Best Campgrounds near Glenville, NC

Campgrounds surrounding Glenville, North Carolina provide varied camping experiences in the southern Appalachian mountains, with both established sites and backcountry options. Ralph J. Andrews Campground sits directly in Glenville and offers electric hookups, showers, and accommodations for tents, RVs, and glamping setups. Within a short drive, Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area provides free primitive camping with fire rings but no facilities. The landscape features mountain terrain, creeks, and lakes, with several campgrounds situated along Lake Chatuge and near mountain trails.

Seasonal considerations impact camping access throughout the area, with most developed campgrounds operating from spring to fall. Ralph J. Andrews operates mid-April through late October, while Panthertown Valley permits year-round backcountry camping. Roads leading to sites vary from paved to rough gravel, with some requiring higher clearance vehicles. "The landscape is beautiful," notes one visitor about Balsam Mountain Campground in the nearby Smoky Mountains, "but parking is an issue. The sites are either too small or you have to go up or down 5 or 6 steps to be at a level campsite." Cell coverage can be limited in valleys and remote areas, making advance planning essential for backcountry excursions.

Several campgrounds in western North Carolina feature waterfront access, a highly valued amenity among visitors. Lake-adjacent sites at campgrounds near Glenville provide opportunities for paddling, fishing, and swimming during warmer months. A camper at nearby Indian Creek Campground described their experience: "Every campsite is lush with greenery, private and well maintained after each occupancy. The sound of the creek at night melts all of your worries away." The region's campgrounds balance proximity to outdoor activities with natural settings, making them popular bases for hiking, mountain biking, and waterfall viewing. Tent and RV sites throughout the area typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with more developed campgrounds offering electric hookups, showers, and sanitary facilities. Mixed-use campgrounds providing both primitive tent sites and RV connections are common in the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Glenville, North Carolina (655)

    1. Devils Fork State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 944-2639

    "We had reserved a walk-in tent sight and absoulty loved it."

    "This hidden gem is a few miles off a major highway but well worth the journey. I would consider it among my top ten 'near a lake' spots in the entire US."

    2. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."

    "We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."

    3. Van Hook Glade

    12 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 526-5918

    $24 - $40 / night

    "There are many sites to visit nearby. Western North Carolina is hard to beat for natural beauty."

    "Great, small campground near Highlands, NC. Private sites, nice hosts, and clean bathrooms."

    4. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Rabun Gap, GA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 746-2141

    $20 - $255 / night

    "We chatted about travel and places to go not just her in Georgia but also around the United States."

    "We stayed in one of the tent-only, walk-in sites. This was our first (and so far, only) walk-in tent camping experience as a family. I gotta say - there were challenges. "

    5. Oconee State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-5353

    "There are primitive, walk-in sites that had the benefit of added privacy, but with 3 little kids, bathroom proximity was a higher priority this time around. "

    "There are multiple cabins scattered around the lake but they are a good distance apart from each other so you won't be disturbed by your neighbors."

    6. Burrells Ford

    18 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    14 miles
    Website

    "Our plan was to start on the north end of River trail and hike for a few days camping in between. The Ranger there sold us a map of the trail since the ones online were not so great."

    "Arrived to parking lot with bathroom (outhouse) with about a mile walk to campsites and river. We found semi secluded campsite beside the river equipped with firepit lantern post."

    7. Ralph J. Andrews Campground

    6 Reviews
    Glenville, NC
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 743-3923

    "This is a great little RV and tent campground located near High Falls. The campground itself is alongside Lake Glenville and provides easy access for putting in boats, fishing, or swimming."

    "Campground is located on Glenville Lake (aka Thorpe Reservior) which is the highest elevation lake east of the Rocky Mts."

    8. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

    7 Reviews
    Sapphire, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 269-4453

    "The first campsite we stayed at was on the Green Valley Trail, the second one was on the Panthertown Valley Trail right near the Schoolhouse Falls Trail, and the third was on Mac's Gap right past the Granny"

    "The sites near the middle of Macs Gap trail are huge and there is easy access to a couple streams. Bring a good map and stick to the trails that your map covers."

    9. Gorges State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lake Toxaway, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 966-9099

    $27 - $75 / night

    "This is one of North Carolina’s best waterfall parks. Rainbow Falls, Turtel Back Falls and Bust your Ass Falls."

    "There are six designated backpack sites along the Foothills Trail near the southern boundary of the park."

    10. Moonshine Creek Campground

    21 Reviews
    Balsam, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 586-6666

    "Minutes from the parkway for hiking, 2 miles away from a creek on the WNC fly fishing trail, and plenty of space to get out and walk around the grounds."

    "My site was right next to the stream and little covered bridge. It sounded like it was always raining. We used the pavilion for get togethers, it has a nice kitchen area with a grill."

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Recent Reviews near Glenville, NC

3206 Reviews of 655 Glenville Campgrounds


  • David R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Great Campsite, But Let’s Keep It Clean

    This campsite is a great little spot just across the road from the water—peaceful, scenic, and well-situated. I was lucky to grab the last open site, and it turned out to be a perfect place to unwind. The only downside was the amount of trash left behind by previous visitors; I nearly filled a bag cleaning up. A gentle reminder to future campers: please do better and respect this beautiful space. Despite that, it’s truly a gem, and I’ll definitely be coming back.

