Best Tent Camping near Marble, NC

The Nantahala National Forest surrounding Marble, North Carolina features several primitive tent camping areas with varying levels of solitude and amenities. Snowbird Camping offers 11 drive-in and walk-in tent sites where fires are permitted and picnic tables are provided, while Mountain Creek Rest provides a more basic tent camping experience with toilets but no drinking water. The Chattooga River area also features several backcountry tent camping options within driving distance.

Most tent sites feature fire rings and some form of toilet facilities, though drinking water is rarely available at primitive locations. A recent review noted, "There are only about 10-15 sites that you can actually drive up to but I'm sure there's more if you hike in." Campers should bring adequate water supplies or reliable filtration systems, as most backcountry areas require self-sufficiency. Many tent campgrounds have bear activity, so proper food storage is essential - some areas provide bear boxes while others require food to be hung at least 14 feet off the ground. The terrain varies from level dirt pads to slightly sloped gravel surfaces, with some sites situated near streams or creeks.

Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for day hikes or longer backpacking trips along the numerous trails in the region. The Appalachian Trail access points provide excellent opportunities for extended wilderness experiences. Sites along creeks offer natural soundscapes and cooling effects during warmer months. A visitor commented that their campsite was "right next to Dodd Creek so we had the peaceful sounds of running water to put us to sleep at night." Primitive tent camping areas near Marble tend to be less crowded than developed campgrounds, especially during weekdays or off-peak seasons. Backcountry tent sites typically offer greater privacy and a more authentic wilderness experience than designated campgrounds, though they require more preparation and self-reliance.

Best Tent Sites Near Marble, North Carolina (123)

    1. Snowbird Camping

    4 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 207-6023

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Wonderful dispersed camping site, up a winding mountain road."

    "We go camping here all the time it’s nice and secluded, gorgeous creek with a bunch of trout. a lot of campsites are really close to the creek for easy fishing"

    2. Simple Life Mountain Retreat & Campground

    5 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 788-1099

    $18 - $32 / night

    "The cabin was spotless and comfortable  The picnic table, fire pit and park style grill were all well maintained. Owners were friendly and responsive."

    "It’s a small place with limited space, but everyone has enough room. I’d call ahead at least a few days. They seem to stay busy."

    3. Mountain Creek Rest

    2 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    8 miles
    +1 (207) 712-0719

    $35 / night

    "So, while I believe whole heartedly in the title, I must also disclose that I am the owner of Mountain Creek Rest, and that I rented my own tent site to be sure that The Dyrt's rental platform would perform"

    "After arriving and getting set up, the owner Brian stopped by as he was passing the site to say hello and make sure we had everything we needed."

    4. Bristol Fields Horse Camp

    1 Review
    Hayesville, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 837-5152

    "I visited Bristol Fields for a planned primitive camping event with a group."

    5. Shuckstack fire tower

    1 Review
    Hayesville, NC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 436-1231

    "To reach the Shuckstack Fire Tower you will follow the Appalachian Trail as it heads north into the Great Smoky Mountains. The tower is about 3.5 miles from the trailhead."

    6. Cheoah Bald Campground

    4 Reviews
    Bear Creek, NC
    17 miles
    Website

    "This is a campsite at the peak of Cheoah bald along the AT and a short way off of the Bartram trail. We came up on this peak while hiking the Bartram a year and a half ago."

    7. Backside Campground at Nantahala

    2 Reviews
    Nantahala National Forest, NC
    13 miles
    +1 (478) 955-1649

    $25 - $75 / night

    "The owners have leveled out 6 amazing sites - perfect for tent camping and hanging a hammock.  The one mile gravel/dirt road is so picturesque!  We found ourselves just hiking it each morning. "

    8. Santeetlah Lake Primitive

    1 Review
    Robbinsville, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "I have camped at several different dispersed locations around lake Santeetlah. Superb views of the clear lake water. Some sites are high above the lake so hard for direct water access."

    9. Rattler Ford Campground

    1 Review
    Robbinsville, NC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 479-6431

    $75 / night

    "There are sites that are mostly shaded by trees or you can choose to be out on the lawn."

    10. Bartram Trail Backcountry

    2 Reviews
    Bear Creek, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (334) 727-2652

    "About a year and half ago my wife and I backpacked a 50 mile section of the Bartram trail over 4 days and on the last night of the trip I proposed to her on top of a mountain."

    "Addendum for spring is that it can get overgrown so be prepared to watch closely for the trail markers."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Marble, NC

2264 Reviews of 123 Marble Campgrounds


  • Michael G.
    Mar. 8, 2021

    Gateway to the Smokies

    Small Family Owned Campground with two very large and private campsites.

