Tent camping near Seven Devils, North Carolina offers varied terrain from densely wooded sites to open mountain meadows at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 feet. Temperatures in this region typically run 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowland areas, with overnight lows dropping into the 40s even during summer months. Most dispersed sites in the area require campers to park at designated pull-offs and carry gear between 100 feet to 1 mile to reach established campsites.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: At Mortimer Campground, campers can access a short trail leading to a scenic cascade. One visitor noted, "There is a 1/2 mile round trip hike to a waterfall on the property! Definitely plan ahead on provisioning bc it's about 45 mins drive into the national forrest."
Creek swimming: Steele Creek provides multiple swimming spots along its waterway. A camper shared, "There is a walking trail at the end of the road about 100 feet from our site, that had the best swimming hole at the end of it, where you can jump in. It has a couple small waterfalls to add to the ambience."
Mountain summit hiking: For panoramic views, the trails at Elk Knob State Park Campground offer a moderately challenging climb. As one reviewer described, "Take Summit Trail to the top and enjoy great views of the surrounding area 2 miles one way. This trip was in fall and the leaves were beautiful, but this park stays open year round."
What campers like
Elevation benefits: Campers at Blue Bear Mountain Camp appreciate the climate advantages of higher elevations. One reviewer mentioned, "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat." Another noted, "Not only is the weather so much cooler in the summer there (70-80 in July!), it's just a wonderful, down to earth place to be."
Privacy levels: For the best tent camping near Seven Devils, North Carolina, site spacing matters. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, "The campsites are very spaced out," while at Little Stony Creek Road Dispersed Area, "A handful of sites have direct water access, and are more private."
Star visibility: Mountain camping provides exceptional night sky views away from light pollution. A visitor to Little Stony Creek noted the area offers "beautiful streams and mountains," while Dark Ridge HideOut campers reported, "Beautiful night sky with an opening view to the mountains."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some of the best tent sites requires navigating unpaved roads. At Steele Creek, one camper advised, "The road is pretty well maintained other than a few spots that you have to crawl through on the corners specifically. I drive a Toyota Camry that sits fairly low and I made it fine."
Primitive facilities: Most dispersed sites have minimal amenities. At Dark Ridge HideOut, campers appreciate the "Excellent parking spot with plenty of room to set up a 3-person tent," but should know many sites require self-sufficiency.
Seasonal preparedness: Weather in the mountains changes quickly. A camper at Elk Knob State Park advised, "This is in bear country so be sure to bring the proper equipment! About 20-25 minutes north of Boone and off the map!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Mortimer Campground offers shallow water access perfect for children. One visitor mentioned, "There are trails and even a waterfall within half a mile from camp. Very peaceful place."
Space requirements: When camping with children near Seven Devils, look for sites with room to spread out. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, "The campsites are large and the camp host was very friendly. The mountain views are breathtaking. The campsites are small and close together. We were lucky to only be sharing the property with 1 other group."
Trail difficulty considerations: For families with young hikers, choose accessible trails. At Boone Fork Campground, "The terrain is also flat and easy to hike through, making it a good long trail for beginners or children."
Tips from RVers
Water access planning: RVers should note that water hookups vary significantly between campgrounds. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, "They do not have water hookups - you fill your camper tank with water at the office area. They have spots with electric hookups."
Site leveling challenges: Mountain terrain often requires extra leveling equipment. One reviewer at Mortimer Campground shared, "We stayed in a tent. Had some friends stay next to us in a class b. A small trailer would fit, nothing big. No W/E/S but great place."
Road width limitations: Larger vehicles face access challenges on mountain roads. A Blue Bear Mountain camper warned, "The state maintained gravel road used to access campground was narrow and would be difficult to get a large camper up there, although there were lots of large ones there."
