Best Campgrounds near Sylva, NC

The small western North Carolina town of Sylva has good camping options within a short drive. Sylva City Park Campground puts you close to town while still feeling somewhat removed from the bustle. The Sylva Area State Park has campsites set far enough apart that you won't hear your neighbors talking at night. If you head into the National Forest land around Sylva, you'll find more basic camping spots, though some require you to get permits first. Bears are common in these mountains, so you'll need to store your food properly - rangers take this seriously. The area sometimes has campfire bans during dry weather, so check before you pack your marshmallows. From the Sylva Recreation Area, you can easily reach hiking trails that wind through the Blue Ridge Mountains for day hikes. Families tend to like Sylva County Park Campground because the sites are bigger and there are things for kids to do. Keep in mind that some of the camping areas have minimal facilities, so bring what you need. The Appalachian Trail isn't too far away if you want to hike a section. Sylva's camping spots work well for both tent and RV campers, with different levels of comfort available.

Best Camping Sites Near Sylva, North Carolina (688)

    1. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    53 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    14 miles
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."

    "We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park."

    2. Indian Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-4361

    $26 - $37 / night

    "Indian Creek offers the most relaxing creekside camping in North Carolina.

    Every campsite is lush with greenery, private and well maintained after each occupancy."

    "The site was pretty large, level, and had unparalleled views and access to Bunches Creek."

    3. Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA

    25 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9711

    "If I’m not mistaken, the one we were at this time was either the same cabin or one close to it.  It is perfectly situated beside the river.  "

    "But if you’re a tent camper, be aware that the tent sites are located near the road (I will never understand why campsites do this, since we are the ones with no soundproofing)."

    4. Deep Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    29 Reviews
    Bryson City, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 488-3184

    $50 / night

    "The Deep Creek Campground is located just minutes away from the charming Bryson City with its shops, breweries, little cafes an other attractions such as steam train rides on the"

    "Quiet with plenty of space between the RV sites, surrounded by hiking trails and waterfalls. Tent sites are next to the river and in close proximity to one another."

    5. Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    26 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "These are very close to the entrance, to other sites, to the bathrooms, the campground hosts, and the dishwashing station, and they are right on the road."

    "And this campground is in a fabulous location. When you stay here, you are tucked in a lush green mountain about a mile above sea level."

    6. Moonshine Creek Campground

    16 Reviews
    Balsam, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 586-6666

    "Perfect little campground not far from downtown Sylva. Lots of amenities beautiful views."

    "The site we camped at (2) was right on the creek but to be a tent site we felt a little close to our neighbors, luckily the were super cool."

    7. Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    123 Reviews
    Gatlinburg, TN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 430-5560

    $30 / night

    "Right outside of Gatlinburg so plenty to do and see if you feel like exploring outside of the park."

    "I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."

    8. Happy Holiday RV Village

    10 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9204

    "The site we chose this time was partially shaded and was close to the bath house. 

    As far as activities, there is a swimming pool, a playground, an activities pavilion, and a stage for bands."

    "Large campground with easy access to all sites. Most are pull through. We have stayed 2x over a month and several for a week."

    9. Stonebridge RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 926-1904

    $60 - $90 / night

    "Easy access to everything needed. Tent sites were a little small. But overall very friendly management. Close to Waynesville and all the cute places in Maggie Valley."

    "Not having to walk to the bath house in the middle of the night was a welcome relief, but RV camping is not my favorite way to“camp.”"

    10. Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    31 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "The North Carolina part has a slightly different feel. Less of a circus and less crowded and more laid back. Loving it! Beautiful. Just wish there were showers here....lol."

    "This:

    Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding, mountain road. A 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves."

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Recent Reviews near Sylva, NC

3232 Reviews of 688 Sylva Campgrounds


  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Gorges State Park Campground

    CAUTION: steep grades and curvy road

    This campground would’ve gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down. Other than that, this campground was super nice. Has the nicest showers I have ever seen in a campground. All the sites for RVs are on concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer. This was a great staging point for our trip up to the great Smoky Mountains. The visitor center was very informative.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge

    Beautiful grounds if you feel like splurging

    It is an absolutely beautiful campground with an awesome club house and a ton to do. The pool and lazy river are heated. Honestly though you really need to want to splurge to justify staying here because you are still camping if that makes sense.

    Also the trolley “system” is super confusing and the front desk knows nothing about it lol

    Our site is great. It is right across the road from the playground without having to pay for a family site.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cades Cove Campground

    Quite, beautiful, weekend traffic

    This is one of the quietest campgrounds I’ve stayed at. Sites are nestled in the woods in a cove in the Smokies. No cell service. No internet. No cable tv. Just peace and quiet! This is a national park campgrounds, so no water, electric or hookups. There is a dump station and modern bathrooms. Cold water showers. There is a camp store with basics. There is a lot of traffic especially on weekends with visitors driving the scenic Cades Cove Loop Road.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Campfire Lodgings

    Tent camping

    Tent camping sites are walk in, down hill, obviously thar means hauling your stuff out uphill when you leave. RVers have a great view from the ridge top. But a difficult day camping is far better than any day at work.

