Cades Cove Campground

Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA

Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

Enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, motorized boating, kayaking or camping at Tsali Recreation Area, all located within steps of Fontana Lake. Follow the Trail. The Tsali (pronounced “SAH-lee”) Recreation Area’s four-loop trail system has become a popular destination for mountain bikers and horseback riders. It is best known as a challenging mountain bike course. The Right Loop , rated moderately difficult, offers 13.9 miles of single track, with shorter 4- and 8-mile loops possible. The Left Loop , rated moderately difficult, is 11.9 miles of single track with views toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake. The Mouse Branch Trail , rated moderately difficult, is 8.7 miles of single track and includes old logging roads. The Thompson Loop , rated moderately difficult, is 7.3 miles of single track. Hikers may travel the trails on any day, but mountain bikers and equestrians–the primary users–are kept separated by alternating days on the trails. Be sure to follow the trail schedule: Jan./Feb./March/April/June/Sept./Nov./Dec. Right Loop and Left Loop: Horses – Tuesday , Thursday, & Saturday Mountain Bikes –Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop: Horses – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday Mountain Bikes – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday May/July/August/October Right Loop and Left Loop: Horses – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday Mountain Bikes – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop: Horses – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday Mountain Bikes – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday There is a per-person day use fee for trail use. Fees can be paid at either the Tsali Bike or Horse Trailheads. Sleep under the Stars. Open early April through October, Tsali Campground offers 42 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Many sites accommodate small RVs, but no hookups are available. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are available. Campers pay fees at the campground fee station. Get in the Water. Fontana Lake offers flatwater paddling and motor boating. One boat launch is located at Tsali, while another is located nearby on FR 2553 at Lemmons Branch. Ample parking is available at either launch. Fishing is permitted year-round, and anglers will find some of the best fishing for walleye in the state. Anglers can also catch black bass, crappie, catfish and white bass. Check out the brochure.

Tsali Campground

16 tents-only sites on the banks of Deep Creek.
10 creekside sites with power and full hookups
16 RV sites with power and full hook-ups
3 sheltered sites with water and electricity
10 big rig sites including 3 pull-through sites with full hook-ups and cable

A cascading whitewater stream flowing out of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rippling trout runs, sparkling waterfalls, natural swimming holes, mountain trails lined with wildflowers and a mile of the best whitewater tubing in the Smokies. That's Deep Creek, a family vacation paradise in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina.

Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground

Whether traveling with an RV or tent, Standing Indian Campground is a prime place to stop for a night or spend several days in the picturesque Nantahala National Forest. The campground's many amenities provide a comfortable home base for exploring this fun and historic section of the forest. Standing Indian is located within a 20-minute drive of Franklin, North Carolina. Recreation The Standing Indian Basin is a premier hiking destination. The campground provides access to numerous trails, including the world-famous Appalachian Trail, which journeys from Georgia to Maine. Visitors who wish to get their feet wet can experience the Nantahala River, well-known for whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing (fishing license required). Big and small game hunting is available in the surrounding area. Facilities The campground has four loops with sites available first-come, first-served or by reservation. Sites are equipped with campfire rings, grills, lantern posts and picnic tables, and are in close proximity to drinking water, flush toilets and showers. A dump station is nearby. The campground also has a group camping area, Kimsey Creek. Natural Features The campground is surrounded by 5,000' peaks and crossed by several natural streams. It sits at an elevation of 3,880 feet at the headwaters of the scenic Nantahala River, amidst lush forests of evergreen trees and rhododendrons. Charges & Cancellations There is not a premium type site available but there is some nonelectric double site that is $40.00 per night. ADA Access: N

Standing Indian Campground

Welcome to the Nantahala National Forest! The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. The largest of North Carolina's four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. The Forest is divided into three Districts, Cheoah in Robbinsville, NC, Tusquitee in Murphy, NC, and the Nantahala in Franklin, NC. All district names come from the Cherokee language. "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noon day sun," a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday.The Nantahala National Forest was established in 1920 under authority of the 1911 Weeks Act. This act provided authority to acquire lands for national forests to protect watersheds, to provide timber, and to regulate the flow of navigable streams. In the Nantahala National Forest, visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities from whitewater rafting to camping. With over 600 miles of trails, opportunities exist for hikers, mountain bikers, horse-back riders and off-highway vehicle riders. Camping and Day-use Information Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Nantahala National Forest can be found here. Recreation Maps Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps Be Safe The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility. Waterfall Safety for the Summer.

