Top Tent Camping near National Forests in North Carolina

Looking for the best National Forests in North Carolina tent camping? Find the best tent camping sites near National Forests in North Carolina. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near National Forests in North Carolina, NC (78)

    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Gap State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Gap State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Gap State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Gap State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Gap State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Gap State Park Campground

    1.

    Jones Gap State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    53 Photos
    143 Saves
    Cedar Mountain, North Carolina

    Camping Information : Camping is allowed only on designated campsites. Camping in other than designated areas may result in a fine. No drive up campsites are available on the park. There are no water or electricity provided at the campsites.

    Camping Reservations : To make a backcountry trailside camping reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or make it online by clicking Park Reservations. Reservations requested less than one (1) day in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park. For example: If today is Friday and you are making a reservation checking in on today, Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly.

    Trailside Camping : The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers trailside backcountry camping at 18 primitive sites. Fourteen sites provide fire pits, while four allow no fires. Permits are required, and camping is allowed in designated areas only.

    Campers are asked to follow internationally recognized "leave no trace" camping practices. For more information on leave no trace practices, visit the official leave no trace ethics website.

    Campers are asked to check-in at least two hours before dark in order to safely reach their campsites. Costs are $8-20/site/night.

    Backcountry Group Camping: The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers one backcountry group campsite. The group site can be reserved for 10-20 people. Reservations for the group campsite must be made by calling the park directly. Costs are $4.40 - 5.50/person/night. Registration is required.

    PETS Pets : Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Mitchell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Mitchell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Mitchell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Mitchell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Mitchell State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    2.

    Mount Mitchell State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    83 Photos
    297 Saves
    Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

    Mount Mitchell State Park Family camping (camping near Charlotte)

    The nine-site family campground is open from May 1 to October 31 with full facilities. Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Restrooms for use during warm seasons are located nearby. Showers and hot water are not provided.

    Pack-in camping

    Campers may leave vehicles in the park overnight to backpack into the Pisgah National Forest. Visitors who leave their vehicles in the park must register on the forms provided at the trailheads near the parking area or at the park office. Leave the form on the dashboard of your car. Mount Mitchell offers a choice of trails from which to enjoy the nearby alpine woodlands.

    Ready to Reserve

    It's not uncommon to encounter black bears at Mount Mitchell State Park, particularly in warm weather months.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    3.

    Cosby Campground — Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    67 Reviews
    400 Photos
    444 Saves
    Cosby, Tennessee

    Overview

    Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade beside Cosby Creek. This group campground creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors, offering the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer.

    Recreation

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail.Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. White water rafting on the nearby Pigeon River. Top tourist towns of gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are just 20 miles away. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.

    Facilities

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Cosby Campground, including the Appalachian Trail, just three miles away via the Lower Gap Trail.Hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies: Fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are also popular activities. White water rafting on the nearby Pigeon River. Top tourist towns of gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are just 20 miles away. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and with around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.

    Natural Features

    World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cosby never disappoints. At 2,460 feet, Cosby Campground provides a moderate climate, typified by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Great Smoky Mountains National Park preserves a rich cultural history of Southern Appalachia. From the prehistoric Paleo Indians to the early 19th century European settlements, the park strives to protect the historic structures, landscapes and artifacts, which tell the stories of the people who once called these mountains home.

    Nearby Attractions

    Cosby, Tennessee, located about five miles from the campground, offers convenience stores and fuel. Gatlinburg, a one of the Smokies' famous tourist towns, is located about 20 miles from the site, offering visitors tours, organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    4.

    Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    9 Reviews
    13 Photos
    49 Saves
    Canton, North Carolina

    About Campground

    Come visit and enjoy our little piece of heaven....Cruso, NC. Camp along the cool, clear Pigeon River, watch the sun set behind Cold Mountain and enjoy our evening camp fire. Get to know some of the best people you will ever find...your fellow motorcyclists.

    Camp in Cabins

    There are 18 furnished and heated cabins in the campground. Some have 2 twins while others are queen beds. Please call for cabin reservations. Weekends are two-night minimum.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from The Bike Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from The Bike Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from The Bike Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from The Bike Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from The Bike Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from The Bike Farm

    5.

    The Bike Farm

    6 Reviews
    8 Photos
    19 Saves
    Penrose, North Carolina
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $24 - $110 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs Campground

    6.

