Best Tent Camping near Lake Junaluska, NC

Tent camping near Lake Junaluska, North Carolina offers several options within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding national forests. Cosby Campground provides tent-specific sites with tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables in a wooded setting. Big Creek Campground, located at the northernmost tip of the Smokies, offers walk-in tent sites with large tent pads approximately 100 feet from the parking area, making it ideal for those seeking a more secluded experience without a long hike.

Most tent campgrounds in the area have basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault or flush toilets. Cosby Campground features flush toilets and running water but no showers, while more primitive options like Harmon Den Area provide fire rings but lack facilities such as bathrooms or running water. As one camper noted, "It's a great area for camping if you like solitude and the sounds of the creek throughout the night." Bear activity is common throughout the region, so proper food storage is essential, with some sites providing bear cables or boxes for securing provisions.

The tent camping experience in this region offers significant advantages for those seeking natural immersion. Sites are typically set among trees, providing shade and natural screening between campsites. Areas farther from Gatlinburg tend to be less crowded, with Cosby described as "a no-frills campground" that "doesn't feel crowded" despite its popularity. Many tent sites feature proximity to creeks and streams, adding ambient sound and cooling the immediate area. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, the region's primitive tent camping areas provide excellent access to hiking trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail and paths leading to waterfalls like Hen Wallow Falls. Tent campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, as temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months.

Best Tent Sites Near Lake Junaluska, North Carolina (110)

    1. Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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

    $50 / night

    "Cosby is a small town about a 45 minute easy drive from Gatlinburg. Heavily wooded, lends itself nicely to hammock camping."

    "Most of the sites are better suited to tent campers, though a few of them are designated RV sites offering a back-in parking pad."

    2. Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    9 Reviews
    Canton, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 235-8350

    $15 - $50 / night

    "As other reviews have said, this campground is in a lovely location, right on a small creek/river. The grounds are well maintained and grass covered for the most part."

    "Me and my party of 6 stumbled upon this Gem after we had made reservations at another site that was extremely sketchy on Labor Day weekend so we called around and heard BRMC had some space."

    3. Big Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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

    $30 / night

    "Each one has a firepit, picnic table, lantern pole, and a very large tent pad. There are no RV's allowed. Nearby is group camping and horse camping.

    You cannot park your car right on the campsite."

    "Located at the base of the Baxter Creek Trail, which leads to Mount Sterling, this drive-in campground provides a picturesque backdrop for nature enthusiasts."

    4. Harmon Den Area

    6 Reviews
    Hartford, NC
    15 miles

    "To get to the campsite, you have to get off on Exit 7 along Interstate 40 in North Carolina and travel a gravel road for several miles."

    "Flat spot near the corner of the road. The forest road is not compatible with big rigs, RV’s, or travel trailers. Recommended high clearance 4x4."

    5. Hot Springs Campground

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

    "Situated along the beautiful French Broad River."

    "Beautiful campground with great campstore right at the entrance that sells everything. Large campsites with great privacy foliage, picnic tables, & fire rings."

    6. Site 40 — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    2 Reviews
    Maggie Valley, NC
    10 miles
    Website

    $4 / night

    "Rushing stream right next to it, and private tent areas completely covered by rhododendron!"

    7. #39 Pretty Hollow — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    1 Review
    Maggie Valley, NC
    12 miles
    Website

    "These sites are next to a river. Has fire pits and places to hang your gear. It's a great site down in the valley and the trail is beautiful getting there."

    8. Tricorner Knob Shelter — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    6 Reviews
    Cosby, NC
    20 miles
    Website

    "Water source was very close to the shelter. We had zero issues with bugs or critters bothering us at night. I was also able to get cell/satellite service outside the shelter and up on the AT."

    "The area around the shelter is high, rocky, and remote. Expect 10-15 degrees less than the Park headquarters."

    9. Mount Sterling

    1 Review
    Hartford, NC
    15 miles
    Website

    $6 - $8 / night

    "Our 4-day backpacking journey through the heart of the Smoky Mountains began with a memorable night's stay at Mount Sterling."

