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Best Campgrounds near Murphy, NC

2,287 Reviews

Murphy, North Carolina sits at the gateway to several camping areas in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Established sites include the Murphy/Peace Valley KOA with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals along Valley River. Peachtree Cove RV Park offers 26 well-maintained sites with full hookups, while more primitive options exist in the surrounding Nantahala National Forest. Camping opportunities range from developed campgrounds with amenities to dispersed sites on forest service land, accommodating both tent campers seeking solitude and RV travelers requiring electrical and water connections.

The camping season in this region generally runs year-round at lower elevations, though some forest service campgrounds like Jackrabbit Mountain operate seasonally from May through September. Summer brings warm temperatures averaging 80-90°F, while winter nights often drop below freezing. Most developed campgrounds near Murphy provide water hookups, electric service, and sanitary dump stations, though amenities vary significantly between sites. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months and fall color season when visitation increases. Dispersed camping is available on nearby national forest land with proper permits. A visitor noted that "this is a beautiful area with friendly, helpful staff at campgrounds that are well maintained and easy to find."

Water access represents a major draw for campers in the Murphy area, with many sites situated along rivers or lakes. Valley River winds through several campgrounds, providing opportunities for fishing, swimming, and tubing. As one camper described, "it was so serene just sitting there watching the water flow by." The region's proximity to the Nantahala National Forest offers additional recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Campgrounds like Peace Valley KOA receive consistently positive reviews for their peaceful settings and proximity to outdoor activities, while still being close enough to Murphy for convenient access to supplies and services. Traffic noise can be an issue at some locations situated near highways, though most sites maintain a quiet, natural atmosphere.

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Best Camping Sites Near Murphy, North Carolina (697)

    1. Vogel State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-2628

    $30 - $290 / night

    "Vogel State Park was perfectly situated along Hwy 19 in the north Georgia mountains for an easy spot for the night."

    "This was a great stop close to the water. Between Blood Mountain and Neels Gap, we camped for two nights at different sites. Both were primitive, non-shelter sites."

    2. Murphy/Peace Valley KOA

    8 Reviews
    Murphy, NC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 837-6223

    "They have worked hard to upgrade the campground which is surrounded by a river. There is a large dog run area, playground, pool in season and close proximity to the town of Murphy. Beautiful area."

    "This is a great family site and it is fairly quiet, so if you are like me and you camp to GET AWAY from noise and drama, then this is the place!!"

    3. Peachtree Cove RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Marble, NC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 557-2722

    $59 - $69 / night

    "Shopping is close yet still tucked away nicely in the NC mountains."

    "I informed the staff, Hana and she and her brother came to assess the situation."

    4. Trackrock Campground & Cabins

    22 Reviews
    Blairsville, GA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-2420

    "Good sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground."

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW As I was walking around the campground the word roughstic came to mInd. The road in was rough, the campsite was nice enough but somewhat minimal and the decor rustic."

    5. Jackrabbit Mountain

    14 Reviews
    Hayesville, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 837-5152

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Located on Lake Chatuge in both North Carolina and Georgia, you can ride right to the biking trails or launch your paddleboard right from your lakeside site.  "

    "Parking is right above the steps that go down to the tent pad. This site has direct water access for swimming and fishing. This particular site has no shade between noon and 4."

    6. Indian Boundary

    28 Reviews
    Tallassee, TN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 253-8400

    $20 / night

    "The lake is great for kayaking and swimming, with an easy trail around the perimeter. The gorgeous Cherohala Skyway is very close by (highly recommend!)."

    "The surrounding mountains and water were breathtaking. This camp ground is close to the water if you stay in loop A. Just a short walk the water and beach."

    7. Persimmon Creek RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Culberson, NC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 644-5800

    $55 - $900 / night

    "This is a beautiful secluded site just off of Highway 64/74 not too far from the Tennessee border. The campground is very well kept and has wonderful amenities for both RV and tent campers."

    "I don't have a huge point of reference, but I can give you details on everything that was smooth

    • Location - Just off a 4 lane highway.  Convenient with easy access to your site. "

    8. Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    15 Reviews
    Robbinsville, NC
    18 miles

    "Each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents (a few can accommodate more if you’re ambitious), and lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe)."

    "There are nine lakeside campsites along a smooth gravel road off of NC-143.  Each of the campsites have fire rings and some had picnic tables."

    9. Gibson Cove Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hayesville, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 557-6788

    $30 - $35 / night

    "Beautiful campground located on Lake Chatuge in North Carolina. Gibson Cove campground is a county park with paved roads and gravel campsites."

    "The only lakeside site available was #20. That was probably because it was small (~25' max). But the view was great. Sites are well maintained."

    10. Morganton Point Campground

    17 Reviews
    Morganton, GA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 374-1645

    $26 - $50 / night

    "Camped on lot 14 which was quite spacious with easy access to the water. Tent was located away from the fire pit and picnic table and the restrooms were close by."

