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Best Campgrounds near Lake Toxaway, NC

2,453 Reviews

Lake Toxaway in western North Carolina serves as a gateway to numerous camping options within the Blue Ridge Mountains region. Gorges State Park offers a newly developed campground with full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and primitive cabins, while Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort provides a more upscale camping experience with spacious sites along a creek. The surrounding area includes several state parks within driving distance, including Keowee-Toxaway State Park just across the South Carolina border, offering additional camping opportunities with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals.

Road conditions and accessibility vary throughout the region, with many campgrounds situated along winding mountain roads. Most developed sites in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October. "The area is known for having over 250 waterfalls," noted one visitor to Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort, highlighting the natural attractions that draw campers to this mountainous region. Weather patterns can change quickly in the higher elevations, with cooler temperatures even during summer months and potential for heavy rainfall. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during leaf-viewing season in autumn when visitation peaks across the region.

Campers consistently mention the waterfalls and hiking opportunities as primary attractions in the Lake Toxaway area. The proximity to Rainbow Falls and Turtle Back Falls from Gorges State Park makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Several reviewers highlighted the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the region's campgrounds. "We loved this RV park so much, we kept adding nights," shared one camper at Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort. Primitive backcountry camping options can be found in nearby Panthertown Valley, though visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters, including bears. The combination of mountain views, water features, and forest settings creates diverse camping experiences within a relatively compact geographic area.

Map showing campgrounds near Lake Toxaway, North CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina (542)

    1. Davidson River Campground

    83 Reviews
    Pisgah Forest, NC
    16 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."

    2. Devils Fork State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 944-2639

    "We had reserved a walk-in tent sight and absoulty loved it."

    "This hidden gem is a few miles off a major highway but well worth the journey. I would consider it among my top ten 'near a lake' spots in the entire US."

    3. Table Rock State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 878-9813

    "The alternatives #5 and #6 were close to the entrance and therefore exposed to the road, and #49 was next to the restrooms, but similar to #60, so stayed with #60."

    "One drawback is that from the campground there is no easy access to the lake- you can either drive and park (and hope to find parking) or walk on a busy road . "

    4. Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    25 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 868-2605

    $7 - $26 / night

    "There are 3 trailside primitive campsites that are on a peninsula overlooking Lake Keowee."

    "The trail was relatively short, but the hills were bigger than expected. However, the payoff at the trailside campground is incredible. The sites are out on a point on Lake Keowee."

    5. Lazy J Campground

    12 Reviews
    Rosman, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 966-3834

    $20 / night

    "We fished right next to our camp site and then relaxed with a camp fire listening to the sound of the River."

    "We were looking for a place that was wooded and near a river or stream and lucked up at Lazy J. The staff answered our call right away and were both friendly and informative."

    6. Gorges State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lake Toxaway, NC
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 966-9099

    $27 - $75 / night

    "This is one of North Carolina’s best waterfall parks. Rainbow Falls, Turtel Back Falls and Bust your Ass Falls."

    "There are six designated backpack sites along the Foothills Trail near the southern boundary of the park."

    7. Oconee State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-5353

    "There are primitive, walk-in sites that had the benefit of added privacy, but with 3 little kids, bathroom proximity was a higher priority this time around. "

    "There are multiple cabins scattered around the lake but they are a good distance apart from each other so you won't be disturbed by your neighbors."

    8. Mount Pisgah Campground

    40 Reviews
    Mills River, NC
    21 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."

    9. Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Lake Toxaway, NC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (774) 526-4328

    $65 / night

    "This is a small campground near Lake Toxaway. The people were great. They had happy hour everyday at five."

    "Stayed 7 days in #1 from 6/25 to 7/1 with two other RVers and was a romantic peaceful time with our own waterfall and creek running around us."

    10. Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area

    7 Reviews
    Sapphire, NC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 269-4453

    "The first campsite we stayed at was on the Green Valley Trail, the second one was on the Panthertown Valley Trail right near the Schoolhouse Falls Trail, and the third was on Mac's Gap right past the Granny"

    "The sites near the middle of Macs Gap trail are huge and there is easy access to a couple streams. Bring a good map and stick to the trails that your map covers."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake Toxaway, NC

1147 Photos of 542 Lake Toxaway Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Toxaway, NC

2453 Reviews of 542 Lake Toxaway Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Wilson's Riverfront RV Park

    September stay

    Grass on lots high, nice concrete spots, full hookup in good shape.

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Great campground!

    As a solo traveler that doesn’t like excessive noise or want to be near kids, I just wanted peace and quiet to relax and listen to the sounds of nature. The owner, Jeanie(hopefully I’m spelling that right) understood completely and was sure to put me in a site where she knew the surrounding sites would be empty for the entirety of my stay and she was sure not to book anyone near me. Yes, the sites are fairly close together, but I stayed during the week and was able to enjoy most of the place to myself ….or at least the area of the campground that I was in. When I extended my stay an extra night, she was sure to warn me that there was a family with kids coming that night and that they’d be in my vicinity. I couldn’t have asked for a better campground host! She had all the info on waterfalls in the area which minimized my planning time/time staring at my phone. And the fact that the place is all pea gravel really makes a difference! It rained the first couple days I was there and my tent wasn’t a muddy mess which is always a plus!

