Best Campgrounds near Hayesville, NC

Hayesville, North Carolina provides campers with diverse options along the shores of Lake Chatuge. Gibson Cove Campground and Jackrabbit Mountain Campground anchor the camping scene in this mountainous region, both offering direct access to the lake. Tent sites are abundant at Jackrabbit Mountain, which operates without hookups but provides clean bathhouses and water spigots throughout the grounds. RV accommodations with electric and water hookups are available at Gibson Cove Campground. Several campgrounds in the surrounding area, including sites in nearby Hiawassee and Blairsville, also provide cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfortable shelter options.

Camping in the Hayesville area primarily operates seasonally, with most campgrounds open from spring through fall. Jackrabbit Mountain specifically operates from early May through late September, while other nearby facilities maintain year-round operations. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for lakeside sites which tend to fill quickly during summer months. The region experiences moderate temperatures during camping season, though summer humidity can be significant. Most campgrounds maintain well-maintained access roads suitable for standard vehicles. Cell service varies throughout the area but is generally reliable at established campgrounds. "Gibson Cove is clean and beautiful. Most sites have a great view and easy access to the lake," according to one visitor's experience.

Lake access represents the defining feature of camping in the Hayesville area, with multiple campgrounds offering sites with direct water frontage. Jackrabbit Mountain provides three camping loops, with loops A and B offering the best lake access for families with children. Several visitors note the clarity of Lake Chatuge's water and the opportunity for swimming, fishing, and boating directly from campsites. Beyond water recreation, the area supports mountain biking, with Jackrabbit Mountain featuring a trail system accessible from the campground via a connector trail. Campers describe the views as beautiful, particularly noting sunrise views over the water from lakeside sites. During peak summer periods, especially holiday weekends, campgrounds typically reach capacity, with waterfront sites being the most sought-after.

Best Camping Sites Near Hayesville, North Carolina (733)

    1. Vogel State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-2628

    $30 - $290 / night

    "Vogel State Park was perfectly situated along Hwy 19 in the north Georgia mountains for an easy spot for the night."

    "This was a great stop close to the water. Between Blood Mountain and Neels Gap, we camped for two nights at different sites. Both were primitive, non-shelter sites."

    2. Jackrabbit Mountain

    14 Reviews
    Hayesville, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 837-5152

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Located on Lake Chatuge in both North Carolina and Georgia, you can ride right to the biking trails or launch your paddleboard right from your lakeside site.  "

    "Parking is right above the steps that go down to the tent pad. This site has direct water access for swimming and fishing. This particular site has no shade between noon and 4."

    3. Trackrock Campground & Cabins

    22 Reviews
    Blairsville, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-2420

    "Good sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground."

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW As I was walking around the campground the word roughstic came to mInd. The road in was rough, the campsite was nice enough but somewhat minimal and the decor rustic."

    4. Bald Mountain Camping Resort

    13 Reviews
    Hiawassee, GA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 896-8896

    "We stayed in Lakefront Cabin C09 across from the lake. The campground was very quiet with no road noises and such, and we had a beautiful view of the mountains surrounding the campground."

    "For a small fee you can play mini golf or rent a paddle boat or kayak for use in the private lake."

    5. Gibson Cove Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hayesville, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 557-6788

    $30 - $35 / night

    "Beautiful campground located on Lake Chatuge in North Carolina. Gibson Cove campground is a county park with paved roads and gravel campsites."

    "The only lakeside site available was #20. That was probably because it was small (~25' max). But the view was great. Sites are well maintained."

    6. Georgia Mountain Fair Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hiawassee, GA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 896-4191

    "All campsites are within walking distance to Lake Chatuge. Restrooms are the best we’ve seen, but they are more than adequate."

    "Not many places you can enjoy the lake, trails nearby, and a concert all right there."

    7. Unicoi State Park & Lodge

    50 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 878-2201

    "The tent camp site was good, bathrooms and water were a close walking distance.
    We picked this state park for all the activities. We took archery lessons and did the zip line course."

    "You’re close to a lot of hikes around the park, including Anna Ruby falls (which is a national park tucked within state park, so $3 to get in)."

