Best Campgrounds near Lenoir, NC

The camping spots around Lenoir, North Carolina, put you right in the Blue Ridge Mountain region with several good options nearby. Grayson Highlands State Park has hiking trails where you might see the wild ponies that live in the area. If you're looking to spend time on the water, Lake Norman State Park Campground sits right on a big lake that's good for fishing and boating. Kings Mountain State Park is another choice, located close to a National Military Battlefield for anyone interested in history. Most campgrounds in the area have decent bathrooms and shower facilities that are kept clean. Some campsites give you more privacy than others, and there's usually enough tree cover to keep you out of the direct sun. Watch out for deer and birds around your campsite, and store your food properly so you don't attract them. Both tent campers and RV users can find spots that work, and some places have electric hookups available. The best weather for camping here comes in spring and fall when it's not too hot and the leaves look great. Winter camping is possible but gets cold, so bring warm gear. The Lenoir area works well for both active campers and those who just want to relax.

Best Camping Sites Near Lenoir, North Carolina (247)

    1. Thousand Trails Green Mountain

    18 Reviews
    Lenoir, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We had a deck at our site which was a but problematic due to our steps folding out, it took some finagling and leveling to get it to where we could close our door."

    "This is our first time ever camping and this place feels like home away from home and everyone here is very friendly."

    2. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    47 Reviews
    Blowing Rock, NC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 963-5911

    $30 / night

    "Julian Price Park is a beautiful campground just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. We enjoy this campground on the weekends throughout the fall and spring as it is less occupied."

    "This campground is on a beautiful lake. There is no swimming on the lake(its pretty shallow) but awesome for kayaking and paddleboarding."

    3. Spacious Skies Bear Den

    65 Reviews
    Spruce Pine, NC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 765-2888

    $24 - $999 / night

    "Spacious Skies Bear Den in North Carolina offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure for families."

    "Bear den was a perfect location for the Blue ridge parkway. We stayed at a two cabin lot that had a hot tub. Bear den has everything from RV camp sites to a game room."

    4. South Mountains State Park Family Campground

    26 Reviews
    Casar, NC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 433-4772

    $27 - $32 / night

    "The family campground is a short distance further inside the park on the left side(approx 2 miles) marked by a small brown sign...and is situated at 1400 ft elevation. "

    "This campground is one way and exits into a trailhead parking area. There was one site that was in the parking area, would not be my first choice. Shaded sites with picnic tables and fire rings."

    5. Steele Creek Park & Campground

    11 Reviews
    Collettsville, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 433-5660

    "The close proximity to Linville Falls, Blowing Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway was perfect. We will definitely be back to explore the area more."

    "Friends of my went and paddled the Wilson Gorge close by. Tubed down the river, just plenty to do for a weekend trip."

    6. Mortimer Campground — National Forests In North Carolina

    10 Reviews
    Collettsville, NC
    15 miles
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Hiking, fishing, swimming, and waterfall splashing abound on, and around, this campground. Many of the campsites are situated along Thorps Creek, so the sound of the creek can lull you to sleep."

    "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."

    7. Brown Mountain Roadside Campsites

    7 Reviews
    Collettsville, NC
    12 miles
    Website

    "About 20 min from Lenoir."

    "We stayed here for 12 days in the very first spot on the right , it was the most secluded and we had a bar of service near/ at the picnic table. We enjoyed our stay."

    8. Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    28 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 765-7818

    $30 - $45 / night

    "Another lovely campground along the BRP, close to Linville Falls and gorge, picnic area and visitor center."

    "There are cabins, RV spots and tent sites all with access to newly renovated restrooms and coin operated laundry."

    9. Boone Fork Campground

    4 Reviews
    Collettsville, NC
    10 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. Indian Springs Campground

    6 Reviews
    Connelly Springs, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 397-5700

    "We were looking for someplace to stay near Hickory and we stumbled upon Indian Springs. "

    "This place is tucked away near a river, plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, plus a nice laundromat. One of the quietest RV parks I've ever been to!"