    Gateway to the Smokies is a small family owned and operated campground with two very large and private campsites on over an acre of land. It is located right off of US Highway 441 just 7 miles to the North Carolina Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is a Dollar General located right across the highway which was very convenient for refilling coolers with ice. They also sold propane, charcoal for the grill, drinks, snacks and any thing you'd need for camping! Site 1 sits along the creek and is a walk-in Tents Only campsite with a 16' tent pad. Site 2 is up the hill on a nice grassy area large enough to turn around a 1/2 ton size pickup truck and 20' travel trailer without having to back up. Both sites have a fire pit, park style grill, and a picnic table. There is also a shared portable toilet located near the site 1 parking area. There is no potable water and no hookups but I'm sure you could boil water from the creek. Generators are allowed with no restrictions unless there is other campers on property then quiet times are from 10pm- 7am. Verizon service worked fine w 3 bars of service. Great spot for exploring the NC side of the Smoky Mountains. Saved money using Dyrt Pro Discount compared to other apps the property is listed on.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2019

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Ranger Review: Wenzel Sun Valley Screen House at Elkmont Campground

    Campground Review

    On a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you quickly learn that you’ll enjoy your visit a lot more if you are located close to what you want to see and do. This means you may find it worth your while to move from one campground to another during your stay, as I did. My final night in the park found me setting up camp at Elkmont Campground, < 5 miles from the Sugarlands entrance, so I would have a shorter drive to view sunset and sunrise from overlooks along the beautiful Newfound Gap Rd. This is also the viewing area for the synchronous fireflies in late May/early June (dates vary; parking passes by lottery in April) if you don’t have a campsite reservation).

    Elkmont is open early March – October and reservations are required. If you arrive without a reservation, there is a phone line there that you can call to make them, or you can return to town where you have cell service and make reservations online. This early in the season (mid-April) the campground wasn’t full, some of the loops were closed. I was in site A14, beside a branch of the Little River with a large tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and paved, slightly sloped, parking pad. It was a compact site;  the location of the picnic table between the tent and fire ring made it a challenge to set up a screen house over the picnic table and maintain sufficient distance from the fire. I was pleased with my site and the privacy, though I liked the looks of A13 even better. It was somewhat larger and more secluded. Many of the sites, particularly those on the western side of A - F loops, are along the river. Most of the sites are shaded. A few of the B-loop sites are walk-in. It’s bear country, so your food and toiletries need to be locked in a vehicle or hard-side camping unit; there are some food storage lockers provided for the walk-in sites. There’s a small camp store with limited supplies and hours (open late afternoon); Cades Cove has a much larger one, though it tends more toward souvenirs.

    There’s cold running water, flush toilets, and a dishwashing station available, but no showers or hookups (a couple of accessible sites do have electricity for medical equipment). Bathrooms are basic, no frills, but clean; The one in the A loop didn’t even have an outlet or hand dryer. If you ask at the visitor’s center, they’ll provide you with a list of area campgrounds that allow you to take a shower for $3-7. The nearest dump station is a seasonal one at the Sugarlands Visitor Center (doesn’t open until late May); the one at Cades Cove is open year round. Buy firewood in the park or, better yet, pick up deadwood around the park.

    One of the more intriguing areas to explore at Elkmont is the Daisy Town ghost town. Once you’ve set up camp, walk or drive down the road toward the Little River and Jakes Creek trails (leaves the camp road to the left before the ranger station on your way into the campground). Follow the signs for additional parking and you’ll find yourself at the end of a road lined with assorted cottages and cabins that used to be vacation homes. Some are open for exploration, others are cordoned off, and some are undergoing renovation. Another nearby, popular highlight is the hike to Laurel Falls.

    Product Review

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I sometimes I get to test and evaluate products. This is a review of a Wenzel Sun Valley 12’ x 12’ Screen House As a camper with a teardrop, I’m always looking to maximize my outdoor living space in subpar conditions, so I was excited to try this out at Elkmont.

    I set this up alone the first time in 14 minutes without reading the instructions. The instructions are attached to the inside of the bag and recommend 2 people for set-up, but if you’ve pitched a dome tent in the past, you’ll find this inituitive. Continuous sleeves for 4 of the fiberglass poles and the “Fast Feet” made set- up easy. I did wish the sleeves for the cross-poles were continuous as well, but the gap allows for a hook to hold the ceiling up and it didn’t take much extra effort to slide the poles in. The hardest part was getting the 4th end of the cross poles for the roof into place. I couldn’t bend them enough to slide it in while on the ground, so waited until everything else was up…should have figured it out while it was at ground level rather than over my head! This part would definitely be easier if there were two people pitching it.

