Best Campgrounds near Linville, NC

The Linville area in western North Carolina provides diverse camping options within Pisgah National Forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Established campgrounds include Linville Falls Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering tent and RV sites with basic amenities like drinking water and restrooms. Several privately-owned campgrounds such as Spacious Skies Bear Den and Spacious Skies Hidden Creek feature more developed facilities with electric hookups, showers, and cabin accommodations. Dispersed camping opportunities exist along Old NC 105, a rugged forest road connecting Lake James to the Linville Falls area.

Road conditions vary significantly between developed and dispersed camping areas, particularly on Old NC 105. While some campgrounds have paved access and level sites, the dispersed areas require careful navigation. A visitor noted, "The dirt road must've been regraded in the past year as it is easily drivable. I stayed in several sites further up the road and they're all good options." Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for accessing remote sites, especially during or after rainfall. The camping season generally runs from April through October for established campgrounds, though some dispersed sites remain accessible year-round, weather permitting. Cell service is variable but surprisingly good in certain areas along the ridge roads.

Campers consistently highlight the panoramic mountain views available from sites along Old NC 105. These primitive camping spots offer vistas overlooking Linville Gorge, Table Rock Mountain, and surrounding valleys. A recent review described "breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, hills and valleys" from several of the roadside pull-offs. Privacy varies considerably between sites, with some areas experiencing moderate traffic, especially on weekends and during peak foliage season. Water access is limited at dispersed sites, requiring campers to bring their own supplies or utilize facilities at nearby Lake James State Park. Established campgrounds near Linville Falls provide better amenities but typically fill quickly during summer months and fall color season.

Best Camping Sites Near Linville, North Carolina (294)

    1. Spacious Skies Bear Den

    65 Reviews
    Spruce Pine, NC
    8 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."

    "The campground is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains...so beautiful! Quiet campground with hiking trails, small fishing lake, playgrounds, an arcade room, and camp store."

    2. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping

    22 Reviews
    Linville, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "This was our first stop on our first trip to North Carolina and now we don’t want to leave!"

    "Headed up the road from Lake James to find this stunning view down into the gorge from our site. Technically, the GPS coordinates for this site will take you a little further up the road."

    3. Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    28 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    12 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."

    "Easy access to the trails around and over Linville Gorge. You can easily spend 2 days exploring trails along both sides of Linville Gorge and staring at the Falls."

    4. Steele Creek Park & Campground

    12 Reviews
    Collettsville, NC
    8 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."

    5. Table Rock Campsites (Linville Gorge Wilderness)

    10 Reviews
    Jonas Ridge, NC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    "It has free tent campsites and it is right next to Linville Gorge. This allows plenty of adventurous trails ranging in difficulty."

    "We’ve primitive camped in the Linville Gorge Wilderness for many years and absolutely love it. It’s peaceful and secluded and the views are absolutely gorgeous."

    6. Spacious Skies Hidden Creek

    15 Reviews
    Marion, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-7208

    $28 - $181 / night

    "Hidden Creek not only has a nice creek running through the campground within 20 feet of my site, but also the  nature trail is off the beaten path from the very active campground along a small river."

    "Gem mines, waterfalls, brewery and shopping in nearby Asheville. There is plenty to do year round, make sure to buy a family pass for games etc. they really cater to family oriented fun."

    7. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he

    13 Reviews
    Linville Falls, NC
    11 miles
    Website

    "We often camp in and around the Linville Gorge area, mostly in the primitive campsites down in the Gorge on Linville River. We stayed before Hurricane Helene but haven't been back since then."

    "Take 221 to linville falls, right on 183, and right onto kistler memorial highway. It’s a dirt road but no issues with my Subaru Forester. I camped here in December 2020 and didn’t see anyone else."

    8. Black Mountain Campground - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    29 Reviews
    Montreat, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 675-5616

    $28 - $56 / night

    "They'll deliver firewood ($5) to your site by golf cart, they even will collect your site fees as they drive around."

    "This is a wonderful spot to be to explore the surrounding areas:

    • The famous Mount Mitchell trail, starts a short walking distance from the campground."

    9. Curtis Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Old Fort, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 652-2144

    $10 / night

    "I would not recommend this for someone unfamiliar with driving a rig but once we got there it was amazing."

    "Was able to get two sites right next to each other outside the main campsite area which was great."

    10. Black Bear Campground

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

    $21 - $36 / night

    "This is a brand new tent and cabin campground built by Duke Energy and run by McDowell county on Lake James."

    "Host was great, camp site are far enough away from each other some are close enough for couple families together, bathrooms are clean and private beautiful area must try, only wish they had a first come"

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Recent Reviews near Linville, NC

1307 Reviews of 294 Linville Campgrounds


  • L
    Oct. 18, 2025

    John H. Moss Lake Campground

    One of the best!

    This is a small, well kept, inexpensive campground on the bank of Moss Lake. The admins are great and give personal attention when needed but don’t bother you.

  • Tyler I.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Orchard Lake Campground

    Always Welcoming

    Owners are great and very helpful, sites are always clean and welcoming!

  • Megan W.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Wash Creek Dispersed Campsites #4 and #5

    Great place

    We enjoyed the night/day with our kids! Sites are kind of small but absolutely beautiful surroundings. Zero signal, but can drive to the top of the road and you should get a bar to make a call.