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Recent Reviews near Lenoir, NC

1186 Reviews of 247 Lenoir Campgrounds


  • Theresa S.
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Lake Haven Family Campground

    Stayed for the location, Left because of the owners

    As a retired Air Force couple with over five years of experience as full-time RVers, we have stayed at countless campgrounds across the country. We selected Lake Haven for an extended stay this past July while searching for a permanent home in the Lake Watauga area, drawn by its advertisement for year-round availability. The location is excellent, and our site was level with full hookups, a nice picnic table, and a fire pit. Maneuvering into the spot was also straightforward, despite some large boulders. Two concerns: no owners or host(s) onsite and the entrance/exits can be quite dangerous- each located on a curve. We really wanted to love this campground, but the positive aspects were completely overshadowed by the unprofessional behavior of the owners. The tone was set when we received a campground-wide text message asking“Please, for our sake, when away from your camper, set your AC temp to something reasonable(75 is what I use at my house when not home), to help us save on electricity”. While we understand the concern for costs, the request felt invasive. Then it got personal. In the first week of August, our daughter and her family were renting the on-site(3 bed/3 bath) Airbnb, and after she inquired about more toilet paper, one of the owners came to our RV site to confront us about it. We were shocked that a necessity for a rental guest was treated as a major issue, and the confrontational approach was completely uncalled for and made us feel extremely uncomfortable. To make matters worse, we later learned from other campers that the owners had been gossiping about our family and our stay. This was a major violation of our privacy and fostered a deeply unwelcoming atmosphere. While the physical campground has potential, we cannot recommend it. Feeling safe and respected is essential when you are camping, and due to the owners’ intrusive and unprofessional behavior, we decided to seek out another campground.

  • Gary S.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Lake Haven Family Campground

    Stayed for the Location, Left because of the Owners

    As a retired Air Force couple with over five years of experience as full-time RVers, we have stayed at countless campgrounds across the country. We selected Lake Haven for an extended stay this past July while searching for a permanent home in the Lake Watauga area, drawn by its advertisement for year-round availability. The location is excellent, and our site was level with full hookups, a nice picnic table, and a fire pit. Maneuvering into the spot was also straightforward, despite some large boulders. Two concerns: no owners or host(s) onsite and the entrance/exits can be quite dangerous- each located on a curve. We really wanted to love this campground, but the positive aspects were completely overshadowed by the unprofessional behavior of the owners. The tone was set when we received a campground-wide text message asking“Please, for our sake, when away from your camper, set your AC temp to something reasonable(75 is what I use at my house when not home), to help us save on electricity”. While we understand the concern for costs, the request felt invasive. Then it got personal. In the first week of August, our daughter and her family were renting the on-site(3 bed/3 bath) Airbnb, and after she inquired about more toilet paper, one of the owners came to our RV site to confront us about it. We were shocked that a necessity for a rental guest was treated as a major issue, and the confrontational approach was completely uncalled for and made us feel extremely uncomfortable. To make matters worse, we later learned from other campers that the owners had been gossiping about our family and our stay. This was a major violation of our privacy and fostered a deeply unwelcoming atmosphere. While the physical campground has potential, we cannot recommend it. Feeling safe and respected is essential when you are camping, and due to the owners’ intrusive and unprofessional behavior, we decided to seek out another campground.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Old NC 105 Dispersed

    Amazing views and Free camping

    This place is amazing, Free and clean campsites.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Upper Creek, Pisgah National Forest NC

    Good spot!

    Spent two nights here at a site right next to the creek, which was awesome listening to the running water as you fall asleep. Easy to get to, just a forest service road. A 4x4 makes it easy but there were minivans and junkyard beaters driving by. There are multiple sites along the service road and not too close to each other.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    This is a great spot along a mountain ridge. The dirt road goes for about 13 miles. Would recommend a 4x4, but I’ve seen all kinds of vehicles travel the entire road from minivans to Honda accords. There are plenty of spots to choose from. Some have great views of the valley and table top mountain and others are just nooks in the woods. The sites are pretty spread out but there are a few within shouting distance (which could be annoying if the site next to you decides to bring a battery powered Sawzall to cut firewood at 2am). Some sites are right off of the road which could get annoying from all the traffic of people going to the hiking trails nearby. And there are spots tucked away a bit off of the road where you really don’t notice trucks and cars driving by. Awesome place for a weekend getaway! Definitely going to visit again.

