Tent Camping near Micaville, NC

78 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Tent campsites in the Pisgah National Forest surround Micaville, North Carolina, providing both dispersed and established tent camping options for visitors. Maple Camp Bald offers a secluded tent camping experience after a 6-mile hike up Maple Camp Ridge on trail 191, while Briar Bottom Group Campground provides more developed facilities in the heart of Pisgah National Forest. Free dispersed camping sites are available throughout the national forest, particularly along Roses Creek and New Ginger Cake roads, with most sites allowing fires and providing basic camping amenities.

    Most primitive tent setups in the area require campers to be self-sufficient, as amenities vary widely between established and dispersed camping areas. At Maple Camp Bald, water is available from a natural spring about 0.4 miles from the bald, while the backcountry tent camping sites in Pisgah National Forest generally lack facilities such as toilets or trash removal. Terrain tends to be natural forest floor with minimal site preparation. Several dispersed sites can accommodate vehicle parking, while others require walk-in or hike-in access. Campers should secure food properly, as black bears frequent the area. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, with fog and rain creating impromptu streams through campsites.

    Areas farther from established campgrounds offer deeper seclusion and fewer crowds, making them ideal for backcountry tent camping experiences. The tent-only camping areas provide excellent access to numerous hiking trails throughout Pisgah National Forest, including the Mount Mitchell trail which begins near Briar Bottom Campground and climbs 3,600 feet over 5.5 miles to reach the summit. Tent campers at dispersed sites frequently enjoy proximity to creeks and small waterfalls. A visitor commented, "This area is beautiful. If you get there early in the week, you should have the place to yourself." For free camping options, arrive early, as the limited number of dispersed sites can fill quickly, especially on weekends and during peak summer months.

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Micaville (78)

      1. Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

      4.3(13)13mi from MicavilleTents

      "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."

      2. Maple Camp Bald

      5.0(3)9mi from MicavilleTents

      "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."

      3. Bear Creek Mountain Campground

      5.0(2)7mi from Micaville1 siteTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

      Check Availability

      4. Rusty's Roost River Camp

      5.0(1)7mi from Micaville1 siteTents, Glamping

      "We'd like to welcome your host, Rusty, to our platform. Each tent has lighting and electrical hookup. Glampers will have comfy linens and furnishings. Close access to the restrooms and hot showers."

      from $98 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Briar Bottom Group Campground

      5.0(2)11mi from Micaville6 sitesTents

      "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."

      from $125 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Mila's Bunny Farm

      5.0(1)9mi from Micaville3 sitesTents, Glamping

      "Mila's Bunny Farm has a secluded tent site for those looking for a nice escape to this beautiful area.  Check them out and share some pics from your stay!"

      from $40 - $75 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Black Bear Campground

      5.0(5)18mi from MicavilleTents, Cabins

      "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

      Check Availability

      8. Camper Mountain on Roaring Creek

      5.0(2)16mi from Micaville5 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It’s a bit of a drive out there with little to no cell service but wifi is available over the whole site! Definitely worth it with amazing views all around."

      from $29 - $69 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Waystone Camping Collective

      5.0(1)14mi from Micaville3 sitesTents

      "Waystone Camping has a great location and each site has access to all the great amenities.  Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!"

      from $35 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Plumtree Campground & Retreat

      5.0(1)15mi from Micaville2 sitesRVs, Tents

      from $30 / night

      Check Availability

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time



    Tent Camping Reviews near Micaville, NC

    1462 Reviews of 78 Micaville Campgrounds

    • Windy W.
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Beautiful Place, Ugly host, Oct 2026

      Let 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

    • a
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Lake Powhatan Glamping — National Forests In North Carolina

      This 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.

    • Bonnie H.
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Kylie T & Andrew W. Review not accurate

      My 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?"

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Spacious Skies Bear Den

      Seems 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.

    • Kyle T.
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Unprofessional hosts that ruins a place with good potential

      We 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

    • A
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Doe River Landing

      Beautiful place ruined by unprofessional ownership

      Our 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.

    • K W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 16, 2026

      Wash Creek Dispersed Pull-Off

      Pull off along well used access road

      Great spot to pull in last minute. There are multiple spots along this stretch of road. Would not recommend if you want to post up somewhere private, decent amount of traffic pulling through for a mountain road.

