Looking for the best campgrounds near Nantahala National Forest, NC? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Nantahala National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$26 - $100 / night
"The entrance to this park is right across the street to an entrance to the Appalachian Trail. A beautiful trout stream runs through the park, close to all the campsites."
"Our site was about 30 feet away from the Nantahala river. The bathrooms and showers were spotless. Keep in mind that it’s far from any store or restaurant so bring food along. No cell service."
$20 - $255 / night
"We chatted about travel and places to go not just her in Georgia but also around the United States."
"We stayed in one of the tent-only, walk-in sites. This was our first (and so far, only) walk-in tent camping experience as a family. I gotta say - there were challenges. "
$36 - $100 / night
"The location? Magical. Nestled in a quiet valley surrounded by mountains and trees in the Nantahala National Forest, just south of the Smokies."
"The owner’s at Turkey Creek are very kind and inviting... water and electric at nearly every campsite, very clean bath facilities... small creek runs through the campground offering sweet sounds to fall"
$30 / night
"There’s a river that runs a long the outside of the campground. Good swimming holes. A store that sells food (the best ice cream), firewood & camping supplies."
"The sites were pretty close to each other but the store was convenient and awesome proximity when we biked the loop. Far drive from all of the other hikes and adventures we did."
$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."
$30 / night
"Right outside of Gatlinburg so plenty to do and see if you feel like exploring outside of the park."
"I had the most fantastic campsite right next to the river in Elkmont."
"There was also a large field next to the camping area that could be used for various activities. The facilities (covered picnic area, bathrooms) were great."
"It's in a beautiful location, very close to the mountains and the Nantahala river. Definitely worth it!"
"Just head to the right when you get to the bottom of the bald where the trail splits and follow it around the mountain staying left at each fork. It joins the forestry road at one point."
"This is a classic bald where you get to the top and there are no trees around so you can see for miles. This also makes for great open space to set up a tent."
$10 - $20 / night
"Sites are first come, first serve, most sites are in the open with a few more private sites around the edge."
"Great for accessing the mountain bike trails at Tsali. The entire campground is first come first serve, never had a problem finding a spot, but does fill up by the weekend."
$22 - $100 / night
"This is a really large and very nice campground near Franklin, NC that caters to both RV and tent campers. They have a ton of sites and several bathroom facilities."
"There is a small pond for fishing and some amazing waterfalls nearby to walk too! We used our pop up camper and the campsites were gravel and level."
ScoutSo peaceful and accommodated our 34” trailer and 2500
RangerWe have traveled all across the country and are willing to pay for premium sites when we get our moneys worth with site and campground. This campground feels like it was nice at one time but really starting to show its age and wear. Our site was beautiful on River but our sewer hook up was not where we could access it so only had water/electric. Staff was not very friendly, I had asked about moving and they weren’t having it. The laundry room only had 2 working machines. The pool was cloudy and not very clean. The showers I could make eye contact with the neighbor.
If this was a 40-50 a night campground I would have different expectations.
GuideThe staff was friendly enough. The credit card machine wasn’t working, luckily I had cash. It’s more like a mobile home park not a campground. It was very quiet though.
ScoutBeautiful campground very close to Gatlinburg. We love the black bear theme, the pool, and the playground. Some sites are right on the creek.
GuideWe had a great time and loved this campground. Our site had a view of the water with the leaves off the trees and a little trail down to the water. A little close our neighbors but not terrible, for the most part felt private. Would go again!
GuideSite 42. The site is right across the water. Easy to carry a kayak to! The sites are very well kept, and the bathrooms are honestly the cleanest I’ve come across at any campground. It makes such a difference. There are several long-term residents, but it's quiet and everything feels well cared for and peaceful.
The only drawback (for those who love to lounge in a hammock like I do) is that they don’t allow hammocks to be hung from the trees. Other than that, it’s an excellent place to stay and definitely worth visiting! Would like to stay at site 44 next time! I have US Cellular and there is just enough service to send and receive texts. Not sure about calls.
ScoutThis campground is a wonderful place to renew your energy and zest for life. The location offers short travel time to waterfalls, lakes, music, art, and history. Staying at the peaceful campground, visiting with other campers, the view with a stream, fire pits and all nature has to offer is just as rewarding as venturing out. We plan to rerun each summer. The owners have truly created something special.
GuideWe had been camping in national forests for a new days and needed a bit of a reset and this was perfect. Very dog friendly. Extremely well maintained. Quiet. Easy hookups for power and water. Nice bathrooms. Almost a hotel in nature. Choose creekside - we loved #7 but all of the pull-ups were nice!
TravelerThe sites are spacious and the campground is quiet. The pool is pretty good. But the sites on the hill are not level at all. I had to move my camper 3 times before I could get it into a position where all the stabilizers were on the ground and the camper was level. A bit frustrating after a long drive. Nice enough, otherwise.
Camping near Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by a campfire, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Nantahala National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 805 campgrounds and RV parks near Nantahala National Forest and 67 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nantahala National Forest is Standing Indian Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 19 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 67 free dispersed camping spots near Nantahala National Forest.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Nantahala National Forest that allow camping, notably Croatan National Forest and Tusquitee National Forest.
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