed at the second one up the dirt road. It wasn't officially designated but it was used as a campsite. You'll need four wheel drive to get in and out of it though. The road is long but you'll see a bunch of cool waterfalls and at the end of the road there is a great hiking trail with a beautiful waterfall. The dirt road goes on for a long time but it's in good condition so keep driving and you'll find a spot. There's really only 4 viable spots on that road but man is it gorgeous. Go to ranger road and keep going up. Do not follow google maps it will take you to a private driveway where there's a sign saying "no camping, your app is wrong, turn around now".
Scout
Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens. Great hiking right from the campground.
Ranger
This is a gravel road that links up with an OHV area/trailhead/parking lot - there are at least 9 campsites, some on the right and most on the left about 100-200 feet from the creek. Being part of an OHV network, expect a lot of trucks towing bikes, 4x4s, etc. throughout the day/night. Some sites were pretty trashed, but none too far gone. Stayed Sunday night and had an unbothered time. About 20 min from Lenoir.
Guide
Clean and large. Creek below
Scout
Maybe I missed this in the reviews, but all but 1 site were best for tents. I drove in to camp in my car and there was only 1 spot, which is by the creek crossing, and it was already taken. There’s a nice big spot at the end of the trail where you could rooftop tent/car camp, but the actual site is about 100’ away. Road wasn’t too bad, only a spot or 2 on the switchback that were probably best for a 4 wheel drive vehicle, but I’m sure most cars would be fine.
Scout
Arrived early evening. Staff were friendly and accommodating. Place was fairly full but organized and efficient. Pool and waterslide are a bonus but also attract families and kids. Site needed some leveling but spacious. Facilities were clean and easily available. Would return for sure.
Scout
Secure, tidy, private, stream side and cozy spot with on site grown fresh vegetables. Nearby locally owned eateries. Plentiful asphalt plus off road bicycling. 2024 shower and bathroom.
Guide
We took the grandkids to the Bostic, NC Jellystone in mid-July. They had a fabulous time. The RV site we had was #408. It was perfectly level and roomy with trees behind us. The bathrooms/showers are modern and spotless. We could only get a two night reservation, but that was enough. The kids (10 and 11) played so hard they were exhausted. It's a huge park with a system of golf cart trails that connect everything. The kids thought that was as exciting as the water park and the swimming pond. After having been there - I'd say a golf cart rental is a requirement. Despite the nearly 100 degree temps, the staff and other campers were cheerful and friendly. The kids made several friends. We didn't have time to do the crafts, but they looked fun. They loved the rollercoaster and minigolf. It's a good idea to bring your own food, as the options there aren't well-rated and expensive, but the ice cream was great. The only disappointment was that we couldn't stay longer.
Guide
We were in Laurel loop in a double site. It was perfect for 2 tents and our 17’ camper. Nice woodsy site, although you can hear a bit of road noise. No cell signal but we were able to set up our star link with a patch of open sun behind the site. We actually forgot to bring coffee so it was great to have the coffee truck 5 mins away outside the campground. Hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles wore out the dogs perfectly!
Legend
FHU, picnic table and fire ring, gravel sites, firewood available, for purchase, all with amazing views! Bathhouse being built now, but. Shower & stall usable. Used our Starlink, but did get 1 bar with reception, on T-Mobile. Owners very friendly and responsive with any questions. Must use the directions, on their website, to get to the campground, as GPS is incorrect.
ScoutEasy access to the site and the beautiful river. Nice level site with a Mountain View. My family enjoyed the huge lawn for yard games, and the river was beautiful! Shallow enough for the kids play, with some nice spots to catch
Brown and rainbow trout. Bathroom and shower was really nice and clean. Fire pit was steps away overlooking the river. Fair price for all the amenities. Kayak rentals were even available.
TravelerEasy access to water. Not a lot of theft. People with aggressive dogs do come here and think it's okay to have them off a leash. But that's everywhere anymore. The area is beautiful and one of the better places I've stayed.
Scout
I stayed October 2022. My first time at this site. At that time, it wasn't under new ownership yet. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. There was some renovations being done. But, all in all, I found it to be clean and stocked. Looking forward to my next visit.
Scout
Beautiful, quiet campsites
Scout
No access to road itself or to its campsites due to recent storm damage according to NFS sign at northern terminus of Avery Cr Rd.
Scout
Great place a little bit tight but not bad at all. The layouts are nice, there is a table, fire pit and most places can squeeze 2 tents. They have clean bathrooms and individual showers. It does get quite warm in the summer.
Scout
This place is fantastic if you'd want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is the first time I've gone here but for the price of the cabins it's cheaper than staying local in a tent site
RangerThis campground was highly recommended to us by several people so we decided to check it out since it’s only an hour a way from our house and my husband liked the other Spacious Skies campground we stayed at.
It was a rough group of campers. One dad called his young daughter the b-word in the pool in front of the kids and later on the slide, when my 7 year old came down he asked me what a “m-fer” was. A grown man was throwing it around on the slide.
The slide was a major attraction for my kids, but there was zero supervision. Kids would come down in groups of five and six and no one was paying attention to whether the bottom was cleared. We tried to divert our kids to the pool as often as possible.
The actual campsite was fine. A bit steep (it was cut into a hill)and a pretty far from the “amenities.” There was a mix of cabins, tents and campers. We had to walk through a kind of marshy trail that definitely needed some work to go past the arcade to get to the main area of the campground.
The camp store was nice and the staff was pleasant - they had some activities planned that we didn’t end up doing but it’s nice to know they were there as a Plan B. My kids loved the fishing lake - they caught (and released) a bunch of fish and there were kayaks and peddle boats that could be used for free.
I peaked into the bathhouse and laundry and they looked fine - nothing fancy but serviceable.
I did talk to the front desk about the other campers and she was nice. Ultimately, from what I heard in the pool sounds like they were regulars. I liked all the amenities even if I didn’t love the campsite, but I don’t necessarily want to spend the entire weekend listening to f-bombs.
Traveler
Such a hidden gem. My son and I had a great time tent camping. We had fantastic Rangers on during our stay.
Montreat does a great job having this family campground. We were on a hunt to see the wonderful creations. Our maker made and if they were in a stream, we found them. :).
ScoutJust stayed here over the weekend. I don’t recommend it at all. Pool was slimy campsites were overgrown and junked up full time campsites throughout. Water slide is unsupervised chaos just a terrible experience. Stayed here a lot last year and it was great more like a cheap trailer park now. We seen people openly carrying a case of beer to the pool at 10:00am don’t waste your money. That pic is our neighboring site
TravelerHost was great, camp site are far enough away from each other some are close enough for couple families together, bathrooms are clean and private beautiful area must try, only wish they had a first come first serve and not just on line reservation
Scout
We love Toe River. We stay here often. We even have a favorite site.
Camping near Forest City, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Forest City, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
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 Mount Mitchell State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Forest City, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Forest City, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