    • April V.
      Oct. 11, 2026

      Lakeview RV Resort

      Nice little campground

      Clean nice little campground for the weekend.

    Guide to Micaville

    Tent camping in Micaville, North Carolina offers access to elevations ranging from 2,500 to 6,000 feet across the surrounding Pisgah National Forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, while spring and fall can see overnight lows dip into the 30s. Several tent camping areas become inaccessible during winter months due to seasonal forest road closures, particularly after heavy precipitation.

    What to do

    Waterfall hiking: 0.5-mile access to Roaring Fork Falls from Briar Bottom Group Campground: "Roaring Fork Falls - a super nice and beautiful cascade located at the intersection of South Toe River Road and HW 80. It's a short drive from the campground and then an easy 0.5 mile hike on the old gravel road," writes Katy S.

    Mountaintop exploration: 5.5-mile trail to Mount Mitchell from the Pisgah National Forest: "The famous Mount Mitchell trail, starts a short walking distance from the campground. This is a 5.5 mile trail (one way) that will take you 3600 feet up to the Mt Mitchell summit. The trail is super strenuous and takes about 3.5-5 hours one way," notes Katy S.

    Fishing in mountain streams: "The fishing there is absolutely beautiful and the trout are pretty plentiful up there," writes Jeff F. about the Pisgah National Forest dispersed camping areas. Local regulations require a North Carolina fishing license, available online or at nearby tackle shops.

    What campers like

    Natural springs for water collection: At Maple Camp Bald, "0.4 miles from the bald is a nice water source," mentions Francis C. This natural spring provides a reliable water source for backcountry tent campers who can filter or treat this water for drinking.

    Privacy between sites: At Black Bear Campground, "camp site are far enough away from each other some are close enough for couple families together," notes Lisa D. The established sites feature enough separation for privacy while still accommodating group camping.

    Access to multiple trail systems: "So many trails at different levels of difficulty. Incredible sights and access points to all kinds of campsites. You can care camp or hike for a couple of days," shares Katie B. about the Pisgah National Forest areas near Micaville.

    What you should know

    Weather creates water runoff issues: "My mistake was not paying attention to where the runoff was. This morning I had a small stream running through my camp," warns Frank M. about dispersed camping in Pisgah. Position tents on slight rises or established pads when possible.

    Cell service limitations: At Camper Mountain on Roaring Creek, it's "a bit of a drive out there with little to no cell service but wifi is available over the whole site!" according to Clover C. Most wilderness tent camping areas have no reception at all.

    Wildlife precautions required: "Make sure to lock up all your food the black bears will come take it if not," warns Mark W. about tent camping at Briar Bottom. Food should be stored in bear canisters or hung at least 12 feet high and 6 feet from tree trunks.

    Tips for camping with families

    Sheltered eating areas: "Each campsite has a huge covered shelter with a number of picnic tables underneath, which is super nice in the rain," shares Katy S. about Briar Bottom Group Campground. These covered areas make family meals more manageable regardless of weather.

    Bathroom accessibility: At Bear Creek Mountain Campground, "The bathrooms are clean, well stocked with toilet paper and hand soap," making tent camping with children more comfortable and accessible.

    Dog-friendly options: "Our doggies love the trails & there are quite a few family friendly paths," shares Randice L. about Pisgah National Forest. Not all campgrounds welcome pets, so check regulations before arriving with animals.

    Tips from RVers

    Limited RV sites available: At Plumtree Campground & Retreat, RV campers can access water, electric, and sewer hookups, though most camping near Micaville is predominantly tent-focused with limited RV accommodations.

    Access challenges on forest roads: RVs over 25 feet face difficult access on many forest service roads leading to dispersed campsites. Most campgrounds with RV access are on main roads rather than secondary forest roads.

    Seasonal site availability: "We really enjoyed our visit to Plumtree campground. It is beautiful I highly recommend it," writes Nightshift D. Unlike tent-only wilderness sites, established RV campgrounds near Micaville typically remain accessible year-round.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Micaville, NC is Pisgah National Forest Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 78 tent camping locations near Micaville, NC, with real photos and reviews from campers.