The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Highlands, NC

2,877 Reviews

Highlands, North Carolina, sits between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains with good camping options not far from town. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground is about 16 miles away and has hiking trails with mountain views. Davidson River offers spots along the water where mountain bikers can easily access nearby trails. The Appalachian Trail runs through the region, giving hikers additional paths to explore. Campgrounds around Highlands tend to fill up quickly, especially when the weather is nice, so booking ahead makes sense. Many of the camping areas have family-friendly features like playgrounds and places to eat outside. Weather varies by season - spring and fall are mild, winters get cold, and summers can be warm with some rain. Most campgrounds have decent roads leading to them, though a few of the more out-of-the-way spots might need vehicles with higher clearance. It's always smart to look up current road conditions and check if any areas are closed before heading out.

Map showing campgrounds near Highlands, North CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Highlands, North Carolina (568)

    1. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $255 / night

    "Just a short 30 minute drive over the mountain takes you to Highlands, NC....this little town was fantastic.  Tons of great restaurants and also lots of boutique & antique shopping."

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

    2. Devils Fork State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    15 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."

    3. Oconee State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    14 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."

    4. Burrells Ford

    18 Reviews
    Highlands, SC
    7 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."

    5. Van Hook Glade

    11 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    4 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."

    6. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Tallulah Falls, GA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 754-7981

    $36 - $45 / night

    "This was our second visit, we always stop here when we are traveling between North Carolina and Alabama."

    "And the steps back up will challenge the most fit among us. But the views and experience is well worth the pain."

    7. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    3 miles
    Website

    "Directions: From Highlands, follow NC 28 south about 5.5 miles and turn right onto Blue Valley Rd. (S.R. 1618) at the sign. The pavement will end in a half mile."

    "Almost all near a creek of some sort. Hiking trails near by. No facilities. Room for larger groups ~40 people max for the biggest site ~6 for the smallest"

    8. Sarah's Creek Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    9 Reviews
    Sky Valley, GA
    10 miles

    $10 / night

    "Access to the campground is a narrow partially-paved but well-maintained single lane road with only one area to pull over, so be careful when entering and exiting because if you meet another vehicle one"

    "Definitely not a road to drive for those who aren't skilled in off road driving.

    We stayed in one of the back sites near the creek (I can't recall the number). Most of the sites were VERY secluded."

    9. Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    24 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 868-2605

    $7 - $26 / night

    "There are 3 trailside primitive campsites that are on a peninsula overlooking Lake Keowee."

    "The trail was relatively short, but the hills were bigger than expected. However, the payoff at the trailside campground is incredible. The sites are out on a point on Lake Keowee."

    10. Cherry Hill Campground

    7 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-9568

    $15 / night

    "Winding Stairs trail connects to the campground and offers good hiking. Just across the street is the Big Bend trail which takes you to Big Bend falls on the Chattooga River."

    "Hiking the entire trail is a definite must do."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 568 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Highlands, NC

1299 Photos of 568 Highlands Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Highlands, NC

2877 Reviews of 568 Highlands Campgrounds

Guide to Highlands

Camping near Highlands, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to all types of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Campers at Cades Cove Campground rave about the nearby hiking opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "The sites were pretty close to each other but the store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Davidson River Campground mentioned, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing: Enjoy some fishing in the nearby rivers and lakes. Campers at Greenbrier Campground appreciate the access to fishing spots, with one saying, "The river ran close enough to our site that we didn't feel like we needed a premium spot."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "Campground facilities are clean and very well kept."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. One visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground said, "The views are amazing."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Vogel State Park Campground offer plenty of activities for kids. A camper mentioned, "The kids had loads of fun playing by the little rivers."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A visitor at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground shared, "It's a very busy campground with close together spaces."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many areas. A camper at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "We had very little cell service (Verizon)."
  • Bear Encounters: Wildlife is abundant, including bears. A camper at Cosby Campground recounted, "An assertive mother bear and her three cubs showed up at dinner time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. Campers at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed the "bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river with a swimming hole."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A family at Davidson River Campground found that "the park has a very nice and well-stocked visitor center."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outdoor activities. A camper at Cades Cove Campground suggested, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just irritates the bears."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A reviewer at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground warned, "A bigger RV may not be able to make the trip."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A camper at Lake Powhatan appreciated that "dumpsters were within walking distance."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground mentioned, "There is no camp store for extra supplies, but they do sell ice and plenty of firewood at the gate."

Camping near Highlands, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it's a perfect spot for families and adventurers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Highlands, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Highlands, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 568 campgrounds and RV parks near Highlands, NC and 57 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Highlands, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Highlands, NC is Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 57 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 57 free dispersed camping spots near Highlands, NC.

What parks are near Highlands, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Highlands, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

Keep Exploring