    10. Laurel Gap Shelter on the AT

    1 Review
    Hartford, NC
    15 miles
    Website

    $6 - $8 / night

    "Situated just a short .2-mile detour from the main loop trail, it provided us with a serene respite after a day of hiking."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Lake Junaluska, NC

2698 Reviews of 110 Lake Junaluska Campgrounds


  • Michael G.
    Mar. 8, 2021

    Gateway to the Smokies

    Small Family Owned Campground with two very large and private campsites.

    Gateway to the Smokies is a small family owned and operated campground with two very large and private campsites on over an acre of land. It is located right off of US Highway 441 just 7 miles to the North Carolina Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is a Dollar General located right across the highway which was very convenient for refilling coolers with ice. They also sold propane, charcoal for the grill, drinks, snacks and any thing you'd need for camping! Site 1 sits along the creek and is a walk-in Tents Only campsite with a 16' tent pad. Site 2 is up the hill on a nice grassy area large enough to turn around a 1/2 ton size pickup truck and 20' travel trailer without having to back up. Both sites have a fire pit, park style grill, and a picnic table. There is also a shared portable toilet located near the site 1 parking area. There is no potable water and no hookups but I'm sure you could boil water from the creek. Generators are allowed with no restrictions unless there is other campers on property then quiet times are from 10pm- 7am. Verizon service worked fine w 3 bars of service. Great spot for exploring the NC side of the Smoky Mountains. Saved money using Dyrt Pro Discount compared to other apps the property is listed on.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2019

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Ranger Review: Wenzel Sun Valley Screen House at Elkmont Campground

    Campground Review

    On a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you quickly learn that you’ll enjoy your visit a lot more if you are located close to what you want to see and do. This means you may find it worth your while to move from one campground to another during your stay, as I did. My final night in the park found me setting up camp at Elkmont Campground, < 5 miles from the Sugarlands entrance, so I would have a shorter drive to view sunset and sunrise from overlooks along the beautiful Newfound Gap Rd. This is also the viewing area for the synchronous fireflies in late May/early June (dates vary; parking passes by lottery in April) if you don’t have a campsite reservation).

    Elkmont is open early March – October and reservations are required. If you arrive without a reservation, there is a phone line there that you can call to make them, or you can return to town where you have cell service and make reservations online. This early in the season (mid-April) the campground wasn’t full, some of the loops were closed. I was in site A14, beside a branch of the Little River with a large tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and paved, slightly sloped, parking pad. It was a compact site;  the location of the picnic table between the tent and fire ring made it a challenge to set up a screen house over the picnic table and maintain sufficient distance from the fire. I was pleased with my site and the privacy, though I liked the looks of A13 even better. It was somewhat larger and more secluded. Many of the sites, particularly those on the western side of A - F loops, are along the river. Most of the sites are shaded. A few of the B-loop sites are walk-in. It’s bear country, so your food and toiletries need to be locked in a vehicle or hard-side camping unit; there are some food storage lockers provided for the walk-in sites. There’s a small camp store with limited supplies and hours (open late afternoon); Cades Cove has a much larger one, though it tends more toward souvenirs.

    There’s cold running water, flush toilets, and a dishwashing station available, but no showers or hookups (a couple of accessible sites do have electricity for medical equipment). Bathrooms are basic, no frills, but clean; The one in the A loop didn’t even have an outlet or hand dryer. If you ask at the visitor’s center, they’ll provide you with a list of area campgrounds that allow you to take a shower for $3-7. The nearest dump station is a seasonal one at the Sugarlands Visitor Center (doesn’t open until late May); the one at Cades Cove is open year round. Buy firewood in the park or, better yet, pick up deadwood around the park.

    One of the more intriguing areas to explore at Elkmont is the Daisy Town ghost town. Once you’ve set up camp, walk or drive down the road toward the Little River and Jakes Creek trails (leaves the camp road to the left before the ranger station on your way into the campground). Follow the signs for additional parking and you’ll find yourself at the end of a road lined with assorted cottages and cabins that used to be vacation homes. Some are open for exploration, others are cordoned off, and some are undergoing renovation. Another nearby, popular highlight is the hike to Laurel Falls.

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I sometimes I get to test and evaluate products. This is a review of a Wenzel Sun Valley 12’ x 12’ Screen House As a camper with a teardrop, I’m always looking to maximize my outdoor living space in subpar conditions, so I was excited to try this out at Elkmont.