    P.S. only 4 stars because there are only about 3-5 sites with a great view!

  • Robert B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    FR472 & Black Mountain Campground Closed

    FR 472 is closed at the Golf Course and there are hefty fines if you are caught walking beyond the gate.  Black Mountain Campground was destroyed by flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.  The bridge across the S. Toe River was broken and washed out.  The water system is also destroyed as well as the road network in the campground.  There have been no announcements by the Forest Service about plans to repair the facility and, after a year, my guess is that there never will be.

  • Lanna M.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Love Valley Campground

    Clean

    Probably the second cleanest campground I had ever been to

  • Josh G.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Rock Creek Recreation Area

    Tall trees, nice views and cool temps.

    We stayed in campsite #31. It's more than partially shaded. Cellular reception is fair. The sight is level. It was hard for me to back into with a 21' bumper pull. There is a campsite marker directly in front of the driveway that obstructs the backing angle. The temperature is cooler than in Erwin. Water hookups are scarce, there are three per loop. The camp host and rangers were very helpful and nice.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Rock Creek Recreation Area

    Nice family campgroung

    Convenient location in the Cherokee National Forest that is close to the Appalachian Trail and the Nolichucky River. Campground is popular with families and busy on weekends. Sites are levelish, semi-private, and wooded. Loop B has power poles at each site (didn't check the other loops) and a nice bathhouse. Host was particularly helpful.


Guide to Lenoir

Camping near Lenoir, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: The area is known for its stunning trails. At Hickory Ridge Campground — Grayson Highlands State Park, one reviewer said, "Hiking is awesome. The kids LOVED the wild horses and the steer walking around." This campground is a great spot for families who enjoy nature walks.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Lake Norman State Park Campground, offer fishing opportunities. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is in a forest on the shores of Lake Norman," making it a perfect place to cast a line.
  • Exploring Local History: Check out the nearby historical sites. One camper at Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park noted, "National Military Battlefield nearby," which adds an educational twist to your camping trip.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Stone Mountain State Park Campground said, "The campground, paths, and bathrooms were very clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One reviewer at Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins mentioned, "Great campground. Big private sites, lots of activities for teens."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Roan Mountain State Park Campground shared, "The staff were super friendly, campground was well maintained."

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway noted, "There is quite a bit of traffic throughout the camp," which can affect connectivity.
  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Kings Mountain State Park, have strict no-alcohol policies. A reviewer mentioned, "NO alcohol allowed," so plan accordingly.
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Mama Gertie's Hideaway Campground advised, "Make sure you book in advance to secure a good spot."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One parent at Asheville East KOA said, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, and fishing," making it a hit with kids.
  • Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore nature. A visitor at Hickory Ridge Campground mentioned, "The wild ponies on Rhododendron trail were incredible along with the views!"
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and activities. One camper at Stone Mountain State Park Campground noted, "Make sure you hike to the top. The views are great."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA warned, "Section A was extremely tight for navigating, parking, and camping."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with good facilities. A visitor at Lake Norman State Park Campground praised, "The bath house was an unexpected luxury and was immaculately maintained."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks or busy roads. A camper at Kings Mountain State Park mentioned, "Trains come through near the park at all hours of the day and night."

Camping near Lenoir, NC, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lenoir, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lenoir, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 247 campgrounds and RV parks near Lenoir, NC and 17 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lenoir, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lenoir, NC is Thousand Trails Green Mountain with a 4.2-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lenoir, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Lenoir, NC.

What parks are near Lenoir, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Lenoir, NC that allow camping, notably W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir and Blue Ridge Parkway.