Nantahala National Forest

Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making a great place for camping near Nashville. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Recreation The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkmont Campground. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall. Hiking and fishing are not the only reasons for visiting the Smokies: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park. Facilities Elkmont Campground has 200 tent / RV campsites with paved driveways, gravel tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. Although most sites will accommodate tents or RVs, extreme slope or length of driveway make certain sites more suitable for tents than RVs. Please check the descriptions and measurements of individual sites. In addition to these tent / RV sites, Elkmont has 20 walk-in sites for tents. Campers on these beautiful wooded sites will have a short walk from their parking area to their tent pad. Nine of Elkmont's campsites are wheelchair accessible ADA sites. These sites have wide concrete driveways, raised fire rings, and wheelchair accessible picnic tables. All of these sites are located near accessible restrooms. Three of the sites provide 5 amp electrical service for medical equipment. Restrooms at Elkmont Campground have flush toilets, cold running water, and utility sinks. Potable water is available at spigots near each restroom; use of hoses is not allowed. Elkmont Campground does NOT have electric, water, or sewer hook-ups. There is no RV dump/fill station at Elkmont campground. The nearest RV dump/fill station is located across from Sugarlands Visitor Center approximately 6 miles from Elkmont. Elkmont is strictly an overnight campground; there are no day-use facilities. The nearest picnic area is Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, west of Elkmont on Little River Road. Due to its central location and variety of amenities, Elkmont Campground tends to be heavily used during the summer vacation months and in October. Sites along Little River are in particularly high demand. Even when Elkmont is full, campsites are often available at Cosby Campground, located at the northeast corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Natural Features Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to the campground. Historic remnants of Little River Lumber Company's logging camp and old buildings from the Elkmont resort community offer campers a glimpse of life at Elkmont nearly a century ago. Nearby Attractions Gatlinburg, one of the Smokies' most famous tourist towns, is located about nine miles from Elkmont and offers organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more. ADA Access: N

Elkmont Campground

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Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy North Carolina. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. These scenic and easy to access North Carolina campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.

North Carolina

The Best Equestrian Camping in North Carolina

Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in Maple Springs is the way to go. Finding a place to camp in North Carolina with your horse is easier than ever. You're sure to find the perfect site for your North Carolina horse camping excursion.

Maple Springs

The Best Equestrian Camping Near Maple Springs, North Carolina

Situated in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this campsite offers an ideal setting to enjoy the outdoors. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, this is Americas most visited national park. Natural Features: Smokemont Campground is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges, with pristine mountain streams and rivers setting the backdrop for your camping adventure. Whether blanketed in spring wildflowers or vivid fall colors, the scenery at Smokemont never disappoints. At 2,200 feet, Smokemont provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Great Smoky Mountains National Park preserves a rich cultural history of Southern Appalachia. From the prehistoric Paleo Indians to the early European settlements in the 1800s, the park strives to protect its historic structures, landscapes and artifacts that tell the stories of the people who once called these mountains home. Recreation: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hikers paradise, offering over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from the picnic area. But hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. The nearby Bradley Fork River provides a great place to go for a dip or fish for trout. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, its not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park. Facilities: Smokemont Campground offers an unforgettable outdoor experience with the added convenience of flush toilets, drinking water and sinks. There are campsites for tents as well as RVs available, and tent pads, grills and fire rings are provided. There is also a flat, grassy area that is perfect for group activities like football, volleyball, or simply soaking up the sun. Nearby Attractions: The Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village and Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, located 6 miles away in Cherokee, North Carolina, provides cultural and historical information about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Cherokee also has fuel.

Smokemont Campground

Anthony Creek Horse Camp - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Bote Mountain Campsite 18

Dallas, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Dallas, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Dallas. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Dallas

The Best Camping Near Dallas, North Carolina

Though it doesn’t offer much within its city limits, the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina, and surrounding cities more than make up for it. With Lake Wylie and Mountain Island Lake outside of the city, travelers looking for waterfront camping and hiking won’t be disappointed.