    "We were right next to the camp host, which was pretty nice – we didn’t have to go far to ask for wood or ice!  Plus, there were trails leading right to the lake. "

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Recent Camping Photos near Murphy, NC

1041 Photos of 697 Murphy Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Murphy, NC

2287 Reviews of 697 Murphy Campgrounds

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    Lake view but live in campers

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Two seperate areas

    So there’s another site on Dyrt with the same name however it’s on the other side of the lake. Both sites are full of mainly people who live here it appears. Tents and tarps all along the river. Not a lot of drive in spots mainly tent walk ins. We showed up pretty late so not a spot but like I said. The campers looked like they lived in the majority of the spots. Zero signal at both areas for Verizon and T-Mobile. The road like most around here was beautiful driving in. The next nearby free dispersed spot is long hungry dog camp(I left a review on there for anyone needing it!)

  • George M.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Mulky Campground

    Great location for fishing

    A lot of the campsites are right on the water, so it's super easy to fish. But if you want something more private, there are also some secluded spots up the road.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Trash..

    This area was easy to find with Apple Maps and T-Mobile and Verizon had signal. When we drove in it was around 9pm in a Saturday night and all sites was taken with what looked like people living there. And the road dead ends. All along the water. Tents and tarps everywhere. We found one spot not on the water and set up. Fire rings and picnic tables are at every spot. But when I woke up and it wasn't pitch black my heart broke. There was bags of trash and litter everywhere around us and tossed in the forest around us. The forest had a lot of thorns but I was able to get three large kitchen bags of trash out. From propane tanks to over twenty cans of food. Just tossed into the woods. We camp all over the United States, and this is our first place close to home and it broke my heart to see how our state treats these beautiful places. Please don't come if you don't appreciate nature enough to not use it as your trash can.

    So on Dyrt there's two sites with this name and same gps but you can follow around the lake and find the other one. Both areas are a lot alike. But definitely more fit for tent camping on the water. Park by the road and walk down sites so none fit for us since we camp in the truck. The sites all looked like the other areas around here where people very much lived there and never left, so not one site at either camping area was open.

  • Jacquelyn I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Chattooga River Lodge and Campground

    Connect with nature

    This was my first stop traveling and my converted short bus. I have been here before so I felt super comfortable being here. But I have never can’t. I am at campsite six which is perfect for a smaller rig or take camping. It’s right along the creek and very private with a short walk to the bathhouse. Through a fun trail you can make it to the lodge. This campground is surrounded by many places to hike and scenic waterfalls. It’s a must stay. The owners Mat and Teresa are amazing.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Yarberry Campground

    Beautiful views

    Even the non-lake site spots have lake views. Lots of nice amenities, but still rustic. My site was a little tough to back into, but worth it.

  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.

  • Ney N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Slice of heaven cost: $10

    My partner always said he loved going here as a kid, so we went. $10 a night was a bargain and I did not expect much. The site we picked was near the restrooms, which were very well kept. It was quiet, beautiful, and an absolute slice of heaven. We went swimming and exploring. It did not feel overcrowded or busy. We walked down the peninsula at night to stargaze surrounded by water. I didn't want to leave and go back to the real world.

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

Guide to Murphy

Camping near Murphy, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One camper mentioned, "We did one of our hikes from our site— the Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap, and it was beautiful."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Smokemont Campground shared, "I love all the elk and other wildlife."
  • Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in nearby streams. A camper noted, "There were lots of reports of trout caught in the nearby Bradley Fork."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Vogel State Park Campground said, "The kids had loads of fun playing by the little rivers."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and campgrounds. A visitor at Greenbrier Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were amazing."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds often have activities for kids. A family at Greenbrier Campground enjoyed the "bounce houses, multiple playgrounds, and a lazy river."

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Elkmont Campground noted, "All of the campsites are extremely close together, and there is no brush to divide them."
  • No Showers: Many campgrounds in the area do not offer shower facilities. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were adequate—sinks and toilets and cleaned daily (no showers)."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious of wildlife, especially bears. A reviewer at Fort Mountain State Park Campground warned, "Bears were active in the area."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A parent at Greenbrier Campground said, "The campground was peaceful and quiet, surrounded by the river and trees."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Cades Cove Campground enjoyed the "superb nearby attractions."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outdoor activities. A visitor at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is very clean and well maintained."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground advised, "Research the roads if you have a large camper."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A camper at Smokemont Campground appreciated the "clean dump station."
  • Stay Connected: Be prepared for limited cell service. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground noted, "No cell or TV service here."

Camping near Murphy, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it's a perfect spot for families and nature lovers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Murphy, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Murphy, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 697 campgrounds and RV parks near Murphy, NC and 63 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Murphy, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Murphy, NC is Vogel State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 67 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Murphy, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 63 free dispersed camping spots near Murphy, NC.

What parks are near Murphy, NC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Murphy, NC that allow camping, notably Tusquitee National Forest and Nantahala National Forest.

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