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Best Campgrounds near Hot Springs, NC

2,515 Reviews

Campgrounds near Hot Springs, North Carolina provide diverse options along the French Broad River and surrounding mountains. Hot Springs Campground stands as the central accommodation in the area, offering riverfront sites for tents, RVs, and cabin rentals within walking distance of the town's amenities. Creek Ridge Camping, located just outside Hot Springs, provides a mix of primitive and developed sites with tent and RV options, along with glamping accommodations. The region includes several established campgrounds spanning both North Carolina and Tennessee sides of the border, with many offering access to natural hot springs, hiking trails, and water recreation.

Access to most campgrounds varies seasonally, with peak season typically running April through October. Several developed sites like Hot Springs Campground offer full hookups for RVs, while nearby primitive areas provide more secluded experiences. The Appalachian Trail passes directly through Hot Springs, making it a popular stop for through-hikers and weekend backpackers alike. Many campgrounds in the area have gated access, with some requiring advance reservations, especially during summer months and holiday weekends. Cell service can be limited throughout the region, particularly at more remote sites. A review noted: "The campground is now gated. The AT runs right in front of it as it passes through the adorable little town. There is a little outdoor outfitter, a couple restaurants... beautiful hikes which ever direction you go."

Riverfront camping represents the most sought-after feature of the area, with sites along the French Broad River typically booking well in advance. Multiple campgrounds offer direct river access, allowing for tubing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities. Campers report that sites near the river provide pleasant ambient sound but may experience occasional train noise. The nearby hot mineral springs serve as a unique attraction, with several reviews mentioning the value of soaking in the hot tubs after a day of outdoor activities. While weekend visits tend to see higher occupancy rates at developed campgrounds, midweek stays often provide a more peaceful experience. A recent review mentioned, "Great clean and safe camp site for the family. They have RV, deluxe tent and primitive tent sites. Easy tubing from one end of the campground to the other."

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Best Camping Sites Near Hot Springs, North Carolina (549)

    1. Hot Springs Campground

    29 Reviews
    Hot Springs, NC
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 622-7676

    "The little town of Hot Springs North Carolina is a charming little place with several good food choices and an excellent brewery."

    "Walking distance to trails and town. Spa with hot spring hot tubs across the street."

    2. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    70 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 487-2683

    $50 / night

    "Cosby is great if you want to explore the eastern section of North Carolina sections of the park."

    "Cosby is about half an hour outside of Gatlinburg and worth every minute. A16 was big and shady. There were a few steps down to it. Plenty of trees and distance to the nearest neighbors."

    3. Round Mountain

    6 Reviews
    Del Rio, TN
    8 miles
    Website

    $7 / night

    "picnic table, rocky terrain, a legit fire ring with two grill options, and a nice packed tent pad didn’t get lucky tonight as far as neighbors go, super loud and annoying groups at two of the sites nearby"

    4. Creek Ridge Camping

    4 Reviews
    Hot Springs, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (828) 622-9955

    $15 - $40 / night

    "Lovely spot near the hot springs but it's for sale now"

    "This campsite is in the mountains so be prepared for amazing views and a steep drive up to the office to check in. We stayed in the Pavilion and loved it!"

    5. Rocky Bluff Campground — National Forests In North Carolina

    4 Reviews
    Hot Springs, NC
    3 miles
    +1 (828) 689-9694

    $15 / night

    "The location is absolutely stellar. Less than 10 minutes into downtown Hot Springs with a hardware store, outdoor outfitters, gas station, two bar/restaurants, and of course lots of hiking."

    "Beautiful campground on the side of a mountain, just ouside of Hot Springs, NC."

    6. Camp Driftwood Asheville

    17 Reviews
    Weaverville, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 230-4422

    $25 - $125 / night

    "It’s right in the heart of downtown Asheville, so there’s a ton of stuff to do (hot springs, mining, zip lining, the list goes on) but that’s if you even want to leave the campsite."

    "Campsite is very small and entrance is narrow so be on the lookout when you’re first driving in! The river is much bigger and more beautiful than we expected- great surprise!"

    7. Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    31 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "The North Carolina part has a slightly different feel. Less of a circus and less crowded and more laid back. Loving it! Beautiful. Just wish there were showers here....lol."

    "This: Access to Cataloochee is via a narrow, winding, mountain road. A 3-mile stretch of gravel road contains many narrow, blind curves."

    8. Rich Mountain

    3 Reviews
    Hot Springs, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "The road intersects with the Appalachian trail so you might meet up with some thru hikers. I recommend walking all the way up to rich mountain fire tower."

    "Good access and hand full of spots scattered around on NFR 31. Please pack in what you pack out."

    9. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    63 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    31 miles
    +1 (828) 552-8040

    $37 - $135 / night

    "The sites are spacious and well spaced, offering more privacy than many locations. The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside."

    "PROS  Discounted camp fee with senior pass 

    Reserved 169 days prior to arriving 

    Friendly and helpful gate attendant 

    Nearly 100% shade at each site 

    Excellent dark sky viewing 

    Private sites with"

    10. Big Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    14 Reviews
    Hartford, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 436-1261

    $30 / night

    "The camp is beautiful and you are surrounded by the magical sounds of rushing water. There are two creeks nearby, one big and one small. We spent one day simply enjoying the campground."

    "Many sites have direct access to the creek where you can cool off on a hot day. Plenty of trails near campground. Parking was not far from site."