    The zippers on the two doors close tightly and easily without extreme tension, though it was definitely easier to open and close with 2 hands rather than one. There was no gap at the junction of the 3 zippers. Once you are inside, you have a crystal clear view of the outside! It’s quite tall, I couldn’t touch the ceiling in the middle with a raised hand. It doesn’t have a floor, just a wide border around the perimeter, so you can place it over a picnic table. The picnic table (about 6’) fit inside it easily with plenty of room to walk around and even add a chair in a corner. I had to be careful about making sure the bottom of the walls lay flat on the ground, otherwise there were gaps.

    It comes with 10 thin metal stakes for the feet and 4 plastic ones for the guy lines. A word of advice: USE THEM.  The first time I set this up, this experienced camper made a rookie mistake. The weather was nice, but it was getting dark, and I wanted to move it over the picnic table in the morning…so I didn’t stake it down. That night a wind storm blew through and blew it away! Found it at 4am in the next campsite,  astonished to discover it was still intact! No broken poles, just a slight abrasion on one sleeve and a tiny tear in one part of the screen that will be easily repaired. A couple of the poles slid out of the Fast Feet during its overnight adventure, allowing the screen house to collapse and preventing damage to the poles themselves (I’ve seen MANY other screen houses/canopies with bent and broken poles from wind). Truly impressed.

    Pitched it again the next afternoon with the wind still blowing and as you can see in my video, the screen house was like a kite until I staked it down. Once staked, it stood up well to the wind, though it did cause the bottom edge of the screen house to lift a bit. If bugs are out in that weather (there were wind advisories), they probably deserve a chance for some shelter, too.

    Taking it down, it easily fit back in the storage bag, with the zipper extending down one end to open the bag a bit more. Oh, and it weighs so much less than many of the canopies do, coming in around 20# and not requiring a wheeled case to lug it around. If you’re looking for a  screen house, this one has a lot going for it!

    Black fly season is coming and with the Wenzel Sun Valley Screen House packed, I’m ready! MY fuller video review is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ealCyAi02HA

  • T
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Cades Cove Campground

    Great campsite near Cades Cove loop

    We reserved our site online, this can be done a month in advance. We were impressed with the paved parking space, picnic table, fire pit and level tent pad. It looks like these are very new. Proximity to cades cove loop was great. The souvineer shop has great gifts and a good selection of snacks and some supplies. Prices are reasonable, better than we expected. Bathroom was not the best, not very clean. The dish washing sink behind the bathroom was handy. No showers, but this is true for any camp sites in the park. Ranger station nearby is helpful to get advice and current weather reports (no phone reception in the park). Bike rentals available near the gift/snack shop too, to bike the loop. Lots of trees on our site that we used to setup a tarp to stay dry.

  • Adam C.
    Aug. 1, 2023

    Turkey Creek Campground

    Cute off the beaten path, at a good price

    Smaller camp grounds, that best suited for smaller campers, or tent camping. The driveway coming into the campground is steep, so drive slow, and I would highly recommend showing up before dark, not an entrance I would want to make after dark. They have affordable firewood and ice on site, free coffee in the office, and Wi-Fi. Currently I’m using the Wi-Fi from my spot, since cellular service in this area isn’t reliable. Make sure you download a google map “offline mode” map of the area before coming, since service is limited for ATT and Verizon. If your doing tent camping, they made these elevated large squares out of crushed gravel to put your tent on, that are perfectly level, and with the gravel, should stay dry in event of rain. Some of the spots have “river” access, I would call it more of a small creek, but still nice. All the gravel roads seem to be in great condition. Washer and dryers are available, and showers and bathrooms are way better than average.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2018

    Mountain Crossings - Neel Gap m- AT Camp and Store

    Great location, but prepare to sleep on a slant...

    This location is kind of famous. You read about it in the AT books and the owner has actually written a book about all the hikers he's met that happen through his shop. Neels Gap is not only a place to throw down for some sleep (they have a campground and a hostel), but it's a total resupply stop. We stayed at Neels Gap Camp because it fit our mileage plans and it was convenient for the night and it was a great place to catch up with folks we met on the trail and meet some new ones.

    The hostel here is mainly for through hikers. They charge $20/night and that includes a shower and a bed. We stayed at the campground behind the building. There's nothing wrong with the campground, other than the fact that it's on such a slant (building camps on the sides of mountains and rocks does this...) that you are going to end up sleeping on top of your tent buddy if you don't aim your tent the right direction, and there are not many pads that allow the "right direction". You are truly best off in a hammock at this campground.

