Best Tent Camping near Highlands, NC

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Highlands, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that North Carolina camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Highlands camping trip.

Best Tent Sites Near Highlands, North Carolina (113)

    1. Burrells Ford

    18 Reviews
    103 Photos
    302 Saves
    Highlands, North Carolina

    Burrells Ford campground is open year round with no charge. A pit toilet and picnic tables are available. Walk .25 miles to camp on the Chattooga River.

    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol

    2. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    71 Reviews
    426 Photos
    466 Saves
    Cosby, Tennessee

    Overview

    Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade beside Cosby Creek. This group campground creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer.

    Recreation

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail.Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. White water rafting on the nearby Pigeon River. Top tourist towns of gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are just 20 miles away. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.

    Facilities

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail.Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. White water rafting on the nearby Pigeon River. Top tourist towns of gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are just 20 miles away. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.

    Natural Features

    World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cosby never disappoints. At 2,460 feet, Cosby Campground provides a moderate climate, typified by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Great Smoky Mountains National Park preserves a rich cultural history of Southern Appalachia. From the prehistoric Paleo Indians to the early 19th century European settlements, the park strives to protect the historic structures, landscapes and artifacts, which tell the stories of the people who once called these mountains home.

    Nearby Attractions

    Cosby, Tennessee, located about five miles from the campground, offers convenience stores and fuel. Gatlinburg, a one of the Smokies' famous tourist towns, is located about 20 miles from the site, offering visitors tours, organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $50 / night

    3. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    16 Photos
    164 Saves
    Highlands, North Carolina

    Dispersed camping in the Blue Valley area. Approximately 22 dispersed sites are available, and most have fire rings and picnic tables. A pit toilet is available. Please pack in and pack out. Wilson Lake is a short distance away offering fishing, swimming, a short trail, and wildlife viewing and birding.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available

    4. Ammons Branch Campground

    4 Reviews
    15 Photos
    96 Saves
    Highlands, North Carolina
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    5. Grapevine

    6 Reviews
    24 Photos
    72 Saves
    Long Creek, South Carolina

    Primitive campsite. Primitive campsites are typically sites within the forest that have been designated for use based on desirable location. Most primitive sites have no amenities such as toilets or picnic tables. Stay is limited to 14 days. Saddle, pack and draft animals are not permitted at any campsite.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol

    6. Raven Cliff Falls

    27 Reviews
    128 Photos
    398 Saves
    Helen, Georgia

    Raven Cliff Falls camping This trail is one of North Georgia’s most popular camping destinations. Trailhead campsites offer fantastic stream-side camping just steps from the car, and a fantastic base camp for hiking the Raven Cliff Falls Trail during the day. The trail is also dotted with many backpacking campsites on the creek’s level banks, offering a little more solitude for campers willing to backpack it in. Black bears frequent this wilderness area. Keep all food items and fragrant cosmetics out of reach in a bear canister: many years ago, we lost our camp stove, food and cookware to a trio of bears in a traditionally-hung bear bag along this trail. Campsites are free and first-come, first-claimed. Pack out everything you pack in: this is one of Georgia’s most beautiful Wilderness areas, so please, please leave no trace. (What is Wilderness, and why is it important? Read more in our guide to Wilderness areas in the South.)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    7. Blue Valley Camp

    3 Reviews
    17 Photos
    113 Saves
    Highlands, North Carolina
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table

    8. Jones Gap State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    53 Photos
    149 Saves
    Cedar Mountain, North Carolina

    Camping Information : Camping is allowed only on designated campsites. Camping in other than designated areas may result in a fine. No drive up campsites are available on the park. There are no water or electricity provided at the campsites. Camping Reservations : To make a backcountry trailside camping reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or make it online by clicking Park Reservations. Reservations requested less than one (1) day in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park. For example: If today is Friday and you are making a reservation checking in on today, Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly. Trailside Camping : The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers trailside backcountry camping at 18 primitive sites. Fourteen sites provide fire pits, while four allow no fires. Permits are required, and camping is allowed in designated areas only. Campers are asked to follow internationally recognized "leave no trace" camping practices. For more information on leave no trace practices, visit the official leave no trace ethics website. Campers are asked to check-in at least two hours before dark in order to safely reach their campsites. Costs are $8-20/site/night. Backcountry Group Camping: The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers one backcountry group campsite. The group site can be reserved for 10-20 people. Reservations for the group campsite must be made by calling the park directly. Costs are $4.40 - 5.50/person/night. Registration is required. PETS Pets : Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    9. Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area

    5 Reviews
    26 Photos
    168 Saves
    Sunset, South Carolina
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    10. Panther Creek Recreation Area Camping

    9 Reviews
    61 Photos
    101 Saves
    Turnerville, Georgia

    Enjoy a picnic, hold a Boy Scout troop meeting or have a family gathering within the historic CCC structures of this wooded recreation area. Directly adjacent to the picnic pavilions visitors can can follow their picnic with a mesmerizing day-hike to the awesome falls on the 6.6 mile Panther Creek Trail.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $4 / night

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Recent Tent Reviews near Highlands, NC

2635 Reviews of 113 Highlands Campgrounds



Guide to Highlands

Nestled in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, Highlands offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to nature lovers seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Burrells Ford provides a semi-secluded camping experience along the river, complete with fire pits and lantern posts, though it lacks drinking water and electric hookups.
  • Blue Valley Dispersed Camping features spacious, private sites near a creek, with fire rings and lantern posts, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
  • Ammons Branch Campground offers a quiet setting with picnic tables and a compost toilet, making it a great choice for campers seeking a balance of comfort and wilderness.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Grapevine, enjoy fishing in the nearby river and exploring the surrounding trails, all while soaking in the serene atmosphere.
  • Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area is ideal for kayaking and hiking, with stunning scenery and waterfalls to discover.
  • Wayah Bald Campground provides access to the Bartram Trail, perfect for hiking enthusiasts looking to explore the area's natural beauty.

Tips for tent camping near Highlands

  • When camping at Siler Bald, remember to fill up on water before heading out, as there are no water sources at the site.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Bearpen Gap Backcountry Site, which is located near the Appalachian Trail and offers a spacious area for tents.
  • If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, Persimmon Falls Campground is a great choice, with its proximity to a beautiful swimming hole and waterfall, perfect for cooling off after a day of hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Highlands, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Highlands, NC is Burrells Ford with a 4.2-star rating from 18 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Highlands, NC?

    TheDyrt.com has all 113 tent camping locations near Highlands, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.