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Recent Camping Photos near Hot Springs, NC

1069 Photos of 549 Hot Springs Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hot Springs, NC

2515 Reviews of 549 Hot Springs Campgrounds

  • SunnyLake
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Lakeside RV Resort & Marina

    Great Place with Great People

    Under new ownership, this little campground is wonderful.  Easy access and close to the activities on Douglas Lake or a quick drive into Sevierville, Pigeon Forge - Dollywood, and the Great Smoky Mountains.  The views from the lake are amazing and the campground hosts are so helpful and available.  Clean and fun!  Love it here!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Rocky Top Campground & RV Park

    Loud construction, neverending leaf blowing, not restful

    The campground itself was good. Bathhouse was clean-ish. The one shower stall smelled quite moldy/mildewy. Not a lot of amenities. We stayed a week and all days during the week - Monday through Friday, there was construction literally right beside our RV. Constant leaf blowing. I understand that they are doing improvements, that is great. A head's up about it, possible option to stay at another site, a noise discount, or at least letting us know, so we could make a choice, would have been nice. Would never stay here again.

  • Laur H.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Clabough's Campground

    Good for families

    Our stay was good. It was our first time camping in Pigeon Forge, we usually stay closer to Nashville in state parks. The campsites are extremely close together - everyone is packed in like sardines. We knew it would be tight from when we looked at the map when booking but whew - if you don’t know your neighbors, you will! This seems par for the course in the area. The location here compared to attractions in PF was so convenient it made it worth it.

    We really appreciated the amenities - the bath house was super clean and the laundry room was nice. We loved that the campground picks up trash daily. There was an issue with the sewer in the area where we were and the campground was quick to resolve it. We also appreciated having campground staff escort us to our site so we did not have to wander with a map.

    The playground is big and nice, and my nephew loved the bouncy pillow. The pool and lazy river looked really neat but we didn’t have swim gear with us since it’s fall, although we saw some people swimming so maybe it is heated?

    On the other hand - The staff does not answer any email inquiries, apparently. The cancellation policy is really awfully strict. We didn’t necessarily feel super welcomed at check in.

    There seem to be a LOT of long-term/permanent residents here. That always makes me uncomfortable since I feel like I’m in other peoples space, but no one was unfriendly. It did seem like the rules (which I read carefully prior to arrival) are selectively applied.

    Overall it was a good trip and we wouldn’t be opposed to staying here again, but this definitely isn’t our preferred type of campground.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Grumpy Bear Campground

    Nice but small

    The attraction here is the river. It is absolutely gorgeous. Riverside are small and close together.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Creekwood Farm RV Park

    Great RV Park

    This park is conveniently located between Maggie Valley and Waynesville with access to lots of western NC attractions. The staff is excellent and cares about the campers' experience here.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Pride RV Resort

    Excellent RV Park. The staff is great and hospitable.

    The staff here care about the campground and put their best effort towards being hospitable to the guests.

  • Megan W.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great place

    We enjoyed the night/day with our kids! Sites are kind of small but absolutely beautiful surroundings. Zero signal, but can drive to the top of the road and you should get a bar to make a call.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Around Pond RV Park

    Nice stop

    nice stop off interstate, about 1 mile easy pull thru, during week stop, was quiet, peaceful, little traffic noise through nite. pond area, chickens, ducks, swans.

Guide to Hot Springs

Camping near Hot Springs, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the fire, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Campers love the access to trails like the Appalachian Trail. One reviewer from Cosby Campground mentioned, "It was a bit of a drive to the park and depending on traffic it could take a while. Otherwise it’s a clean and decent campground."
  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes nearby are great for fishing. A visitor at Davidson River Campground said, "Davidson River Campground is perfectly situated for outdoor activities, plenty of hiking, good fishing, mountain biking and climbing available all within a stone's throw from camp."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Greenbrier Campground highlighted, "The bathrooms were amazing. The site had okay Verizon cell service with 2 bars around 30-40mbps."
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds in the area offer stunning views. One visitor at Elkmont Campground said, "The campground is beautiful and the park rangers were awesome."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds have activities for kids. A reviewer at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground mentioned, "The staff is very helpful, and they keep the campground clean."

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have closely packed sites. A camper at Cades Cove Campground noted, "Most sites are close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Cosby Campground mentioned, "It’s a clean and decent campground, but there are no showers."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area. A camper at Cades Cove Campground warned, "Do not forget to remove the drip pan on the Blackstone!!!! Doing so just irritates the bears."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Asheville East KOA shared, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, golf car rentals, fishing and splashing in the Swannanoa River."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Lake Powhatan said, "We had a lot of fun at our glamping campsite. The gorgeous tent was on a platform and included a large bed and decorated interior."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A reviewer at Davidson River Campground noted, "There is a nice swimming hole at camp and the bathhouses are well kept."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Asheville East KOA mentioned, "We stayed in Section A which was extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping."
  • Use Online Resources: Check campground websites for updates on amenities. A visitor at Bear Den Family Campground said, "The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground noted, "This campground is very close to a main road with lots of traffic and street noise."

Camping around Hot Springs, NC, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hot Springs, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hot Springs, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 549 campgrounds and RV parks near Hot Springs, NC and 27 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hot Springs, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hot Springs, NC is Hot Springs Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hot Springs, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 free dispersed camping spots near Hot Springs, NC.

What parks are near Hot Springs, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near Hot Springs, NC that allow camping, notably Cherokee National Forest and Pisgah National Forest.

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