J
John Y.
Scout
ScoutKOA Holiday
Mountain View
Well maintained campground with many amenities and beautiful Mountain View.
Best Campgrounds near Murphy, NC
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Murphy, North Carolina (703)
1. Vogel State Park Campground
67 ReviewsSuches, GA23 milesWebsite+1 (706) 745-2628$30 - $260 / 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 ReviewsMurphy, NC3 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsMarble, NC4 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsBlairsville, GA18 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsHayesville, NC15 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsTallassee, TN22 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsCulberson, NC11 milesWebsite+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
16 ReviewsRobbinsville, NC18 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)."
"This campsite is a great little spot just across the road from the water—peaceful, scenic, and well-situated."
9. Panther Top Dispersed Site
3 ReviewsTusquitee National Forest, NC5 milesWebsite+1 (828) 837-5152"It was nice and quiet, chilly at night, and not too far from murphy. We also hiked up to a nearby fire tower and it was a fun little hike. 10/10 will be returning."
"Not ideal for van life, however pass the sites on your right and head up the to the peak, there is a “off the path” truck trail marked by a rusted metal post."
10. Morganton Point Campground
18 ReviewsMorganton, GA20 milesWebsite+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. "
Recent Camping Photos near Murphy, NC
957 Photos of 703 Murphy Campgrounds
Kevan R.
Wilmington KOA
Debi G.
Murphy/Peace Valley KOA
Erin S.
John C. Campbell Folk School Campground
cynthia K.
Panther Top Dispersed Site
Brittany S.
Glamp Camps NC
Erin S.
Charming Tree House in the Forest
Doug S.
Persimmon Creek RV Park
Andrew H.
Lil Snowbird Farm
Shelly S.
Bristol Fields Horse Camp
Annaliese M.
Foxfire of Murphy RV Park
DJody H.
Tellico River Campgrounds
Joyce T.
Sundowner RV Village
Recent Reviews near Murphy, NC
2327 Reviews of 703 Murphy Campgrounds
Wenona B.ScoutHickey Gap
Beautiful
I Come here at least twice a year stay is 14 days free the crew that keeps this campsite up are wonderful people its always clean when i am there has a nice stream and waterfall which is a small hike. U get phone service at the waterfall u sit on the rock the 1st spot is my favorite spot. I travel the state and this is one of my favorite sports to rest up. My stay is about a week M-Th
Andre I.
TravelerAmmons Branch Campground
Clean restroom
Four sites, only one will take a small camper under 18 feet. Tent sites in need of maintenance..
- ddonna H.Scout
Whispering River RV Resort
Peaceful along river and close to Smokies
Very nice, peaceful campground along Little River. Well maintained and great launch point for Smoky Mountain exploring and the whole area. Be warned about heavy stink bug season in September/October
- Debbie W.Scout
Grumpy Bear Campground
best experience ever!!
went for a girls epic camping trip and epic it was!! We stayed in the "wolf" teepee along the river, got to see the steam engine train go by full of passengers- all waving with great excitement. The owners were very nice and their doggie was the sweetest, yes- they are very dog friendly. They have a gem hunting area setup as well. It was definitely a trip to remember! And I hope to make it back someday hopefully soon.
Amber W.
GuideBig Creek Primitive Camping Area
Open spots next to the water
We stayed at the first campsite of your entering with west. Creek close by and river on the other side with additional campgrounds. Large open sites, fire pit and this site has a tree down next to it that’s multi purposed into a table/bench. And of course, the stars ⭐️
Cari E.
RangerElkmont Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Best site of my life?
If it’s not the best site of my camping life, site L04 is at least the best in Elkmont if you want to be by the water. We had 2 nights here in May after a lot of rain, so the river was full and drowned out the noise from an equally full campground. Another perk is that this site was uniquely set apart (just slightly) from your neighbors due to the shape of the riverbank. We loved it so much we hardly even explored the park until after we checked out.
There is no cell service and the bathrooms are serviceable, but there is a small camp store run by an outside vendor with some food and camp necessities.
MickandKarla W.