  • Alden B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping

    Very Nice camping near Dupont National Forest

    If you want close access to Dupont and Pisga NF you're within minutes! The owners Mark & Esther are wonderful. We call him SouthSide Mark ( hails from South Africa). Some sites are a little tight, but fine. If you have a big rig call ahead. The cabin was wonderful. The bathhouse is older but very clean. You can tell the owners love their campers and property. The site is tree covered and hilly. We will come again, guaranteed! Watch your step. Wood Spirits are Everywhere!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Little River Campground & RV Resort

    Labor Day weekend

    Overall a positive experience. We stayed in the tent camping area. Absolutely beautiful site with a wonderful river view, but be aware that the direct river bank is considered common area including day use so it had a lot of traffic while we were there. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Being a holiday weekend it was very crowded and very noisy, including a few neighbors without regards to quiet hours. Overall the facilities including bath house are were very nice though I believe the large crowds caused issues with the crew being able to keep up with keeping them clean. The location is very convenient to Townsend and we rode bikes out to explore and get food in the evening. We would definitely go back just probably not on a holiday weekend.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Best off grid camping

    This is by far my favorite place we’ve been off grid camping. It’s more Jeep friendly than full size vehicles, to get a spot down by the creek. But it is possible to get a full size 4*4 truck down the switch back.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountaineer Campground

    Pleasant Stay

    Lovely campground on the river and close to amenities. Biking, hiking, tubing, swimming. My favorite experience here has been the pavilion prayer and fellowship on Sunday mornings hosted by Charm ministry volunteers. Very casual with lots of singing and great conversation in a very positive and welcoming atmosphere. The bathrooms and showers were kept very clean as well as the laundry and pool area. The camp hosts were very helpful and work hard to keep the above clean. The campground offers a 50% discount on a 28-day stay which I took advantage of. They allowed me to stay an extra 28 days due to my dog passing away so I could wait for his remains. They were very understanding, thoughtful and gracious during this sad time for me and I am very grateful to the management and hosts for the time, space and respect they extended to me July & August.

  • A
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Triple Creek Campground

    Would recommend!

    It got only for stars because I can hear traffic from my campsite.
    I was next to a brook, under a paw paw tree. It was safe, very friendly. The bath and shower house were clean and very nice for tent camping! Laundry room, firewood delivery.


Guide to Sylva

Camping near Sylva, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One camper mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site—the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby rivers and lakes. A reviewer at Davidson River Campground noted, "Great place to just relax and have base camp to many hikes in the area."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. One happy camper at Greenbrier Campground said, "Absolutely stunning campground! My young family of six were instantly impressed."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Lake Powhatan remarked, "The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds often have activities for kids. A reviewer at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "There were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river with a swimming hole!"

What you should know

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A camper at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Most sites are close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • Bear Awareness: Be cautious of bears in the area. A visitor at Cosby Campground shared, "An assertive mother bear and her three cubs showed up at dinner time."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Davidson River Campground mentioned, "No cell signal but we were able to set up our Starlink."

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. A reviewer at Greenbrier Campground said, "Great campground, wonderful individual bathroom/shower, activities, a store, and free trolley rides into Gatlinburg."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring items to keep kids entertained. A camper at Lake Powhatan suggested, "Have a good book, downloaded shows, crossword book, or what have you."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A parent at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "The campground is more small RV friendly due to narrow roads."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park warned, "If you have a big RV, it may be hard to get in and out of the park."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A visitor at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground mentioned, "Dump station is on the way out."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Vogel State Park Campground noted, "There is no camp store for extra supplies, but they do sell ice and plenty of firewood at the gate."

Camping near Sylva, North Carolina, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far are campgrounds from downtown Sylva, NC?

Most campgrounds in the region are within a reasonable driving distance from downtown Sylva. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is approximately 30-40 minutes from downtown Sylva, making it a convenient base camp for exploring both the town and the national park. Gibson Cove Campground on Lake Chatuge is about 45 minutes south of Sylva. For those wanting to stay closer to town, Moonshine Creek Campground is one of the nearest options, roughly 15-20 minutes from downtown. Distances vary based on specific campground locations, but most are within an hour's drive of Sylva's amenities and attractions.

What campgrounds are available in Sylva, NC?

Sylva, NC offers several excellent camping options in the surrounding area. Moonshine Creek Campground is located near Sylva and offers drive-in access with reservable sites, water, and toilet facilities. Indian Creek Campground is another popular option, known for its relaxing creekside camping experience with lush, private sites and a clean bathhouse. The region also provides access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds, including Smokemont and Balsam Mountain. For those seeking more amenities, The Great Outdoors RV Resort offers a well-groomed facility with friendly staff in a central mountain location.

Are there RV rental services available in Sylva, North Carolina?

While Sylva itself has limited dedicated RV rental services, several campgrounds in the area cater to RV campers and may offer rental options or connections to rental services. The Great Outdoors RV Resort is well-equipped for RVs with proper amenities and might provide information about local rental options. Jackrabbit Mountain accommodates RVs but doesn't offer hookups, so renters should be prepared for dry camping. For dedicated RV rentals, visitors may need to check with providers in larger nearby towns like Asheville or Cherokee. Alternatively, online RV rental platforms that connect private owners with renters often have options available in the western North Carolina region that can be delivered to your campsite.