    The bathrooms and showers were clean and the camp store had just about everything you could possibly need in a pinch. Firewood and ice were priced fairly, making it very convenient if you forgot to grab either one while you were out for the day. Will definitely be back! Actually, I can’t wait to go back!

  • austin C.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Great camping as of September 2025

    Very nice area to camp saw multiple sites throughout the road. Weather got a little cooler at night but the stars were a beauty to see. managed to fit 3 tents and 2 hammocks at the campsite near 34°50'26.3"N 83°40'44.6"W Wood was a little wet as it had rained 2 days prior so might be worth bringing your own.

    Also worth it if you're into astrophotography as all of tray mountain sits within the few dark areas within north Georgia.

    Did not see any signs of large predators but did see lots of spent 12GA shells and other casings.

  • Isabelle C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground

    Indian Creek Campground in Cherokee, NC is a hidden gem. Nice hosts, clean facilities in the woods. We have a 25 ft pull behind camper and sites are big enough for slide-outs. Picknick table and campfire ring was on site. We had a 30 amp full hook-up site. Campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, clean bathhouse and is dog friendly.

  • Casey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    Great spot!

    The only reason I dinged it from five stars is because of the road noise. Other than that this place is beautiful! Great hike to a beautiful lake! Simple amenities. Great drive up tent spots surrounded by trees. Nobody else was here during the week so I had the place to myself! The rangers were incredibly helpful and friendly! I will be back!

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Great campsite, you guys are pansies though

    great spot, can see the stars super clearly and its pretty much just open woodland once youre there.

    you dont need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, i did it fine in my honda civic, just dont have anything with worse clearance than that, and be ready to get some branch scratches which is kinda expected for wood roads

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Gorges State Park Campground

    CAUTION: steep grades and curvy road

    This campground would’ve gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down. Other than that, this campground was super nice. Has the nicest showers I have ever seen in a campground. All the sites for RVs are on concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer. This was a great staging point for our trip up to the great Smoky Mountains. The visitor center was very informative.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Campfire Lodgings

    Tent camping

    Tent camping sites are walk in, down hill, obviously thar means hauling your stuff out uphill when you leave. RVers have a great view from the ridge top. But a difficult day camping is far better than any day at work.

Guide to Lake Toxaway

Camping near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around the area. One camper mentioned, “Davidson River Campground is perfectly situated for outdoor activities, plenty of hiking (Art Loeb Trail), good fishing, mountain biking and climbing available all within a stone's throw from camp.”
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers are great for fishing. A review from Lake Powhatan states, “The best thing about Lake Powhatan is the nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach. It’s the perfect size for kids.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Cataloochee Campground shared, “We saw elk and turkeys during our stay. A young bull even ran through our campsite!”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Lake Powhatan noted, “The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A camper at Smokemont Campground said, “It was rainy so maybe that deterred some campers, but we had a great time.”
  • Proximity to Attractions: Campgrounds like Black Rock Mountain State Park are close to hiking trails and scenic views. A visitor remarked, “The Tennessee Rock Trail to the summit and overlook is the perfect distance for a morning hike and not too strenuous.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Cataloochee Campground advised, “There isn’t cell service, so be sure to plan your next move before you head in for the evening.”
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at Mount Pisgah Campground mentioned, “The sites are very close together, resulting in little privacy.”
  • Bear Country: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Davidson River Campground shared, “I did have a bear walk through my camp my last night there while I was in bed.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas. A review from Lake Powhatan highlighted, “The lake was a short walk and absolutely stunning! Crystal clear water allowed us to look at the schools of fish swimming with us.”
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games or outdoor toys to keep kids engaged. A family at Oconee State Park enjoyed the playground and tire swings available throughout the park.
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to bring enough food and snacks, as some campgrounds don’t have stores nearby. A camper at Table Rock State Park noted, “Make sure to bring your own firewood and there isn’t much laying around to pick up.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Devils Fork State Park mentioned, “The tent pads were a bit on the small side and not all of them are the 12x12 that I was told.”
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Some sites can be uneven. A visitor at Paris Mountain State Park said, “The sites are notoriously NOT level. We had to move because we could not get level.”
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A camper at Mount Pisgah Campground appreciated that “there was a dump station which was nice and clean with water for the RV.”

Camping near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake Toxaway, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Toxaway, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 542 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Toxaway, NC and 46 free dispersed camping spots.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Toxaway, NC is Davidson River Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 83 reviews.

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

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

What parks are near Lake Toxaway, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Lake Toxaway, NC that allow camping, notably National Forests in North Carolina and Nantahala National Forest.

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