6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Creek Ridge Camping and Hot Springs Campground house distinctive glamping accommodations along the French Broad River. Creek Ridge features safari tents and yurts nestled in the mountains with steep paths leading to private riverfront sites. Each glamping accommodation includes electricity, comfortable beds with linens, and outdoor shower facilities. Hot Springs Campground complements its riverside location with glamping options that provide easy access to the Appalachian Trail and natural hot springs. One visitor noted, "The glamping tents are located further away from the lake in the woods so I imagine the road noise would be less or non-existent here." Both locations offer clean bathhouse facilities, fire pits, and picnic tables while maintaining proximity to the charming town of Hot Springs.
Luxury camping experiences near Hot Springs extend beyond basic accommodations with unique amenities and activities. Campfire Lodgings in nearby Asheville provides glamping yurts with mountain views and full hookups, while Greenbrier Campground features bell tents situated directly on the river. According to a camper, "The bell tents sit on the river and away from all the RV sites. They even include 2 full size beds and lamps/nightstands." Visitors can explore the Appalachian Trail which runs through Hot Springs, soak in natural mineral hot springs at the Hot Springs Resort and Spa, or enjoy water activities on the French Broad River. Most glamping sites remain open from April through November, with some locations like Greenheart Forest earning perfect 5-star ratings for their luxury camping experiences.
"The little town of Hot Springs North Carolina is a charming little place with several good food choices and an excellent brewery."
"We had a riverside camp site at Hot Springs campground. The site was huge, our friends have a pop-up camper and we have a jeep with a roof-top tent and we shared one space."
"Very secluded and quiet."
"Very cool, rustic, and secluded site only a few miles from a great panoramic view ontop or max patch. My favorite thing about this site is all the moss scattered throughout"
from $7 / night
"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!"
"Lovely spot near the hot springs but it's for sale now"
from $15 - $40 / night
"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"
"Also really needed the quick swil in the lake in the evening."
from $37 - $135 / night
"The staff keep the location very tidy. My campsite was sufficiently distant from the more active RV area to feel removed. Situated in the woods on top of a mountain."
"They’re only a few seconds walk to the community overlook area, which is equipped with seating. The yurts are down a hill and in the woods, so excellent for privacy."
"Friendly staff, firewood and ice on site, the riverside tent sites are the way to go, can watch zip liners and rafters go by. Bring a float to tie out from your campsite for some good river fun!!"
"Bath house was very clean. Plenty of area to walk the dog and a nice open field with a pavilion you could use for groups. The tent area was down by the river and was absolutely beautiful."
from $30 - $40 / night
"This is also the site closest to the“privy;” a pop up tent set up around a bucket with toilet paper and a bucket of leaves to aide in decomposition."
"David greets you upon arrival and provides you with a map of the property which includes meditation gardens that have been kept with love."
from $30 / night
"Loved pet run area. Nature walk is good for stretching legs. My site B19 was close to neighbors but felt private between campers. Quiet hours respected. Very friendly staff."
"Friendly staff, they grind their own coffee, pretty grounds, very clean bathrooms and private showers. They had lots of activities scheduled for the kids."
"It had nice trails for hiking. There is river access for fishing or launching a water craft. We were there in December when the weather was chilly and practically had the place to ourselves."
"The drive in follows the TN “Sunnyside Early Country Trail” through picturesque farmland with mountains in the near distance. Do your shopping before arrival, there’s nothing close to the park."
from $14 - $32 / night
"Our oldest rented a bell tent, and when I say they are the cutest camping spot, I am not exaggerating. The bell tents sit on the river and away from all the RV sites."
