Best Tent Camping near Lake Lure, NC

Tent campsites near Lake Lure, North Carolina include established sites in Pisgah National Forest and primitive tent spots at Wilderness Cove Campground. The mountainous landscape surrounding this western North Carolina destination provides both drive-in and walk-in tent camping options, with the dispersed camping areas in Pisgah National Forest offering more secluded experiences. Several campgrounds feature tent-specific areas with level spots and basic amenities, while others provide more primitive setups for those seeking a more natural camping experience.

Most tent campgrounds around Lake Lure feature fire rings and designated camping areas, though amenities vary significantly. Wilderness Cove Campground offers tent sites with picnic tables, drinking water, and restroom facilities, while Pisgah National Forest dispersed camping areas require campers to be self-sufficient with water filtration and proper waste disposal. Walk-in tent sites typically offer more privacy and natural settings but require additional planning for gear transport. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this mountainous region, with summer thunderstorms common and spring bringing variable temperatures that affect tent camping comfort.

The tent camping experience in the Lake Lure region provides excellent access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain vistas. Areas within Pisgah National Forest allow tent campers to establish sites in more remote locations away from developed facilities, creating opportunities for solitude and wildlife viewing. According to one visitor, "The tent sites are spacious, and it felt very peaceful just being there." Many locations along streams provide natural white noise that enhances the camping experience. Tent campers should prepare for varying terrain, as most sites are situated on natural ground surfaces that may require careful tent placement. Sites within walking distance of water sources are particularly popular during summer months when cooling off becomes a priority.

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Best Tent Sites Near Lake Lure, North Carolina (64)

    1. Paradise Ridge Permaculture

    3 Reviews
    Swannanoa, NC
    12 miles
    +1 (828) 707-7607

    $20 - $30 / night

    "I have cleaned out about an acre for tent or hammock camping, another acre for shared areas, and the pasture has about an acre wide open for dogs, horses or other well mannered animals."

    "She showed us around the grounds which has horses, pigs, chickens, a natural spring, and fruits/vegetables/mushrooms growing around the property."

    2. Wilderness Cove Campground | Outdoor Adventure Retreats

    3 Reviews
    Saluda, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 341-2344

    $35 - $299 / night

    "Tents only, they do have some cabins for rent.  Nice clean bath house.  Was able to access wifi near the tubing office.  Prices are extremely reasonable.  Their website is very accurate. "

    "The tent camping is not quite"roughing it": there's pretty reliable WiFi and the bath house is air conditioned and kept very clean."

    3. Sage Nesbitt Farm

    1 Review
    Gerton, NC
    11 miles
    +1 (252) 723-0099

    $120 - $35 / night

    "Happy to welcome this new listing to our platform. Check them out, and come back here to leave them some love!"

    4. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Barnardsville, NC
    24 miles

    "Definitely some disrespectful neighbors but sites aren't closely packed. Get there early as possible as people can post up for a week there. Great launch pad for hiking and mountain biking."

    "It wasn't officially designated but it was used as a campsite. You'll need four wheel drive to get in and out of it though."

    5. Jones Gap State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, SC
    30 miles
    Website

    "Love the privacy of this spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area."

    "Tent camping only. Nice, private walk-in sites. Creek runs through park. Definitely no call service. Only an emergency call box if anything goes on at night. It's a pack in pack out park."

    6. Briar Bottom Group Campground

    2 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-5616

    $125 / night

    "Briar Bottom Campground is located in the heart of Pisgah National Forest, close to several hiking trails."

    "Bathrooms are shared with other group sites. Outdoor spicier at every site along with picnic tables under shelter and a campfire ring. Great spot to take the family. We went for 6 years straight."

    7. Black Bear Campground

    5 Reviews
    Marion, NC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 803-5819

    $21 - $36 / night

    "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."