    I set this up alone the first time in 14 minutes without reading the instructions. The instructions are attached to the inside of the bag and recommend 2 people for set-up, but if you’ve pitched a dome tent in the past, you’ll find this inituitive. Continuous sleeves for 4 of the fiberglass poles and the “Fast Feet” made set- up easy. I did wish the sleeves for the cross-poles were continuous as well, but the gap allows for a hook to hold the ceiling up and it didn’t take much extra effort to slide the poles in. The hardest part was getting the 4th end of the cross poles for the roof into place. I couldn’t bend them enough to slide it in while on the ground, so waited until everything else was up…should have figured it out while it was at ground level rather than over my head! This part would definitely be easier if there were two people pitching it.

    The zippers on the two doors close tightly and easily without extreme tension, though it was definitely easier to open and close with 2 hands rather than one. There was no gap at the junction of the 3 zippers. Once you are inside, you have a crystal clear view of the outside! It’s quite tall, I couldn’t touch the ceiling in the middle with a raised hand. It doesn’t have a floor, just a wide border around the perimeter, so you can place it over a picnic table. The picnic table (about 6’) fit inside it easily with plenty of room to walk around and even add a chair in a corner. I had to be careful about making sure the bottom of the walls lay flat on the ground, otherwise there were gaps.

    It comes with 10 thin metal stakes for the feet and 4 plastic ones for the guy lines. A word of advice: USE THEM.  The first time I set this up, this experienced camper made a rookie mistake. The weather was nice, but it was getting dark, and I wanted to move it over the picnic table in the morning…so I didn’t stake it down. That night a wind storm blew through and blew it away! Found it at 4am in the next campsite,  astonished to discover it was still intact! No broken poles, just a slight abrasion on one sleeve and a tiny tear in one part of the screen that will be easily repaired. A couple of the poles slid out of the Fast Feet during its overnight adventure, allowing the screen house to collapse and preventing damage to the poles themselves (I’ve seen MANY other screen houses/canopies with bent and broken poles from wind). Truly impressed.

    Pitched it again the next afternoon with the wind still blowing and as you can see in my video, the screen house was like a kite until I staked it down. Once staked, it stood up well to the wind, though it did cause the bottom edge of the screen house to lift a bit. If bugs are out in that weather (there were wind advisories), they probably deserve a chance for some shelter, too.

    Taking it down, it easily fit back in the storage bag, with the zipper extending down one end to open the bag a bit more. Oh, and it weighs so much less than many of the canopies do, coming in around 20# and not requiring a wheeled case to lug it around. If you’re looking for a  screen house, this one has a lot going for it!

    Black fly season is coming and with the Wenzel Sun Valley Screen House packed, I’m ready! MY fuller video review is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ealCyAi02HA

  • Courtney B.
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Devils Fork State Park Campground

    Loved it so much, we've planned another trip there!

    We had a wonderful time camping at Devil's Fork State Park. Our group took up rustic tent sites T1, T3, and T5. On the map, these sites seem not ideal, as they are not on the water. However, they are more isolated, more wooded (plenty of trees for hammocking), and seemingly larger than the other tent sites. They are a short walk from the tent-camper parking area, a short walk from the two water spigots in the parking area, and a short walk from the restrooms. The bonus is that, behind sites T1 and T3, is a jumping rock into a gorgeous cove of Lake Jocassee with beautiful blue-green water. It's a great place to enjoy kayaks, rafts, and other inflatables. 

    While site T13 books up quick because of its waterfront location on the point, the walk from the parking lot is no joke. 

    Notes about the rustic tent sites: They have been recently renovated. Each has a picnic table and a fire ring. Only 1 vehicle is allowed to park, per site, unless you pay for the extra vehicle and park in the overflow lot. There is no electricity, and two water spigots located in the parking area. The entire camping area (25 tent sites and 59 RV sites) share 2 restrooms (which were muddy and gross while we were there). No generators are allowed in the tent area. We did have a bear visit us multiple times in one night, putting teeth puncture marks in our cooler. And if the bear don't get ya, the raccoons will!