"We stayed 3 nights in the Baby Bear bell tent with our small children and it was perfect. We ended up arriving later than expected and the hosts were wonderful. Very nice and helpful our whole stay."
from $35 - $258 / night
TravelerBeautiful spot in the smoky mountains. State park style amenities, no showers. No hookups. Very busy very open campground. Nice that some trails are walking distance from campground. I would not camp here again as I prefer more separation and privacy. No cell service. STARLINK is usable but obstructed with tree canopy
Traveler✨ I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about our stay at Glamping on the Clinch River!❤️ It was truly one of the most relaxing, beautiful experiences, and waking up to such a breathtaking piece of God’s creation was something special that I will never forget. The views are absolutely stunning, the peacefulness is unmatched, and it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the beauty God has blessed us with.🙏🏻🤍 But what makes this place even more special is the incredible family behind it. Bonnie and Rusty are truly two of the sweetest, most generous, and kindhearted people you could ever meet! Their hospitality goes above and beyond, and you can feel the love they put into making sure every guest has the most wonderful experience. From preparing breakfast for their guests to the thoughtful little touches like making s’mores around the outdoor campfire, they make you feel so welcomed and cared for.❤️🔥 The tipi itself was absolutely beautiful, exceptionally clean, and decorated so thoughtfully to create the perfect glamping experience. Every detail made our stay feel cozy, comfortable, and magical while still allowing us to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.🏕️✨ Places like this are a reminder that sometimes the best experiences aren’t about fancy hotels or extravagant vacations. They’re about beautiful surroundings, genuine kindness, peaceful moments, and the wonderful people who make you feel right at home. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway surrounded by God’s beautiful creation and hosted by people with truly golden hearts, you NEED to experience Glamping on the Clinch River! I would recommend it a thousand times over, and we are so grateful we had the opportunity to stay here. Bonnie and Rusty, thank you for sharing your beautiful place with others and for making our experience so incredibly special. You two are such a blessing!❤️🙏🏻 We will absolutely cherish these memories and hope to be back again soon!🌿🤍✨
TravelerThis place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person shower rooms and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.
GuideSeems to be a well established campground in an off the beaten path location. Roads alternately paved and gravel. The campsite is gravel in a wooded setting. Fair amount of space between sites. The bathhouse is clean but dated.
TravelerThis worked well for us while we were visiting Dollywood in our trailer, but we wouldn't stay here if we had been in a different type of site. Cons: Unless you have a site up against the river or on patriot park, you are packed in VERY TIGHT with other people, sometimes with your sliders only a foot or two away from your neighbor's sliders. We were in a site that was "on patriot park", but the few first sites of that type are really just behind the trolley parking lot and pick up with a path behind you (including ours). People are on the other side of the fence walking about two feet behind you all day and pretty late in to the night. Pros: There are lot of trees and campground is very pretty. Super close to Dollywood and other Pigeon Forge points of interest.
GuideClean nice little campground for the weekend.
GuideWe really enjoyed our stay at Gateway RV Campground! After spending plenty of time on the road, it’s always nice to find somewhere you can park up, relax, and feel at home.
The campground has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere and was a great place to unwind.
One of the real bonuses is the trolley that stops right outside the campground office. What a fantastic convenience! It makes getting out and exploring the local area so much easier without having to pack everything up and take the RV. Such a simple touch, but one that makes a big difference when you’re traveling.
We’ve stayed at plenty of RV parks during our travels, and it’s often the little things that make a place stand out.
All in all, a very enjoyable stay, and we’d happily return if we’re passing through the area again. Definitely worth a stop!
TravelerThe view is worth it and is as advertised! We were in the first spot as you enter the park. We were concerned with noise, but it was not even an issue.
Our spot was right on the ridge and was stunning. I don’t think I closed the blinds on that side of the trailer.
Loss of star because of the road in/out. It’s one lane gravel and windy. It’s ok as long as you don’t meet anyone on the road. Dryer took 2 cycles to dry 2 towels and a few tshirts.
ScoutBathrooms are small and few. Interstate is close. Setting is beautiful and KOA is clean with friendly staff. Will stay again.
The French Broad River basin surrounds Hot Springs, North Carolina, situated at 1,332 feet elevation in the Appalachian Mountains. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with occasional snowfall, while summer days often reach the mid-80s with higher humidity. Campers should prepare for significant temperature fluctuations, as nighttime temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees from daytime highs even in summer months.