  • j
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Unicoi State Park & Lodge

    Great central location.

    I camp at Unicoi State Park several times a year for a number of different reasons. First, it is right in the middle of what I call waterfall country. There are more beautiful waterfalls within an hour than I can count. Second, there are spectacularly beautiful trails everywhere. You’re only about 20 minutes from the Appalachian Trail at Hog Pen Gap and 30 minutes from Blood Mountain and the Blood Mountain wilderness. Third, there are numerous picturesque and friendly little towns nearby. The park is about 3 miles from the town of Helen, which is a pseudo Bavarian village. A little touristy but still fun. There are some great German restaurants there. As to the park itself, I tent camp, and the campsites are excellent. Nice bathroom and shower facilities close by and regardless of the time of year it has never been crowded. Definitely worth $25 a night and I get a discount because I’m a senior (Remember you have to ask for the discount. They won’t tell you). If you are camping in the tent area, I can almost guarantee you’ll see a bear because they come out almost every night. Keep all of your food in the bear boxes. Since it is somewhat of a resort park, there are cabins, RV hook ups and even a motel/conference center. There are lots of activities like swimming, boating, archery, zip lining, etc. The Smith Creek pub is a nice little restaurant for a quick meal or a drink.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Fern Cove — Black Rock Mountain State Park

    Beautiful park but steep slope up

    Black Rock is beautiful but hard on some transmissions. There is a long steep slope up the mountain and it is common for transmissions to over heat. So much so that there is an auto shop at the base of the mountain. The road up is narrow and twisty. I have seen some larger rigs up here but most are smaller. If u can make it, it is worth the journey. Lots of hiking trails for different levels. Clean facilities, friendly hosts. WiFi is available at the trading post. Nice place to sit and rock.incredible views. Have visited in April, may, June, and October. Usually stay on site 6. Later spring into summer had more poison ivy on trails.

  • Zach L.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Appalachian Springs Outdoor Resort

    October in the Smokey Mountains

    This is an amazing campsite spot. Minutes outside Pigeon Forge you're close to sites, shops, and anything you need. A short drive to the park and Blue Ridge Parkway. The spaces are easily accessible with options for any setup. Incredibly affordable so great value. The best campsite bathrooms I've ever seen, seriously immaculate bathrooms. Digital processes for registration and check in made it very easy to book. Staff was super helpful and very responsive to texts if you need anything.

  • Alexander C.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Riley Moore Falls Campsite

    Best night sleep

    Such a great place to spend the night. I took my hammock and spent the night listening to the waterfall and nature. Sky was clear and bright with stars. I risked it and chose no fly tonight just to take in the view. Perfect weather. Met alot of interesting and hopefully new friends.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Pisgah Campground

    October camping experience

    Well I checked when peak leaf season was supposed to occur and what to expect from temperatures. I also appreciate information from those that camped here. We were in site B26 interior of the loop. Unfortunately we weren’t able to get outside loop from the showers to the end. Interior from the showers to site 21 were okay. Ours on the other hand was one of the worst we’ve had. You had a steep 7 step down to picknick table and firepit. It was also in a low sumac shrub area that had a distinct smell. Campground was clean and facilities were well maintained. NPS staff were present despite the current shutdown in Washington! Limited cell service at the site. Best just up the parkway to the Mt. Pisgah picnic area parking lot.

    While we did hit peak color, I didn’t think that the cold front would be as intense. Temperature dropped below freezing and during the night it felt like gale force winds buffeting the GO. Definitely will pick a lower elevation for camping if it’s in October!

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed

    Okay spot

    Avery Road was closed so we ended up here. Not a whole lot of sites in the forest here. This site was fine, nothing special, but nothing bad. There’s a shallow creek that runs next to this spot.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Grumpy Bear Campground

    Nice but small

    The attraction here is the river. It is absolutely gorgeous. Riverside are small and close together.


Guide to Glenville

Camping in the southern Appalachian Mountains near Glenville, North Carolina offers diverse terrain between 3,000 and 5,000 feet elevation. The higher altitude creates summer temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands, making this region especially popular during hot months. Lake Glenville serves as a centerpiece for many campsites, sitting at 3,494 feet above sea level as the highest lake east of the Mississippi.

What to do

Waterfall hiking: 2.5 miles round trip to reach Rainbow Falls from Gorges State Park Campground. "Rainbow Falls, Turtle Back Falls and Bust your Ass Falls. The Visitors Center has free parking for RV's and Vans," notes one visitor. The campground offers both primitive sites and newer developed areas with full hookups.

Trout fishing: year-round access at multiple streams and lakes. "Cliffside Lake just up the hill from the campground has lots of big and pretty dumb stocked trout and some giant uncatchable bass. For the trout, get your line way out there and fish with bait under a bobber," explains a visitor to Van Hook Glade, located about 25 minutes from Glenville.