LegendTalona Ridge RV Resort
Talona Still Pleases
We arrived and had an easy check-in since this was our third stay at Talona Ridge, again to attend an RV rally. After check-in, we headed to pull-through buddy site H-25 with full hookups in the lower level of the campground, which had three levels total. The cement pad was plenty long enough to position the rig for the sewer connection at the back of the pad, while still allowing us to put the patio down and park our F450 fully on the site. Water pressure was solid at 55–60 psi. Since this was a newer RV park, there were not many mature trees yet, so satellite connectivity was not an issue. We had 3 bars on Verizon and 2 bars of 5G on T-Mobile, and we chose to use our T-Mobile Home Internet instead of Starlink, which delivered 70.1 Mbps download speeds. The campground WiFi was above average as well, testing at 64 Mbps download. There was a shower house with laundry near this site, equipped with two large washers and dryers, and the laundry app made the process convenient. We enjoyed the large dog park, along with plenty of additional areas to walk our pups. Talona Ridge had a lot to offer and remained one of our favorite campgrounds—it truly felt like a resort.
Lauren T.GuideMoccasin Creek State Park Campground
Good Campground with great amenities
We stayed at this campground in decemeber so it wasnt super packed. It was right on the lake so the wind was rough at times, but only when you were near the lake. They had a wonderful camp store and bath house! Hot showers and in a secure building. There is a great hiking trail across the street that takes you to hemlock falls. It was so cold that it actually snowed on our hike and it was AMAZING!!!
Guide to Murphy
Dispersed camping near Murphy, North Carolina offers tent and small RV options within Nantahala National Forest. The Forest Service allows camping on most lands with some restrictions at 1,200-5,000 feet elevation. Sites are typically primitive without facilities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient with water and waste disposal. Fire regulations vary by season, with potential bans during dry periods from late summer through fall.
What to do
Fishing access: The Valley River near Murphy/Peace Valley KOA offers good fishing opportunities. "The river is right by the campground," notes a camper, with another adding that the "Valley River winds through" providing "opportunities for fishing."
Horseback riding: At Track Rock Campgrounds, horseback rides are available on site. As one visitor mentioned, "I got to enjoy a lovely horseback ride on Chubby Checker with Sonya... that was the highlight of the trip for me."
Mountain biking: The area has multiple trail systems for biking. At Jackrabbit Mountain, "The 15 miles of mountain bike trails are absolutely amazing for all skill levels," and another visitor noted there's a "1.5 mile connector dirt trail to the Jackrabbit mountain trail system, so no need to ride on the road."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. At Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites, "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)."
Clean facilities: Peachtree Cove RV Park maintains high standards. "This is a beautiful, well maintained park with a very friendly and helpful staff (family operated). The sights are level and well spaced, and the creek is charming," reports one camper.
Wildlife viewing: The rural setting provides opportunities to see local animals. At Persimmon Creek Campground, one camper mentioned "Deb wants me to mention that she enjoyed watching the cows at the neighboring farm cool off in the river."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Jackrabbit Mountain is "open April 1 through October 1," while others like Vogel State Park Campground remain "open all year."
Road conditions: Some forest service roads can be challenging. At Long Hungry Road, a visitor advises to "drive carefully (lots of big potholes and blind curves)!" Similarly, at Track Rock, "Very steep and unlevel roads; especially when leaving."
Cell coverage: Signal can vary widely across the area. At Gibson Cove Campground, "AT&T speeds are slow in this area but Verizon works well," according to one camper's experience.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas. At Indian Boundary, "There's a lake with a sandy area," and "it was so serene just sitting there watching the water flow by" at Peace Valley KOA.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer additional recreation beyond camping. Indian Boundary has "a large dog run area, playground, pool in season," while Track Rock Campgrounds features "a beach/pond, swings, horseshoes."
Site selection for children: Choose sites with easy water access but safe conditions. At Murphy/Peace Valley KOA, one camper was "a little concerned about my little one tumbling off the small drop off, but she was smart enough to realize it was not safe, and stayed on the camper pad."
Tips from RVers
Site sizes: Check length restrictions before booking. At Peachtree Cove, "Site 16 is long enough for a 43' 5th wheel and has suitable height clearance." Gibson Cove campsites are "staggered well to provide most with good view of lake."
Hookup availability: Service levels vary significantly between campgrounds. Persimmon Creek has "electric & water hookups" with "sites that are very spacious." At Jackrabbit Mountain, "RVers will have to rough it with no hookups, but there is access to a dump station."
Maneuvering challenges: Big rigs may face difficulties in some locations. Track Rock cautions "Fifth Wheel Owners BEWARE!," with one reviewer reporting "Our camper came in contact with the side of our bed and tailgate multiple times."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Murphy, NC?
What camping is available near Murphy, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Murphy, NC offers a wide range of camping options, with 703 campgrounds and RV parks near Murphy, NC and 64 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Murphy, NC?
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?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Murphy, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 64 free dispersed camping spots near Murphy, NC.
What parks are 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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