    Hot Springs Campground

    29 Reviews
    87 Photos
    392 Saves
    Hot Springs, North Carolina

    Come to where Mother Nature waved her magical wand and created one of the most natural of all wonders, Natural Hot Mineral Waters. Heated deep within the earth, these crystal clear carbonated waters are world famous for their mineral content and legendary healing powers. We pipe these waters to modern outdoor Jacuzzi type hot tubs that are drained and sanitized after each use.

    Hot Springs, located in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and cuddled along the banks of Spring Creek and the French Broad River, is a town rich in history and beaming with natural charm, this town serves as an intersection along the historic Appalachian Trail and is part of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

    The heart of Hot Springs, North Carolina, is our 100 acre Resort & Spa. We feature modern Jacuzzi style hot tubs, positioned outside along the tranquil banks of Spring Creek and the French Broad River; our tubs are supplied with a continuous flow of World Famous Natural Hot Mineral Water. We have a nationally certified & state licensed staff of massage therapists on hand to compliment your soaks or for separate service altogether.

    Located across the road from the Mineral Baths is the Hot Springs Campground. Here you can find peace of mind with ease and comfort. We feature eight primitive camping cabins, over a hundred tent sites (primitive, group & sites with partial hook up) & Full RV Hookups. On site comfort station features hot showers (seasonal) and clean bathrooms. Our beautiful grounds play host to several large events per year and we have the capacity for many more. Whether you’re coming off a long hike on the Appalachian Trail or just passing through, you don’t want to miss the charm and beauty of the Hot Springs Resort & Spa.

    Hot Springs Resort & Spa also offers other lodging options for those looking for a relaxing getaway. We have four luxury suites that have a Jacuzzi style tub with mineral water in the room. We also have a deluxe cabin with a full size outdoor Jacuzzi style tub.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    7.

    Pisgah National Forest Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    23 Photos
    464 Saves
    Barnardsville, North Carolina

    The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. It is also home of the first school of forestry in the United States, now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site, and boasts two of the first designated wilderness areas in the east. The Pisgah, Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts are scattered along the eastern edge of the mountains of western North Carolina and offer visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains. Camping and Day-use Information Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Pisgah National Forest can be found here Recreation Maps Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps Directions to Frequently Requested Places NC Arobretum and Bent Creek Area Blue Ridge Parkway South Blue Ridge Parkway North Pisgah Ranger District Cradle of Forestry Cradle of Forestry (Scenic Route) The Biltmore House Mt. Mitchell Be Safe The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility. Waterfall Safety for the Summer.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Cove Campground

    8.

    Wilderness Cove Campground

    3 Reviews
    18 Photos
    46 Saves
    Saluda, North Carolina

    Come Stay & Play! We offer a variety of accommodations to serve either as the ultimate base camp for the awesome surrounding outdoor activities in the Green River Gamelands or as a comfortable getaway to escape the urban hustle and reconnect with nature. We offer comfortable glamping sites, tiny homes, cabins, primitive campsites and a single-family vacation rental. All sites have access to the broader amenities and features at Wilderness Cove Campground, including but not limited to water sport rentals, electric vehicle charging stations, Wi-Fi, private grills, on-site food truck (seasonal) and a fully stocked campstore. Please refer to campground site descriptions for further information regarding amenities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 - $299 / night

  1. 9.

    Paradise Ridge Permaculture

    3 Reviews
    31 Photos
    55 Saves
    Swannanoa, North Carolina

    Please feel free to look at my instagram account  for many photos of the estate.

    https://www.instagram.com/ambergf/

    This is a private piece of property in a quiet area of Buncombe County, just outside of Asheville but just before Lake Lure and Chimney Rock.  Many things to do , hike, climb, cycle or motorbikes.  A girlfriend of mine has about 30 horses and allows paid rides if you like.  Too much to list for the area but would love to discuss it with anyone.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Trash

    $20 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping — Caesars Head State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping — Caesars Head State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping — Caesars Head State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping — Caesars Head State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping — Caesars Head State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping — Caesars Head State Park
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near National Forests in North Carolina?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near National Forests in North Carolina is Jones Gap State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near National Forests in North Carolina?

TheDyrt.com has all 78 tent camping locations near National Forests in North Carolina, with real photos and reviews from campers.