    8. Maple Camp Bald

    3 Reviews
    Pisgah National Forest, NC
    23 miles
    Website

    "A little below where we set up camp, we found a natural spring for water and theres a decent amount of firewood around. We parked at the top of Mt."

    "It’s a 6 mile hike up Maple Camp Ridge on trail 191 (Buncombe Horse Range) starting from a small parking lot close to Carolina Hemlocks Campground."

    9. The Bike Farm

    6 Reviews
    Penrose, NC
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 577-3673

    $24 - $110 / night

    "No generators allowed. But clean campsites and plenty of toilets. There's even a primitive hot shower. The people are very friendly both the campers and the people who operate the camp."

    "If what you are looking for is a great place to get out in nature and get away from the crowds you’re in the right spot."

    10. Hot Springs Campground

    29 Reviews
    Hot Springs, NC
    46 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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Lake Lure, NC

1434 Reviews of 64 Lake Lure Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Katrin M.
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    Absolutely stunning

    First of all... it is very hard to reserve a campsite for the weekend. And I completely understand why. It is simply beautiful. The campground has just 9 walk in sites. We stayed at site number 1 which is the closest to the parking lot. It was very private ( I think the most private of all) but number 5 and 6 have the best views. All campsites come with a firepit, picnic table, and a lantern pole.
    The bathhouse is very clean but had no showers or hot water. A very nice ranger sold us some firewood which was available in the parking lot. There are several ways to go up to the summit. You can hike 0.6 miles, which starts on top of the campground, or you drive up. On top of the mountain is a observation tower, a gift shop, a little museum, and a drink and snack bar. The fact I loved the most, was the the nice cool temperature. It was in the lower 70's during the day and about 50 at night. Be careful with the weather. It can change very quickly. A ranger came by and warned us about a coming thunderstorm. We found shelter on the porch of the bathhouse. It was very nice to watch the rain and the wind. We would camp here anytime again. It is really worth it.

  • J
    Jul. 19, 2016

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Cabins without the amenities

    These cabins may not be for everyone. They are pretty bare bones. The cabins have electricity, but the water pump is outside and the bathrooms and showers are communal (but clean). There is a full size bed and two bunk beds in each one. Outside, there is a a picnic table and a fire ring for each cabin. I think the mattresses are hard, so I usually bring a sleeping bag to pad it. So it can be seen as a step up from tent camping for people who don't like that kind of roughing it.

    There is a heated swimming pool and they do lots of things for kids like ice cream socials. They have a little shop in case you forget some necessities.

    This campground is close to Dupont Forest, with lots of mountain biking, hiking, and waterfalls. For $50 a night, it's a pretty good deal.

  • S
    Aug. 28, 2018

    Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina

    Great, quiet campground with clean restrooms and hot showers

    We took our 5 and 3 year old sons camping here this past weekend and had a great time.

    Site: Our site was on the Hard Times loop which offered huge, flat gravel pads (our site was an RV site but also perfect for tent camping since it's pea gravel and not paved). If you have a 6-person or larger tent, opt for a gravel RV site, as you'll get tons more room than the "tent-only" sites which have the tent pad surrounded with railroad ties.

    Facilities: Powhatan really takes care of their facilities. Restrooms were cleaned multiple times per day and the showers are clean and the water was actually hot - awesome after a day of hiking before jumping in the sleeping bag. Gate house sells ice and firewood too.

    Activities: Tons of trails within Bent Creek but are mainly geared towards mountain bikers. Had to be on constant alert with my kids and dog, as the bikers absolutely bomb down these trails. Similar to hiking in Dupont but with a heavier concentration of mountain bikers. This was the only downside of camping here but there are some great hiking-only trails off the BRP just 30 min away. I wish the trail system worked its way through the campgrounds, as we had to walk a ways down the main paved road to access any trailheads.

  • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 18, 2023

    Hitching Post Campground

    Super nice owner

    Campground convenient to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock in the mountains. Quiet with a creek running through. Had cell reception and campground at the end of the road.