    There are plenty of hammock trees, and it's kind of cool that the AT goes right past the tent pads so in the morning, you can watch the hikers filter out and head north on their journey. Old faces and new faces greet you as you sip your coffee and eat your oatmeal.

    There is a fire ring, and since the fire ban ends on the other side of the highway (Neels sits on the highway), we were on the right side of the road to have a fire! A welcome addition to the chilly night air. There is a fire pit made of stone and everyone shares.

    There were not many good spots to hang bear bags that were away from the tents, but we found one that sufficed. They do not have a bear box (and claim that bears don't really come to this campground, but can you really tell them not to?). They do, however, have mice, and one little bugger ate into my pack and buried a peanut inside. So best to put your pack in your tent, if possible. They're cute, but not that cute.

    Portable pottys were located out front of the store, and there were about 5 that were fairly clean and maintained. There is a water faucet out front with drinkable water (yay!) that didn't need to be purified and picnic tables for cooking your food. A beautiful overlook while you ate was awesome too! There is a road/highway that passes by, so there is road noise, but not unbearable. Just kind of annoying if you are used to the sounds of the woods.

    The store has anything you could possibly need for re-supply, which makes it totally awesome! Gear (packs, sleeping bags, shoes, socks, etc), cooking supplies (food, stoves, fuel), books, water bottles, you name it! They also accept resupply boxes that you have mailed to yourself and a system to hand them out that seems to work really well.

    Overall, not a bad spot for camping. Everything you need in one spot.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Your Toccoa River Cove

    Beauty and Seclusion at Toccoa River Cove

    "Is there water to play in?" 

    This is a question my kids ask about almost every campground we go to. Before this trip I told them, "yes!" But once we got to the Toccoa River Cove, all of us realized that "yes" really meant, "this is a phenomenal wonderland we will never want to leave." 

    I want to say this is a "goldilocks" campground, but only because it has something for everyone, not because it falls into an average category. With 12 acres of woodland and the freedom to pitch a tent anywhere (provided you honor LNT principals about where to set up camp!), you can camp right next to the car, set up a camping hammock, or explore the forest and find a secluded area in the trees for a backpacking tent. There is a spring you can drink straight out of, and streams criss-crossing the entire area if you want the rugged feeling of purifying your own water. There's a large shelter stocked with a table, chairs, lanterns, and a two-burner camp stove for the glamping crowd, with plenty of floor space to throw down a sleeping bag for thru-hikers nostalgic for AT shelters. The campsite also has a huge fire ring (and a shelter with lots of cut wood), a picnic table, a bench, lots of bridges over the water, a few established trails, a privy that is obviously cleaned regularly, and most importantly, a total immersion in nature as only one group can book this site at a time. 

    Things to note for planning:

    -The driveway down to the shelter is very steep, and does not allow much space to turn around. RVs or larger trucks will not fit, and per the owner only one vehicle may park at the base of the driveway at a time--all others should park just past the gate once you first turn onto the driveway 

    -Water is available from two natural springs, but there is no filtered or piped water

    -There is no electricity at all at this site

    -The closest town is Copperhill/McCaysville on the TN/GA border. You can get provisions here, or use the campsite as a basecamp to explore the breweries and restaurants the town has to offer.

    -There is a community area a short drive from the campsite that offers swimming and fishing; access is included in your reservation

    I cannot see any tent campers this site would not be perfect for. While there are neighboring houses so loud parties are not permitted, this site allows up to 10 guests, with plenty of room to spare if you are looking to get out with friends. Single campers or couples will appreciate the privacy, and families will find the amenities that make camping with kids easier, accompanied with the space to allow kids freedom to explore.

    I feel like I am always on a quest to find a campsite that blends the ability to carry gear for every possible contingency, with the beauty and privacy of the backcountry. After staying here, I can say that quest is over. This is it.

  • Katie H.
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Raven Cliff Falls

    Underrated Camping Spot

    I’ve camped at this location multiple times and each time was better than the last. It feels like a very primitive spot with the ease of car camping. You have the choice to walk in further but it accommodates all campers. Be careful of the bears and always leave no trace.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Elkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Great spot in the Smokies

    Elkmont is right here n the National Park. Close to great hiking and occasional wildlife. Bears have been extra active this year, and rangers advise taking extra precautions. All National Park campgrounds are primitive, so no water, or electric. Put toilets and no showers. There is a dump station near the Sugarland Visitor Center. There are several camping loops, Most sites can accommodate a 20-30 ft motor home or travel trailer. A few sites can use a generator if you need it, but Some loops are reserved for no generator camping.