  • Dave V.
    Aug. 29, 2017

    Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    Lofty Blue Ridge Experience

    Mount Mitchell State Park, highest peak east of the Mississippi...6,684ft elevation... is located on The Blue Ridge Parkway, but it is still a bit of a climb (for foot or vehicle traffic) to get to the summit. https://www.ncparks.gov/mount-mitchell-state-park

    Getting here the day after the solar eclipse, it was still pretty busy...and if you are traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway...speed is only 45 mph, so do your calculations. There are only nine, yes, count them...nine tent camping sites. So reservations are a must if you want a site! The campground is open from May 1 to Oct 31...but if you walk-in to the sites, as in via the trails, you can rent a site amost all year.

    Tent sites are small, but nice. You get a timber lined tent pad, a crushed limestone area with picnic table, wooden lantern post, and a fire ring with flip grate...and a bear secure food storage bin. There are flush toilets between sites 3 and 7... and two water spigots nearby.

    If campsites are full and you desire to hike the trails, you can register your vehicle with office, leave it there in the parking lot and locate a place to make camp along the trails. There are also several free roadside sites marked with a brown plastic post with a small tent emblem on them. Ordinarily these are along a stream where you can gather water (filter it!)...but it is primitive (LNT!).

    The park has a restaurant, a museum, gift shop and an observation tower at the summit. Pretty cool that the observation tower is ADA...but steep.

    Check weather reports. These mountains make their own weather. And remember, for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, temperature decreases by 3 degrees (roughly...there is constant debate). So pack wisely. Surprisingly, though reports called for rain...we saw none.

    Great hiking and long mountain views are one of the draws. The walk up the Observation trail is paved but steep, so give yourself some time if you are wanting to capture the sunset. If hiking, there are a myriad of sites that offer maps, levels of difficulty and recommendations. Did I mention that if you are planning to hike for the day...plan and pack for weather?

    A worthwhile place to pitch your tent, but there are also several other campgrounds at lower elevations that also have great trails and more amenities.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2019

    Balsam Mountain Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    National Park Campground with Roadside RV Parking

     I camped at this campground about fifteen to twenty years ago, and I loved the coolness of the high altitude. That has not changed. When I camped at Balsam Mountain last night, there were things I didn’t remember from my first visit long ago. Now there are tent pads, and some of them are within spitting distance of each other. Fortunately, I got a site that was a good distance away from the next site. However, the site was small and sloped. If you have a large tent, just know that you might have to stake guy lines outside of the tent pad. The picnic table was not level, and the fire pit was very close to the picnic table. That wasn’t too bad, but almost every site was such that you had to park on the campground road, except for sites 26-31. Those were tent sites in which you had to park in a designated parking area and walk in a short distance. There are no hookups at this campground, which is okay with me since I am in a tent and carry my own water, and the restrooms have no showers. The worst part about the restrooms, however, is that you have to remember to take a towel/paper towel with you, and at night, make sure to take a lantern/headlamp/flashlight to the restroom. This may be TMI, but I am glad I had tissue in my pocket. Both rolls of toilet paper were empty. The men’s urinals are placed fairly high, so if you have small children, you will definitely want to let them use the toilet in the stall. There is no electricity at the restrooms, which means there is no light—not even outside. I enjoyed the campground for it being away from towns, but it was a little crowded anyway. Beware. If you are in an RV, you will have to park it on the campground road. There are no back-in sites, nor are there any pull-through sites. The RV sites are literally on wide sections of the paved campground road. Each site does have a picnic table and a fire pit, but there are no lantern poles. I did like it that there was a separate building for washing dishes. Also be aware that the campground is in a bear habitat, and you have to take precautions. I actually saw a huge pile of bear scat(poop) on the nature trail fewer than 100 yards away from the campground. Make sure when you go that you take everything you need, including ice, kiln-dried firewood, etc. The nearest town is fifteen miles away. Finding downed wood is hard to come by. I found just enough to have about a twenty-minute fire, and bringing wood from outside the park is not allowed unless it is sealed and certified. There is one nature trail that is about a half mile long, and it takes you to Heintooga Overlook, which is at the picnic area. To me, this is the best part about the campground, although it’s not really part of the campground. There is another trail not accessible directly from the campground, and years ago, you could hike to a waterfall. That is no longer the case. The trail has been re-routed, and several people have tried to find the waterfall without any luck. I came upon a small amphitheater while I was looking for wood, not that it would interest the camping overnighter, but it is interesting. Overall, I was disappointed in the campground. I was hoping to give it at least three stars, but the fact that you have to park in the road, there are not real RV sites, the restrooms are disappointing, and the site I was on was really small, I cannot give it three stars. Some of the campers I talked to loved the campground and come back every year. For me, there are better national park campgrounds in the Smokies.

