Best Campgrounds near Highlands, NC
Camping near Highlands, North Carolina encompasses a range of options from established campgrounds to dispersed sites within the Nantahala National Forest. Van Hook Glade Campground, located directly in Highlands, provides tent and small RV camping from April through October. The surrounding area includes Blue Valley Dispersed Camping for more primitive experiences, while nearby state parks like Black Rock Mountain in Georgia and Tallulah Gorge offer additional developed camping options. The region sits at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet, creating a tri-state camping destination known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and mountain vistas.
Most campgrounds in the Highlands area operate seasonally, typically closing during winter months. Van Hook Glade is open from April 20 to October 28, while some nearby state parks maintain year-round operations. The high elevation (approximately 4,000 feet) provides natural air conditioning during summer months, with temperatures often 15-20 degrees cooler than lower elevations in the region. Cell service is limited at most campgrounds, with Verizon offering spotty coverage in some areas. Bear activity is common throughout the region, so proper food storage is essential at all campsites. Many forest roads leading to dispersed camping areas are unpaved but generally accessible without four-wheel drive in dry conditions.
The camping experiences vary significantly between developed and primitive sites. According to one camper, "The temperature here in the hot summer is outstanding due to high elevation. The campground is rarely full these days which surprises me." Established campgrounds like Van Hook Glade offer basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets, while lacking shower facilities or hookups for larger RVs. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping provides more solitude but requires self-sufficiency as it has no facilities. The area is particularly known for waterfall access, with numerous cascades within short driving distance of most campsites. Hiking trails connect many of the camping areas to scenic overlooks and water features throughout the Nantahala National Forest.