Mountain biking: extensive trail network starting near Davidson River. "If you're looking to ride the mtb trails you're in luck. They start literally across the davidson river from the campground," shares one camper. The trails accommodate various skill levels with technical sections for experienced riders.

What campers like

Primitive backcountry solitude: "There are many spots nearby to fish or hike including the nearby Cliffside Lake Rec. Cliffside Lake is stocked with trout and there is a great hike to Ranger Falls here," notes a camper about Van Hook Glade. The nearby mountains offer numerous secluded spots for experienced campers.

Lake swimming access: Devils Fork State Park Campground provides direct access to Lake Jocassee. "Beautifully located on Lake Jocassee! Camp sites paved, wooded and nicely spaced. The lake is gorgeous. Boat ramp and trailer parking. Kayak rentals available," explains one visitor. The clear mountain waters provide refreshing swimming during summer months.

Established facilities: The newer campground at Gorges State Park offers modern conveniences. "The park has had primitive camping for years, but this year is the first season with an area for RVs/trailers and a separate area tent campers. All sites are level with concrete pads, except for the tent site. Fire pit is on bricks. Bathhouse is immaculate."

What you should know

Bear activity requires preparation: Bears are common throughout the region, especially in backcountry areas. "Be aware that the bears here are extremely bad. I actually had an encounter with a very large bear who charged my group and destroyed at tent," warns a camper at Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area. Always use bear-resistant food storage containers or hang food properly away from camp.

Reservation timing varies widely: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "It seems to always be booked up when I want to go back," notes a visitor about Van Hook Glade. For popular spots like Devils Fork, one camper simply advises: "Reserve well in advance."

Weather changes rapidly: Mountain elevations create unpredictable conditions year-round. "When we first arrived, we were met with the fact that the staff had changed our campsite to #1. Their excuse was that our campsite was closed because of dangerous trees," reports a camper at Davidson River, highlighting how storms can alter camping plans with little notice.

Tips for camping with families

Choose campgrounds with swimming options: "So much for family's to do here. We stopped by to check it out on our way to another site and wished they had a spot available. We will be booking this for another time. Water is so clear. Site is so clean," notes a visitor about Devils Fork State Park, where the lake provides safe swimming areas.

Consider multi-activity parks: Table Rock State Park Campground offers diverse recreation within walking distance. "In the park, you can swim, hike, camp, fish and kayak. You will see some excellent views of the mountain ranges. We saw deer, squirrels, birds, snakes, and many salamanders," explains one visitor. The variety keeps children engaged throughout your stay.

Review site layouts before booking: Many campgrounds in the mountains have challenging terrain. "Being regular tent campers, we understand that sometimes you are at the mercy of your neighbors. The people staying across from us decided that 1030 was the time to start blaring music and screaming," reports a camper at Oconee State Park, highlighting the importance of selecting sites with adequate privacy for families.

Tips from RVers

Measure access roads carefully: Mountain roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "The road is a steep grade up to the campground. There are several overlooks on the way," notes a camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park. RVs longer than 25 feet may struggle on certain access roads and campground loops.

Select level sites when possible: Mountain terrain creates uneven camping pads. "Be aware, however, that camper pads on the odd-numbered tent sites (5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15) are not level, but Sites 1 and 3 plus the even-numbered sites have level parking pads," advises a visitor to Ralph J. Andrews Campground in Glenville.

Consider utilities when selecting sites: "It has a few full RV hookups, 10 or so el/water sites&12 or so primitive," explains a camper about Ralph J. Andrews County Park. The limited number of hookup sites means early booking is essential, especially during busy summer months when the cooler mountain temperatures attract visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping spots at Lake Glenville, NC?

Lake Glenville offers several camping options in the surrounding area. Ralph J. Andrews Campground is located directly on Lake Glenville and provides boat-in and drive-in access with reservable sites, water hookups, and restroom facilities. For those seeking nearby alternatives, Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area offers free primitive camping with hike-in access just a short distance from the lake. The Glenville area is also within driving distance of several well-maintained campgrounds in the western North Carolina mountains, making it an ideal base for exploring the region's natural beauty.

When is the best season for camping at Lake Glenville?

Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the best camping weather at Lake Glenville, with summer providing ideal conditions for water activities. Gorges State Park Campground near Glenville is particularly beautiful in early autumn when the surrounding forests display vibrant fall colors. Many campers find September and early October ideal as temperatures remain comfortable with fewer crowds and insects. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground is another nearby option that showcases different scenic views depending on the season, from spring waterfalls to summer swimming to fall foliage. Winter camping is possible but facilities may be limited due to seasonal closures.

What amenities are available at Lake Glenville campgrounds?

Campgrounds around Lake Glenville offer varying levels of amenities. Indian Creek Campground provides creekside camping with exceptionally clean bathhouses, private sites with lush greenery, and a well-stocked campsite store for necessities. For those seeking lake access, Gibson Cove Campground features paved roads, gravel campsites, water and electrical hookups, and well-maintained bathhouses. Most established campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities like potable water and toilets, while RV-friendly sites typically provide hookups. For those seeking more luxury, some nearby resorts offer additional facilities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities.