Best Tent Camping near Hays, NC
Looking for tent camping near Hays? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Hays, including sites, reviews, and tips. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Hays, North Carolina (39)
1. Blue Bear Mountain Camp
24 Reviews•127 Photos•55 SavesTodd, North CarolinaBlue Bear Mountain Camp offers year round camping experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Car accessible tent and RV sites in a natural setting. Hike in sites for those looking for a little more adventure and privacy. Stargazer Domes and Cabin rentals for guests wanting a rustic, mountain getaway while staying in comfort. Located just 8 miles north of Boone, NC on over 150 acres of pristine mountain land, miles of hiking trails, a trout pond and spacious low density sites allow the guest to get away from it all in a rustic, remote setting. In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At 4,000 feet elevation, come enjoy cool mountain breezes and mild temperatures. Blue Bear Mountain is a scenic location for large events such as weddings, corporate events and family reunions. Come Get away from it all at Blue Bear Mountain!
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$25 - $136 / night
2. Basin Cove — Blue Ridge Parkway
3 Reviews•6 Photos•52 SavesBlue Ridge Parkway, Virginia- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
3. Self Sufficient Holler
1 Review•10 Photos•5 SavesMoravian Falls, North Carolina- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$40 - $200 / night
4. W. Kerr Scott Visitor Assistance Center Conference Room
1 Review•4 Photos•2 SavesWilkesboro, North CarolinaOverview
The Visitor Assistance Center conference room is located beside the dam at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in northwestern North Carolina.
Recreation
The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Miles of multi-use trails, that allow hiking and mountain biking, surround the lake, including the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which can be accessed from the parking lot outside the Visitor Center. An additional 25 miles of trails can be found at the Warrior Creek and Dark Mountain areas.
Natural Features
The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Group
$50 / night
5. New River Alleghany Access Primitive Paddle-in — New River State Park
3 Reviews•5 Photos•1 SaveMouth of Wilson, VirginiaPaddle in primitive camping - 8 sites available
Located in Ashe and Alleghany counties 35 miles northeast of Boone, New River State Park covers seven accesses along this National Wild and Scenic River that flows north through three states. All accesses allow for launching kayaks and inner tubes to paddle or float along the shallow, gentle river. Paddle-in only campgrounds provide a remote experience. The hellbender — the largest salamander in the U.S. — and 14 species of rare and threatened plant species inhabit the New River valley.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Picnic Table
$12 / night
6. Homeplace Recreational Park Inc.
5 Reviews•10 Photos•43 SavesPilot Mountain, North Carolina- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
7. Dusty Trails Outfitters
2 Reviews•20 Photos•46 SavesScottville, North CarolinaFor your New River and Blue Ridge Mountain experience, give us a call and come visit. We will accommodate your canoeing, kayaking, tubing, camping, and fishing needs, as well as much more! Located in Ashe and Alleghany Counties, North Carolina. We are just a short drive from Jefferson, West Jefferson, Sparta, Boone and Wilkesboro. Open April through October. Reservations or call ahead are strongly recommended. For a exciting and unique experience, come to Dusty Trails Outfitters.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$20 / night
8. Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina
10 Reviews•24 Photos•2 SavesCollettsville, North CarolinaOverview
Mortimer Campground is a small campground nestled within the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor south of Grandfather Mountain. Located at the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, the 17-site campground is surrounded by lush forests, gentle streams, and a large scenic river popular for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
Recreation
Visitors to the campground can enjoy a variety of activities including fishing, swimming, day hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, picnicking, and scenic driving. Swimming holes along Thorps Creek provide wading opportunities on hot summer days. Nearby Wilson Creek, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 2000, is well known for its excellent trout fishing, swimming, kayaking, and rugged features. History buffs will enjoy exploring the remnants of the once booming timber town of Mortimer as well as an old CCC work center. Two Forest Service trails depart from the campground. The Thorps Creek trail provides a short (approx. 1/4 mile) hike to Thorps Creek Falls. The more strenuous Schoolhouse Ridge Trail connects to the campground via the .2 mile Bill Vines trail and provides a 3 mile ridgeline excursion with beautiful views before connecting to the Wilson Ridge Trail. Many other Forest Service trails are within a short drive of the Campground, including Hunt Fish Falls, North Harper Creek Falls, and Little Lost Cove Cliffs. The area also boasts a network of scenic mountain biking trails.
Natural Features
Located in a rich mountain hardwood forest at an elevation of 1,400 ft., Mortimer Campground provides a secluded streamside setting shaded by large hemlocks and pine trees. Thorps Creek runs along the east side of the campground before feeding into the Wild and Scenic Wilson Creek, a popular destination for a variety of activities. Hardwood forests cover the mountain peaks on either side of the valley and multiple mountain feeder creeks can be found nearby. The Mortimer area provides beautiful scenery year-round, from stunning fall foliage displays to abundant spring and summer wildflowers.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (828) 652-2144.
Nearby Attractions
The Wilson Creek Visitor Center is 3.2 miles from the Mortimer Campground and provides information on the Wilson Creek area and has a photograph and artifact collection that tells the history of the area. The towns of Blowing Rock and Morganton are located within an hours drive of the campground, to the north and south respectively. Both towns offer a variety of restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and medical facilities. The Julian Price Memorial Park and Campground is located 24 miles north of Mortimer Campground and is a well-known destination for hiking, canoeing, fishing, and camping. Mortimer Campground is 21 miles away from Linville Falls, and the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. The Gorge offers breathtaking views and numerous hiking trails. The Campground is 17 miles from the popular Grandfather Mountain State Park, the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$20 - $30 / night
9. Riverside Canoe and Campground
1 Review•3 Photos•21 SavesCrumpler, North Carolina- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
$25 - $55 / night
10. Boone Fork Campground
4 Reviews•25 Photos•60 SavesCollettsville, North CarolinaThis site is__not maintained but can still be used.__Campers must hike in to the developed areas, and all sites are primitive. No electric hook ups, no toilets, no running water available.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews near Hays, NC
929 Reviews of 39 Hays Campgrounds
- Michele F.
Scout
Boone KOA
Nice KOA. Clean and has everything you need.
We really like camping there. We tent camp and it is clean and has a handful of things for the kids. The only down side is that the tent sites are road side…so when the campers pull in and out you hear them hitting the gas. Every now and again people will peel out on the road. 😕 Otherwise 👍🏻 and enjoy the friendly staff, CLEAN bathrooms and campground.
- G
Glenn S.
Traveler
Beechnut Family Campground
Nice Camping for Tents or RVs
We camped in our tent at Beechnut for two nights. The owners are very friendly and helpful. The tent camping area is across a road from a stream, in a forest of tall trees, a very picturesque location. Each tent site had water, a picnic table, and a 30-amp electric outlet. It rained heavily both nights we stayed there, but we stayed dry. Unfortunately the rain had been going on for several days before we arrived, and wherever vehicles were parked on the ground, they left muddy ruts. The owner helped some guests who arrived at night at a tent site in small travel trailers, when they were stuck. He really is very helpful and kind. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept.
Kirsten J.
Legend
Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Remote, gorgeous, starry campsite!
Remote, quiet family friendly campground. It is a basic campground with both tent sites and hook-ups. We enjoy tent camping here on the large field where fireflies light up the night sky! There are sites that are close to water so you can fall asleep listening to the gurgle of the creek - and sites near the woods. The bathhouse includes toilets and sinks with a hand dryer. You can drive to the falls or drive to the visitor center and hike to the falls - a great campground!
- Nancy R.Scout
Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Great Campground Best Showers
We camped in this quiet and comfortable campground for 4 nights. We really appreciated the warm shower rooms, large, clean and private. Though we have a 28’ Open Range with shower and septic hookup, we preferred the shower rooms. There is a beautiful area for tent camping with lovely tent sites. And some were occupied by campers who braved a couple of below freezing nights and the first snowfall. The owners are so friendly and helpful you feel like a long-time neighbor. Fully functional septic, electricity and water. Well maintained.
Rachael H.
Ranger
Stone Mountain State Park Campground
Loved it
Primitive tent camp site. Water but no electric. Nice grassy area around the gravel tent pad. We had one tree for shade. Fire ring and table. Clean showers and bathrooms. We stayed here specifically for the sliding rock at widow creek falls. But we did hike Stone Mountain falls trail. There are 432 steps going up to the parking area from the bottom of the falls. Beautiful shaded trail. Mountain to sea trail runs through for a little bit. Dogs welcome leashes. Fairly busy trail.
- Jody K.Traveler
Stone Mountain State Park Campground
Woody for Tent Campers and Sunny for RV'ers
The tent sites are built into a hill that provides an abundance of trees to hang hammocks and to keep well protected from the sun. The RV spots are located out in the open area and one loop sits right on a creek. The RV spots are sunnier with limited trees to shade from the sun during the summer months. For a NC state park, the bathroom and shower amenities are clean, warm and well stocked with toilet paper. The tent spots are a perfect place to hang hammocks and the tent pads are pretty sizable!
I am giving this review a 5 based on 2 different elements: 1) cleanliness of the camp site was beyond expectation. Not all campground hosts clean out the fire pit on a daily basis. When arriving, there was no trace of the former camper at all. No micro trash, no left over spikes and the campsite was freshly raked and all coals/ash were swept out of the fire ring. 2) welcoming personalities of the camp ground host and and employees. The campground host stopped to ask if we needed anything and to remind us the program that was taking place the next morning.
For tent camping, choose the following sites if you need to park 2 cars at the campsite: #7, #9, #14 and #18. The other campsites have enough space for one car at each site.
James M.Scout
Statesville RV Park I-77
Great place to stay
I showed up after hours on a motorcycle looking for an overnight tent site. They didn't have tent sites available in the after hours check in. Luckily, John, who works maintenance, was near by. He opened up the office, checked me into a tent site and figured out how to give me a military discount even though that is not his job. John saved my night! The tent site was clean, level, grass and water and electric worked great. There was some noise from the interstate but expected in a tent. Restroom and shower facilities were clean and functional. My only staff interaction was with John and he was outstanding in customer service and going over the top to take care of getting me set up. Thank you!
- LLathan B.Scout
Grandfather Mountain Campground
Friendly campground with reasonable rates
Love tent camping here, awesome views and great prices
Andrew U.Scout
Aca Southeastern Section
Non existent
I lived under mellow mushroom and know for a fact that there is no tent camping here. There are paid parking lots on king and queen street, and have seen campers be able to stay there. But NO tent camping here in downtown Boone. Be better off trying to camp at local park or greenway I think, but there’s so much to offer around, find a nice tucked away spot like trash can falls less than 15 away from there.
- EEric W.Traveler
Mountain City Campground
Hidden Gem
This campground is run by the city visitors center and like most other things in Mountain City has very little social media presence. Most residents of the city don’t even know of its existence.
Great little affordable campground with nice accessible trout stream. Has 30 amp and 50 amp service along with tent camping. (Tent camping is currently closed due to recent bear sightings as are the toilet facilities due to COVID-19(Aug 2020))
Aug 2020 prices for 30 amp full hookups $25 /day $85 /week $300 /month
- SScott M.Traveler
Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground
Fantastic Campground
Fancy Gap CC is a great small campground with a rustic hotel, cabins, tent camping, and RV/Trailer hook ups. I've stayed here before tent camping, which was nice. This time I was caught in traffic and they had a cabin available, better than pitching a tent in the dark and rain. The cabins are sturdy, very clean, pet friendly, and complete with a refrigerator/microwave and coffee maker. The bath house is relatively new and kept very clean. The whole campground is tidy. You can tell tell the owners love the place. If Fancy Gap is relatively close to your travel plans, I highly suggest you visit for yourself.
- CChad Z.Scout
Blue Bear Mountain Camp
Beautiful views and clean bathrooms
We have tent camped and RV camped here. Great site with lots of space and kept up well. Views are great and area is beautiful.
- AAndrew R.Scout
Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground
Campground
Tent camping or small cabins, quite and clean with water and power and bathroom/ showers and a few hiking trails , great for moto camping or bike camping
- JJORGE
Guide
Raccoon Holler Campground
Hidden Gem
Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway this campground is a great out of the way destination. Offers full hookup as well as tent camping. Quiet and very clean. Highly recommended !
Eli E.Scout
Utts Campground
Great Place
Needed a campsite quick and Utt's really helped us out. We tent camped but this also looks like a great place for RV's. Friendly people and pretty property.
- SS.H. S.Traveler
Lake Norman State Park Campground
Very nice
Friendly host, close to lake and well shaded, clean bathrooms, large enough tent sites, great for families.
- Keri P.Guide
Flintlock Campground
Small spots but pretty place
If you're staying in a tent, it has to be site 9. Every other site is super tiny, and the tent camping in general is very crowded. It is a nice Campground and very friendly but they are definitely trying to conserve space.
Todd T.Scout
New River Alleghany Access Primitive Paddle-in — New River State Park
Wonderful find
My family went to tent camp and enjoyed our stay. We discovered others with campers that had wonderful campsites. The bathroom facilities are new and very clean. We enjoyed hiking. The location also had four bars of Verizon LTE. Amazing!
- MMegan M.Guide
Cedar Rock Campground
Quiet setting beside of a beautiful trout stream
We have tent camped here many times and it is always a great time.
Nothing beats falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the creek. Small playground isn’t much to look at but my kids (10 and under) always use the heck out of it. They love riding their bikes along the gravel road and grassy hillside. If you’re tent camping the best spot is the far end, I believe number one and two. So secluded and private.
There’s a small beach area that you get kids can use as access to swim and rock throwing.
This campground is only a few miles from Stone Mountain state park. Lots of great hiking. In the summer you have to check out Widows Creek. Sliding rocks and waterfalls and a swimming hole only .2 miles off the road.We love camping at this clean, simple campground.
- Nick D.Scout
Byrd's Branch Campground
Very Nice
Byrd’s Branch is a newer campground with very clean facilities. Nice tent sites along a creek surrounded by mature trees. The nearby waterfalls are awesome and just a short hike from the campsite. Glad I stayed here.
Douglas P.ScoutBlue Bear Mountain Camp
Family friendly
Everything a small family with very young kids could need. We tent camped for two nights on the lower back end of the campsite, then rounded out our stay with one night in the cabin. The owners were extremely accommodating, since technically the cabin required multiple night's stay.
- MMelissa B.Scout
Hanging Rock State Park Campground
Great first experience with a toddler
This was a close (1 hour drive) from Winston Salem and was the perfect first tent camping experience! Tons of beautiful trails, some with waterfalls, and a great beach! Camp site was mexcellent! Just enough privacy and clean bathrooms, plenty of water spickets! We will be back!
- JJade P.Traveler
Hanging Rock State Park Campground
New Years Eve weekend camping
Had a really good weekend!! Campground was all I needed for the two nights I stayed. Slightly wished the bathhouses had been open. Camp site very clean, big enough for tent camping. Sites are slightly close, wasn't a problem considering it was January. Will be returning during summer months.
NickScout
Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway
Love this place
Great family campground, with enough separation from other tent sites. Camp here every year with the family and always have a great time. Never have issues with neighbors, bath house is new, and close to plenty of hiking/recreation activities.
- Kirsten J.Legend
Twin Rivers Family Campground
Remote, riverfront, primitive, FIREFLIES!
Twin rivers campground is located in Crumpler NC on the river. It is a primitive campground with both RV and tent sites. The tent sites are found by following a dirt road around the base of the mountain, at river level, which left us a little wary that the road could wash out. We followed the path a bit to a private site down a ways, just past a porta potty. There is a bathhouse up in the RV section of this campground, but we were camping in primitive tent land.
The site we were on was fantastic! It was steps from the river, we had a flat, grassy spot with shrubs creating some privacy between us and our neighbor. Our next neighbor was as far down as we could see!
The campfire was perfect, our site was superb and we had a great night sleep!
(PLEASE NOTE! THE CAMPGROUND HAS SINCE CHANGED OWNERSHIP AND SITES ARE NOW MUCH MUCH CLOSER TOGETHER)
- aasherondrydeTraveler
Byrd's Branch Campground
noisy
the campsites area nice. well maintained. proximity to the road is close. constantly hearing cars go by. the tent campsites away from the RV site is nice at night. Listen to the frogs.
- Brad U.Scout
Fancy Gap-Blue Ridge Parkway KOA
Nice little campground
there's a lot of camper spaces... and about 6 or 7 tent sites. all have electric but not all have running water. pool is good sized cool little camper kitchen. excellent staff, very friendly and attentive to your needs and feedback... we will definitely go again!
Guide to Hays
Tent camping near Hays, North Carolina, offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several well-reviewed spots to pitch your tent.
Tent campers should check out local activities
- Enjoy canoeing and kayaking at the picturesque New River Alleghany Access Primitive Paddle-in, where you can paddle along the serene waters and soak in the natural beauty.
- Experience the tranquility of hiking at Basin Cove, which features excellent trails that follow the river, perfect for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
- For a unique camping experience, visit Dusty Trails Outfitters, where you can rent canoes and kayaks while enjoying a beautiful riverfront location.
Amenities that enhance your camping experience
- At Riverside Canoe and Campground, you'll find convenient amenities like drinking water, showers, and a market for all your camping needs.
- The Hiddenite Family Campground offers essential facilities such as picnic tables and firewood, making it a comfortable spot for families.
- For a more rustic experience, Prathers Creek Paddle-in provides a primitive setting with fire pits and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those looking to disconnect.
Unique features to explore while camping
- Experience the magic of fireflies at Self Sufficient Holler, where you can enjoy a suspended tree tent and a fully equipped camp kitchen.
- The Boomer Park Shelter offers a boat launch access to Kerr Scott Reservoir, perfect for kayaking and canoeing, along with a swim beach for family fun.
- At Marleys Ford, you can enjoy a peaceful environment with access to hiking trails and beautiful views of the surrounding nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hays, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hays, NC is Blue Bear Mountain Camp with a 4.8-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hays, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Hays, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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