15 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The Pisgah National Forest offers several tent camping options around Little Switzerland, North Carolina, with a mix of established and dispersed sites scattered throughout the surrounding mountains. Black Bear Campground provides dedicated tent pads with amenities like showers and drinking water, while Steele Creek offers primitive tent camping along creekside sites without facilities. The Maple Camp Bald area provides a backcountry experience for those willing to hike in approximately 6 miles from Carolina Hemlocks Campground.
Tent sites at established campgrounds typically feature level dirt or gravel pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Walk-in tent sites at Lake James State Park require campers to park and carry gear short distances to more secluded spots. Most primitive tent sites in Pisgah National Forest lack amenities beyond basic fire rings. A camper noted, "This is my favorite spot in the Pisgah National Forest. There are plenty of sites to pick from all along the creek, all of which appear to be well maintained, each with a fire ring." Dispersed camping areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with 14-day stay limits, while established campgrounds like Black Bear and Paddy's Creek require reservations.
Many tent camping areas provide creek access for swimming and cooling off during summer months. The walk-in tent sites at Catawba River campground form a circular path leading down to the water, creating private, shaded spots ideal for hammocks. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, the Steele Creek area offers peaceful camping with swimming holes and small waterfalls, though mosquitoes can be abundant in warmer months. Most primitive tent setups in this region benefit from the natural forest canopy providing afternoon shade. Late arrivals may struggle to find available sites, especially at no-reservation areas like Steele Creek, where one camper mentioned, "I got here late, around 5 pm on Saturday, so I had difficulty finding a spot." Morning temperatures in higher elevation tent sites can be significantly cooler than in the valleys, requiring appropriate sleeping gear even in summer.
"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."
from $21 - $36 / night
"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."
"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."
"Just a beautiful place camped for a weekend with my son and we couldn't have been more happy with the set up. Thanks Michelle!"
"I have a few cabins, one glamping tent, and a self-brought tent camping area."
from $25 - $30 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $125 / night
"I needed some lake time and it didn't disappoint! The campground is a 2-minute drive (6-minute bike ride) down to the beach and there is a huge swimming area there."
"We visited the Paddy Creek campground at Lake James last year. The campsite was impeccably maintained with the cleanest bath/shower house I have ever experienced camping."
from $27 / night
"I have stayed at all the free campsites around and left my review for each. This is by far the quietest, nicest, cleanest , site yet !"
"There’s a nice big spot at the end of the trail where you could rooftop tent/car camp, but the actual site is about 100’ away."
"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."
"Had some friends stay next to us in a class b. A small trailer would fit, nothing big. No W/E/S but great place. Come early to reserve. You must set up camp immediately. No reservations."
from $20 - $30 / night
"We stayed at the Catawba River campground which you can park and walk-in to your campsite. The sites were all so unique and cozy in a little circle path that takes you down by the water."
from $27 / night
Available this weekend
from $30 / night
TravelerThis location can’t be beat. Nestled between Asheville and Brevard, close to Pisgah NF and Sierra Nevada brewing! We loved the access to fishing here, even though we didn’t catch anything. The streams were pristine, the campground very well kept and the hosts were kind. And our dog obviously loved it!
LegendThis is almost a perfect park. Sites are a little tight, pond is nice, but geese were on another level. So loud at 3-5am it woke us up and kept us up. Our neighbors were also inconsiderately loud at 4-6am. We thought they were pulling out the first time and gave a pass, but it was 4 straight days. This was only place at the time time that had sites. Definitely pretty more scenic parks. We book 2 days out. Staff is super friendly and price wasn’t bad last minute.