  • T
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Cades Cove Campground

    Great campsite near Cades Cove loop

    We reserved our site online, this can be done a month in advance. We were impressed with the paved parking space, picnic table, fire pit and level tent pad. It looks like these are very new. Proximity to cades cove loop was great. The souvineer shop has great gifts and a good selection of snacks and some supplies. Prices are reasonable, better than we expected. Bathroom was not the best, not very clean. The dish washing sink behind the bathroom was handy. No showers, but this is true for any camp sites in the park. Ranger station nearby is helpful to get advice and current weather reports (no phone reception in the park). Bike rentals available near the gift/snack shop too, to bike the loop. Lots of trees on our site that we used to setup a tarp to stay dry.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 23, 2022

    Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    Shade, Shade and more Shade!

    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 large space along with vegetation between sites 

    Very quiet 

    Asphalt parking pad surrounded with bean size gravel 

    Concrete picnic table 

    Metal fire pit with cooking grate 

    2 hook lantern pole 

    Electric at water connection for heated water hose connection 

    Recycle bins in campground loop 

    Trash dumpsters immediately out of campground loop 

    Firewood for sale but gate attendant told us to buy at Ingles (grocery store) where it is $3 bundle cheaper and we did! 

    Next to North Carolina Arboretum 

    Close to Asheville Outlet Mall and Camping World 

    CONS 

    3 bear sitings a day prior to our arrival in campground, according to gate attendant 

    No overnight gate closure even tho RULES proved at check-in stated gates closed at 10pm, but no open hours in RULES

     Lakeview site 38 not level 

    Up hill sewer connection at Lakeview site 38 

    Fire ring not cleared of ash upon our arrival 

    Non-moveable concrete picnic table and beyond camper awning 

    2 toilets and 2 showers for entire Lakeview Loop (21 campsites). There were lines! 

    Low hanging tree branches over roadways and roadside tree branches over roadways so it was a maneuvering obstacle challenge to not scrape camper roof and sides Campground roads narrow with tight curves along with roadway asphalt dropped off to steep shoulders; could be challenging to novice rig drivers (as we witnessed that more than once) 

    Two-and- a-half-mile drive on a twisty hilly road through residential neighborhood to get to the campground 

    No WiFi 

    1 bar Verizon

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Appalachian Pond Campground

    Back to Nature Campground to Get Away from it All

    For tent campers, I would rate this campground with five stars. For RV campers, I would rate it with one star. There are no hookups for RV campers, but there is a place to park a small RV camper that is self-contained. I loved this campground. It is everything you need for tent camping. It is remote in the mountains of western North Carolina and has lots of shade. It has a small pond, it is quiet, and the owners are very nice. One of the owners apologized for the grass being so high, but I assured him it was all right(and it wasn’t really that high). 

    There are several tent sites back in the woods, but they are spacious and not on top of each other. Some of them have access to running water, and at least one has electricity.  There is also a small cottage by the pond, and a camper that can be rented.   At night, all you will hear are crickets, the wind through the trees, birds, and frogs—just the way I like it. This campground truly is off the beaten path. 

    As far as facilities, it has a shower. There is a portable toilet across the path. Although it sounds primitive, which it is, the quaintness of the shower house and the fact that it has both a shower and a portable toilet is good enough unless you are looking for luxury accommodations. This campground may be remote, but it is not far from many hiking trails and sites, including but not limited to Purchase Knob, Hemphill Bald, the old Ferguson Cabin, Cataloochee Valley, the Great Smoky Mountains, and much more. 

