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Tent Camping near Jonas Ridge, NC

16 campgrounds with availability this weekend

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    The mountainous terrain surrounding Jonas Ridge, North Carolina offers several tent camping options within the Pisgah National Forest and nearby public lands. Primitive tent campsites are available at Steele Creek, a dispersed camping area where tent campers can set up along the creek. Mortimer Campground in the National Forests of North Carolina provides established tent camping with more developed facilities, situated approximately 10 miles from Jonas Ridge along forest roads.

    Access to many tent campgrounds requires preparation, as several sites are reached via dirt or gravel roads with varying conditions. Steele Creek's tent sites require navigating narrow, winding roads that may be challenging for low-clearance vehicles, though most passenger cars can manage the drive. Many primitive tent campgrounds in the area have fire rings but limited amenities. A camper noted that "there are plenty of sites to pick from all along the creek, all of which appear to be well maintained, each with a fire ring." Water access varies between campgrounds, with some like Mortimer offering drinking water while others require campers to bring their own supplies.

    The tent camping experience in this region features proximity to natural water features and hiking trails. Sites at Steele Creek offer creek-side locations where the sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "This is by far the quietest, nicest, cleanest site yet!" Nearby walking trails lead to swimming holes and small waterfalls, providing tent campers with refreshing options during warmer months. Mortimer Campground offers access to hiking trails, including one leading to a waterfall within a half-mile of the campground. Forest tent camping in this region generally offers good tree cover, providing shade during summer months while still allowing for stargazing opportunities in small clearings. Most tent campsites remain cooler than surrounding lowlands due to the higher elevation and forest cover.

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Jonas Ridge (77)

      1. Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina

      4.3(10)8mi from Jonas Ridge17 sitesTents

      "The 5 upfront are walk in, and more private. The about to be 12 in the back are pull in and much closer together. Two shower houses, one on both ends, no hookups."

      "Had some friends stay next to us in a class b. A small trailer would fit, nothing big. No W/E/S but great place. Come early to reserve. You must set up camp immediately. No reservations."

      from $20 - $30 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Steele Creek

      4.5(4)5mi from Jonas RidgeTents

      "I have stayed at all the free campsites around and left my review for each. This is by far the quietest, nicest, cleanest , site yet !"

      "There’s a nice big spot at the end of the trail where you could rooftop tent/car camp, but the actual site is about 100’ away."

      3. Plumtree Campground & Retreat

      5.0(1)7mi from Jonas Ridge2 sitesRVs, Tents

      Available this weekend

      from $30 / night

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      4. Blue Bear Mountain Camp

      4.8(27)26mi from Jonas Ridge4 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It offers RV, drive in and hike in tent sites and also teepee camping."

      "We had a neighbor nice enough to give us his site because he was leaving early and I would have stayed another night there. It was C3 backed into the woods on level ground. It made for a cozy morning."

      from $25 - $136 / night

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      5. Camper Mountain on Roaring Creek

      5.0(2)11mi from Jonas Ridge5 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It’s a bit of a drive out there with little to no cell service but wifi is available over the whole site! Definitely worth it with amazing views all around."

      from $29 - $69 / night

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      6. Black Bear Campground

      5.0(5)16mi from Jonas RidgeTents, Cabins

      "Excellent campground there’s ice and firewood so you don’t have to make special trips to the nearest convenience store. They charge it directly to your card. The host was wonderful."

      "This is a brand new tent and cabin campground built by Duke Energy and run by McDowell county on Lake James."

      from $21 - $36 / night

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      7. Dark Ridge HideOut (Adults Only)

      5.0(6)18mi from Jonas Ridge14 sitesTents

      "Excellent parking spot with plenty of room to set up a 3-person tent. Also, delivery of homemade pizza. I recommend the Jalapeno & Cheese."

      "Very attentive and has some great stories to share. The property is well kept and the provided toilet & shower were a very welcome after a couple days in the tent."

      from $20 - $45 / night

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      8. Bear Creek Mountain Campground

      5.0(2)12mi from Jonas Ridge1 siteTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Just a beautiful place camped for a weekend with my son and we couldn't have been more happy with the set up. Thanks Michelle!"

      "I have a few cabins, one glamping tent, and a self-brought tent camping area."

      from $25 - $30 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Paddy's Creek — Lake James State Park

      5.0(3)15mi from Jonas Ridge33 sitesTents

      "I needed some lake time and it didn't disappoint! The campground is a 2-minute drive (6-minute bike ride) down to the beach and there is a huge swimming area there."

