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Best Campgrounds near Lake Junaluska, NC

3,061 Reviews

Lake Junaluska in North Carolina draws campers with its natural setting and nearby recreation options. Davidson River Campground sits 22 miles away in Pisgah Forest, giving good access to the Blue Ridge Mountains with family-friendly facilities. Cosby Campground lies 20 miles from Lake Junaluska in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and works well as a base for seeing the eastern part of the park. The Appalachian Trail runs through the area, with many hiking trails for day trips. Roads to these camping areas are generally good, but you should check for seasonal closures before heading out. The lake area has beautiful surroundings that make for great outdoor activities. Asheville isn't far away if you want to grab a meal or check out local culture. Many nearby campgrounds have things for kids to do. Pack what you need before arriving since some camping areas have basic facilities only.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lake Junaluska, North Carolina (628)

    1. Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    31 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    10 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."

    2. Mount Pisgah Campground

    40 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 648-2644

    $30 / night

    "We decided to escape the heat and head for one of the “cooler” campgrounds in western North Carolina for a weekend. Mt Pisgah Campground is at an elevation of roughly 5300’."

    "Pisgah National Forest on the outskirts of Asheville, NC is a must stop for all ages."

    3. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    70 Reviews
    Cosby, TN
    20 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."

    4. Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    61 Reviews
    Enka, NC
    20 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"

    5. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 785-5337

    $37 - $84 / night

    "Once again, interested in checking out as many waterfalls and cascades we could locate, the water flow will be so much more dramatic amidst heavy rainfall."

    "We had a quick nights stay in Davidson River Campground after picking up our new SylvanSport GO tent trailer in nearby Brevard, North Carolina."

    6. Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    25 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "These are very close to the entrance, to other sites, to the bathrooms, the campground hosts, and the dishwashing station, and they are right on the road."

    "And this campground is in a fabulous location. When you stay here, you are tucked in a lush green mountain about a mile above sea level."

    7. Stonebridge RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 926-1904

    $60 - $90 / night

    "Easy access to everything needed. Tent sites were a little small. But overall very friendly management. Close to Waynesville and all the cute places in Maggie Valley."

    "Not having to walk to the bath house in the middle of the night was a welcome relief, but RV camping is not my favorite way to“camp.”"

    8. Smokemont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    51 Reviews
    Cherokee, NC
    19 miles
    +1 (828) 497-9270

    $30 / night

    "Smokemont is a great campground in the North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains. It is a perfect base camp to enjoy this amazing national park."

    "We only stayed for 1 night but really enjoyed the campgrounds proximity to activities on the North Carolina side of the park."

    9. Asheville West KOA

    24 Reviews
    Candler, NC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 665-7015

    "The location is amazing very short drive into town, hiking spots, and I highly recommend you take a walk around Lake Junaluska . We booked this spot for the location and it delivered."

    "The only reason for the four star rating is due to the highway noise from I-40, which is located adjacent to the campground."

    10. Creekwood Farm RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Lake Junaluska, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 926-7977

    "The staff, the location, the park itself. This is probably the best place we've ever stayed. It's beyond clean, staff is beyond friendly and accommodating."

    "Close to Asheville."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake Junaluska, NC

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Recent Reviews near Lake Junaluska, NC

3061 Reviews of 628 Lake Junaluska Campgrounds

Guide to Lake Junaluska

Camping near Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, like the Little River Trail, which offers stunning views and a chance to see local wildlife. One camper mentioned, “We did one of our hikes from our site— the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bears and other wildlife. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground noted, “Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground.”
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the local rivers and lakes. A camper at Davidson River Campground shared, “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.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Greenbrier Campground said, “The bathrooms were amazing.”
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer breathtaking views. A visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground remarked, “The views are awesome at this park.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds often have activities for kids. A family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed the “bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river with a swimming hole!”

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A camper at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, “Most sites are close together, and there is no brush to divide them.”
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many areas. A visitor at Lake Powhatan noted, “We had very little cell service (Verizon).”
  • Bear Awareness: Some campgrounds are in bear country, so take precautions. A camper at Cosby Campground shared, “An assertive mother bear and her three cubs showed up at dinner time.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Entertainment: With limited cell service, pack books or games. A camper at Cades Cove Campground suggested, “Have a good book, downloaded shows, crossword book, or what have you.”
  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A family at Greenbrier Campground loved the “activities for kids.”
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds don’t have stores nearby, so bring enough food. A camper at Davidson River Campground mentioned, “It was great to have the coffee truck 5 mins away outside the campground.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, “The roads in the campground are steep and hilly.”
  • Use Online Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially in peak season. A camper at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Campground said, “It was completely sold out.”
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds have limited amenities. A visitor at Lake Powhatan mentioned, “There is no camp store for extra supplies.”

Camping around Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, provides a great mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake Junaluska, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Junaluska, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 628 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Junaluska, NC and 46 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake Junaluska, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Junaluska, NC is Cataloochee Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Junaluska, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 46 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Junaluska, NC.

What parks are near Lake Junaluska, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Lake Junaluska, NC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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