ScoutLet me first start by saying that this campground is absolutely beautiful. I have lived in this area my entire life and the Doe is one of my favorites. I am a avid camper and have camped all over this area. I decided to give this place a try, I own a small pop-up camper and knew it was going to get cold 10/20/2026-10/22/2026, so me and my sister rented the RV at Doe River. #1 check in is not until 3pm, I always order a load of wood from a local guy who delivers to camp sites, I do all my cooking in a Dutch oven over the fire or burgers and dogs in the fire, what is a camping trip without a nice warm fire. The owner came over to my campsite and asked if I had ordered this wood and I replied yes, she then asked what I was going to do with it all, I replied I am going to burn it. So, I told Carl (the wood guy) where to stack it, the owner then said that I need to leave it in my truck bc if I didn't use it all I would have to put it back on my truck and take it home with me, I said really? It's just a unspoken rule that if you don't use all your wood that you pay it forward and leave it for the next camper?? She said absolutely not, So we moved the wood from his truck and into mine. She then asked again why I needed so much wood and that most ppl just buy small bundles from her. And just like that I understood! Carl the wood man and his wife also made a comment about how rude she was about the wood. It does not end there, Not only does she have camaras on some of the out blds which I get, but I don't get why they are pointing directly at camp sites, We felt like we were in a fish bowl the entire time. Every single time we went to the bathroom she showed up abt 5 mins later, There is a camara right above the bathroom door, One on the pavilion, and one on each side of the bathhouse, at the entrances and who know where else. So much for privacy in the great outdoors. I didn't even feel comfortable hiking, we felt like we were being watched constantly. She was constantly there, walking her dog which was not friendly and so big she could hardly control him on the leash which was really scary, she also was driving through several times throughout the day. Then came the kicker, about 1 o'clock in the morning we were freezing, I had turned the heat on in the camper before going to bed and heard it come on, Well the propane ran out between 11pm and 1am, I called her at least 10 times we had every blanket and was still freezing, We decided we would go to the bath house bc it had a mini split hanging on the wall, Out of luck there, it was set on air conditioning with no way to change it, so we found a blow dryer trying to get warm, still the entire time trying to call the owners, We finally ended up in our car until the husband arrived. He acted so annoyed at us and said all u have to do is fip the switch on the propane tanks outside! We had never stayed in a travel trailer before and according to them all we had to do was show up and start glamping!! So, I was supposed to know to go outside at 1 am and switch over propane tanks?? No, It should have been FULL when I got there!!! With attitude he said,"Its Basic Camping" No sir it's not, what I do is basic camping, I was told on the phone that I was glamping, She, the owner also said we should have called 911 when we could not get hold of them so that Carter County police officers could come and wake them up!!! Not sure if that is putting our tax dollars to good use?? Like I said it is truly a beautiful place and has great potential, we left that second night at 11pm because again the heat was not working, we have not asked for any refund we just took the loss. it would be to much of a hassle. We just know better next time. With owners like that they can keep it. Windy Wells/Debra Price
TravelerThis place is a nice campground, quiet and the guests (during our stay) respect others by keeping the noise down. The spaces are set up to maximize privacy between sites. There is no cell phone service (to do this report we are in a picnic area by a small lake and I can get cell as well as internet on my travelfi device) sos is the only access. I normally listen to audio books but not while here. On my computer I could see three others with low signals; they might have had a better device/provider. The spots tend to the small back in typically found in campsites built before RVs got really big, type. There is another camping area I haven’t been to yet and I did see a large over lander (looks indestructible and tall/long) towable head that way and the campground attendant didn’t predict any problems so perhaps there are larger spots elsewhere. This place has single person shower rooms and nice flush toilets. The whole place is set in woodland so it isn’t like a commercial RV place that was more concerned with volume over aesthetics. This is a lovely spot with ample amenities (my space had no hookups) for our type of camping (toilets, trash, quiet neighbors, semi private spaces) just zero phone or internet.
ScoutLovely spot on the river. Freeway was loud but not too bad.
ScoutMy husband and I arrived at Doe River Landing for 3 nights and enjoyed everything the resort offered. While there we read the 2 reviews posted by Kylie T, and by Andrew W, who gave the resort a 1 star rating. Not knowing the facts that caused the rating by them, and occurred prior to us, we approach the owner and asked.
The owner showed us videos from their security cameras. These adults has stated in Kylie T review and confirm by Andrew W review that they were a group of 20 adults and "every single one of us is over 21 and family". So why are these adults playing "hide and seek" under the pavilion as they stated? Andrew W stated, "It was not blocked off", yet they had to crawl on the ground and around bushes to get under the pavilion. When the owner yelled at them approximately 10 adults that were under the pavilion crawled out which was captured on the security cameras. Andrew W stated in his review the owner called them hooligans, which is rowdy, destructive persons and from the security cameras, that description is correct. There was no mention of damages in their reviews such as the Adirondack chair they broke or possible damage to the water pipes and electric wires under the pavilion, which the owner was currently checking.
Once we read these two reviews by Kylie T and Andrew W and saw the owners security videos, we felt future customers deserved to know another opinion based on our findings.
These entitled adults justified their review of a 1 star by stating they paid money to use the campground.
I would ask these adults "why do you think it is OK to treat someone else's property in this destructive way?"
GuideSeems to be a well established campground in an off the beaten path location. Roads alternately paved and gravel. The campsite is gravel in a wooded setting. Fair amount of space between sites. The bathhouse is clean but dated.