  • D & Jess W.
    Sep. 29, 2023

    Tsali Campground

    Rooftop tent camping

    First come, first serve here. There were plenty spots available in late September. This campground is extremely well maintained. Fire ring with grate, picnic table, bbq grill, a bear pole and a lantern pole at each site. Heard coyotes on each side of us the night we were here. That was fun. Make sure you don’t park under a black walnut tree. Black walnuts fall constantly, and will add fashionable dents to your vehicle. Quiet hours are definitely not proactively enforced. Campsite spacing varies. Some sites have more privacy than others. Overall, a great place to stay. Based on the proximity to Fontana Lake, we would stay here again.


Guide to Marble

Dispersed camping in the Marble, North Carolina area provides access to both established campgrounds and primitive sites throughout the Nantahala National Forest. This mountainous region sits at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 feet, creating distinct temperature variations between valleys and ridges. Water access can be limited at many sites, with nearby creeks requiring filtration for drinking water.

What to do

Creek exploration: At Snowbird Camping, campers can enjoy clear mountain streams running alongside most sites. "The mountain stream next to each site provides a relaxing soundtrack to the evening," notes William S., while another visitor mentions "a gorgeous creek with a bunch of trout. A lot of campsites are really close to the creek for easy fishing."

Forest hiking: The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest contains some of the largest hardwood trees in the Southeast and is accessible from Rattler Ford Campground. A camper describes it as "one of the East Coast's hidden gems of majestic forests" with sites "just a stone's throw" from these ancient trees.

Climbing: For experienced hikers seeking elevation gain, the trail to Cheoah Bald Campground offers a challenging trek. "The site is only accessible by hiking in several miles and is really a climb from any direction so be prepared for a workout," says Asher K., who adds that the peak provides an "amazing, almost 360, view of the area."

What campers like

Secluded sites: Tent camping near Marble offers genuine solitude at many locations. At Mountain Creek Rest, a camper notes: "We did not see or hear another person the whole visit, apart from briefly meeting our host!" The site features "a tent platform, a picnic table, and a charcoal grill (with grilling utensils included)."

Natural water features: Many campsites sit directly alongside streams or creeks. Campers at Bartram Trail Backcountry appreciate its location "right along a stream and in a very secluded area." One backpacker describes it as "one of the nicest campground options in the area" for through-hikers on the Bartram Trail.

Primitive charm: The basic amenities keep the focus on nature. Sites at Snowbird Camping include "a fire pit (with swing-out cooking grill), a picnic table, and a metal post with two hooks to hang gear on," according to one camper. Most primitive sites in the area maintain this minimal but functional approach.

What you should know

Access challenges: Many dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles or hiking to reach. Santeetlah Lake Primitive offers both high-elevation and water-level sites, but a visitor cautions: "Some sites are high above the lake so hard for direct water access. Some are at water level."

Cell service: Connectivity is extremely limited throughout the region. A camper at Santeetlah Lake notes, "The cell service for Verizon is useable in a few spots but mostly there is no signal."

Solar considerations: If relying on solar power, site selection matters. "Some sites are ok for solar panels but others are very shady so choose your location wisely," advises a camper at Santeetlah Lake.

Tips for camping with families

Water play: Look for campsites with safe creek access for children. At Rattler Ford Campground, one visitor mentions "a stream that will give hours of splashing and exploring for the whole family!"

Activities: Some campgrounds offer recreational amenities beyond hiking. Rattler Ford provides "a volleyball net (with ball)" according to one reviewer, making it suitable for family entertainment.

Bathroom facilities: Consider campgrounds with maintained toilets when camping with children. At Simple Life Mountain Retreat & Campground, a visitor notes the "HOT nice shower" and mentions some cabins have bathrooms, providing comfort for families not ready for fully primitive camping.

Tips for RVers

Limited options: Most primitive tent camping sites near Marble aren't suitable for RVs. Simple Life Mountain Retreat offers some RV spots but they're "on a steep incline with leveled out parking spaces," according to a visitor who notes, "Some sites have electric, there's plenty of water spigots."

Size limitations: Even at established campgrounds, large rigs won't fit. A reviewer at Simple Life Mountain Retreat describes it as "clean and priced well for the area" but mentions "It's a small place with limited space, but everyone has enough room."

Reservations essential: RV sites fill quickly in season. "I'd call ahead at least a few days. They seem to stay busy," recommends one camper at Simple Life Mountain Retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Marble, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Marble, NC is Snowbird Camping with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Marble, NC?

TheDyrt.com has all 123 tent camping locations near Marble, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.