      "We visited the Paddy Creek campground at Lake James last year. The campsite was impeccably maintained with the cleanest bath/shower house I have ever experienced camping."

      from $27 / night

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      10. Boone Fork Campground

      3.8(4)16mi from Jonas RidgeTents

      "There is a 5 mile long trail that goes through the campground called Boone Fork Trail. This trail leads to Hebron falls where you can explore giant boulders and have a picnic."

      "The terrain is also flat and easy to hike through, making it a good long trail for beginners or children."

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    Tent Camping Reviews near Jonas Ridge, NC

    1215 Reviews of 77 Jonas Ridge Campgrounds

    • Windy W.
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Beautiful Place, Ugly host, Oct 2026

      Let me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time.   With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price

    • Bonnie H.
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Kylie T & Andrew W. Review not accurate

      My husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.

      The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.

      Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.

      These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.

      I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Spacious Skies Bear Den

      Seems 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.

    • Kyle T.
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Unprofessional hosts that ruins a place with good potential

      We brought our whole family out and rented almost every cabin on the property, plus the event center, for the weekend— we gave this place a lot of business. And honestly, the stay itself was great— nice place, no complaints about the cabins. The owner is the problem. He came flying in in his blue F-150 doing 20–30 mph where the posted speed limit is 5, and started screaming at us over something that could've been handled with a simple conversation. His exact words:"Where are your parents? This is a family establishment. I will not have hooligans running around here." Every single one of us is over 21 and family. All we were doing was playing hide and seek— which isn't against any of the property's rules— and there were no other guests to disturb, since we had the entire area rented. He still threatened to call the police, even though it wasn't even quiet hours. Before anyone could get a word in, he peeled out so fast the gravel sprayed up at us and our cars. Then on his way out he drove the wrong way down the property's one-way road, so apparently the rules only apply to guests. It's sad, because the property itself is great, and we were never anything but nice to the owners the whole weekend. To be treated in such an unprofessional manner— screamed at, threatened, and never given so much as an apology afterward— put a real dent in the weekend. We won't be back

    • A
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Beautiful place ruined by unprofessional ownership

      Our group of about 20 rented nearly every cabin at Doe River Landing for my friend's wedding weekend, with the reception held on site. The cabins were nice and well-equipped, and the only other guests were in a cabin half a mile away through the woods. Unfortunately, the hosts ruined the stay. One night, some of us were playing hide and seek in an area that wasn't blocked off or against any rule. The host's husband came speeding in at roughly 30 mph(the posted limit is 5), jumped out of his truck screaming that he"will not have child hooligans running around the campground," told us to"go back to the motel we crawled out of," and demanded to see our parents— despite all of us being adults in our twenties. He then peeled out so aggressively he sprayed gravel at us and our cars. It wasn't even quiet hours, and we weren't disturbing anyone. Afterward, the host called us again, passive-aggressive, and questioned our ages— even though you have to be 21 just to rent a cabin there. The property is lovely, but the hosts' behavior put a real damper on what should have been a joyful wedding celebration. It's a shame they treat people paying good money this way. We won't be back.

    • Juliana J.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 14, 2026

      Washington & Jefferson National Forest Dispersed Sites

      Epic Spot Near Iron Mountain and Rush Trails

      I wandered a bit and took a left up a gravel road near where the sites indicated were located and just drove for a few miles. Found an awesome spot with a fire pit and lush surroundings. The road was unpaved (but as are all to the best spots) and there were definitely some large rocks and potholes to navigate. Would suggest higher raised vehicle. Saw nobody else and felt like I had my own slice of paradise.

    • April V.
      Oct. 11, 2026

      Lakeview RV Resort

      Nice little campground

      Clean nice little campground for the weekend.

    • Lisa & Patrick R.
      Oct. 11, 2026

      Buck Creek

      Buck Creek Campground review

      Nice spot right on the river..Camp store & staff seem friendly & helpful-especially Sonny & Joshua.

    Guide to Jonas Ridge

    The mountainous terrain surrounding Jonas Ridge, North Carolina sits at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 3,800 feet, offering cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowland areas. Tent camping options near Jonas Ridge typically experience temperature drops of 10-15 degrees compared to nearby cities like Hickory or Morganton. The higher elevation camping areas feature diverse forest coverage with mixed hardwoods and pines, creating varied camping environments across the region.