ScoutWe brought our whole family out and rented almost every cabin on the property, plus the event center, for the weekend— we gave this place a lot of business. And honestly, the stay itself was great— nice place, no complaints about the cabins. The owner is the problem. He came flying in in his blue F-150 doing 20–30 mph where the posted speed limit is 5, and started screaming at us over something that could've been handled with a simple conversation. His exact words:"Where are your parents? This is a family establishment. I will not have hooligans running around here." Every single one of us is over 21 and family. All we were doing was playing hide and seek— which isn't against any of the property's rules— and there were no other guests to disturb, since we had the entire area rented. He still threatened to call the police, even though it wasn't even quiet hours. Before anyone could get a word in, he peeled out so fast the gravel sprayed up at us and our cars. Then on his way out he drove the wrong way down the property's one-way road, so apparently the rules only apply to guests. It's sad, because the property itself is great, and we were never anything but nice to the owners the whole weekend. To be treated in such an unprofessional manner— screamed at, threatened, and never given so much as an apology afterward— put a real dent in the weekend. We won't be back
ScoutOur group of about 20 rented nearly every cabin at Doe River Landing for my friend's wedding weekend, with the reception held on site. The cabins were nice and well-equipped, and the only other guests were in a cabin half a mile away through the woods. Unfortunately, the hosts ruined the stay. One night, some of us were playing hide and seek in an area that wasn't blocked off or against any rule. The host's husband came speeding in at roughly 30 mph(the posted limit is 5), jumped out of his truck screaming that he"will not have child hooligans running around the campground," told us to"go back to the motel we crawled out of," and demanded to see our parents— despite all of us being adults in our twenties. He then peeled out so aggressively he sprayed gravel at us and our cars. It wasn't even quiet hours, and we weren't disturbing anyone. Afterward, the host called us again, passive-aggressive, and questioned our ages— even though you have to be 21 just to rent a cabin there. The property is lovely, but the hosts' behavior put a real damper on what should have been a joyful wedding celebration. It's a shame they treat people paying good money this way. We won't be back.
Tent campsites near Little Switzerland, North Carolina scatter across elevations ranging from 1,200 to over 3,500 feet in the Pisgah National Forest region. Summer temperatures in these campgrounds typically average 15-20°F cooler than surrounding lowland areas, with overnight temperatures sometimes dropping into the 40s even in July. Many sites require driving on unpaved forest service roads that can be challenging after rainfall.
Waterfall exploration: The Mortimer Campground area serves as an excellent base for accessing nearby waterfalls. "There are trails and even a waterfall within half a mile from camp," notes Karen B. from Mortimer Campground. Another camper mentioned, "A 1/2 mile round trip hike to a waterfall on the property!"
Mountain hiking: For serious hikers, Maple Camp Bald provides access to challenging trails. "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," shares Francis C. about Maple Camp Bald. The area offers exceptional sunrise viewing opportunities when weather permits.
Creek swimming: Wilson Creek area near Mortimer provides natural swimming spots. "There is a spot nearby where a lot of people like to float on tubes kind of like a lazy river type thing," explains Tony E. Many campsites in the region feature direct creek access, though water temperatures remain cold even in summer months.
Natural privacy: The walk-in tent sites at Catawba River campground create secluded camping experiences. "The sites were all so unique and cozy in a little circle path that takes you down by the water. So many nice little places to hang a hammock and relax," shares Todd S. from Catawba River. This layout provides separation between campsites that drive-in locations often lack.
Group facilities: For larger gatherings, Briar Bottom Group Campground offers specialized amenities. "Each campsite has a huge covered shelter with a number of picnic tables underneath, which is super nice in the rain. Each site has a fire ring and two grills," reports Katy S. from Briar Bottom Group Campground. The campground features six group sites with nearby river access.
Clean facilities: Black Bear Campground, one of the newer facilities in the region, maintains exceptionally clean amenities. "The restrooms are in immaculate condition," notes Raul G. Another camper mentioned, "This is a brand new campground. Either they keep the sites extremely clean after each guest, or we were the first to stay at our site."
Limited cell service: Most camping areas around Little Switzerland have no cellular connectivity. At Briar Bottom, "The campground doesn't have any cell reception! The closest place where you can connect to the internet is the golf course, or the general store on HW80," explains Katy S.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes quickly, particularly at higher elevations. One camper at Steele Creek reported, "I did get eaten alive by mosquitos and I found a tick on my chair so be on the lookout." Pack insect repellent, rain gear, and warm layers even for summer camping.
Site availability challenges: Many dispersed camping areas fill quickly during peak season. "I got here late, around 5 pm on Saturday, so I had difficulty finding a spot," notes Brenna M. about Steele Creek. Arrive by early afternoon on weekdays for best site selection at non-reservation campgrounds.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper food storage. At Briar Bottom, one camper advised, "Make sure to lock up all your food the black bears will come take it if not." Bear-resistant containers or vehicle storage is essential for all food items and scented products.
Campground selection: For families with younger children, established campgrounds with facilities provide easier camping experiences. "Black Bear Campground is perfect for someone new to camping as the utilities are very clean and you don't feel extremely isolated," shares Brandon G. The campground offers dedicated tent pads and clean shower facilities.
Environmental stewardship: Teaching children to protect these natural areas ensures their preservation. One camper at Pisgah National Forest urged, "Please please please pick up after yourselves!!!!!! No trash left behind!!!" Bring trash bags and pack out everything you bring in.
Site dimensions: Most campgrounds in this region have limited space for larger RVs. "A small trailer would fit, nothing big. No W/E/S but great place," notes Cody B. about Mortimer Campground. Measure your unit before booking, as many sites cannot accommodate RVs longer than 20 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Little Switzerland, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Little Switzerland, NC is Black Bear Campground with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Little Switzerland, NC?
TheDyrt.com has all 78 tent camping locations near Little Switzerland, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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