    An additional feature is the old barn owned by the same people, which can accommodate special events, such as weddings and other venues in a beautiful rural setting. Would I recommend this campground? Absolutely!!!!… especially for tent campers.

  • Adam C.
    Aug. 1, 2023

    Turkey Creek Campground

    Cute off the beaten path, at a good price

    Smaller camp grounds, that best suited for smaller campers, or tent camping. The driveway coming into the campground is steep, so drive slow, and I would highly recommend showing up before dark, not an entrance I would want to make after dark. They have affordable firewood and ice on site, free coffee in the office, and Wi-Fi. Currently I’m using the Wi-Fi from my spot, since cellular service in this area isn’t reliable. Make sure you download a google map “offline mode” map of the area before coming, since service is limited for ATT and Verizon. If your doing tent camping, they made these elevated large squares out of crushed gravel to put your tent on, that are perfectly level, and with the gravel, should stay dry in event of rain. Some of the spots have “river” access, I would call it more of a small creek, but still nice. All the gravel roads seem to be in great condition. Washer and dryers are available, and showers and bathrooms are way better than average.


Guide to Lake Junaluska

Tent camping near Lake Junaluska, North Carolina puts visitors within 40 miles of the Tennessee-North Carolina border region that receives between 55-85 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions around campgrounds. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 6,000 feet, resulting in temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between valley campgrounds and mountain sites. Many sites are positioned along creeks and rivers that offer natural white noise for sleeping.

What to do

Hike to mountain summits: Mount Sterling campsite offers access to its historic fire tower with panoramic views. "One highlight of our stay was the old firetower at the site. While the climb can be daunting for those with a fear of heights, the payoff at sunrise and sunset is truly worth it, with views stretching for miles in all directions," notes Asher K.

Fish in stocked mountain streams: The Harmon Den Area in Pisgah National Forest provides excellent fishing opportunities. "A wildlife officer came through our camp with a fishnet full of trout to stock the creek. She asked us if we brought our fishing poles," shares Myron C., indicating regular stocking happens in this area.

Soak in mineral hot springs: After hiking, Hot Springs Campground provides access to natural mineral waters. "Loved the spa. Amazing views open air hot tubs. Great hiking across the river and cute little town to explore," reports Tra C. The campground sits right along the river with the hot spring spa just across the street.

Explore historic structures: Along trails to tent campsites near Lake Junaluska, you can find preserved buildings. At Site 40, "the trail itself passes by a house and a spring house that were built before the land was turned into a national park. You can actually go inside the house and explore its rooms," explains Myron C.

What campers like

Natural sound buffers: The rushing water at tent camping areas creates peaceful sleeping conditions. At Laurel Gap Shelter, one camper appreciated "a pipe set up that directs creek water for purification" while noting the campground's "multiple fire rings and great spots for tents that are all spread out."

Less crowded campgrounds: Smaller, more remote tent sites offer better solitude. "This location is a great choice for anyone who wants to visit GSMNP while avoiding some of the crowds. This campground rarely fills up, allowing for the opportunity to pick your site when you get there," writes Janine B. about Cosby Campground.

Early arrival advantages: Morning arrivals can secure the most desirable tent pads. "Arriving early paid off for us, as we secured a large area near the firetower. However, most sites come equipped with fire pits and clear areas, providing plenty of options throughout the campsite," notes Asher K. about camping at Mount Sterling.

Wildlife encounters: Natural animal sightings add to the camping experience. One camper at Laurel Gap Shelter mentioned, "One unforgettable morning, we were greeted by a friendly deer that sauntered by, offering us a charming 'good morning' as it grazed peacefully on the surrounding grasses."

What you should know

Bear safety is mandatory: All food must be properly stored when tent camping near Lake Junaluska. At Big Creek Campground, Katrin M. notes, "For running water you can use water spigots that are around the campground," but reminds that "Due to the dogs we just walked the gravel road," as pets aren't allowed on many trails in the national park.

Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations can create unexpected conditions. "Sitting atop the summit, this campsite offers unparalleled vistas that are nothing short of breathtaking. But the elevation also means colder and windier conditions, so warm gear is a must, especially during the evenings," warns Asher K. about Mount Sterling.