    What to do

    Swimming holes exploration: 30-minute hike from Mortimer Campground: Beyond the small waterfall within the campground, the Wilson Creek area offers multiple natural swimming spots. "Plenty of outdoor activities in Wilson creek area. Biking, hiking, fishing, etc.," notes camper Cody B., highlighting the diverse recreation options beyond basic camping.

    Waterfall hunting: Short drives from campsites: The Blue Ridge region features numerous accessible waterfalls. At Lake James State Park, "The campsite was impeccably maintained with the cleanest bath/shower house I have ever experienced camping. The swimming area on the lake is a short drive away," according to camper Andra S., who visited Paddy's Creek campground.

    Mountain biking: Technical trails within 5 miles: The Wilson Creek area contains several mountain biking routes ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Campers at Mortimer Campground mention direct trail access: "A small trailer would fit, nothing big. No W/E/S but great place. Come early to reserve. You must set up camp immediately. No reservations."

    What campers like

    Creek-side camping: Natural sound barrier: The sound of flowing water creates a natural noise buffer between campsites. At Steele Creek, camper Michael W. notes, "Maybe I missed this in the reviews, but all but 1 site were best for tents. I drove in to camp in my car and there was only 1 spot, which is by the creek crossing, and it was already taken."

    Temperature relief: 10-15 degrees cooler in summer: The higher elevations provide natural cooling during hot months. At Blue Bear Mountain Camp, a camper confirms: "The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat. Bathhouse was nice and clean."

    Site privacy: Varied camping density: Campground layouts differ significantly across the region. Kristen J. describes Blue Bear Mountain Camp: "The campsites are very spaced out. The elevation is high so weather is nice for those trying to escape the summer heat." Conversely, at Mortimer Campground, Diana C. notes: "The sites were close enough together that we didn't have much privacy. It would be great for a family who likes lots of company."

    What you should know

    Road conditions: Prepare for gravel access: Many campsites require traveling unpaved roads. At Black Bear Campground, Robin B. advises: "This is a brand new tent and cabin campground built by Duke Energy and run by McDowell county on Lake James. There is a boat ramp very close by, a fishing dock, picnic area, trails in and around the campground."

    Limited or no cell service: Most areas disconnected: Few camping areas maintain reliable cellular connections. At Blue Bear Mountain, one camper reports: "The state maintained gravel road used to access campground was narrow and would be difficult to get a large camper up there, although there were lots of large ones there."

    Early arrival recommended: Limited first-come sites: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Cody B. advises about Mortimer: "Great campground. We stayed in a tent. Had some friends stay next to us in a class b. A small trailer would fit, nothing big. No W/E/S but great place. Come early to reserve."

    Tips for camping with families

    Swimming options for kids: Lake vs. creek: Different water features suit different ages. At Paddy's Creek in Lake James State Park, Tucker B. recommends: "The campground is a 2-minute drive (6-minute bike ride) down to the beach and there is a huge swimming area there. Also, a nice launch for kayaks and SUPs to the right of the beach."

    Short hiking trails: Half-mile options with payoffs: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly walks. Karen B. at Mortimer Campground confirms: "This is a great family campground. There are bathrooms and showers. There are trails and even a waterfall within half a mile from camp."

    Wildlife awareness: Bear precautions: The mountain region hosts black bears, requiring proper food storage. Tony E. notes about Mortimer Campground: "This campground is down a pretty long gravel road, so it's best to have what you need when you arrive. No quick trips to Wally World for resupply here."

    Tips from RVers

    Size limitations: Most areas restricted to smaller units: Few campgrounds accommodate large RVs. At Dark Ridge HideOut, camper Raul G. describes: "The view of our site named Crooked Tree # 5 was wonderful. Beautiful night sky with an opening view to the mountains. Excellent parking spot with plenty of room to set up a 3-person tent."

    Limited hookups: Plan for boondocking: Most tent camping areas near Jonas Ridge lack full RV services. At Mortimer Campground, Clementine K. explains: "16, about to be 17 sites. The 5 upfront are walk in, and more private. The about to be 12 in the back are pull in and much closer together. Two shower houses, one on both ends, no hookups."

    Narrow access roads: Scout before bringing RVs: Some campground approaches challenge wider vehicles. As Clementine K. further notes about Mortimer Campground: "9 miles, minimum, of dirt roads getting in, so pack accordingly. Quick trips don't happen. Lots of near by trails, the river and multiple swimming holes."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jonas Ridge, NC?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jonas Ridge, NC is Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.

    What is the best site to find tent camping near Jonas Ridge, NC?

    TheDyrt.com has all 77 tent camping locations near Jonas Ridge, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.