Hiking to Max Patch: Access one of the most scenic spots on the Appalachian Trail from Round Mountain Campground, located just a few miles from the panoramic summit. "Very cool, rustic, and secluded site only a few miles from a great panoramic view ontop or max patch. My favorite thing about this site is all the moss scattered throughout," writes Tyler J. about Round Mountain.
Fishing in mountain streams: The Little Pigeon River offers excellent trout fishing opportunities at Fox Fire Riverside Campground. "Fishing from the campsite was a bonus and the owners are the nicest people we've met in our travels," notes Rhonda B. The campground sits directly on the water with designated fishing areas accessible from riverside sites.
Relaxing in natural waters: Beyond the commercial hot springs, explore Laurel River for natural swimming spots. "Laurel River was a great place to cool off and only a few minutes drive from the campsite. The watering holes were plenty and amazing," according to jennifer Z. who camped at Creek Ridge Camping.
Proximity to Appalachian Trail: Several campgrounds provide direct access to famous hiking paths. As Kate M. explains about Hot Springs Campground, "A bucket list trip to step foot on the APP and spend time wandering Hot Springs NC."
Private riverside camping: Water access is a major draw for campers in this region. "We stayed on the river at campsite 20 and 21. The kids were able to get into the water and swim. The dam does release the water around 2pm so be aware that the water will rise," advises Jasmaine L. about Greenbrier Campground.
Seasonal swimming holes: Many campgrounds maintain swimming areas in warmer months. Tra C. reports, "The tents sites along the river were great, once all of the travel trailers loaded up Sunday morning and pulled out it revealed beautiful grounds. Loved the spa. Amazing views open air hot tubs."
Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation. One visitor warns, "This campground DOES have bears who visit the campground for food. There are no bear boxes provided... store everything in your car" when staying at Campfire Lodgings.
Road conditions: Many camping areas require navigating challenging terrain. "Definitely not a road for RV's or Travel Trailers, or the faint of heart, as it's very narrow with a clearance of about 8-10 feet in several places. There are also some significant ruts and holes. I would recommend a 4x4 high clearance vehicle," Timothy advises about Harmon Den Area.
Seasonal operation: Most glamping close to Hot Springs, North Carolina operates within specific timeframes. Fox Fire Riverside Campground runs "March 15 to November 15," while Round Mountain Campground operates "April to November," making advance planning crucial for off-season visits.
Check swimming safety: When camping with children near water, verify current conditions. "The swimming hole was a blessing durning the hot days! (Think ice bucket challenge). The tubing was fun for the older kids and adults," reports Elizabeth B. about Greenbrier Campground.
Look for playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "Playground is great and was perfect for our girl scout trip," explains Rebecca M. about Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground, adding "There's also a sweet man who gives tours of the replica farm of David Crocket.. in character and costume."
Consider bath facilities: Clean, accessible bathrooms matter for family comfort. Lake Powhatan offers "very clean bathrooms and showers... both are single use, not stalls, which I suppose could be inconvenient if there were a lot of people waiting, but it's nice to have the privacy!"
Mind site dimensions: RV sites vary significantly in size and layout. "We have a 33 ft travel trailer and our truck and had plenty of room in the pull thru site 2. Not a lot of privacy between sites but I didn't think it was bad at all. Full hookups were a plus," shares Brenda L. about Fox Fire.
Check road access: Campgrounds near Hot Springs often have challenging approach roads. "The entrance is steep downhill coming in... a little scary at first but not a problem," warns Brenda L., while another RVer notes at Campfire Lodgings, "The road up is steep and a little curvy... they ask you not to arrive until after 2p in order to ensure that arriving rigs don't meet up with departing rigs on the road."
Consider hookup availability: "Nice clean gated park. Nice big spots. Only 3 fifty amp full hook up sites. Lots of 30 amp and tent camping. Right on the river," explains Sonya A., highlighting the limited availability of premium RV spots at Hot Springs Campground during peak seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Hot Springs, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Hot Springs, NC is Hot Springs Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Hot Springs, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 97 glamping camping locations near Hot Springs, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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