Backcountry permits: Most tent sites require advance reservations. A camper at Tricorner Knob Shelter explains: "As we arrived at this Appalachian Trail shelter, it became evident that it was bustling with AT thru-hikers who were embarking on their journey northward. Unfortunately, the shelter and its surrounding camping areas were not able to accommodate the influx of hikers."

Water availability varies: Some sites require hiking to water sources. At Mount Sterling, "Water is available, but remember to bring your purification equipment, as the water source is about a 10-minute hike from the campsite."

Tips for camping with families

Choose established campgrounds: Facilities make family camping easier. The Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground surprisingly welcomes families despite its name. "This was the first 'motorcycle' campground I ever stayed at. I was expecting loud parties, drunkenness, cruisers blasting loud open pipes. I was pleasantly surprised that this was a very family friendly atmosphere," shares Brian F.

Consider campsite access distance: Some tent sites require carrying gear. According to Katrin M., at Big Creek Campground "You cannot park your car right on the campsite. There is a parking lot and you need to carry your gear in. It's about 100 feet to the sites."

Watch for poison ivy: Natural hazards require vigilance with children. At Harmon Den Area, Myron C. noted, "There was also lots of poison ivy, so that was another concern I had about my grandson running freely."

Look for educational opportunities: Ranger programs provide learning experiences. At Cosby Campground, Janine B. mentions, "On Fridays they have special Ranger programs. We were lucky enough to learn about moon-shining from guys on the moonshiner TV show. It was very interesting!"

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: Most tent campsites near Lake Junaluska offer minimal RV services. In Hot Springs Campground, Karen P. found "Dirt site by the River all hook ups. They also have small cabins and tent sites. Walking distance to trails and town."

Access road limitations: Forest roads can be challenging for larger vehicles. Timothy warns about Harmon Den Area: "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."

Consider tent-only campgrounds: Some areas explicitly prohibit RVs. At Tricorner Knob Shelter, Christina Z. mentions, "My first shelter experience, and I really enjoyed it. Most times, the people you are huddled with are what make or break a shelter stay, and I was very lucky to have awesome campmates."

Smaller RVs work best: Compact camping vehicles provide more options. Dakota R. at Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground found, "Me and my party of 6 stumbled upon this Gem after we had made reservations at another site that was extremely sketchy on Labor Day weekend so we called around and heard BRMC had some space."

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a tent camping reservation at Lake Junaluska?

To make a tent camping reservation at Lake Junaluska, you'll need to contact the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center directly via their website or by phone. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season (summer months). For nearby alternatives with established reservation systems, Gateway to the Smokies offers large private campsites that can be reserved in advance, providing convenient access to the Lake Junaluska area. Similarly, Greenheart Forest in Pisgah National Forest accepts reservations for their unique camping experience near Lake Junaluska.

Can you tent camp at Lake Junaluska?

Yes, Lake Junaluska offers tent camping opportunities in the western North Carolina region. While Lake Junaluska itself has limited tent camping, nearby alternatives include Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park which features heavily wooded sites ideal for tent camping with clean facilities and bath houses throughout the grounds. Another option is Big Creek Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which offers 12 tent-only campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and lantern poles. Both provide excellent access to the greater Lake Junaluska area.

What are the tent camping fees at Lake Junaluska?

Tent camping fees at Lake Junaluska typically range from $25-40 per night, varying by season and site location. For cost-conscious alternatives in the region, consider Ammons Branch Campground, which offers more affordable camping with basic amenities on forest service land. The campground is accessible via Bull Pen Road, about 1.2 miles on well-maintained gravel, and is best suited for tents or small RVs. For a more primitive option, Burrells Ford provides budget-friendly camping, though you'll need to hike about a third of a mile to the campsites and bring everything you need.

What amenities are available at Lake Junaluska tent camping sites?

Lake Junaluska tent camping sites typically include basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers. For a comparison of amenities in the region, Pine Point Primitive Campground — Table Rock State Park offers more rustic accommodations with fire pits, picnic tables, and lantern poles, though water is limited and located about half a mile away. In contrast, Cherryfield Creek Luxury Group Camping provides upgraded amenities for those seeking more comfort, including better bathroom facilities and additional site features not typically found at standard tent sites.