The best camping near Charlotte is on Copperhead Island. This spot offers affordably-priced lakefront campsites, perfect for a relaxing weekend. If you’re willing to make a bit of a drive, head easy to the Uwharrie National Forest, on the other side of Badin Lake near Eldorado, NC. Badin Lake is another fantastic option for a camping weekend with several picturesque campgrounds. Whether in an RV or tent, you’ll love Badin Lake!

Charlotte

Charlotte is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Charlotte is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Charlotte, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

The Best Camping Near Charlotte, North Carolina

Looking for the best campgrounds near Raleigh, NC? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Raleigh. Find the best campgrounds near Raleigh, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Raleigh

The Best Campgrounds Near Raleigh, NC | NC Camping

Looking for the best campgrounds near Greensboro, NC? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Greensboro camping trip.

Greensboro

The Best Campgrounds Near Greensboro, NC | NC Camping

Greensboro is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Greensboro is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Greensboro camping trip.

The Best Camping Near Greensboro, North Carolina

Join the fun near Winston-Salem. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Winston-Salem camping trip.

Winston-Salem

The Best Campgrounds Near Winston Salem, NC | NC Camping

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Durham. Durham is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Durham and user-submitted reviews.

Durham

The Best Camping Near Durham, North Carolina

Join the fun near Fayetteville. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that North Carolina camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your North Carolina camping adventure.

Fayetteville

The Best Camping Near Fayetteville, North Carolina

Wilmington is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Wilmington campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Wilmington, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Wilmington

The Best Camping Near Wilmington, North Carolina

High Point is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. High Point is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near High Point, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

High Point

The Best Camping Near High Point, North Carolina

Looking for the best campgrounds near Uwharrie National Forest, NC? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Uwharrie National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Uwharrie National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Uwharrie National Forest

The Best Camping Near Uwharrie National Forest, North Carolina

North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws millions of visitors annually for its unbridled beauty and free admission. Expect long entrance lines but know that your experience will make it all worthwhile.

Great Smoky offers 10 front-country camping locations for tents and RVs. For those looking for a longer trek, the park has a host of backcountry campgrounds at just $4 per night. Ideally, you camp in the park. However, as this is the most visited national park, you may have to make other plans. If you can’t stay in the park, the best camping near the Great Smoky Mountains is usually found in the nearby national forests. If you’re looking for something with more amenities, the eclectic city of Asheville, NC is where you’ll want to be.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your North Carolina camping adventure.

The Best Camping Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Croatan National Forest, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Croatan National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Croatan National Forest camping trip.

Croatan National Forest

The Best Camping Near Croatan National Forest, North Carolina

Appalachian National Forest, NC is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Appalachian National Forest. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Appalachian National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Appalachian National Forest

The Best Camping Near Appalachian National Forest, North Carolina

Searching for the best camping near Pisgah National Forest, NC? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Pisgah National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Pisgah National Forest

The Best Camping Near Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

Join the fun near Cape Hatteras National Seashore. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The Best Camping Near Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina

Looking for the best campgrounds near Tusquitee National Forest, NC? Tusquitee National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Tusquitee National Forest, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Tusquitee National Forest

The Best Camping Near Tusquitee National Forest, North Carolina

Looking for the best campgrounds near Nantahala National Forest, NC? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Nantahala National Forest. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

The Best Camping Near Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, National Forests in North Carolina, NC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—National Forests in North Carolina is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near National Forests in North Carolina. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

National Forests in North Carolina

The Best Camping Near National Forests in North Carolina, North Carolina

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir, NC has a lot to offer. W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

The Best Camping in Maple Springs, North Carolina

Top Maple Springs Campgrounds

Tsali Campground

Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground

Standing Indian Campground

Nantahala National Forest

Smokemont Campground

Elkmont Campground

Cades Cove Campground

Anthony Creek Horse Camp - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA

Bote Mountain Campsite 18

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Browse Maple Springs Drive-In

Tsali Campground

Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground

Standing Indian Campground

Browse Maple Springs Boat-In

Cades Cove Campground

Cherokee-Great Smokies KOA

Townsend-Great Smokies KOA

Browse Maple Springs Walk-In

Nantahala National Forest

Elkmont Campground

Cades Cove Campground

Browse Maple Springs Hike-In

Nantahala National Forest

Elkmont Campground

Cades Cove Campground

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