    8. Standing Indian Campground

    19 Reviews
    Otto, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 524-6441

    $26 - $100 / night

    "The entrance to this park is right across the street to an entrance to the Appalachian Trail. A beautiful trout stream runs through the park, close to all the campsites."

    "Our site was about 30 feet away from the Nantahala river. The bathrooms and showers were spotless. Keep in mind that it’s far from any store or restaurant so bring food along. No cell service."

    9. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Rabun Gap, GA
    25 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. "

    10. Enota Mountain Retreat

    19 Reviews
    Hiawassee, GA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 896-9966

    $55 / night

    "We stayed at the adult tent site 74 which is really close to one of the waterfalls."

    "The spot we were in was really close to the store and had a nice deck with a picnic table."

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Recent Reviews near Hayesville, NC

2544 Reviews of 733 Hayesville Campgrounds


  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

  • austin C.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Great camping as of September 2025

    Very nice area to camp saw multiple sites throughout the road. Weather got a little cooler at night but the stars were a beauty to see. managed to fit 3 tents and 2 hammocks at the campsite near 34°50'26.3"N 83°40'44.6"W Wood was a little wet as it had rained 2 days prior so might be worth bringing your own.

    Also worth it if you're into astrophotography as all of tray mountain sits within the few dark areas within north Georgia.

    Did not see any signs of large predators but did see lots of spent 12GA shells and other casings.

  • Bobbi Jo P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Hickory Gap

    One of our favorite places!

    Nice small campground with 5 sites. Fills up during hunting season. Can't beat the peaceful sounds of the creek and nature at its finest!

  • Allissa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    One night stay

    Right on Little River. The view and sound was so enjoyable. The restroom is a couple minute walk away, very convenient. Zero signal for Att (for signal, take a right out of the campground heading toward Gatlinburg. There’ll be a Pulloff with a view on the left, pull in and use your phone if needed).

  • Isabelle C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground

    Indian Creek Campground in Cherokee, NC is a hidden gem. Nice hosts, clean facilities in the woods. We have a 25 ft pull behind camper and sites are big enough for slide-outs. Picknick table and campfire ring was on site. We had a 30 amp full hook-up site. Campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, clean bathhouse and is dog friendly.

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Great campsite, you guys are pansies though

    great spot, can see the stars super clearly and its pretty much just open woodland once youre there.

    you dont need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, i did it fine in my honda civic, just dont have anything with worse clearance than that, and be ready to get some branch scratches which is kinda expected for wood roads

  • 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Hayesville

Camping near Hayesville, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. For instance, at Elkmont Campground, 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 your eyes peeled for local wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground shared, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds have nearby rivers or lakes. At Greenbrier Campground, a reviewer noted, "The river ran close enough to our site that we didn't feel like we needed a premium spot. Plenty of spots for swimming or tubing."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Site Spacing: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "Most sites are close."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have showers or electric hookups. A camper at Cosby Campground noted, "NO drinking water, NO electric hookups."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area, so it's essential to store food properly. A camper at Fort Mountain State Park Campground warned, "Bears were active in the area."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or swimming areas. A family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed, "There were bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river with a swimming hole!"
  • Plan for Downtime: Bring books or games for quiet time. A camper at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping suggested, "Have a good book, downloaded shows, crossword book, or what have you."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and activities. A visitor at Vogel State Park Campground mentioned, "The kids had loads of fun playing by the little rivers."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground advised, "A bigger RV may not be able to make the trip."
  • Use Online Resources: Download maps and check for cell service. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground noted, "The campground wifi worked okay, but it dropped signal quite frequently."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Bring appropriate gear for rain or cold. A camper at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground shared, "The trails are steep and hilly, so be ready for a workout."

Camping near Hayesville, North Carolina, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With various campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hayesville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hayesville, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 733 campgrounds and RV parks near Hayesville, NC and 69 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hayesville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hayesville, NC is Vogel State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 67 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hayesville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 69 free dispersed camping spots near Hayesville, NC.

What parks are near Hayesville, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Hayesville, NC that allow camping, notably Nantahala National Forest and Tusquitee National Forest.