Camping spots near Seven Devils, North Carolina extend beyond typical mountain accommodations with numerous backcountry options accessible via forest service roads. Positioned in the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations averaging 5,000 feet, this region experiences 15-20 degree cooler temperatures than surrounding lowland areas, making it a popular summer destination. Forest Service roads leading to dispersed camping sites often require significant clearance for vehicle access.
What to do
Fishing in mountain streams: Wilson Creek area offers quality trout fishing within 30 minutes of Seven Devils. At Mortimer Campground, visitors find "plenty of outdoor activities in Wilson Creek area. Biking, hiking, fishing, etc." One camper noted the creek access advantages: "Many of the campsites are situated along Thorps Creek, so the sound of the creek can lull you to sleep."
Explore mountain waterfalls: Short hikes lead to multiple waterfall viewing areas within a 20-minute drive. As one visitor to Bear Den Family Campground shared, "The campground is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains...so beautiful! Quiet campground with hiking trails, small fishing lake, playgrounds, an arcade room, and camp store. One of the hiking trails leads to a waterfall."
Visit historic sites: The region features preserved homesteads and buildings showcasing Appalachian heritage. A Roan Mountain visitor mentioned, "You can also explore the grist mill with a nature trail or an old homestead. You have access to the AT about 10 miles away."
Tubing and water recreation: Multiple creek and river access points provide summer cooling options. "There is a spot nearby where a lot of people like to float on tubes kind of like a lazy river type thing. It's a unique place," explains a Mortimer Campground reviewer.
What campers like
Cooler summer temperatures: The elevation provides natural air conditioning during hot months. At Roan Mountain State Park, "the upper numbered sites on the hillside are very private compared to most campgrounds. We have really enjoyed our stay in this beautiful place."
Diverse campsite settings: Options range from open meadows to densely wooded sites. A Blue Bear Mountain Camp visitor noted, "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat. Bathhouse was nice and clean. The hike to the pond was a little more strenuous than we anticipated but once you get there, there is a nice creek."
Access to multiple trails: Many campgrounds connect directly to hiking routes. One Julian Price camper shared, "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. There's also a trail that you can access from the park that leads to Hebron Rock Colony which is an incredible hiking trail."
Proximity to apple orchards: Seasonal fruit picking opportunities exist within short drives. "Close to an apple orchid, which is so cool to visit (they're dog friendly) and not too far of a drive from the Linville Falls," reported a Bear Den visitor.
What you should know
Access road challenges: Many sites require navigation on unpaved roads. At Flintlock Campground, "The drive into/out of the campground is on a main drive and on a hill which makes it difficult leaving. For experienced campers this may be okay but I wouldn't recommend for novice campers."
Limited cell coverage: Service varies significantly across the region. "No cell service, but there is (slow) wifi throughout the campground. There is a Verizon hotspot to make calls, but I couldn't connect with US Cellular," explains a Roan Mountain State Park camper.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. One Blue Bear Mountain visitor advised, "The people who own it are super friendly. The campsites are very spaced out."
Weather variability: Mountain weather can change rapidly, particularly during afternoon hours. A camper at Mortimer noted, "High risk of flood in the area, and there's a few bridges you have to drive over to get there so they might be flooded if it rains."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Several locations offer dedicated play areas. At Honey Bear Campground, families appreciate that it's "good for kids - rootbeer float nights, outdoor movies with marshmellow pits, crerks to splash in. Full bathhouses, laundry & eben a gameroom. My kids loved the tire swings & animals!"
Choose creek-side sites for natural entertainment: Children often spend hours exploring water features. "Flintlock is easy to get to but you'll still feel like you are camping. Staff is friendly and facilities are clean. There's a beautiful mini river running through the campground with a lot of rocks to jump on. My children spent hours every day exploring."
Consider locations with organized activities: Some campgrounds offer scheduled family programming. "The campground had several family activities like a haunted trail and trick or treating for the kiddos," noted a Honey Bear visitor.
Reserve bath facilities with showers: Not all mountain campgrounds offer full facilities. A camper at Grandfather Campground noted, "The tent site we got, we could hear the running water from the stream. Bathroom and shower are clean and has heated water."
Tips from RVers
Plan for leveling challenges: Mountain sites often feature slopes requiring equipment. A visitor to Grandfather Campground advised, "We stayed here 10 days in our 34-foot travel trailer and were very happy with our stay. The sites are fairly level, long but a little narrow. Because of the slope, there isn't much 'yard' space, just a platform with a picnic table."
Check turning radius requirements: Narrow mountain roads can challenge larger rigs. "When you turn into the campground, you will cross a narrow 1-lane bridge across Watagua Creek."
Verify hookup availability: Many smaller campgrounds offer only partial hookups. Grandfather Campground offers "sites with full hookups" according to reviews, but at Blue Bear Mountain, "They do not have water hookups- you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups."