    Restrooms weren't working, so there was a port- a potty. No showers. Did have water, electric sewer. We were in site D, which was not very level.

    They have a playground for kids. No wifi.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2020

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    State Park with Beautiful Views

    Table Rock State Park is a large park with at least three“campgrounds.” One is a primitive campground, and one is a traditional campground. I did not get to explore the third campground, but I believe it is a traditional campground as well. The site I stayed at, site 56, was level, except for the approach; however, the pad was rough gravel. I put down two tarps under my tent to help eliminate the roughness inside the tent. The site was shaded and wasn’t too close to my camping neighbors, but the biggest problem was dealing with the ants—big black ants, small black ants, and other tiny ants. There was no lantern pole, but there was a fire pit and a picnic table. The bath house was only a short walking distance away. There is no lack of things to do, and the trail system is extraordinary. The main attraction, I would guess, is Table Rock Mountain, but there are other things to do. There is a swimming beach and a diving platform. Beside the beach are picnic tables, including a picnic shelter with a standing grill. The visitors center/store was well stocked with souvenirs and supplies, and there is a laundry next to it. Sometime during the night when I had to go to the restroom, I discovered that there was not water. The next morning, I turned on the faucet at my campsite, and it sputtered out brown water at first and then it came out clear. I said that to say this. There was a problem and they dealt with it quickly. That impressed me. The heat and humidity was almost unbearable, but nothing can be done about that during the summer. If you camp in a tent during the summer, make sure to take and extension cord and a fan. Overall, this is a great place to camp during vacation, but the cost is a little more than I expected to pay for a tent site. Costwise, I’m not sure I would want to pay that much for camping for a whole week. It rivals the national campground franchises. However, if cost doesn’t concern you, it really is a good place to camp.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Crabtree Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Campground in the Forest

    On the Blue Ridge Parkway, nestled in the trees and mountains of North Carolina, this campground is an older style NPS campground, but has been well maintained. Sites are back-in and pull through on the side of site. Most sites will allow for 30’ rigs. All sites have picnic table and built-in fire pits. There are no hookups. There are no showers in the trailer (RV) loop, but does include a couple comfort station with flush toilets. Campground Ranger was helpful and very friendly. Sites are split between first come first serve and reservations. Payment made with Ranger by cash or credit card. At $30 per site per day, the price is a little steep.


Guide to Lake Lure

Nestled in the scenic beauty of North Carolina, tent camping near Lake Lure offers a perfect escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Lake Lure

  • Mount Mitchell State Park Campground provides a unique experience with its nine walk-in sites, ensuring a private camping atmosphere surrounded by stunning views.
  • Briar Bottom Group Campground is ideal for larger gatherings, featuring spacious group sites with covered shelters and picnic tables, perfect for family or friend outings.
  • Wilderness Cove Campground offers a blend of tent and cabin accommodations, with clean facilities and easy access to nearby tubing activities.

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $30

  • Pisgah National Forest Dispersed camping is a budget-friendly option, allowing for a more rustic experience without the need for reservations or permits.
  • Black Bear Campground features well-maintained sites with amenities like drinking water and firewood, making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • Paradise Ridge Permaculture offers a unique camping experience with a focus on sustainability, providing a serene environment for just $25 per night.

Local attractions to explore while camping

  • Maple Camp Bald is a fantastic hiking destination, offering breathtaking views and a moderate hike to reach the campsite, perfect for those looking to combine camping with adventure.
  • Roaring Fork Falls is a short drive from Briar Bottom Group Campground, providing a beautiful cascade that’s easily accessible for a quick nature escape.
  • Mount Mitchell State Park features an observation tower and various hiking trails, making it a must-visit for campers at Mount Mitchell State Park Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake Lure, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake Lure, NC is Paradise Ridge Permaculture with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake Lure, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 64 tent camping locations near Lake Lure, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.