  • Ethan H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Great Primitive Campsite

    Most campsites have good privacy and is quiet most hours. All have easy access, but bathrooms are small for number of campers. Some campsites are a little confusing about site areas as it seems they overlap into each other some. The view of the lake is one of the best parts. More campgrounds should separate rv and primitive like they do.

  • C
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Steele Creek Park & Campground

    Extra fees

    Sooo...went to book online. Selected my site and started the payment process. I was greeted by a pop-up stating that if I want to lock in my site, I'd have to pay an additional $20 fee.

    Okay, let me get this straight: I reserve a specific site for specific reasons, then the campground tells me they have the right to move me to a site of their choosing unless I pay them an additional $20?

    No thanks. Just lost my business. I'm sure it's a nice place, but really?

  • 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.

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Starlight Hills Campground

    Mudpit

    If it’s going to rain while you’re here, I suggest finding another campground. I don’t mind dealing dirt while I camp but at this point, it’s a mud pit and all of my gear is covered in mud. My gear cleanup is going to take 10x longer than it usually does! And be sure to treat your tent with permethrin or be prepared to have daddy long legs take over. I’ve been camping all my life and I’ve dealt with a few of them in between the roof of my tent and the rain fly….no big deal. But on my first night, there was at least 50 in there! I couldn’t leave my tent without having them crawl all over me and trying to get into the tent. It was like fighting a losing battle because there were so many and they just swarm you. Couldn’t even sit my feet still by the fire without having them crawl over my feet or up my chair. I know we’re just in the woods but it’s definitely not worth the money per night. All of the other campgrounds that I’ve payed this much for are on pea gravel with nice drainage or on grass….with nice amenities…or at least actual bathrooms, not porta potties. The camp host never came by my site like the messages that I received stated. Granted, he said to call if I needed anything and that they’re on property, but I never met anyone and when I would call, I got “hello” that’s it. Not “hello, this is ___” or “starlight hills campground, how can I help you”. Very impersonal. Will not be back.


Guide to Linville

Camping near Linville, North Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the hiking opportunities at Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway. One reviewer mentioned, "Spent a weekend car camping at Julian Price which served as a great Basecamp for exploring the Blue Ridge and surrounding area."
  • Fishing: The Swannanoa River is a great spot for fishing. A visitor at Asheville East KOA noted, "There is a pool, playground, gaga ball pit, golf car rentals, fishing and splashing in the Swannanoa River."
  • Exploring Local Attractions: Campers can easily visit nearby towns like Black Mountain and Asheville. One reviewer said, "It’s a good location to explore downtown Asheville (20-25 minutes), Black Mountain (5 minutes) and Montreat (10 minutes)."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA noted, "The main issue with this campground is how close the sites are... literally no privacy."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Mount Mitchell State Park Campground pointed out, "The bathhouse is very clean but had no showers or hot water."
  • Noise from Trains: Some campgrounds are near train tracks. A camper at Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins mentioned, "Trains come through near the park at all hours of the day and night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. A reviewer at Asheville East KOA said, "On weekends they have themes and activities that include crafts and movies."
  • Space for Play: Choose campgrounds with open areas for kids to play. A visitor at Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins noted, "Kids loved the playground and there were a lot of other kids to make friends with."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway mentioned, "There are several ways to hike in, as many of the South Mountains SP trails intersect."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Bear Den Family Campground and Cabins warned, "We could barely open our awnings without touching the RV in the space next to us."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Turns: Some roads can be tricky for larger rigs. A camper at Black Mountain Campground advised, "The road into the facility... turns into a gravel road for the last mile or so with a few small potholes."
  • Plan for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Black Mountain Campground noted, "No cell service whatsoever even with a booster."

Camping near Linville, North Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Linville Gorge in North Carolina?

Linville Gorge offers several excellent camping options. Linville Gorge Wilderness Dispersed Camping--Western Section, NC 128 he provides primitive sites along the Linville Gorge Trail and by the river, though permits may be required. Old NC 105 - Dispersed Camping features numerous free boondocking spots with breathtaking mountain views. For those seeking more amenities, nearby options include Buck Hill Campground and Linville Falls Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The area provides a mix of established campgrounds with facilities and rugged wilderness camping depending on your preference.

What amenities are available at Linville River Campground?

Linville River camping areas primarily offer primitive experiences with minimal amenities. At Linville Falls Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll find basic facilities including potable water, flush toilets, and fire rings. For those seeking riverside camping with more comfort, Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina provides clean showers, bathrooms, spacious sites with good privacy, and access to numerous hiking trails. Most dispersed camping options along the Linville River are primitive with no facilities, requiring campers to pack in water and practice Leave No Trace principles. Cell service is limited throughout the gorge area.

When is the best time of year to camp in Linville, NC?

Spring through fall offers the best camping in Linville, with late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) being ideal for moderate temperatures and smaller crowds. Julian Price Park Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway is particularly enjoyable in spring and fall when it's less crowded. Summer provides warm days perfect for exploring waterfalls and swimming holes, though popular campgrounds like Spacious Skies Bear Den fill quickly. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to potential snow and closures along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Always check weather forecasts and campground seasonal operations before planning your trip.