We often camp in and around the Linville Gorge area, mostly in the primitive campsites down in the Gorge on Linville River.
We stayed before Hurricane Helene but haven't been back since then.
There are primitive sites along the foot trail (Linville Gorge Trail) but you still need to call to let the park ranger/main office know when you're planning to camp and provide how many people will be camping.
There are not great tent sites along the trail since it's at the bottom of the Gorge (not much flat ground and rocky). But there are some nice spots further south from Linville Falls. We usually hammock camp and trees hanging has more options.
Hiking out is moderate to hard as it's straight up through switchbacks and good elevation gain.
Pack everything out and practice LNT in this area. You may also be able to trout fish in Linville River if it's trout season and you're licensed. Speckled and Rainbow trout are beautiful in this area. Most fall within the 8-12 inch range. Check bait restrictions. It's almost always no live bait allowed when we've camped there.